February 13th. The air was already permeated with a sweet and restless scent.
Valentine's Day. Although this holiday originated in the West, it has been endowed with unique cultural and commercial significance in Japan. It is like an unstoppable tide, infiltrating every corner of society.
One day in advance, the shop windows of the shopping districts began to fill with heart-shaped decorations and promotional posters. TV commercials cycled through sweet images of chocolate, and even the atmosphere in office buildings held a few more degrees of subtle anticipation and nervousness than usual.
On the set of We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, today's filming tasks were concentrated on picking up a few scattered shots and location scenes.
Although the atmosphere of the crew remained professional and rigorous, it wasn't hard for an observant person to notice the seemingly absent excitement on the faces of some female staff members. Occasionally, when they whispered to each other, the topic inevitably revolved around tomorrow's arrangements and the chocolates they had prepared.
Even the young girl responsible for the clapperboard would secretly check the beautifully wrapped handmade chocolate in her bag during intervals, afraid it might be damaged.
Michiya Gōshin finished the last shot of the day. It was a scene where [Yamane Mugi], after starting work, walked lonely through the streets and glanced at the backs of passing couples.
When he withdrew from that state of immersion in the character's alienation, he clearly felt the surrounding atmosphere was different from usual.
When the makeup artist was helping him remove his makeup, she smiled and asked if he had any special plans for tomorrow. And when passing by the prop team, Michiya Gōshin heard people discussing which shop's chocolate was the most popular this year.
"Really, is Valentine's Day that popular?"
That evening, Director Doi proposed a small gathering. The location was a quiet izakaya near the hotel where the crew was staying.
However, there weren't many participants—only Director Doi, Michiya Gōshin, and a few other staff members. After a few glasses of cold beer, the tension of the day's filming gradually dissipated, and the topics of conversation became more relaxed.
"Michiya-kun."
Director Doi's cheeks were slightly flushed. Holding his sake cup, his eyes held high hopes for the work and a trace of the heartiness that comes after drinking.
"Honestly speaking, I have great confidence in this We Made a Beautiful Bouquet of ours. Not only is the script solid, but the performances of you and Kurokawa-san have exceeded my expectations." He gulped down a mouthful of sake, paused, and continued, "I have a premonition that the box office will definitely not be bad. In fact... perhaps we can snag some awards at next year's film festivals."
He looked at Michiya Gōshin's handsome and clear face. "Best New Actor, or a Best Leading Actor nomination... I think you have a good shot."
Michiya Gōshin smiled humbly and clinked glasses with the director.
"Director, you flatter me. If there really are results, it will be due to your guidance and the joint efforts of all the actors. I just did what I should do."
"Michiya-kun is truly humble. If I had such achievements at your age, I would have floated up to the sky long ago..."
Director Doi laughed heartily and drained the sake in his cup. Then, the direction of his conversation suddenly shifted. Those eyes, which had seen countless people and carried a bit of drunkenness yet remained shrewd, narrowed as he looked at Michiya Gōshin meaningfully.
"Speaking of which, Michiya-kun, Kurokawa-san... seems to treat you differently. Is there... hmm?"
The director revealed an expression that all men understood, causing Michiya Gōshin's chopsticks, which were about to pick up food, to pause slightly.
Director Doi continued on his own accord, his tone carrying the teasing of an experienced person.
"At my age, having mixed in film sets for so many years, I can more or less tell whether actors are cultivating feelings for the sake of acting or if there's really something going on."
"Look at Kurokawa-san. During breaks, she basically stays by your side, rehearsing, chatting, or even just sitting quietly. If it were just a normal colleague relationship, that would be truly too 'dedicated'."
The director deliberately emphasized the word "dedicated," the smile on his face mischievous.
"And the news related to Sakurajima-san before. Tsk tsk, Michiya-kun, it's a good thing for young people to have great charm, but you also have to pay attention to safety."
Michiya Gōshin felt somewhat awkward being talked to like this. He could only smile helplessly and drink a mouthful of sake to cover it up.
