Since I can't move on to this game, I decided to post the prologue xD If you don't want spoilers then just don't read this :P Let's start then :D
There are 6 adorable and charming characters in this game. It made my wallet cry because of them. They are: Kippei Ebihara, Kiyoto Makimura, Shohei Aiba, Genji Higashiyama, Koichi Natsukawa and Ginnosuke Oguri.
Summary:
It's your third month of marriage. You were supposed to have reached the height of happiness at home and at work, but this happiness crumbles when you witness your husband engaged in an affair! In this state, gentle encouragement comes from the man you least expected...
"If I had the chance, I could make you happy..."
What will you do, as you find that you can't break your hand away from his...?
The savory aroma of chicken stew permeated the kitchen.
MC (Main Character): "I think it should be just about done... Yes, perfect."
Yoshiko: "I'll lend a hand, MC"
MC: "Thanks, Mom. Could you prepare the salad?"
Yoshiko: "Is that a chicken stew?"
MC: Yeah. It's Koichi's favorite."
Yoshiko: "Koichi has been working overseas so long. I wonder if he misses Japanese cooking."
I work for the general affairs division of an interior design production company. My husband works for the overseas division of Mitsumaru Products.
Yoshiko: "I'm glad to see you looking so happy. You're lucky your dad introduced you to such a lovely young man."
MC: "Yeah..."
Our marriage had been arranged through my father, a banker.
Clink, clink.
Straight from the beautiful red carpet to the altar, and quite happily so. I remembered the smiles on the face of the priest and Koichi in his tuxedo. A marriage to a tall, handsome, academically qualified high earner.
All of my friends had been green with envy.
A family of four having dinner with wine.
Koichi: "Yes, thank you for asking."
Tetsuo: "Once things settle down, let's go golfing again with your dad."
Koichi: "All right."
Yoshiko: "Oh, yes. I still haven't gotten to see the pictures from the honeymoon. You'll have to show them to me later."
MC: "I thought you might say that. I've already got them ready in an album."
Yoshiko: "How's the chicken stew, Koichi?"
Koichi: "Delicious, thank you. I'm delighted to have a wife who is so good at cooking."
Yoshiko: "Hear that, MC?"
MC: "Yes..."
I was enveloped in the fragrance of rose oil.
MC: "A silk camisole... I wonder if Koichi will like it."
I looked at myself in front of a mirror, feeling unusually anxious.
I gave Koichi a bashful smile.
MC: "..."
Koichi: "I'm tired... I'm going to sleep."
MC: "What...?"
Koichi: "Goodnight."
Koichi turned his back on me and headed back to his room.
MC: "..." (Does my husband really love me...?)
3 months since our marriage... I still hadn't slept with my husband, not once...
The next morning.
As Koichi put on his shoes and rose to his feet, I offered him his briefcase.
MC: "Koichi, here, your briefcase."
Koichi: "Thanks."
MC: "I have my high school reunion today, so I might be out a little late."
Koichi: "Yeah? Take all the time you like. Have fun."
MC: "Thanks." (Oh, good. Koichi seems to be in a good mood today.)
There was a large suitcase by the door with broken wheels. It had an oversized trash sticker affixed to it marked with today's date and the name Natsukawa. But Koichi pretended not to see it.
Koichi: "I'm off."
MC: "Be safe."
And he stepped out into the elevator hall.
(I'd been hoping he might offer to carry it downstairs for me...)
MC: "Here goes."
I lifted the 40 pound suitcase.
MC: "Whew, heavy."
I set the suitcase down and took a breath.
???: "What's got you sighing so early in the morning?"
MC: "Oh, good morning, Aiba."
He lived close by, so we commuted from the same station.
Shohei: "Taking another trip?"
MC: "Not quite. The wheels on this suitcase broke on our honeymoon, so I figured I should finally get rid of it."
Shohei: "You should just let the husband handle it."
MC: "..."
Shohei: "Oh, for Pete's sake. I'll take it."
MC: "What?"
Aiba handed me his briefcase and lifted the suitcase.
Shohei: "Women shouldn't have to carry things this heavy. That's what men are for."
MC: "..."
Aiba heaved the suitcase and headed for the trash dump.
Shohei: "I'm a nice guy. I'm totally cool. And I put my heart into everything. So why am I stuck being single?"
MC: "No kidding."
Shohei: "I guess it's because you're already married."
MC: "Err..."
Shohei: "Ahaha. D-Dummy! Don't take that seriously."
Aiba left the suitcase at the garbage collection area.
Shohei: "Thanks for carrying my briefcase. Well, I'll go on ahead to work. Don't be late."
MC: "Oh, right. Thanks, I appreciate it."
Aiba gave a casual wave and jogged off for the station.
MC: "Good morning!"
I came running into the office right before the start of my shift.
Hana: "Good morning, MC. Got a minute?"
MC: "Coming."
(Uh-oh, did I do something wrong? Why would the boss call me in so early in the morning?)
