Episode 282: Eternity

Choosing the ring went much more smoothly than I expected. We already reached the stage where all that was left was making the final decision.

I thought I’d be agonizing over it, but Suzuhara-san provided perfect advice every step of the way. That’s why I managed to get this far without getting lost in doubt.

Apparently, the fact that I had a clear vision of what I actually wanted to choose helped too.

To begin with, there was only one thing I prioritized most for this ring.

I wanted to choose something that wouldn’t get in the way of her movements, keeping in mind that Sara-san would be wearing it every day.

Since it’s a ring involving an engagement, I really want Sara-san to wear it daily. At school, it also serves as an amulet, or rather a guy-repellent, so I want it to be suitable for everyday use. I had to decide with those points in mind.

In short, the key points were…

The ring had to be something Sara-san could wear constantly without it becoming a nuisance in her daily life.

Specifically, I wouldn’t pick a flashy, clunky design that would interfere with her actions during her daily routine, school included. It also had to be resistant to degradation like scratches or discoloration, and it had to be as comfortable as possible to wear.

With those points established, the rest would come down to my intuition.

By the way, as for whether wearing a ring at school would be against the rules, it seems it’s fine for rings with special reasons like an engagement.

The reason I know that is because one of Nishikawa-san’s acquaintances is an alumnus of that school who actually wore an engagement ring.

Apparently that person’s partner was an adult, though. Since I’m thinking about it at this age, I guess I really am an outlier.

「Takanashi-sama, what do you think?」

「Let me see…」

Suzuhara-san offered one piece of perfect advice after another while listening to my requests.

The material for the ring would be platinum, which isn’t too hard and is resistant to wear. For the shape, considering comfort, we’d go with a comfort fit where the inside of the ring is rounded. We decided to select candidates based on those core elements.

I tried on a few for comparison, and the rounded type definitely felt better against the skin. It was also easier to put on and take off.

And the final condition, a type of ring where the gems don’t stick out.

If a gemstone is exposed, there’s a chance it could snag on something. It would be self-defeating if it interfered with her manual work.

The ring that made it through all those conditions to become the final candidate was this. A type called an eternity ring.

It didn’t just meet all the requirements I asked for, I really loved the name and the craftsmanship above all else.

Eternity. It means「forever.」It might sound a bit cheesy, but it’s a name that perfectly represents my feelings for Sara-san.

And the design.

This eternity ring has a shape where several gems are embedded into the band.

Because of that, it doesn’t seem like it would get in the way of daily wear. It’s a ring that balances elegance and practicality, exactly like my ideal.

Also, this might be a bit different, and it’s just my personal image, but…

Instead of a ring that makes a show of luxury by emphasizing the gems, it’s a subtle design that holds its charm within.

That felt like it perfectly matched my image of Sara-san.

Other people only see Sara-san’s exterior, but I’m the only one who knows the interior. I know the「real Sara-san.」I love the「real Sara-san.」

I can’t explain it well, but to me, choosing this ring felt like the perfect fit.

That’s why…

「I’ve decided. I want to go with this one.」

The one I’m looking at now is a type called a「half eternity.」Apparently it’s a channel setting, which gives it a shape that prevents snagging. It’s also supposed to be good in terms of durability.

By the way, since it’s called a「half,」there is naturally a version above it called a「full eternity,」which is an incredibly luxurious piece where gems are embedded around the entire band.

Naturally, the price is also staggering.

But if that’s the case, I’ll give her the half version now, and make the official engagement ring in the future a full eternity. Wouldn’t that fit the concept of this occasion perfectly?

Thinking about it that way, I felt even less of a reason to choose anything else.

Actually, there is no other choice!!

「I see. Takanashi-sama, may I ask one thing? There were rings from famous brands among the candidates, yet you are certain you wish to go with this one?」

「Eh? Ah, yes. That’s right. I hadn’t thought about it that much, but I’ve already decided that this is the one I want.」

True. Now that he mentioned it, I realized I might have needed to care about brands.