"Director, stop teasing me. Kurokawa-san and I just have a relatively tacit understanding in our cooperation."
"Tacit understanding? Mm, indeed quite tacit."
Director Doi nodded noncommittally. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he slapped his thigh vigorously.
"That's right, I almost forgot. Tomorrow is February 14th, Valentine's Day. Michiya-kun, a young talent like you will probably receive a mountain of chocolates tomorrow, right?"
He spoke with winking eyes, making no secret of his mentality of watching the fun.
Being mentioned like this, Michiya Gōshin immediately thought of that earlier phone call from Sakurajima Mai. He imagined that scene and couldn't help but feel a bit of a headache.
"A mountain is an exaggeration... but there should be a few this year."
Michiya Gōshin's social circle wasn't large, but there were indeed quite a few women he was familiar with, and some staff members would likely give him chocolate as well.
The drinking party neared its end in a relaxed and slightly gossipy atmosphere.
When leaving the izakaya, the night wind carried a chill, dispersing much of Michiya Gōshin's drunkenness.
Before parting, Director Doi put his arm around Gōshin's shoulder. With a drunken yet earnest low laugh, he said,
"Michiya-kun, remember my words. When you receive chocolates tomorrow, no matter how exquisite the packaging or how ordinary they look, you must distinguish clearly which are Giri chocolates and which are Honmei chocolates. The difference between them is like heaven and earth, hahahahahaha..."
Watching Director Doi leave in a taxi with an "I'm rooting for you" expression, Michiya Gōshin stood in place and shook his head helplessly.
Honmei and Giri?
Of course, he knew the difference.
Giri chocolate is given out of social etiquette, gratitude, or friendship to colleagues, friends, classmates, and the like. Honmei chocolate, on the other hand, is a true confession from a woman expressing her love to the man she admires.
On this special day, every piece of chocolate could be a silent signal.
Thinking of this, Kato Megumi had already brought the nanny van to a quiet stop in front of him. Michiya Gōshin pulled open the door and sat in. The carriage was filled with a faint, warm scent, forming a sharp contrast with the chill outside and the smoky smell of the izakaya.
The car drove smoothly on the road back to the apartment.
Michiya Gōshin leaned against the back of the chair, closing his eyes to rest his mind, but his brain unconsciously began to think about the chocolates he might receive tomorrow.
When they arrived downstairs at the apartment, Michiya Gōshin thanked Kato Megumi and pushed the door open to get out.
"Michiya-san."
Kato Megumi's voice suddenly came from behind, calm and soft, just like always.
Michiya Gōshin stopped his movements and looked back at her.
In the next moment, he saw Kato Megumi take out a not-too-large square box carefully wrapped in dark blue paper from her carry-on bag. It was tied with a simple silver ribbon bow.
She handed the box over, her movements natural and fluid. There was no shyness or nervousness on her face, as if she were simply handing him a document that needed signing.
"This is?"
Michiya Gōshin was somewhat surprised and didn't react for a moment.
"Chocolate."
Kato Megumi answered concisely, her tone very flat. "I made this myself when I found time last time. Tomorrow, aside from filming tasks, you have other work to do, so I estimate you'll be very busy. So, I prepared it in advance and am giving it to you today."
Michiya Gōshin was stunned, subconsciously accepting the box.
The chocolate box felt slightly cool to the touch. It was wrapped meticulously, just like Kato Megumi herself—rigorous, detailed, without any flaws.
Michiya Gōshin completely hadn't expected that the first Valentine's Day chocolate he received would actually come from his artist assistant, and in such an... overly business-like manner.
"Kato, you actually..."
He tried to say something.
"I'm just following holiday conventions. Michiya-san need not feel burdened."
Kato Megumi interrupted him, her warm eyes staring at the man before her. "This is... Giri chocolate."
She specifically added a sentence, then naturally picked up her bag and got out of the car. "You drank alcohol tonight. I'll go up and cook some sobering soup for you before leaving."