Hana: "It's been decided that you'll be working under Ebihara in the design division starting today."
MC: " What?"
Hana: "What's with the gaping fish look? Show some excitement."
MC: "Sorry... It's just so sudden."
Hana: "Well, I'm sure you'll do fine. You're A-OK in my book!"
MC: "Here we go."
I lifted the cardboard box containing my personal belongings.
(...I don't believe it. I've worked in general affairs for the whole 9 years I've been with this company. I'd given up on a shot at a move like this long ago).
I grew nervous at the sight of the words before me: 'Sales Division: Design Team'
MC: "Whew..." (I'll just have to give it my best.)
Shohei: "Hmm? MC, what are you doing here?"
Aiba was working at his desk. He looked up at me questioningly. His voice drew the attention of the others around. They all looked at me. I drew myself up and forced a smile.
MC: "I'm MC. I've been transferred to the design team of the sales division as of today. I look forward to working with everyone!"
He rose to his feet and stared at me.
MC: "..." (The sales division manager... I've heard he's a really scary guy.)
Kippei: "I'm Ebihara, the manager."
MC: "MC, pleased to meet you. I've always admired the design team. I'm delighted to be transferred to it. I very much look forward to working with you."
Kippei: "MC, who was the architect responsible for making Mori Tower in the Roppongi Hills?"
MC: "Err... Sorry, I don't know."
Kippei: "Have you seen any performances that left a strong impression with you lately?"
MC: "Performances...? That's not a field that I hold a lot of interest in..."
Kippei: "Have you seen the art exhibit currently being run at the National Art Museam?"
MC: "No, sir..."
I grew bewildered under the sudden barrage of questions.
Kippei: "So someone interested in interior design doesn't even know the name of a mainstream architect? With no interest in performances or art, either?"
MC: "!"
Kippei: "What are your selling points, MC?"
MC: "Selling points?"
Kippei: "Yeah. Can you use CAD? Are you even qualified as an interior coordinator? Some certificate?"
MC: "...No, sir... I just took an interior design course in college."
Kippei: "I have no use for amateurs. I need professionals. If you mean to treat this as a side job to being a housewife, there's the door."
Mr. Ebihara said, with a pointed glance at the ring on my left ring finger.
MC: "That's not what I..."
That was all I could say. I had nothing I could offer in my own defense. (Mr. Ebihara's right. I haven't put forth any effort. I could have studied some these past 9 years. I didn't do anything. I'm so pathetic. I wish I could crawl into a hole right now.)
Shohei: "Mr. Ebihara, you're making me feel bad for the new girl with how much you're grilling her. She's been here as long as I have. Why don't you let me look after her?"
Kippei: "...Fine, whatever."
Mr. Ebihara said, then turned toward his PC and got back to work.
MC: "..."
Shohei: "Come here. Your seat's this way."
Aiba planted a sizable stack of interior design magazines on my desk.
Shohei: "Start by reading these and studying up on current interior design trends."
MC: "...Thank you."
I wasted no time flipping through a magazine, and I saw a Roppongi Hills feature article on the first page. I learned that the architect that had designed the Mori Building was named William Pedersen.
My high school reunion.
I guess women tend to stick with the friends with whom they truly get along.
Akiko: "I never thought you'd get transferred to sales, MC!"
She was a CAD operator assigned to the interior design team.
Yukako: "Yeah! Time is money. Just think, all the guys who acted like juveniles in high school might have grown into cool guys by now. We should take chances while we can."
Aoi: "Hey! Nevermind Akiko, MC is a newlywed. Don't drag her into adultery!"
Akiko: "Hey now, I'm not giving up the purity I've preserved for 30 years to just any guy."
Three: "Akiko, step it up already!"
Aoi and Yukako were also good friends of mine from high school. Aoi was a housewife, while Yukako worked as a magazine journalist. Together, the four of us had been through all the good times and all the bad times together.
Yukako: "So, what're you doing about work, MC? Gonna go for it or not?"
MC: "Mmm..."
Aoi: "Family comes first. Your husband's already a high earner anyway, so this could be a good occasion to quit."
MC: "..."
Akiko: "Don't do that. Your dream has finally come true, MC."
MC: "..."
Aoi: You want kids right? Child-rearing is a test of strength, so the sooner you start, the better."
MC: "..."
Yukako: "Well, give it some thought. You only live once, so try to live with no regrets."
MC: "You're right. I'll take my time and think it over."
Yukako: "Personally, I think it's best to have a balance in everything you do, whether it's work, home, or romance."
Aoi: "Here we go with the inciting to affairs again!"
Chatter, chatter...
Woman A: "Eeeee!"
Woman B: "What? He really came?"
The other girls were in a tizzy.
Man A: "Whoa, seriously?!"
Man B: "For real?!"
Some men in suits exchanging business cards also rose to their feet.
MC: "..." (...No way. Is that... Genji...?)
Akiko: "Hey, check it out. Isn't that your first boyfriend, MC?!"