But honestly, I liked the ring itself more than any brand. This design, which balances glamour and modesty, felt exactly right for Sara-san.

Maybe there are differences in quality, but I’ve decided to trust my intuition above all else this time. So I don’t care about brands or titles at all. If I’m going to care about that stuff, it can wait for the future.

Besides, if I were in her shoes, I’d be happy with anything Sara-san chose for me. So I’m sure Sara-san will be just as happy. No, I’m certain of it!

「…It is a fact that the sense of security from a famous brand is a powerful factor in decision-making. Furthermore, when it comes to rings for an engagement or marriage, it would not be strange to consider the brand name. However, you chose based strictly on your own feelings and your thoughts for Satsukawa-sama, did you not?」

「…It sounds a bit exaggerated when you put it that way.」

「No. Actually, while this ring comes from a minor brand, the quality makes it a piece I can recommend with total confidence.」

「Is that so? Despite that, the price is… I assumed the quality was lower.」

It’s not like I chose it for the price, but there’s always a sense of「you get what you pay for」with anything. If the price is low, there’s usually a reason for it.

「Of course, the idea that low price means low quality isn’t wrong. There is a general rule that good things are expensive, after all. However, there are certainly products where the price is kept down simply because they aren’t a famous brand, even if the quality is high. There are other associated reasons like advertising costs, but I shall omit the details. Regardless, the ring you have chosen, Takanashi-sama, is a product of that nature.」

I see, that makes perfect sense.

If you think of name value as added value, then tacking the brand name onto the price is a simple reason. In fact, there are plenty of people who brag about something being from a specific brand.

But if you look at quality alone, it wouldn’t be strange for there to be products that aren’t inferior to brand-name items. In fact, it’s only natural for emerging companies to create products with the goal of becoming such a brand.

「Furthermore, I personally travel to the manufacturer to source this specific ring directly. In fact, I even have a bit of a say in the manufacturing process. This eternity ring you have chosen, Takanashi-sama, has an aspect to it that could be called our shop’s original, in a sense. That is why it is possible to keep the price down despite the high quality.」

In other words, because it’s an original-ish product with sourcing costs kept to a minimum, they can make it this cheap.

But that was only possible because of Suzuhara-san’s「eye,」his knowledge, and his experience in finding such a hidden gem.

High quality yet low price. I’m honestly grateful for that.

「However, for you to choose this ring, Takanashi-sama… how should I put it, I am filled with emotion.」

「Is that so?」

「Yes. Given your requests, the price point was an element I inevitably had to consider. While our shop does not carry low-quality products, if I were to guide you, the choice would have naturally been between a lower-ranked brand-name item or my personal recommendation from a non-brand. I intended to give you a nudge if you were unsure, but…」

「I chose it first?」

「Exactly. And that means you recognized my eye for selection and placed your trust in me, Takanashi-sama. Naturally, as for me, I am filled with emotion.」

I think he’s being a bit dramatic, but I can understand the feeling of being happy that someone chose a piece you have confidence in. Especially since I picked it out almost straight away from all those brand-name items.

「But I really do like it, no flattery intended. So I’ll buy this ring.」

「Thank you very much. I am certain that Satsukawa-sama will be pleased with this ring. I mentioned brands earlier, but as of this moment, this ring has become a piece endowed with the ultimate added value. The fact that you chose it, Takanashi-sama, while thinking only of Satsukawa-sama.」

Whoa. That’s a really smooth way of putting it.

As expected of a pro among pros, his sales talk is honestly on an inspiring level.

「Well then, please allow me to explain the details, so I ask for a bit more of your time.」

「Okay.」

Good. Whatever the case, I managed to achieve my goal.

I’m really grateful to Nishikawa-san for bringing me to this shop where I could find such an incredible hidden gem!

In finalizing the details, based on Suzuhara-san’s recommendation, I decided to have an engraving put on the inside of the band. It’s a classic move, and I wanted to leave something behind in a clear form to mark it as one of our anniversaries. So, I decided to have the date of the school festival and mine and Sara-san’s initials engraved.