After saying this, Kato Megumi walked straight toward the apartment gate, as if what she had just given out was merely a normal condolence gift.
"Is that so..."
Michiya Gōshin held that chocolate, standing in place watching Kato Megumi skillfully enter the password to his apartment gate, his mood somewhat complex for a moment.
After entering, Kato Megumi immediately began bustling about in the kitchen. Her movements were skilled as she boiled water and prepared ginger and brown sugar; the entire process was quiet and efficient.
Meanwhile, Michiya Gōshin sat on the living room sofa, looking at the busy figure in the kitchen, then looking at the dark blue chocolate box placed on the coffee table. Finally, he just rubbed the center of his brows and said nothing.
The next morning, February 14th, 7:30 AM.
Michiya Gōshin was woken up by a persistent ringtone.
The slight headache from drinking last night hadn't completely dissipated. Somewhat speechlessly, he groped for the phone on the bedside table and squinted at the screen—the caller ID was [Sakurajima Mai].
Seeing this name, he instantly sobered up by more than half.
Pressing the answer button, Sakurajima Mai's familiar and melodious voice came from the other end, carrying a trace of her characteristic concern.
"Good morning, Gōshin-kun. I hope my call didn't wake you."
"Mai-san... your call is really early," Michiya Gōshin cleared his somewhat hoarse throat. "Thanks to you, I'm awake now."
"That's good."
Sakurajima Mai chuckled lightly. "Look at the time; the courier should be arriving soon. I prepared a 'Valentine's gift' for you. Remember to check for it."
"Courier?"
Michiya Gōshin was somewhat puzzled. He glanced out the window; the sky had just turned bright.
"Mm, I have recording work early this morning, so I can't go over personally. I had to entrust it to the courier."
Sakurajima Mai's tone was very soft, but Michiya Gōshin could vaguely feel a trace of imperceptible regret. After all, the scandal storm had just subsided; it really wouldn't be wise for Sakurajima Mai to come to his door proactively at this time.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"Looks like it arrived," Sakurajima Mai said on the other end. "Go open the door. I want to wait on the phone for you to open the package."
"Okay."
Michiya Gōshin had to get up. Wearing his pajamas, he walked to the entryway. After confirming it was a courier through the peephole, he opened the door.
The courier handed over a rather large, tightly packed rectangular cardboard box that required a signature.
Thus, while signing, Michiya Gōshin spoke to the phone: "Received. It's a... very large box? What's inside?"
"You can open it and see first. It's a surprise, so of course I can't tell Gōshin-kun directly." Sakurajima Mai's voice held a trace of anticipation.
"Is that so."
Michiya Gōshin moved the box into the living room, cut the tape with scissors, and opened the carton. Inside was well-padded cushioning material.
The first thing that came into view was an extremely beautifully packaged square gift box made of deep red velvet material with a hot-stamped logo. One look and you knew it was expensive high-end chocolate.
However, what was more eye-catching was that beside the chocolate box, there was an even larger object covered by a dust bag.
"?"
He took out the object and lifted the dust bag. Inside, surprisingly, was a set of deep black suit, ironed meticulously. The fabric texture was excellent, the cut elegant; it looked expensive at a glance.
"This is... a suit?" Michiya Gōshin was even more confused.
"That's right."
Sakurajima Mai explained on the phone, "Post-production for Alice in Borderland is nearing its end. At the latest, we'll start running promotions next month. Variety show promotions, press conferences, magazine interviews, and possibly preview screenings. When the time comes, as the male lead, Gōshin-kun, you can't wear your private clothes every time, right? You still need a decent suit."
"If it's suits, I have several sets here."
Kato Megumi had helped him pick several sets, all hanging in the wardrobe, suitable for various scenarios.
"That's still different. This is a style and fabric I specially asked a designer friend to choose for you. Believe me, this set will match my dress better. After all, it's the first TV drama we co-starred in; the necessary business operations and image coordination still need to be done, right?"
