After changing out of my drenched clothes and stepping back out, I saw Ai and the aquarium keeper deep in conversation, looking like they were having a great time.
"Ah, Yume! You're back!"
"Welcome back."
As I walked over slowly, Ai came towards me, but—
"Eek!? Yume, you reek of fish...!"
"Are you really going to scold me!?"
I said that, but just in case the smell was still lingering, I cautiously took a whiff.
"Ah, you're lying! Just kidding! Hehe!"
Seeing my reaction, Ai laughed and snuggled back into my arms.
I let out a long sigh. "If you pull a stunt like that again, there won't be any more aquarium dates."
I said it seriously.
"No way! Our next date has to be at the aquarium!"
"I refuse!"
I don't want to get soaked again, that's what!
"Aww..."
The keeper, who had been watching us with a smile, spoke up quietly.
"Still, you seemed to have quite a bit of fun, didn't you?"
"Yes! It was super fun! I'll bring Yume again next time!"
"Sigh... If it weren't for getting wet, it would have been perfectly enjoyable. I had a good time. Thanks to you, I think we managed to have some fun."
Getting wet was one thing, but it was also true that Ai and I had a blast exploring together, so I gave my honest opinion.
The keeper's expression brightened considerably upon hearing our thoughts.
"I'll look forward to your next visit."
"Yes!!!"
"Next time... please at least keep me away during the hands-on exhibits."
Falling in twice in a row made me feel like I was genuinely starting to smell fishy all over.
After saying goodbye to the keeper, Ai and I exited the aquarium, bringing our aquarium date to a close.
"Ahh~ that was fun! You had fun too, right Yume?"
"Hmm... yeah, it was definitely fun. Honestly, if it weren't for getting wet, it would have been perfect."
"Aww~ but I never expected Yume to be so popular even with the animals!"
"For some reason, animals just seem to like me. I've even gotten a lot of offers to work as a keeper."
Of course, my current job pays more, so I'm sticking with it, but someday I'd like to start a cafe where I can see and touch all sorts of animals.
"Huh~ Yume the animal keeper... that might be cool too!"
"Thanks."
After spending nearly three hours at the aquarium, we stepped outside to find we still had plenty of time left. We got into the car, pondering where to go next.
"Mmm~! Ha, that was fun... where should we go now?"
"Not sure. I haven't really thought about it. Is there anywhere you want to go, Ai?"
Aside from the aquarium, I hadn't given it much thought, so we had to decide now.
"Let's eat first!"
"Eat?"
Well, it was about time for dinner, so why not?
"So, is there anything you want to eat?"
"Something expensive!"
"Alright, alright. We'll go wherever you want to eat."
"Hehe!"
Before we knew it, Ai and I had forgotten all about the camera crew following us and were simply enjoying our own little happy date.
We drove to one of the most luxurious hotels managed by our company.
Pulling into the underground parking, I handed the car over to a hotel employee, gave them a heads-up for the filming team that would arrive later, and headed up to the hotel with Ai, the team leader, and two other crew members.
Upon reaching the top floor.
"Wow... this place is always so magnificent!"
"Of course. We hardly ever use this hotel ourselves. Most of the guests here are high-ranking executives from overseas or VIPs from Japan."
It's pricey, but the service is top-notch, making it one of the most popular hotels around.
"So do you come here often, Yume?"
"Hmm..."
I thought for a moment at Ai's question, but in reality, I've only brought her here four or five times.
It wasn't a money issue, but I'm not one to indulge in luxury, and Ai is similar, so we only came on special occasions.
Other than that.
"Not really. Honestly, even the company executives don't use this hotel often. If anyone does, it'd probably be Miyako."
"Why Miyako?"
"Why else? Just like I bring you here on anniversaries, Miyako comes with her husband when she wants to celebrate special times."
"Ah, I see!"
Ai looked at me with an expression that said she understood.
"Come on, let's hurry. The waiter over there is waiting for us."
"Ah!"
