Honey Magazine/My Sweet Proposal: Todo Masaya

Chapter 6.7

(I can't believe this is happening...)

Looking at the sadness on Kana's face, all that I can think of are the events of this morning.

----

Masaya "...Koki?"

Seeing his face this early in the day, something tells me that something isn't right.

Koki "That's right. It's me, your cousin, Koki Todo. Do you see somebody else?"

Masaya "Nope, guess not. Still got that same dopey expression on your face."

(What's he talking about...? And not that I expect anything less from him, but... What's with the smirk.)

Despite Koki generally being rather lazy in his appearance, for some reason, he appears much more presentable today.

Koki "Anyway, you'll see soon. Very soon, in fact."

With a suggestive grin, Koki stands and leaves. Unnerved by the entire thing, I return to my office, when-

Kisaragi "Masaya, we've got a problem!"

Kisaragi's already waiting for me, face as white as sheet.

(What's got Kisaragi in such a mood...? What happened...?)

Kisaragi "Koki has called an emergency meeting."

Masaya "An emergency meeting?"

Kisaragi "It's in regard to who's most qualified to become the next company president. More specifically, it's in regard to suspicions around you and Miura..."

Masaya "I see."

Kisaragi "What's the plan? Do you want me to call for Miura? I am sure we can get Miura here in person, then-"

Masaya "No, it's fine."

Kisaragi "But, why?"

Masaya "...Because I'm sure the conversation will turn ugly. I'd prefer to shield her eyes from it, if possible."

Kisaragi "Masaya, you and Miura..."

Masaya "Just don't say a thing to her. Okay?"

(My note: Help, why he is being considerate? I want to cry???)

Kisaragi silently bows, then begins to prepare my clothes.

Something he's used to doing prior to any of my normal meetings. From there, I find myself standing before my father and other company executives, all perusing handouts distributed by Koki.

Handouts containing misleading and overblown accounts denouncing Kana and me.

('Masaya is a liar and a cheat'... 'Miura can't be trusted'... Do they really believe this junk?)

Koki, speaking ill of me is, honestly, completely expected.

We're both rivals in the fight to become the president, so the situation was bound to heat up at some time. Including Kana, however, I won't stand for. – (My note: He looks so pitiful; I want to cry.)

(Koki... I'm holding you personally responsible for bringing Kana into this. I hope you're prepared.)

Koki "You don't look too good, Masaya."

(My note: Yes, Mr. Stark, oops, wrong anime-)

Koki "Although, I guess that's to be expected now that all this is happening."

Masaya "What're you going on about now?"

Koki "Go ahead, play dumb while you can. You know, I never thought you were capable of tricking us."

Cadre 1 "Unbelievable."

Cadre 2 "Masaya, you're quite the actor, huh? You sure you wouldn't prefer something in the entertainment business?"

(My note: Ouch, that...hurts...)

Koki and the executives in favor of him continue to blast me.

Speaking so confidently, they seem convinced of a victory.

(I never once said I was giving up on being the next president... There's no way I can leave Todo Resorts to these fools.)

It is undeniable that Kana and I were posing as a couple. If she testifies that she loves me, then that's a different story, but- For now, things aren't looking good for me. The support from the other executives is clearly in favor of Koki. It's me against them.

(I'm going to make it through this and become the next president of Todo Resorts. Not only for myself, but for Kana as well.)

Masaya "Well then, Sir... Please begin."

I breathe deeply in preparation.

And now, though I'm ready to fight with Koki and his lackeys, Kana's sadness is unbearable. That's why...