Volume 13 Chapter 338 Kuga Reira, The Actress’s Romantic Misadventures and Wedding Day Surprise
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Saturday rolled around, and still, my relationship with Aqua-kun hadn’t gone anywhere at all.
”How did it even come to this…?” I muttered in self-pity.
I’d drawn lots a bunch of times, and I thought I’d completed all sorts of dating events with Aqua-kun. Yet, for some reason, everything went wrong only when it was my turn. When we tried to cook together, Aqua-kun had to perform a genuine, serious sword catch of my knife, which somehow ended up flying through the air. And while everyone else was enjoying the whole ‘giggle and flirt’ event in a warm swimming pool with him, I was inexplicably forced to race against Aqua-kun instead. Seriously, I wish someone would explain to me why that keeps happening.
”Maybe romance is just too hard for me, I guess…”
To be perfectly honest, I’m serious about Aqua-kun. From the day he helped Rihito and Shikimi-oneechan, that boy, Shirogane Aqua, became a very special person to me. I still don’t really know what ‘romantic love’ feels like, but I do want to have s*x with Aqua-kun, and I don’t feel that way about any other man. Doesn’t that basically mean my female instincts are crying out for him? I flopped onto my stomach on the bed and kicked my feet in the air.
”Ugh, maybe that first move was a little too much, though…”
I’ve never been in love in my entire life, so I had no idea how I was supposed to properly appeal to a guy. I rolled over on the bed, landing flat on my back, and grabbed both of my breasts with my hands. Honestly, I’m a failure as a woman. With this tall frame on top of my curvy figure, and these overly sharp features, I just end up intimidating guys. Plus, I’m pretty rough-and-tumble, and no normal boy is going to fall for a girl who messes around with motorcycles. Still, maybe with Aqua-kun, this body—and these breasts—could be my weapon. That’s why I couldn’t think of any approach other than going all-in with my looks. I buried my head in my hands and frantically clawed at my hair.
”Agh… This is useless. I can’t think of a single good plan!”
Maybe I should just go tinker with my motorcycle for a bit to clear my head. I slipped off the bed, left my room, and headed toward the garage where my bike was kept. On the way, though, I passed the living room and saw Aqua-kun tutoring Hisui-chan.
”Actually, I don’t understand this problem: ‘Is tan$1^circ$ a rational number…’?” Hisui murmured.
”Ah, for that one, you should use mathematical induction or the double-angle formula to prove that it’s irrational,” Aqua-kun responded calmly.
Hmm… The rule says I can interrupt conversations in the common areas, but they look so cozy just the two of them. Their chat seems to be flowing nicely, so I shouldn’t bother them. And I’m just saying, it’s not because what they’re talking about is so complex that I can’t follow it, okay? I did hear that because so many people applied to Otomezaki, where they both go, the entrance exams were held early by special government exception, and the questions have gotten super high-level. But I didn’t realize it was this bad! That was definitely a level of question you’d see on the Mary Women’s University entrance exam… I walked right past the living room and finally reached the garage, where I immediately started taking apart my beloved bike to clean it.
Yep, TIKARA is the best. I heard that since Kobayakawa Yuki-san, who’s part of the Power Cult, bought one, this bike with the Kanji for ‘Power’ on it has been flying off the shelves in that circle. TIKARA doesn’t have the best turning performance, but its straight-line acceleration and braking are phenomenal. It’s the new-age power-type motorcycle born from the weird concept that a bike just needs to ‘go straight and stop’—that’s the TIKARA, the Power.
”Ugh… The grease is starting to harden up.”
I applied cleaner to the bush and used a rag to wipe away the solidified grease. I’d have to replace it if it was rusty, but thankfully, the polished bush was in perfect shape. I slathered on fresh grease and reattached it. I repeated this kind of painstaking, detailed work, carefully maintaining my dear ride. Given my job, I’m always flying off to the States or other countries, so I only get to maintain my bike when I’m back in Japan.
”Whew.”
Messing with the bike really is the best. It calms me down. When I finished the maintenance and stood up, a nearby mirror caught my eye. It looked like I’d unconsciously rubbed my cheeks and forehead while cleaning the muffler. I sighed softly as I saw my face smeared with soot.
”I guess I have to. I sweated a bit, too, so I might as well take a bath.”
