It was the first week of July. Thanks to Miwa's connections, Ayaka applied for and is currently doing a summer internship. She was involved in a Marketing/Advertising company firm. After a discussion with Miwa, Ayaka thought a job in advertising was appealing. After a good day of work, she was at home watching a rerun of Tsubaki's anime.
"I'm home."
"Welcome back Azusa-san. How was work today?"
"It was great. How's the summer internship?"
"I'm doing fine."
As they watched the anime, Ayaka noticed Azusa's expression. It had a mixture of happiness and slight envy. At first he did not want to do the role because it was Tsubaki's dream and that he deserved it more. However Ayaka and Tsubaki convinced him to do it. Unfortunately, he fell ill and in the end the role went to Tsubaki. While he was happy for Tsubaki as a brother, he was also his rival in voice acting.
"As I thought, you really wanted to play that role."
"Huh?"
"Your expression just now was the same one when you watched the airing of the first episode. That proves how much you love being a voice actor."
"I see..." Azusa was surprised. He knew Ayaka can be observant. She noticed his eating habits and pointed out things that he never knew about himself and how it can help him grow as both a voice actor and a person. He smiled at her "But don't worry. I'm all right now. I will keep moving forward."
"That's the spirit."
His older brother Tsubaki meant the world to Azusa but now he has found someone who is also looking out for him. Later that evening,
"Everyone, if I can have a moment?" Masaomi spoke up gaining everyone's attention "How about we go to New Caledonia? We didn't a chance to go last year so how about a do-over?"
"Yes!" said Wataru "I want to go!"
"That sounds nice." Ayaka replied "I have to check my schedule."
"Then let me know who's currently free and I will make the arrangements."
Two weeks later, the group consisting of Ayaka, Azusa, Yusuke, Wataru, Hikaru, Ukyo and Masaomi arrived at New Caledonia. The resort was a sight to behold. It had a massive pool, spa, gym and numerous activities for all ages. They went to their individual assigned rooms to get settled in and later meet up in the lobby. Inside Hikaru and Azusa's suite, Azusa was busy unpacking while Hikaru lounged on a chair reading a book.
"So, what are you going to do?" Hikaru asked nonchalantly
"What do you mean?" Azusa asked as he was nearly finished arranging his outfits.
"A resort like this is the perfect chance to get closer to imouto-chan." he looked at his younger brother with a coy smile "It is ideal for couples after all."
Azusa contemplated his older brother's advice. When he heard about Ayaka's disappearance and adoption from Tsubaki, he was upset. This happened right after he confessed his feelings to her. What if he made things worse? But Tsubaki reassured him that it was not the case. He too felt responsible. They both decided that they will put their feelings for Ayaka aside to give her space and to focus on their work. However when Ayaka turned them down at the amusement park, neither of them could give up. Maybe he should take advantage of the vacation and confess once more.
After he finished changing, Azusa walked into the lobby where he spotted Ayaka. She was wearing a short white sundress with a straw hat that was adorned with a dark blue. He could not help but stare; she looked very cute. He was about to talk to her when,
"Ayaka-chan?" A tall young man with honey colored hair and brown eyes appeared. "It is you Ayaka-chan!"
"Sakurada-san!"
You're here on vacation?"
"Yes, with my family."
"As for me, I'm here for my cousin's engagement party. If you'd like, about we go get a few drinks together?"
"Ayaka" Azusa showed up interrupting the brief moment "Everyone's going to the beach."
"Okay. This is my senior from my internship."
"I'm Nobuyuki Sakurada, nice to meet you."
"See you later Sakurada-san."
"Bye." he waved and the directed his gaze to Azusa "You must be one of Ayaka-chan's brothers. She told me about it but I can't imagine my Dad remarrying and getting 13 siblings even if they all turned out to be cute sisters. I hope you don't mind me borrowing Ayaka-chan for a bit."
"I will mind." Azusa replied. He glared at Nobuyuki making him take a step back "Don't call her Ayaka-chan so casually." his encounter with her work colleague convinced him. He will confess to her one more time.
"W-What the hell?" Nobuyuki found it hard to regain his composure. He felt like his life was being threatened.
The group spent the whole day at the beach. Masaomi, Wataru and Yusuke were swimming while Ayaka and Azusa went snorkeling. Ukyo and Hikaru preferred to spend their time reading and lounging under the shade of a palm tree. Around midday they headed to the poolside restaurant for lunch.
"Ayaka, about that man" Azusa searched for the right words to say trying not to make it look like he was interrogating her "Is he a friend of yours?"
"Yes. He's a reliable senior."
"Did he ask you out?"
"No. We were always with the others when we go out to eat."
"I see." Azusa found relief that Ayaka was never alone with the man. But he knew that Nobuyuki was interested in Ayaka. He could not let his guard down. He should make sure Ayaka is not alone when she runs into him again.
"It's good to see you having fun imouto-san" Hikaru sat next to Ayaka as everyone watched the sunset "But you shouldn't forget. Summer is a season for sudden romance. I wonder who'll you choose."
"That's none of your business." Ayaka frowned at Hikaru "I'm going to enjoy this vacation like any normal person. I won't toy with the others for your amusement." She got up and walked away
Hikaru smiled "But life can throw stuff at you and ruin your pace. How will you deal with imouto-san Azusa?"
