There is an appropriate way to behave in everything.
It means adhering to the rules of the world and position one belongs to, and behaving neither excessively nor insufficiently.
To varying degrees, in modern times, this is generally considered the correct way to behave everywhere.
What is right is beautiful, therefore, the value of anything that deviates from it diminishes.
Humans are by nature believers in and embodiments of righteousness.
Everyone strives to become more righteous.
Just as perfect sophistication is sometimes described as madness…..
Everyone is vaguely aware that "perfect righteousness" based on a single rule is nothing but lunacy.
After I discarded the first match, which had completely burned out, into the ashtray, I started to light the second match.
Instead of flame, I used the heat to carefully char the cut surface. Not long after, smoke and aroma rose quietly.
To someone unfamiliar with this, it would seem incredibly leisurely. But that's precisely why I find this process beautiful.
Kyoya: (......Ryo-kun. Is this a long call? Well, if we get to that point, I can just hang up.)
Ryo: "Ah, Kyoya. Good work. What’re you doing now?"
Kyoya: Just relax at home.
Ryo: "I see. Am I interrupting? My bad, but thanks for picking up anyway."
Kyoya: Sure. What's the matter?
Ryo: "I want to ask about your plans for tomorrow. School is closed, right?"
Kyoya: I don't have any work at Aporia either, so I'm thinking of going out. Nothing concrete yet, though.
Ryo: "Really? In that case, would you like to go to Maria's recital?"
Kyoya: Maria's recital... at the Symphonia Hall? Tomorrow?
Ryo: "Yes. The 2 PM performance."
Kyoya: Hmmm... If there are seats available, sure. But didn't you say it was incredibly difficult to get tickets this time? Since it's her first visit to Japan in several years.
Ryo: “That's certainly true, but... Kasumi has caught a cold, so she's been in bed since yesterday."
Kyoya: Oh. That’s rough, she was really looking forward to it. Is it a bad cold?
Ryo: “She's fine, the fever has gone down and she has gotten better. But she’s going to stay home this weekend as a precaution."
"But the tickets would end up being nothing but pieces of paper, so I was hoping to find someone who could go in our places... You may not be as into it as us, but I'm sure you’re also interested, right?"
Kyoya: Yeah. The venue is close by so I shall take up on your offer. Have you decided who to give the other ticket to?"
Ryo: "I’m thinking of Kazuma. Why don’t you guys go out for dinner afterwards?"
"I would be pleased if you two took a picture together and sent it to me."
Kyoya: I don't mind. But tomorrow is Saturday. Kazuma-kun is probably busy, isn’t he?
If it's like usual, I think the 'visits' are booked up from opening time until night.
Ryo: "Ah... I guess that's true."
“Is there anyone else you'd like to invite, Kyoya?"
(Someone who seems interested in this kind of thing, and who I could have a pleasant conversation with—)
A certain someone came to mind.
Kyoya: Yes. I've never met him outside of work, and I don't know if he's free.
But it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Fortunately, the "person" in question said that he’s free during the day and accepted my invitation.
Staff: --Please enjoy your time.
After the performance.
Since there was some time before the next appointment, I invited him to relax at a hotel lounge near the hall, seeing that he wanted to kill time somewhere.
Sitting across from me, Ai-san looked more satisfied than usual as he sipped the coffee that had been brought to him.
Kyoya: That was a good performance.
Kyoya: Since her performance in Italy two years ago, there still seems to be mixed opinions about the change in her approach to music.
Ai: It's been several years since I last heard her perform live, but I felt she's definitely much better than the last time I heard her.
Kyoya: Definitely better, you say?
Ai: She's a pianist with unparalleled talent, one of a kind in the world. Her technique and expressiveness have always been impeccable.
But, in recent years, she seemed to be constrained by the idea of "innovative interpretation with one’s own freedom.”
But I never once felt that restraint in the sound today. It was worthy of the title "The World's Most Captivating Piano."
(This person really is something else.)
His words weren’t borrowed or makeshift but based on his own thoughts and ideas.
Invited by Kiho-san, I joined Aporia about half a year ago out of curiosity. The job with Negotiation Dept. has certainly been interesting, but so far, my biggest reward is being able to meet him.
Kyoya: That's great to hear. My brother and sister-in-law who gave me the tickets would be happy to know that you enjoyed yourself.
Ai: I know this might not be an appropriate thing to say after the show was over, but are you sure I was the right person to give the ticket to?