I headed to the changing room, stood in front of the full-length mirror, and gazed at my naked body. Hmm, no matter how many times I look, it’s still a body that absolutely won’t appeal to men. I touched my large breasts in the mirror, then moved my hands to my taut waist. From there, I cupped the curve of my hips, lifted my butt to maintain its aggressive lines, and focused my attention all the way down to my feet.
”Hmm, what an un-cute body. Not only my butt, but even my nipples point straight up.”
After a complete inspection of my own body, I left the changing room and took a quick rinse. For an actress, my body is my livelihood. I need to keep it properly beautiful, after all. After a thorough scrub, I got into the open-air bath and put a towel on my head.
”Ahh, an outdoor bath after a sweat session really hits the spot.”
I kept glancing at the entrance to the open-air bath. I hoped Aqua-kun would walk in at the perfect moment, but no such lucky-pervert event occurred. Kuh! Does this mean I won’t even get a chance to push my advantage with this body?!
I got out of the bath, changed my clothes, and was about to head back to my room. That’s when Aqua-kun came out of his own room, which was right on my path.
”Oh? Aqua-kun, are you going out? It’s almost lunchtime, though…”
We live together, but we also have school and work. Plus, I heard Aqua-kun goes home once a day to see his children.
”Ah, yes. I have an unavoidable engagement today…” Aqua-kun stammered, then looked at my face and seemed to realize something.
”Ah, if you don’t mind, would you like to come with me, Reira-san?”
”Eh? I can come along?”
I didn’t know if it was work or personal business, but if he was inviting me, it meant I’d have his time all to myself for a while!
”Of course. Kaede is hosting the reception, so I was thinking of going alone, but would you mind attending the wedding as my partner, Reira-san?”
YES! My luck has finally turned around! I don’t know whose wedding it is, but I am confident in my looks and glamour for such a venue. Finally, I have a chance to show Aqua-kun my appeal! Wait… Hold on. Since it’s a wedding and not a party, I shouldn’t try to outshine the bride, should I? Ugh, this is complicated! Still, it’s better than nothing. I decided to accept Aqua-kun’s invitation.
”Then, I’ll gladly accept your offer, Aqua-kun.”
”I’m the one who should thank you! I’m so grateful you accepted, even though I asked so suddenly!” Aqua-kun said, beaming. He pulled out his phone and quickly sent someone a message.
”Alright, I have a taxi waiting, so let’s go. They’ll take care of your hair and outfit at the venue.”
”Okay, I understand,” I replied.
I see. He must have messaged his stylist to let them know I was joining. I rode in the taxi with Aqua-kun, heading toward a hotel in the city.
”By the way, whose wedding is it? Is it someone I know?” I asked.
”That’s the fun surprise part! But yes, it’s someone you know, Reira-san,” he teased.
What? Who could it be? Mayuzumi Shintaro-kun and Awashima Chigiri-san? No, if it was them, Aqua-kun would definitely attend with Kanon-san as his partner, and the news would have been all over TV and the internet since morning. Even as out-of-the-loop as I am, that’s clearly not the case.
”Come on, no hints?”
”Hints? Ah, Rihito-san and the others are at the venue, too,” Aqua-kun offered.
Whaaaat!? The news that Rihito was there made me slump. I just know he’s going to start nagging me about whether I’m bothering Aqua-kun or if I’m being rude to the other guests. Rihito is always so nitpicky, you know? I love Shikimi-oneechan, but I really think she has bad taste in men for choosing Rihito. Sure, he’s better than most guys out there, but Aqua-kun is way better because he’s not preachy! I grabbed Aqua-kun’s arm and squeezed it tightly.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the hotel hosting the wedding and were ushered through the back entrance into a private room.
”I’m so sorry to ask so suddenly. Was it okay?” Aqua-kun apologized.
”It’s totally fine! In fact, when I heard Reira-san was coming, I gave a little fist pump!” Echigoya Ise-san, the older sister who works at the Fuji Department Store in Shirogane Kingdom, chirped. The ladies behind Ise-san looked familiar, too. Birei Aroma-san, the esthetician, and Kusatsu Ikaho-san, the hairdresser. I’d seen them all in Shirogane Kingdom.
”First, we’ll clean you up!” Aroma declared.
”Then it’s my turn,” Ikaho added.
”And I’ll finish things up,” Ise finished.