Yukako: "It sure is. That's Genji Higashiyama! He's gotten ripped!"
Aoi: "Didn't Genji go to Italy on a soccer scholarship after graduating?"
Aoi looked at me. I gave a small nod.
MC: "..." (Oh, geez... My heart is pounding.)
Genji made his way straight up to me.
Genji: "MC, long time no see. How have you been?"
MC: "Yeah... I've been fine, thanks for asking. You look like you're doing well too, Genji."
Genji: "Sure am. I'm on top of the world."
Woman A: "Genji, I saw you on some sports news! You were chosen to be on the national team, right?"
Man A: "Congrats!"
Genji was swamped with old classmates in the blink of an eye.
Genji: "Hey, long time no see, guys! What's up?! You look like a bunch of old fogeys!"
Man A: "Shut up!"
Man B: "Let's share a toast!"
Beers were ordered, and Genji happily accepted one.
Man A: "Of course Genji should be the one to give the toast!"
Genji: "All right!"
Genji stood up on the table with a flourish.
Genji: "Uhh, I came back to Japan for two things. The first was to represent Japan in the World Cup. I'll become the best goalie in the world. The other thing was..."
MC: "..." (What? What?)
Genji: "MC, I've come for you."
MC: "?!"
I heard the girls shrieking in the background. Everyone in the bar was looking our way.
MC: "..."
Yukako: "Ouch... Sorry, Genji, it won't work."
Akiko: "You're 3 months too late."
Genji: "What?"
Aoi: "MC got married 3 months ago. Their parents set them up."
Genji: "That ain't my concern. When I want something, I take it. That goes for soccer positions and for women both."
(That has to be a joke... Oh god, my face is practically on fire.)
MC: "..."
Genji looked right at me with a smile. Then he raised his mug high.
Genji: "Cheers!"
All: "Cheers!"
After that, Genji went over to the men's tables as if nothing had happened.
Akiko: "How nice. I wish someone would say that to me."
Yukako: "What'll you do, MC?"
MC: "There's nothing for me to do... I'm already married..."
Yukako: "Love is free whether you're married or not."
Aoi: "Cut it out with that affair stuff! No one should do anything so low!"
Yukako: "Low...? Come on. Sleeping around in marriage is totally commonplace these days."
Akiko: "It's because of girls like you that I don't get any hot guys, Yukako."
Yukako: "Hey, it's the law of the jungle."
Aoi and Akiko looked sullen upon Yukako's remark.
MC: "Don't worry. I'm not having an affair. I hardly could anyway. Besides, he was just kidding around. Genji was teasing me."
The proof was that Genji was engrossed in soccer talk with the guys and didn't so much as look my way.
Aoi: "Oh geez, it's already 11. I'd better get home.
Aoi rose from her seat.
MC: "I'd better get back myself. I can't go in late right after getting a new position.
Yukako: "Yeah? I'm going to stay and have a little more to drink."
Akiko: "Me too. You two be careful heading back."
I took my purse and headed with Aoi for the door. As we stepped out, I glanced back at Genji's seat. Genji still had his back turned to us.
(So it really was a joke...)
I left the bar felling a mixture of relief and disappointment.
I parted ways with Aoi and began walking home. I pulled out my cell phone and gave Koichi a call. The phone rang without my husband picking up.
(Is he taking a bath...?")
I was about to hang up when I heard him.
Koichi: "...Hello?"
MC: "Oh, Koichi! It's MC. Sorry I'm so late. I'm on my way home now."
Koichi: "Oh... I'm still out at a work function myself. Be careful on your way home."
He started to hang up.
MC: "Koichi, I got transferred today. I'm moving from the general business division to the design team in the sales division."
Koichi: "..."
MC: "I wanted to go there for so long, I was ecstatic. But the manager said that if I was doing it as a side job to being a housewife, I should just go home. ...I wasn't sure what to do."
Koichi: "Sorry, but I'm in the middle of something."
MC: "Oh... I'm sorry."
Koichi: "See you later."
'Click' went the phone, hanging up.
MC: "..." (I guess I spoiled his mood... Interrupting in the middle of the work... Argh, I need to show more consideration of others.) I know. I'll make a nice omelet for Koichi tomorrow morning."
I stopped at a shop nearby and picked up some milk and eggs. I walked past a park, shopping bag in hand.
 | |||||
(What's he doing here?)
I walked toward Koichi.
???: "Wait up, Koichiii!"
MC: "..."
The two of them embraced as if drawn together, then they shared a kiss.
MC: "?!"
I was breathless in shock. The shopping bag fell out of my hands, breaking the eggs inside. My husband cuddled with the woman as they climbed into a taxi. It as headed in the opposite direction as our house.
MC: "..."
I slumped to the ground, ready to fall apart on the spot. I stared at the yellow egg stain on the ground. I was at a loss for what to do now.
(What do I do...? What should I do at a time like this...?)
For Genji, what comes after the prologue? Like the epilogue or something?
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