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Chapter 29: Choosing the Ring
Suzune and Manabu got into the car, the morning sun softly illuminating the dashboard as Manabu started the engine. He adjusted the mirror and sighed.
"Which shop are we even going to buy a ring from?" he asked, glancing at his sister.
Suzune crossed her arms, giving her brother an unimpressed look. "You really have no sense of planning, do you, Big Brother?" she teased lightly. "Let's go to Mr Ayanokoji Jewellery. It's considered one of the best. Their designs are elegant, and they give special discounts to their shareholders."
Manabu nodded, eyes focused on the road. "That's true. Their craftsmanship is top-tier. Let's go there."
As the car moved through the city streets, Suzune looked out the window, watching people rush to work and shops open one by one. Then she turned back to her brother with a small smirk. "You know, we should start preparing the guest list for the wedding too."
Manabu glanced at her, slightly flustered. "It's too early for that. We haven't even bought the ring yet."
Suzune shook her head. "It's never too early. The earlier we plan, the smoother everything will go." She unlocked her phone and opened her notes app. "Let's start with the basics — business partners, friends, relatives…"
Manabu sighed, but a faint smile appeared on his face. "You're really taking this seriously."
"Of course," Suzune replied, her tone proud. Then, her expression softened. "Do you think Mr. Ayanokoji will come?"
Manabu was silent for a moment. "I don't know. He's… unpredictable. No one really knows what he's thinking."
"True," Suzune murmured, staring at her screen as if lost in thought. "He's always calm, but somehow you can never read him completely."
After a brief silence, she turned to her brother again, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Do you think Akane will get embarrassed if I call her Sister-in-law?"
Manabu chuckled quietly. "I think she definitely will. You can be quite direct when you want to be."
Suzune smirked. "Well, she better get used to it soon."
Manabu's tone softened as he changed the topic. "We should also do something for Mr. Ayanokoji, as a gesture of thanks. After all, he helped me deal with those young masters who were hitting on you back then."
Suzune nodded thoughtfully. "That's true… but I can't think of anything he doesn't already have. What could we possibly give him?"
Manabu thought for a moment before saying, "How about something simple — when we get home, you could bake some cookies for him."
Suzune tilted her head, then smiled. "That's actually a good idea. Homemade cookies show sincerity. It's not something over the top, but it's personal."
Manabu nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Something from the heart."
The car slowed as they reached the shopping district. The large sign of Ayanokoji Jewellery gleamed in gold letters under the sunlight, reflecting a quiet elegance.
Suzune smiled as she looked at it. "We're here. Let's find the perfect ring for Akane."
Manabu parked the car and took a deep breath, his heart pounding slightly — not from nerves about buying a ring, but from realizing how close he was to a new chapter of his life. Suzune noticed the rare expression on his face and smiled softly.
"Don't worry, Big Brother," she said. "Akane will definitely love whatever you choose."
Manabu gave a small nod, then stepped out of the car. Together, the siblings walked toward the glass doors of Ayanokoji Jewellery, where a new story awaited them — one shimmering with gold, love, and a bit of Horikita pride.
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