Oh my! I was completely made over in the blink of an eye by the hands of these three professional technicians. I posed in front of the mirror while the smiling women watched me. Hmm, professional work is professional work. The styling wasn’t overly flashy, to avoid upstaging the bride, but it was still incredibly charming.
”Heeheehee, the dress Reira-san is wearing is from our exclusive brand. With this, the department store’s sales tomorrow… drool,” Ise gushed.
”Look at Ise, her eyes are turning into money signs, you know!” Aroma teased.
”Honestly, you don’t even need to be a lip-reading expert to know what she’s thinking,” Ikaho sighed.
Are those three friends? Seeing them get along so well in the mirror reflection made me feel warm inside.
”Reira-san, are you ready?”
”Oh, yeah. You can come in, Aqua-kun,” I said.
The door slowly opened, and standing on the other side was Aqua-kun in a suit. We all collectively held our breath, stunned. Was it even possible for a man to look so perfect in a suit? Aqua-kun entered the room with beautiful grace and smiled gently when he saw me.
”Reira-san, you look absolutely beautiful. That dress and your hairstyle suit you so well.”
”A-Thank you,” I stammered, my cheeks flushing pink. Behind me, the three women who had been watching gave small, silent fist pumps with their upper bodies staying perfectly still.
”You look great too, Aqua-kun.”
”Haha, thank you. But my suit only looks this cool because Jon picked it out,” he demurred.
Honestly! That’s way too humble! Rihito looks fine in a suit, I guess, but Aqua-kun is absolutely, without a doubt, a million times better than my Rihito, you hear me?!
”Shall we go, Reira-san? May I escort you?”
”Yes!”
I took Aqua-kun’s hand and we headed toward the wedding reception hall. Just then, a person I didn’t want to see was walking toward us, hand-in-hand with someone I did want to see, looking all happy and intimate.
”Gah!“
”What’s with the ‘Gah!‘?” Rihito interrogated, his eyes scrutinizing my face. Ugh, this is why Rihito is so annoying. If he keeps worrying about every little thing, Shikimi-oneechan might ditch him, and I wouldn’t blame her!
”You haven’t done anything rude to bother Aqua-kun, have you?” he pressed.
Gulp! “N-No, I haven’t done anything like that! O-Only a tiny bit…”
I quickly averted my gaze, and Rihito sighed faintly.
”That means you have done something. Aqua-kun, I’m sorry my sister is being such a nuisance.”
”Haha, it’s alright, Rihito-san. I haven’t been bothered by Reira-san at all, honestly.” Aqua-kuuuuuun! He really is the best! I squeezed his arm tighter.
”Ah, but I will say, the time the knife flew into the air was maybe more intense than dodging a bullet.”
”You did mess up after all! Aqua-kun, I am genuinely sorry for my sister!”
I bowed my head quickly, apologizing along with Rihito. But Aqua-kun just laughed and forgave us.
”Aqua-kun,” Rihito urged, “Even though she’s like this, Reira is honest and has many good qualities. Could you please try to notice those parts of her?”
”Of course, Rihito-san.”
Rihito… He worries about me after all, doesn’t he? I mouthed a small ‘thank you’ that no one could hear.
”You just said ‘thank you,’ didn’t you?” Aroma-san, the esthetician, who had been following behind us, sailed right past our side, just saying that much. Echigoya Ise-san and Kusatsu Ikaho-san followed behind her, bowing slightly as they chased after Aroma-san.
”Only the Lip-reading expert sis could do that,” I muttered.
”Sis, read the room!” Rihito lightly scolded. I turned away from Rihito, my face bright red. Seeing that, Rihito just shook his head with a wry smile and muttered, “Honestly.”
”Well, I’ll see you both later.”
”Yeah, I need to go too. I’m worried about the Prime Minister lurking nervously inside the venue,” Rihito replied.
”See you later, Reira-chan, Aqua-kun,” Shikimi-oneechan chimed in. Rihito and Shikimi-oneechan left us and entered the hall. Huh? Did the wedding already start? I could hear lively voices coming from inside.
”And now, we have a video message for the bride and groom from a very important person!”
Ah, that’s Morikawa-san’s voice. Right, Aqua-kun said she was hosting the reception today.
”Reira-san, would you mind letting go for a moment?”
”Oh, um, sure.” I released Aqua-kun’s arm and took a small step back.