While we were talking, we hadn't taken a single step, so the filming team behind us had just stopped and were filming us.
The waiter guiding us had also waited patiently until we finished our conversation before proceeding.
This hotel really seemed to hire only the most professional staff.
"Sorry about that!"
"No problem at all. Right this way."
At Ai's apology, the waiter said it was fine and led us to a window-side table with a clear view outside.
"What would you like to order?"
"We'll take the chef's recommendation course. And since there will be more people joining us, please prepare the same menu for them as well."
"Understood."
The waiter took my order and headed towards what looked like the kitchen, while the team leader quickly approached me.
"No, no, Yume, you really don't have to worry about us...! We already ate earlier... and, well, the food here is incredibly expensive, isn't it!?"
"Ah... it's fine."
Seeing the stiff expressions on not just the team leader but also the director filming behind him, I could tell they were genuinely concerned for me.
But there was no need to worry about money. Because.
"Employees at our company can use all facilities operated by the company at discounted rates.
And executives like us get discounts of over 50%.
Moreover, among the executives, three of us, including myself, have the right to use most facilities for free. This is well within my authority, so please don't worry about it."
This was why I worked my way up to senior executive. To take responsibility not only for Ai but also for Ruby and Aqua, I thought I needed more money, authority, and power.
I climbed to this position to 'take responsibility' for my family.
"Still..."
The team leader trailed off, still seeming uncomfortable.
"Then how about this: in exchange, create the best video of me and Ai. To show everyone how happy we are, living a life any couple would envy.
If you use all your skills to make the best video possible, I'll be more than satisfied."
If they were too burdened, a simple deal would do.
Make the best video of me and Ai and broadcast it.
I want to show that video not just to me and Ai, but to Aqua and Ruby too.
Thanks to your consideration, we're having the best day, and we'll continue to live happily.
"...Ahaha... if you say so, Yume, then we'll give it our all in filming and do everything we can to produce the best video."
"I'm counting on you."
The team leader and I looked at each other and laughed, not even trying to hold back our chuckles.
As the food was being set, the rest of the filming team arrived, and at the team leader's command to proceed as before, the crew moved swiftly.
Ai and I began to slowly eat the prepared meal.
"Mmm~♥ It's always so delicious!!!!"
"Glad to hear it. But since we've already been here, how about somewhere else for our next anniversary?"
"Yeah! Anywhere's fine! As long as I'm with Yume, every day is happy for me!"
"What a coincidence. I was thinking the same thing."
Yes, I'm happiest spending time with you, just like always.
I'm happy sitting with Ruby, watching TV and talking about idols.
I'm happy discussing acting with Aqua. Even if Aqua seems a bit reluctant, he's a good son who listens to me.
[No matter what happens, I must protect my 'family' above all else. My fate is mine to decide.]
[Even if Ai's fate is predetermined.]
[Even if Ruby's fate is set in stone.]
[Even if Aqua's fate is destined for some tragic end.]
[I will change it.]
[So, just watch, you self-proclaimed god.]
I felt as if that 'girl' I met before was looking at me with a smile.
"Wow~ that was tasty!!!"
"Ai, stop patting your belly like that. It doesn't look good."
After finishing the meal and waiting for dessert, Ai was half-lying down, tapping her stomach, and I pointed out her posture, but.
"No way~"
"Sigh..."
She wasn't the type to listen, so I just let out a sigh. Well, she's cute, so I'll let it slide.
After a while, the dessert the waiter brought was none other than.
"Häagen-Dazs!?"
"And not just your usual Häagen-Dazs, but the premium, top-tier kind."
Because of Ai, I specially requested it from the hotel.
"Yume, I love youuuuuuuuu!!"
"I said don't cling to me!"
Can't you see I'm holding a wine glass!?
I barely managed to keep from spilling the wine glass in my hand, and we spent the rest of the time enjoying the premium Häagen-Dazs for dessert.
For reference, Ai's expression looked the happiest it had been all day.
Is Häagen-Dazs really that good...?