Sakurajima Mai's reasoning sounded high-sounding, cleverly packaging a private gift as a work requirement, making it hard to refuse.
"..."
Looking at the finely crafted suit in his hand, Michiya Gōshin was somewhat at a loss for words.
He was now a high-popularity artist with a lot of work and had long since passed the stage of lacking money. Moreover, The Wind Rises was almost finished; once it went on sale, a large amount of income would flow in.
"...This made you spend too much."
Michiya Gōshin could only say this in the end.
"It doesn't matter; this is also a Valentine's gift," Sakurajima Mai glossed over it lightly, then urged, "Don't just look at it. Go try it on and see if it fits. I described your figure to the designer in detail."
"Okay."
Michiya Gōshin complied, taking the suit into the bedroom to change.
When he stood before the full-length mirror wearing the entire suit, he couldn't help but be somewhat surprised.
The size of this outfit was surprisingly fitting. The shoulder line, waist, trouser length—every place was just right, as if it were custom-made for him.
"How is it?" Sakurajima Mai asked on the phone.
"It fits very well."
Michiya Gōshin answered truthfully, his tone carrying a trace of hesitation. "But... Mai-san, how did you know my specific measurements? I remember I never told you."
In the next moment, a chuckle carrying a bit of smugness and nostalgia came from the other end.
"When you were hospitalized before, the nurse happened to need to record your patient gown size. I was right there, so I asked for the detailed measurements very naturally and wrote them down."
Sakurajima Mai's tone was very soft, as if this were just a trivial matter.
But these details would still move people. Michiya Gōshin wasn't a robot; naturally, he understood the continuous affection of the girl contained within.
A mixture of emotion, surprise, and some indescribable sentiment surged in his chest.
He faced the mirror, looking at the self within who wore the fitted suit and appeared increasingly mature. He fell silent for a few seconds before whispering.
"...Thank you, Mai-san. For bothering you with this."
"As long as it fits."
Sakurajima Mai's voice became even softer, but immediately, her tone shifted slightly, taking on a trace of imperceptible probing.
"So... Gōshin-kun, I should be the first person to send you chocolate, right?"
As soon as these words came out, the calm face of Kato Megumi handing over that light blue box late last night instantly floated into Michiya Gōshin's mind, along with that "first portion" currently lying quietly on the living room coffee table.
His fingers holding the phone tightened slightly.
After a brief pause, Michiya Gōshin spoke with very subtle phrasing, "Mm... You are the first one to send it today."
This was the truth.
Sakurajima Mai on the other end seemed very satisfied with this answer, sending over a pleasant chuckle.
"That's good. Alright, I won't disturb you anymore. I have to go prepare for today's recording too. Remember to taste the chocolate; it's handmade by the master of a shop I like very much. Tonight... if you have time, let's contact again."
"Okay, Mai-san. I wish you smooth work today."
"That's right, I almost forgot to say," Sakurajima Mai deliberately dragged out her voice. "...This is Honmei chocolate."
"..."
"Gōshin-kun?"
"...I understand."
"Hehe, I will approach you step by step, Gōshin-kun." Sakurajima Mai had already confessed before, so naturally, she wouldn't show a shy appearance again. Her voice and tone were very natural and poised.
"..."
A while later, after hanging up the phone, Michiya Gōshin looked at himself in the mirror and let out a long sigh.
He took off the suit, hung it up carefully, and then walked to the living room. His gaze fell on the two boxes placed side by side on the coffee table.
Kato Megumi's simple light blue one, and Sakurajima Mai's magnificent deep red one.
They lay there quietly, yet seemed to represent two completely different emotional temperatures and ways of expression.
After eating a simple breakfast and handling some agency emails, Michiya Gōshin walked out of the apartment gate.
The nanny van had long stopped steadily in the underground parking lot of the apartment building. Kato Megumi was waiting there, a faint smile on the short-haired girl's face.
"Good morning, Michiya-san."
"Morning, Kato."
