Chapter 65
Daily lectures for work, and commentary during events.
Exploring newly implemented areas and challenging raid bosses with friends and girlfriend, including Kaito and Shuka.
And the second time living together with Yuka.
After spending about three fulfilling months like this, the day of reckoning arrives.
「Sorry to keep you waiting! How do I look?」
Hearing that voice, Isamu looks up from his smartphone and turns his face towards the entrance of the room.
There stands Yuka, looking more stylish than ever.
「Wow! You look absolutely gorgeous!」
「Thank you! You look handsome too, Isamu!」
Isamu is also dressed to impress, not to be outdone by Yuka.
The reason they’re both so dressed up is that they’re about to go to a high-class restaurant they wouldn’t normally visit.
Today is Yuka’s birthday, and Isamu has splurged on a reservation to celebrate.
Incidentally, he’s able to do this because he received a significant pay raise two months ago, recognized for his achievements in lecturing.
「R-Really? That’s great! Well, shall we get going then?」
Isamu says as he picks up his body bag.
He checks that two boxes, one rectangular and one square, are inside before slinging it over his shoulder.
「Yes, let’s go!」
Isamu and Yuka leave their love nest and head towards the bustling downtown area.
☆
About two hours later.
The couple emerges from the restaurant with content expressions, having savored delicious food and drinks.
「Ah, that was so satisfying. As expected of a three-star restaurant, it was delicious.」
「Right? It was incredibly tasty! Oh, Isamu, thank you for the treat!」
「No problem at all. I’m glad you enjoyed it too, Yuka.」
「Yes, very much so! Thank you so much!」
「You’re welcome! …Alright! Shall we move on then?」
「Move on?」
Yuka tilts her head with a puzzled look.
She probably thought they were heading home after this.
「Yeah. There’s somewhere I’d like to take you.」
「I see. Okay! I’ll follow you anywhere!」
Saying this, Yuka gives a playful salute.
Isamu’s face softens at her innocent behavior.
「Alright, let’s go then.」
☆
The couple takes a taxi to a popular night view spot they found online.
「It’s beautiful~!」
「It really is. This view is spectacular.」
「Right? But still, Isamu, I can’t believe you know about such a nice place! You’re such a romantic!」
Isamu had desperately searched for this night view spot on his smartphone while hiding in the bathroom just a few days ago.
Until then, he didn’t know the first thing about scenic night spots, but of course, he couldn’t admit that.
「Huh? …Well, you know, at my age, I should know about a couple of good night view spots!」
Isamu puts on airs.
It’s in a man’s nature to want to look cool in front of his girlfriend.
「I see! As expected of you, Isamu!」
Saying this, Yuka turns her face back to the night view.
Taking advantage of this moment, Isamu pulls out the rectangular box from his body bag.
「Yuka.」
「Hm?」
「Happy birthday!」
Isamu presents the box to Yuka as she turns to face him.
Yuka receives it with a delighted expression.
「Isamu, thank you! Can I open it?」
「Of course!」
Yuka opens the box, wondering what’s inside.
Inside is a branded necklace with a cute small heart charm.
「Wow, it’s so cute~! Thank you, I’ll treasure it!」
「I’m glad you like it. Here, let me put it on for you if you’d like.」
「Oh, yes please!」
Yuka turns around, and Isamu fastens the necklace for her from behind.
When she turns back to face him, Yuka’s smile is like a blooming flower.
After thanking him countless times, Yuka starts fondly fiddling with the necklace.
(Alright, this is the real deal now! You can do this, me!)
Isamu psyches himself up internally, pulls out the other square box from his body bag, and hides it behind his back.
After taking a deep breath, he opens his mouth.
「…Yuka. Actually, there’s one more thing I want to give you.」
「Hm?」
At those words, Yuka looks up from her necklace.
Right after, Isamu takes another deep breath and gets down on one knee.
「This time, I promise to make you happy for sure. So please, stay by my side forever.」
As he speaks, Isamu presents the box and opens it in front of Yuka.
Inside is a ring with a sparkling diamond.
「…………」
Seeing this, Yuka blinks and freezes.
(Huh? Was it too soon after all…?)
