Melodious music filled the hall as men and women danced...
Guests came over to toast Naoko from time to time, though their real aim was to find an opportunity to get acquainted with Tetsuhiro.
Perhaps noticing Tetsuhiro's impatience, Naoko slipped away to chat elsewhere.
While Tetsuhiro was happily chatting with his girlfriends, he noticed that Yuka and Noriko looked a little bored, so he invited them to join in.
He said, "Since you're both Naoko's friends, I'll take good care of you. Don't be shy. Feel free to chat."
Noriko nodded and murmured, "Okay."
Yuka replied openly, "Okay, old... man? I think I'll call you big brother like Naoko does."
"Either is fine. Yuka, do you have any hobbies? What do you like to eat?"
"Me? I like traveling and watching performances. As for food, I guess I like natto and tempura..."
"What about you, Noriko?"
"I... don't really have anything I like."
"I see. Going with the flow is nice, too. Do you have any ambitions, then?"
"I don't think I have any of those, either. I'm just a girl from a very ordinary family. If I had to name something, I'd be happy marrying someone who loved me wholeheartedly."
Noriko clasped both hands in front of her chest and gazed into the distance, her eyes full of anticipation.
Thump!
At that moment, Tetsuhiro's heart began pounding.
"So cute..."
"Huh?" Noriko jumped.
"I mean, you're so cute, you must have someone pursuing you, right? I'm sure your wish will come true."
"Um... well..."
At the mention of suitors, Noriko hesitated, filled with a melancholy she couldn't put into words.
"What's wrong? If someone really is pursuing you, you should be happy."
"I don't know how to explain it."
"Is he forcing you? Has he been bullying you?"
"No, he