”Is everyone ready?” Aqua-kun asked the staff. An older woman carrying a broadcast-quality camera approached him. Then, the women behind Aqua-kun unfolded a large screen for the backdrop. Wait, is Aqua-kun going to appear live in the video message?!
”Everyone, please look at the large screen set up over there!”
”AAAAAAA!” A chorus of high-pitched cheers erupted from inside the hall. Aqua-kun’s image must have appeared on the screen over there.
”Groom, Hamada Satoru-san, and Bride, Akitsu Mie-san! Congratulations on your marriage! I’m Shirogane Aqua, who was hosting your matchmaking party back then. Do you remember me?”
Groom Hamada-san? Bride Akitsu-san? I was confused for a second, but then the answer clicked into place. Ah! It’s the couple who got together at the joint matchmaking party Rihito attended, the one where Aqua-kun helped Rihito and Shikimi-oneechan get together!
”Ah, wait. Could you stop the recording for a second?” Aqua-kun really is so smooth. Since he wasn’t reading any script, this must be pure improv. And the excellent camera staff who can adapt to that improv. I squinted at the camera to see what network it was from, and I almost fell over when I saw the ‘Berry-Berry’ sticker on it.
”I just realized, what if Hamada-san forgot who I am? I’m suddenly losing my confidence…”
”No way! There’s nobody in this country—no, nobody in this whole world—who could forget someone as impactful as Aqua-kun!” Morikawa-san’s voice called out. Morikawa-san’s spot-on tsukkomi brought a huge wave of laughter from the hall.
”So, I was thinking it would be really awkward if I was just a video message and everyone was like, ‘Who is this guy?’ I’d feel so bad. So, is it okay if I come over there right now and give my message in person?”
”AAAAAAAAA!”
Ah, I get it now… He really is a true entertainer and idol—he knows how to surprise, delight, and make people happy.
”In that case, I’m coming over there right now, and I’m bringing my partner!”
Aqua-kun took my hand, and following the staff’s guidance, he stepped into the excited, murmuring hall.
”Whoa, seriously? It’s the real Aqua-sama…”
”Is this a surprise for the bride and groom?”
”No way, they both look shocked! This has gotta be purely Aqua-kun’s surprise!”
”Look at Morikawa’s surprised face! I bet nobody knew about this.”
”Nah, Morikawa makes that face even when she does know.”
”Yeah, sometimes she’s just totally spacey and not listening.”
”So, if you want to marry Aqua-sama, you have to be a funny girl, huh?” The attendees buzzed. Aqua-kun’s popularity is as incredible as ever. I bowed slightly to the bride, groom, and guests, following Aqua-kun’s lead.
”Hey, isn’t that Reira-sama next to him!?”
”Woah, Reira-sama is too gorgeous.”
”What brand is that dress? It’s amazing!”
”Why is she with Reira-sama? Are they dating?”
”Maybe she’s a relative of Rihito-san, who’s here as a friend?”
”Is it okay to take pictures?”
”Oh, you can take photos and videos!”
”Awesome!”
Aqua-kun escorted me toward the bride and groom. Hamada-san… He actually went through with it and got married to Akitsu-san after their match…
”Congratulations, Hamada-san,” Aqua-kun offered.
”Thank you, Aqua-kun. Because you encouraged me that day, I was able to…” Hamada-san’s voice cracked. Aqua-kun moved away from me to gently pat Hamada-san’s back as the groom started tearing up.
”Sorry, Aqua-kun. That moment just came back to me… I truly owe it all to you. Thank you.”
”No, actually, I’m the one who should be thanking you,” Aqua-kun countered, a look of surprise crossing Hamada-san’s face. Aqua-kun then looked toward Morikawa-san, who was sitting at the MC desk, with a gentle expression.
”Seeing you work so hard that day is what helped me make up my mind, too. Because of that, I was able to marry Kaede and have a child with her. So, I insist, please let me thank you, Hamada-san. Thank you. And I love you, Kaede. I love you, and the child we have inside you, too.” Morikawa-san’s face turned beet red at Aqua-kun’s public declaration. Haaah, Aqua-kun really is the coolest man in the world. Even Rihito shook his head with a smile, as if admitting, ‘I can’t beat that.’
”Aqua-kun is truly amazing. I’d be too embarrassed to say ‘I love you’ in a place like this,” Rihito admitted.