Accompanied by Kato Megumi, Michiya Gōshin got into the nanny van and headed toward the We Made a Beautiful Bouquet crew.
After arriving at the location, Michiya Gōshin went to his exclusive resting room first. Just as he pushed open the door to the resting room and took a few steps inside, a figure immediately walked in.
It was Kurokawa Akane.
She was wearing a uniquely cut milky-white turtleneck sweater today, paired with a plaid short skirt and long boots. Her face wore delicate light makeup, appearing both fresh and carrying a few points of maidenly sweetness.
The girl was holding a chocolate box in her hands that was packaged very cutely, tied with a pink ribbon and heart-shaped decorations.
"Good morning, Gōshin-kun!"
Kurokawa Akane's smile was bright and carried a trace of just the right amount of shyness. Her gaze swept quickly over Michiya Gōshin, seeming to confirm his state.
"Good morning, Akane."
This was the resting room, and the only person nearby was Kato Megumi, so Michiya Gōshin could call her by her given name directly.
"This."
She handed the box over with both hands, her fingertips exerting slight force, her voice trying hard to remain brisk.
"It's Valentine's chocolate for Gōshin-kun. I... I tried making it for a long time yesterday before barely making something I was relatively satisfied with."
Kurokawa Akane lowered her eyelids slightly. Her long lashes trembled like butterfly wings, avoiding his direct gaze, and the redness at the roots of her ears seemed to deepen a little.
Handmade?
Michiya Gōshin looked at the gift in her hands that obviously had heart poured into it. He was silent for an instant, but still reached out to accept it. The tactile quality was different from the previous two.
"Thank you, Akane. For bothering you with this."
His tone was gentle and sincere.
Seeing him accept it, Kurokawa Akane seemed to heave a sigh of relief. She raised her eyes, the brilliance in them flourishing even more, carrying a trace of careful anticipation as she asked softly.
"Um, Gōshin-kun, am I the first to give you chocolate?"
This question had already rung out for the second time this early morning.
Michiya Gōshin looked at the almost undisguised hopeful look in the eyes of the girl before him. He didn't hesitate too much and chose to tell the truth directly.
He shook his head gently, his voice clear and steady.
"No."
Two simple words, like invisible needles, instantly pierced the brilliance accumulated in the girl's eyes. The smile on Kurokawa Akane's face stiffened obviously. The light in the depths of her eyes dimmed rapidly, like stars obscured by dark clouds, and even the cheerful aura around her dropped a few degrees.
"Is that so..."
She said in a low voice, seemingly digesting this information. Actually, the answer was easy to guess. If she herself wasn't the first, then it was very likely Sakurajima Mai.
In the next moment, Kurokawa Akane adjusted her emotions very quickly. She raised her head to look at Michiya Gōshin and raised her voice a bit again.
Although it still carried a subtle tremor, every word traveled into Michiya Gōshin's ears with incomparable clarity.
"Gōshin-kun, this chocolate isn't Giri; it's Honmei."
"..."
"There is still some time before the movie wraps. I hope when that time comes, Gōshin-kun can answer me what your feelings are."
"Akane..."
Michiya Gōshin thought for a moment and couldn't help asking, "If the answer isn't what you want, what will you do?"
"...If the answer isn't what I want," Kurokawa Akane's eyes became increasingly serious, "then I won't give up either!"
"...Do you know what you are saying?"
"If someone else won, that only proves my weight in Gōshin-kun's heart isn't important enough yet; it doesn't mean I have no chance."
Kurokawa Akane had made up her mind long ago. She was not someone who gave up easily.
"Unless Gōshin-kun answers me... that you hate me. Only then can I give up completely."
"..."
Looking at Michiya Gōshin's silent appearance, Kurokawa Akane instead grinned and smiled again.
"Does Gōshin-kun... hate me?"
"Of course I don't hate you."
"Hehe, then it doesn't matter. I will look forward to your answer properly."
"Mm..."
________________________________________
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