Later in the evening the group gathered at the poolside restaurant for dinner. It was the restaurant's all-you-can eat buffet night so guests were free to select whatever dish they want.
Wataru hummed as he enjoyed his steak with barbecue sauce "This is delicious!"
"Wataru you have some sauce on your cheek" Masaomi handed him a napkin
As he ate his salad, Azusa was trying to figure out when was the right opportunity to catch Ayaka alone. But maybe he should hold back and confess on the last day. He wanted Ayaka to enjoy this vacation. As he was contemplating, he felt her hand brushed against his.
"Oh sorry."
"It's okay." He smiled and used the opportunity to hold her hand "The table is crowded so it can't helped."
"You're good Azusa." Hikaru watched them hiding the faintest of smiles with a glass of red wine in his hand.
The week went by quickly. They went to the beach and pool. They also went on a yacht and took part in some of the sport activities such as beach volleyball. Azusa stuck to Ayaka's side and whenever he saw Nobuyuki, he sent him a glare frightening the man and sent him running away. Azusa admitted to himself that he was being overprotective but Ayaka is an important woman. It was now the last night of their vacation; Azusa decided that it was now time. Everyone was busy watching the fireworks display. First he made sure no one was watching and then tapped Ayaka's shoulder
"What is it Azusa-san?"
"Please come with me." he held her hand. Azusa led her away from the crowd and to a secluded area of the beach where no one would bother them.
"Azusa-san, where are we going?"
Azusa stopped walking and turned to face Ayaka "My work is important but something exists that's even more important than that." Azusa hugged her "I want you to know this; I love you. My feelings have never changed." he pulled away "I'll wait for your answer."
Once they returned home Azusa quickly dived into his work. His earnestness about his work caused a surge of popularity and an increase in anime and video game roles. He would be active for the rest of the summer so he was glad that he got to go on that week long vacation. It allowed him to give Ayaka time to think about his confession. She did not say anything but he hoped that she would consider him. He was now working on a action/fantasy shounen anime where he played the protagonist's best friend.
"Okay, it's all done." said the director "We're done for the day. Thank you for the hard work!"
"Thank you for the hard work!"
Azusa exited the sound booth and was greeted by his and Tsubaki's manager Rie.
"Nice job Azusa." she handed him a cup of water
"Thanks Rie-chan. What's the schedule for tomorrow?"
She checked her phone "You have to record your lines for the next Stories video game series. Here's the script. I'm going to check on Tsubaki now."
"Take care."
Azusa decided to head straight home so that he can study the script. He was close to the intersection when he saw Ayaka walking towards it.
"Ayaka!"
"Oh Azusa-san. Were you heading home too?"
"Yes."
Azusa thought he was lucky. It has been a while since they were alone. Once the light change, they started walking.
"How was work?"
"It was fine. How about you?"
"It's going great. I have a script I want to revise."
"Then I'll make some snacks for you."
"Thank you."
Upon their arrival at home, Azusa went to his room while Ayaka started cooking in the kitchen. Azusa contemplated as he read through the script, trying to understand the character he will portray. He snapped out of it when he heard Ayaka knocking on his door.
Ayaka held a plate of assorted cookies "I made cookies."
"Thank you." Azusa took the plate"if you'd like, would you like to come in?"
"Are you sure?"
"Of course." Azusa wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to be alone with Ayaka. If possible he wanted to hear her reply to his confession, even if she did not feel the same about him. He would feel hurt but he would get over it eventually and move forward in his work.
"Ok."
Unlike his brother Tsubaki, Azusa always kept his room neat and tidy, free of any clutter. They sat on his bed. He was feeling nervous, this was the first time Ayaka visited his room even though they have living in the same apartment. He could tell Ayaka was nervous but trying to keep her composure.
"So what are you working on?"
"This" He handed her the script
"Oh the upcoming sequel in the Stories franchise. I'm looking forward to it."
"I'm playing the first ally that the protagonist meets who will then take him on his journey. This character is hard to grasp so I'm thinking on how to portray him." He noticed Ayaka smiling at him "What is it?"
"Nothing. It's just that you just look so happy."
Azusa realized that he was indeed happy. The joy of work, the feeling of pride in himself and believing that he could climb to greater heights in voice acting. And he had a strong rival in Tsubaki who could motivate and challenge him.
"Hey Azusa-san"
"Yes?" He looked at her, hoping she would say what he wanted to hear
"I've done a lot of thinking now I'm ready to give you my reply."Ayaka took a deep breath and made direct eye contact with Azusa "Azusa-san, you are amazing. I was proud to have you as a brother. When you fell ill, I was worried. I'm glad that you recovered and that you're making progress at work. I want us to support each other."
"Ayaka..." Azusa was taken back."Does that mean?"
"I love you Azusa-san."
Azusa's eyes widened as he heard those three words. It felt like a dream but it was not one. This was real. "My voice is for everybody, but my feelings are only yours. Do you understand that?" Once Ayaka nodded, Azusa smiled and cupped her face in his hands "From now on, please always stay and smile by my side."
"Yes."
As Azusa leaned in and initiated the kiss, he was glad that his feelings were received and returned mutually. He would have to tell everyone especially Tsubaki as they promised each other to fight fair. But for now, he wanted to enjoy this moment with Ayaka. Someday, they will return to New Caledonia for vacation. This time, as a couple.