”Then you should say it more often, shouldn’t you? Right, Akitsu-san? That would make you happy, wouldn’t it?” Aqua-kun said, turning to the bride. Akitsu-san, her face flushed, nodded quickly.
”You heard that, Hamada-san. What are you going to do?”
”W-What am I going to do…?” Hamada-san’s face turned as red as Akitsu-san’s, and he froze for a moment. Aqua-kun put an arm around Hamada-san’s shoulder, and the two turned their backs to us to whisper quietly.
”Actually, I’m currently participating in an event much like the one you were in, Hamada-san… but please keep that a secret. So, I was hoping you, my senior, could give me a push again. Would that be… asking too much?”
”A-Aqua-kun asked, so… okay,” Hamada-san whispered back. That’s Aqua-kun for you. Even without lip-reading skills, the microphone picked up every word, and it was all perfectly audible.
”Mie-chan.”
”S-Satoru-san…”
Hamada-san and Akitsu-san locked eyes, their faces bright red, and they froze again for a short time. But then, as if making a huge decision, he slowly opened his mouth.
”Mie-chan, I love you. I loved you when we first met. I love you now. And… I’ll love you always, for the rest of our future together!”
”I-I love you too… From the first time we met, now, and for all the future to come, I want to love you forever.”
The two of them just stood there, completely red and stiff. Aqua-kun leaned in and whispered something into Hamada-san’s ear. I wish I had lip-reading skills right now to know what he said!
Following that advice, Hamada-san approached Akitsu-san with a gentle expression. “Mie-chan, please take care of me from now on.”
”Yes, you too, please,” she replied. Hamada-san gently placed his hand on hers, then, just like Aqua-kun, he gently pulled her body toward his own. The attendees smiled, some even crying, and gave the couple a massive round of applause.
”So, once again, Hamada-san, Akitsu-san, congratulations on your marriage!” Aqua-kun announced. The applause in the hall grew even louder.
”Well, I guess creating this kind of emotional atmosphere makes the next part of the ceremony a bit tough, huh?” Aqua-kun said, turning his gaze toward the MC, Morikawa-san. Morikawa-san was desperately nodding her head.
”In that case, to help out the MC, Kaede, I’ll sing a song to cover up the delay!”
A burst of loud laughter filled the hall at Aqua-kun’s announcement. Oh, man, Aqua-kun is just the best. Watching him pull Hamada-san into a duet, I decided that if I’m going to be in love, I want a man who is as kind, warm, and can make everyone smile as he does.
I’ll keep trying hard, too.
I squeezed my fist tightly, cementing my resolve.
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Summary:
Kuga Reira, the super model and actress, finds herself stuck in a romantic rut, unable to move forward with her crush, the kind idol Shirogane Aqua, despite repeated attempts at dating events. After a moment of self-doubt and some relaxing motorcycle maintenance, Aqua invites her as his partner to a surprise wedding, which turns out to be for an old acquaintance from one of his matchmaking events. Reira is transformed by professional stylists and escorted by a dashing, suited Aqua, only to run into her overbearing brother Rihito. The scene culminates in Aqua’s massive, heartwarming idol surprise, where he publicly thanks the groom for inspiring him to marry his wife, Morikawa Kaede, leaving Reira with a renewed, fierce determination for her own romantic success.
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Character Insight:
Reira’s internal struggles are palpable as she grapples with her self-perceived ‘un-feminine’ physicality and tough demeanor, contrasting with her genuine, intense desire for a tender, loving relationship with the charismatic Aqua. Despite her beauty and success, she feels inadequate in romance, constantly overthinking her ‘aggressive’ physical appeal. Her love for Aqua is honest and tied to his fundamental kindness, providing her with a pure motivation to overcome her clumsy attempts at flirtation.
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Behind the Scene:
The wedding setting is a powerful contrast to Reira’s unsuccessful dating events, representing the smooth, successful romance she longs for. Aqua’s impromptu live appearance, using a camera crew already on standby, highlights his status as a masterful entertainer and idol, effortlessly charming the crowd and using the moment to publicly express love for his pregnant wife, Kaede, and give an encouraging push to the groom, Hamada-san. The moment with Rihito showcases his protective, albeit annoying, personality, confirming that despite her best efforts, Reira’s true self often manifests in chaotic ways, like the flying knife incident.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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