You could have invited someone else. If you and your siblings both like Maria Vega's piano, then the rest of your family should be familiar with classical music too.
Kyoya: Speaking of which, the middle one likes it too, though not as much as the oldest and I.
He’s helping with father's work, so he’s always busy on weekends. That’s why it's difficult for him to make some time on short notice.
Ai: Is he working under an organization that requires socializing even on weekend or holiday?
Kyoya: I wouldn’t say so. My uncle took over Shido Corp., so now the only one helping him out as a successor is the oldest brother. He also wants me to join if I feel like it.
The middle one is helping out with a business that my father started himself.
Ai: Some other business, you say?
Kyoya: Ah. Now that you mention it, I've never talked to you about this, Ai-san.
Ai-san’s reaction was difficult to read, but he nodded slightly and took a sip of coffee to regain his composure.
Kyoya: (......He seemed surprised, but I felt no negativity in his face or voice.)
It did seem like that wasn't my imagination. As soon as his eyes turned towards me, urging me to continue, I decided to elaborate further.
Kyoya: Even though that’s what it’s called, it has a relatively casual atmosphere, mainly consisting of counseling like giving advice.
My father who’s the leader is affectionately called "His Holiness" by everyone.
Ai: Does Kiho-san know about this?
Kyoya: Of course, even before joining Aporia. I even mentioned it briefly to Kou-kun.
Ai: I see. I’m starting to wonder if it’s a kind of group with some sort "teachings".
Kyoya: Haha. Don't worry, it's not a suspicious organization. It has gone through every process to become a company.
Ai: It’s not like I was skeptical or anything. If Kiho-san brought you here fully aware of that fact, then there shouldn't be anything concerning.
I'm just asking this to learn about Shido as a person.
Kyoya: You want to learn about me personally?
Ai: I believe that ideology is the foundation of everything. Humanity, sociality, behavior, way of life. Everything.
No matter how unrelated they may seem, they are always based on that foundation.
Kyoya: (......Ah, I see. So this is how he’s like.)
The wavelength doesn’t match. The rules that had been established and the aimed perfection are probably different.
But—This person stands on the same ground as "Shido Kyoya."
Ai: If you're in a leadership position within an organization and you're going to manage people, it's always best to know the characteristics of the individuals who belong to it. That's all.
If you’re not comfortable enough to answer, I won’t force you.
Kyoya: No, not at all. If you're interested, I'd be happy to answer.
The group's name is Shinki (信己). Written like "Believe in Yourself." (己を信じる)
They listen to the voices of those who are lost and troubled, and convey the message that "There may not be miracles from God in this world, but every person holds a miracle within them.”
Ai: …….And what do you think of that teaching?
Kyoya: For me, it would be wonderful if such statement was true. But my mind hasn’t changed since I was a child.
Kyoya: I only attend the gatherings a few times a year as a member of the head priest’s family, so I'm not very familiar with the internal. As I said earlier, I can assure you there's nothing illegal about it.
Ai: .....So you're not interested?
Ai: Based on the qualities I grasp from you, I don't think it's something you’re "unsuited" for.
"Teaching and guiding people. Influencing them with words" That overlaps considerably with the work of a teacher.
Ai: Above all, considering your usual behavior, I don't think you would let go of or give up on something you strongly desire.
The fact that you aren't involved simply means that you just don’t want it.
Kyoya: ......Haha. I see.
That's right. I was once asked if I would be interested in becoming the leader.
But I refused. The reason was exactly as Ai-san said.
I simply do not possess any desire to become the head of religion.
Kyoya: ---My father's work is admirable. Of course, I respect him.
But, you see…. I still don't understand. What is so painful for everyone? Why do they worry about such things? Why is simply having someone listen to them a source of relief?
A religious leader who cannot empathize with people's hearts is far from perfect or ideal.
I have no intention of becoming such an incomplete being.
There is nothing there that I want, nor anything I particularly want to see
Kyoya: Therefore, I will never become a leader or follower in the future. Please rest assured.
I believe faith is a noble and valuable thing, but there are many other things in this world that are even more interesting to me.
I met Ai-san’s gaze directly, completely taking it in. I really found that pair of eyes appealing. The eyes of someone who gives something a profound thought.
Should I tell him, "I'm also interested in you"? I wondered for a moment and swallowed that thought along with my tea.
I made sure not to deviate even slightly from the correct behavior in this situation.
As lightly as changing clothes. With appropriate attire, I continue to act correctly.
That’s the only correct answer in this beautiful madness.