After that, I listened to the explanation about size adjustment and the delivery date, and then… the talk about the box for the ring.

I’ve seen it on TV and stuff,「that」classic ritual where you open the box in front of her and show her the ring.

Suzuhara-san was telling me that I should do that.

「Surveys show that it is favored by a significant number of women. Furthermore, if you are to do it on stage, I would certainly suggest it in terms of the impact it would have on those around you.」

「I, I see… so I’m going to do ‘that.’」

「Yes, ‘that.’」

I see. I’m going to do that.

Thinking about my other objective, it would be better to have the maximum possible impact. Above all, if it will make Sara-san happy, I don’t even have the option not to do it.

「I, I understand. I’ll do my best.」

「Yes, that is the spirit. After all, the engagement itself has already been established, so there is no need to feel unnecessary tension. If anything, you should think of it as a performance to liven up the venue.」

Since there’s no way Sara-san would refuse, there’s no need to be nervous in that sense.

However, it’s certain that I’ll be getting a massive amount of attention, so there’s no way I won’t be nervous either way…

My business was all finished, and in the end, everything was settled within the budget without any issues. However, it wasn’t hard to imagine that Suzuhara-san had given me a massive discount.

Even if it was an off-the-shelf item and not a brand-name piece, the price was enough to make me wonder if it was really okay. But the truth is it really helped me out, so I’ll just accept his kindness.

「I have received a direct introduction from Nishikawa-sama, and above all, today is the anniversary of your first visit, Takanashi-sama. I look forward to our future relationship. If you find you like our work, I would recommend a custom-made piece in the future.」

The anniversary of my first visit… what even is that?

Well, setting that aside, custom-made, huh.

I’m interested, of course, but just from glancing at the materials earlier, I could sense the price would be pretty high.

But if you think about that famous saying that「an engagement ring costs three months’ salary,」I guess it’s no wonder people buy them while thinking of that as a given.

In that case, I’ll work hard and buy one in the future. I can work as hard as I need to for Sara-san’s sake!

And I’ll give her a custom-made full eternity for the real engagement ring. That’s a done deal. I’ve made up my mind!!

「Now then, since Takanashi-san’s ring has been successfully decided, I’d like to see about my brooch next?」

「Understood.」

Since my business was done, it was Nishikawa-san’s turn for her consultation.

In the meantime, we were provided with tea in the reception area for a short break.

But there was one more thing I wanted to look at.

「Are you finished with your shopping already?」

As I was looking at a showcase, Yokogawa spoke to me from behind.

By the way, what I’m looking at now is the section where brooches are lined up. I’d thought of it when I heard Nishikawa-san was ordering a brooch, but…

I really want to give Mayumi-san a present as well, to show my gratitude for everything.

A ring is out of the question, but wouldn’t a brooch be okay? That was my thought.

But the problem is…

「Takanashi-sama, are you looking for something?」

While I was agonizing in front of the showcase, a female staff member spoke to me.

Just like Suzuhara-san, her manner and movements were so polite they actually made me feel a bit awkward.

「Ah, no, I was thinking I’d like to give a gift to Mayumi-sa… I mean, Sara-san’s mother as well…」

「By that… do you mean the wife of Satsukawa-sama?」

「Um, I guess that’s how it would be?」

「My, my…」

Hmm?

I didn’t think I said anything particularly strange, but she seemed somewhat surprised.

Is it that weird for me to give a present to Sara-san’s mother?

「Ah, no, it is not strange at all. Once you are married to the young lady, she will naturally be your mother-in-law, after all.」

Right. Nothing strange about that.

By the way, I already know that「Mother」in this case means「Mother-in-law.」I’m not making that mistake again.

「My apologies for the oversight. Please allow me to introduce myself, though I am late in doing so. My name is Masayo, and I am the wife of Suzuhara, who was assisting you earlier.」

「Oh, I see. I’m Takanashi. Nice to meet you.」

I see. She was Suzuhara-san’s wife. So they run the shop together as a couple. I wonder if the other staff are family too?

