Golden Era (Book 2)

62. Blue Dress

"There you two are!"

A black car screeched to a stop when Fuji and Ayuna emerged from Osaka Station. Out popped Noa from the passenger side. Approaching Ayuna with an eyebrow raised, she admonished, "You really shouldn't carry around a cell phone if you don't plan on answering it."

Ayuna apologized then explained it because they were saying goodbye to Ryoma.

Noa seemed disappointed with this piece of news. "He's gone already? What a shame!" With a shrug, she went on, "I guess it can't be helped. As long as you're still here, everything's fine."

"Do you need me for something?" asked Ayuna wearily. With the fundraiser successfully wrapped up, she couldn't imagine doing anything besides falling into a cozy bed.

Presenting two gold envelopes, Noa declared, "I'm here to invite you two to a gala."

"A gala?" Appalled, Ayuna examined the fancy invitations in Noa's hand and instantly pieced everything together. "Let me guess... Is this Atobe's idea?"

"Yes and no," answered Noa. She explained that executives from the charity foundation wanted to have an official meeting with the organizers and winning participants. They thought it would be best to have a public celebration while the event was fresh on everyone's minds. To formally acknowledge everyone's contributions, they decided to have a gala and extended invitations to major media outlets for coverage. In response to this last-minute plan, Atobe generously offered his family estate in Ashiya as the venue.

"Sounds fun, right?" Noa chirped at the end.

Ayuna exchanged a tired glance with Fuji: leave it to Atobe Keigo to end every event lavishly. 

"Sounds like your type of event, Noa," Ayuna replied blandly.

"It is! Now that you know, you need to come with me right now—the gala's tonight."

Ayuna grimaced. The mere thought of getting dressed up and made up drained her. Returning the envelope to her friend, Ayuna shook her head, "Please thank Atobe and the executives on my behalf. I think I'm going to sit this one out."

"Me too, actually," Fuji chimed in. 

Noa first scowled then revealed a sly smirk. "Oh, I get it... You two are only sitting out because you want alone time, am I right?"

"That's right," said Fuji, deciding to be straightforward. "Would you spare us, Noa, even if it had to be out of pity?"

"Are you trying to guilt-trip me?"

"Maybe."

"Nicely done. Too bad I'm immune to guilt."

Ayuna called a time-out before they got carried away. Facing Noa, she made her plea, "While what Fuji said is true, I'm also worn out from the fundraiser. Can't Atobe just take the spotlight this time? I'm sure he's more fit to talk formalities, anyway."

"That may be true, but you're the acting president of Hikari, the main organizer—meaning, you are the spotlight!"

"You mean to say the party can't go on without me?"

"Pretty much."

"I don't believe it."

"Okay, then consider this: besides you two, our other two partners, Inui and Shiraishi, have already agreed to come. So did the other semifinal qualifiers, Tezuka and Yukimura. Do you know how suspicious it would look if only you two sat out?"

Releasing a long-held breath, Ayuna realized they were cornered yet again. Shoulders collapsed, she said, "Fine."

Noa's eyes lit up. "Fine, you'll come?"