“By the way, Arisa-san—what are you planning to do in the future?”
“Fueh?”
At Tenka’s question, Arisa responded with a blank, tipsy look.
Among the seven of them, she was the only one whose path wasn’t set.
Tenka and Chiharu, as well as Yuzuru and Ayaka, would naturally inherit their families’ businesses.
Soichiro was set to marry into Ayaka’s family, so he would join a company affiliated with the Tachibana family.
Hijiri wasn’t in line to inherit anything, but even if he eventually struck out on his own, he would likely start off at a company connected to the Ryouzenji family—just like Soichiro.
So then—what about Arisa?
“I’m going to be Yuzuru-san’s bride.”
She answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world—
then buried her face into Yuzuru’s chest, clinging to him.
“Ah—right, sure. I meant… like, work. Are you planning to get a job? …Or be a housewife?”
Tenka asked with a wry smile.
Given Yuzuru’s future income, Arisa wouldn’t really need to work.
Focusing on housework and raising children was a perfectly valid option.
In fact, among the Takasegawa family, there were probably quite a few who would welcome that.
…There were still plenty of old-fashioned relatives who believed women should stay at home.
“Hmm… I’m not planning to be a housewife.”
Even drunk, her answer was clear.
Her resolve was firm.
“I want my own money.”
“That’s fair.”
Tenka nodded in agreement.
Money earned within a marriage belonged to both partners.
So technically, Yuzuru’s income would also be Arisa’s—
but emotionally, money you earned yourself felt easier to spend.
At least, that was how Arisa saw it.
“Then you’ll get a job? With a Takasegawa-affiliated company? Or help with your father’s business?”
If she were to work, those were the most likely options.
Either a company tied to the Takasegawa family—
or one under the Amagi family.
Though in a broader sense, they were essentially the same.
“Hmm… if it’s between those two, I’d probably go with my father’s company, but…”
“…You’re considering something else?”
Tenka tilted her head.
Joining an unrelated private company wasn’t really realistic.
The Takasegawa family had too much influence—
it would just create unnecessary complications.
Other options would be becoming a civil servant—
or starting her own business.
“I’ve been really enjoying what I’m studying… so I’m thinking I might want to go into research.”
“Oh? That’s a bit unexpected.”
Tenka looked slightly surprised—
but quickly smiled.
“Do your best.”
“Mm… well, it’s still a long way off…”
Arisa trailed off, sounding slightly uncertain.
Then, as if it were her turn, she looked at Tenka and asked—
“So, when are you and Hijiri-san getting together?”
Tenka—and Hijiri, whose name had just been dragged into it—both froze, mouths agape.
“W-what are you saying!? Out of nowhere!?”
“I have no idea what you mean!!”
After that, the after-party descended into chaos.
Afterwards, they headed to karaoke for a third round—
singing and drinking late into the night before finally parting ways.
“Come on, Arisa—stay with me…”
“Mm… I’m sleepy…”
She replied in a hoarse voice.
Between the alcohol and all the singing, her throat was completely shot.
Her unsteady steps were likely a mix of too much alcohol—
and simple exhaustion from the late hour.
“Hehe… it’s been a while since you walked me home like this.”
“Ah… yeah, it has.”
Yuzuru smiled wryly.
Normally, they lived together in an flat near their university—
but during winter break, they had both returned to their family homes.
The last time he’d walked her home like this had been back in high school.
“I’m glad Tenka-san and Chiharu-san haven’t really changed…”
“Hmm… well, I don’t know if that’s entirely a good thing…”
Yuzuru recalled Chiharu constantly trying to grope Arisa and Tenka whenever she got the chance.
“Not changed” might really mean “hasn’t grown up.”
“By the way, Arisa.”
“Mm… what is it?”
“You mentioned research earlier… are you aiming to become a university professor or something?”
Yuzuru asked.
Truth be told, what she’d said earlier was news to him too.
He’d assumed she’d join a company connected to his family.
“Something like that… is that a problem?”
“No, not at all. I just didn’t realise you liked studying that much.”
Her grades were excellent.
Her reports were always highly rated.
Still, she hadn’t seemed passionate enough to pursue an academic path.
“I do like it.”
“…I see.”
It was the first time he’d heard that.
Seeing his slightly conflicted expression, Arisa smiled.
“But more than that… I think I want to discover something on my own.”
“…Meaning?”
“I want to achieve something with my own abilities… in something I’m good at.”
“I get it.”
Yuzuru nodded.
Getting a job through his connections would be easy—
but Arisa wanted to accomplish something through her own efforts.
Right now, the field she enjoyed, was interested in, and excelled at—
was simply the path she wanted to pursue.
“Does that sound too shallow?”
“I think that’s how it is for most people.”
Because they’re good at it.
Because it seems easy.
Because they kind of like it.
Because their parents did it.
Most people’s reasons for choosing a career were that simple.
It was rarer to have some grand, dramatic motivation.
“I’m rooting for you.”
“Thank you.”
Arisa smiled warmly.