Although they had dated for over four years before, it’s only been three months since they got back together.
Isamu was aware that it might be too soon, but he didn’t want to miss this day.
This is because about seven years ago, when they attended a mutual friend’s wedding together, they heard a story about someone who 「got proposed to on their birthday,」 and Yuka had mumbled, 「On their birthday… That’s nice.」
He could have waited until next year to propose, but considering how long he had already made her wait, Isamu decided to take the plunge and propose now, thinking, 「I don’t want to make her wait any longer.」
However, judging from her reaction, it seems he may have misjudged the timing.
Isamu immediately becomes anxious and starts to regret his decision.
「…Yes, I’d love to.」
As Isamu looks up from his downcast position, he sees Yuka smiling with tears in her eyes.
It seems her previous reaction was simply due to being too surprised to speak.
Isamu lets out a sigh of relief, stands up, takes Yuka’s left hand, and slips the ring onto her ring finger.
Then, with the night view as their backdrop, the couple shares a kiss.
☆
About a month later.
Isamu is visiting the Sundapole office.
「Good morning!」
As instructed by the receptionist, he enters the conference room with a plate marked Δ. Inside, there’s a familiar older man.
「Oh, Mr. Taida! Good morning, looking forward to working with you again today!」
「Ah, Mr. Teshigawara! Likewise, thank you!」
Returning the greeting, Isamu takes a seat next to Teshigawara.
「Oh, that’s right. I have something to report to you, Mr. Teshigawara.」
「Hm? What is it?」
「Actually, I got engaged to my girlfriend about a month ago. The one I mentioned before.」
After the previous event ended, Isamu had told Teshigawara about getting back together with his ex-girlfriend during their usual drinking session.
However, he hadn’t informed him about the engagement until now.
The reason, of course, was that he thought their relationship hadn’t reached that level yet, and a formal engagement announcement would just be troublesome.
「Oh! Congratulations! That’s wonderful!」
「Thank you very much!」
「My, this calls for a celebration! I should give you a gift as well.」
「Eh? No, no, that’s not necessary at all! Your words are more than enough!」
Isamu hastily declines, but Teshigawara ignores his protests.
He crosses his arms, closes his eyes, and starts to mumble 「Hmm.」
After a while, he exclaims, 「I’ve got it.」
「Mr. Taida, are you planning to have a wedding ceremony?」
「Ah, yes. Of course we are.」
「I see. Well then, if it’s alright with you, how about I serve as the master of ceremonies?」
「…Huh?」
Isamu blinks at the unexpected offer.
Teshigawara never fails to surprise him.
「Oh, of course, I won’t need any compensation!」
「Uh, well, that’s beside the point… Um, are you really sure about this?」
「Of course! We’re close, aren’t we, Mr. Taida? If it’s okay with you and your fiancée, I’d love to help out.」
It feels a bit overwhelming to have such a well-known veteran announcer offer to be the master of ceremonies at an ordinary person’s wedding like himself.
However, with Teshigawara insisting, there’s no reason to refuse.
「If that’s the case, we’d be honored! My fiancée will be thrilled!」
「Great, leave it to me. Let me know as soon as you decide on a date. I’ll keep that day open.」
「Yes! I’ll definitely contact you! Only if you’re really available though!」
「I’ll be looking forward to it. …Well then, Mr. Kimura should be arriving soon, so let’s go over the event schedule.」
They spend some time discussing today’s event with Teshigawara.
「–I’m sorry for being late!」
Kimura arrives at the conference room.
「Good morning, Mr. Kimura!」
「Good morning!」
「Good morning! Oh, that’s right, Mr. Taida. Congratulations again on your engagement!」
「Thank you very much!」
「Please make sure to invite me to the wedding. I’ll definitely attend.」
「Of course, that goes without saying!」
「I’m looking forward to it! Now then, let’s start the meeting–」
After the meeting, Isamu participates in his eighth event as a commentator.
After fulfilling his duties as usual, Isamu heads to what has become a customary post-event celebration with Teshigawara.
Sub29: My Thoughts on ‘Tutorial Guy’ as the Series Nears Its End
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