「Thank you for your politeness. My husband and I both look forward to serving you. Are you looking for a brooch then?」

「Yeah. But honestly, the budget is a bit…」

Even if they’re cheaper than rings, it’s a bit rough for my current financial situation. I could give up and get something from a gift shop, but I just can’t see Mayumi-san wearing something like that…

「I see… Takanashi-sama, I have a suggestion. My daughter actually runs a handmade accessory class. Naturally, we have craft kits for brooches as well…」

「In other words, I could prepare one easily if I make it myself?」

「Yes. Since you only pay for the materials, it is quite affordable. However, it is a simple handmade piece, so the quality will be reflected in that. Furthermore, since the recipient is the wife of Satsukawa-sama, I would normally not recommend it. However, if it is a brooch made by none other than you, Takanashi-sama, I believe she would be very pleased…」

A handmade brooch, huh.

Personally, if I can be conceited for a moment, I think Mayumi-san would be happy. Besides, I’ve never given Sara-san a handmade gift before, and since I have the chance, I could make two. No, if possible…

But before that.

「Um, for now, could you tell me more about it?」

「Of course. I shall go get my daughter, so please wait a moment.」

The plan shifted a bit, but this might be an option.

The problem is how long it takes to make and how much the accessory class costs.

「Kazunari, that sounds interesting, so I’ll join you?」

「Hayato?」

「You’re right. I’ll join in too, since I’m here.」

「Yuji, you too…」

「If you’re giving such a huge present to Satsukawa-san and I act like it’s none of my business, I’ll probably get yelled at for having no backbone, after all.」

Um. I can easily see Natsumi-senpai saying that. In fact, I can see her happily laying into Yuji.

Oh, right, speaking of Natsumi-senpai…

「Yuji, is it better not to report to Nishikawa-san yet?」

「…Yeah, she said she’d tell Nishikawa-san herself. She specifically told me not to do anything unnecessary.」

I see. But Natsumi-senpai is actually a bit shy when it comes to romance, contrary to her usual reliability.

I wonder if the reason she can’t quite report it to Nishikawa-san is because she’s embarrassed, or just shy…

Or maybe because Nishikawa-san would break… no, let’s not think about that.

「Whew, sorry to keep you waiting. Was it something about me?」

「「「 !? 」」」

Speak of the devil, Nishikawa-san returned. That was faster than I expected. Or rather, the timing was too good.

It was a stroke of luck that I didn’t say Natsumi-senpai’s name…

「N-No, we were just talking about how Kazunari wants to make a handmade brooch!?」

「Right, right, we heard there’s an accessory class, so we were saying we should join in too!!」

「B-But we weren’t sure if it would be okay with your schedule, Nishikawa-san… what do you think!?」

「I see, so that was the talk. Of course it is fine with me. Oh, is it for Mayumi-san by any chance?」

With a synchronized three-man diversion, we managed to shift the conversation.

That was a close call. But anyway.

「You figured it out?」

「Fufu, you did say Mayumi-san sent you her ring size for some reason, didn’t you? Even if a ring is out of the question, you are that kind of person, Takanashi-san.」

「Huh?」

Nishikawa-san smiled a bit mischievously while looking at me.

I’m not quite sure how she reached that conclusion from the current flow. But it’s fine for now.

If she says the timing is okay, I’ll just take her up on the offer and participate.

「Then I shall participate as well.」

「Are you sure?」

「Yes. Since I have the chance, I thought I might try making presents for my parents as well. To be perfectly honest, giving my father and mother one or two more brand-name items wouldn’t mean much at this point. I’m sure they would be happy, of course, but if it is handmade, the value is entirely different.」

「That’s true.」

For people who always have those kinds of things, something handmade or something with feelings put into it might actually make them happier, even if it’s cheap. Especially if it’s from someone precious to them.

「I have never tried making accessories before, so I am looking forward to it a bit.」

I’ve never done it either, but since it’s a craft kit, I guess I just have to follow the instructions. I’m sure it’ll work out.

I hope Sara-san and the others will be happy…