G is for Grandeur

She was never one for grandiosity. Ever since she was a child, she preferred simple things. It might have something to do with having an easy-going, not-so-complicated life with her parents. Yes, they were, and still are, world-renowned beauticians. But her father made it feel like it was nothing out of the ordinary.

As a top hairstylist during his prime, one must have thought that he has an extravagant lifestyle with his family. To everyone's surprise, he chose to settle down and open up his own conventional barber shop. No one in the neighborhood knew that the newly constructed shop was run by the one hairstylist who was awarded with the rare golden scissor. No one would have a second look to that plain-looking shop. Not unless they knew his past. To think that he could, no doubt, establish his own beauty-centered company which could rival the Salon de Narumi if he chose a different path.

But that was the past. Now it was Kiri's turn to choose.

Her best friend dropped her a question the other day which left her a bit troubled.

How about you, Kiri-chan? Now that you're marrying few weeks from now, what will you do with your career?

Normally, if it was some other question, she would just shrug it off and pay it no mind until it leaves the premises of her mind. But this was different. They were talking about her career, the career that she had molded ever since she was a child.

So now, lying on the bed with her future husband beside her, she was having a bit of a problem answering that question. What do I want to do?

She moved her head to the side, looking at Narumi's sleeping face. Shougo, she corrected, I'm gonna be Narumi, too, not too long from now.

He was sleeping on his side, his face just a few inches from her own. His mouth was slightly open, his breath tickling her face and ruffling her bangs just a bit. What does he want me to do?

She held out her hand in front of her and tucked his stray bangs to his ears. He still had that hairstyle she gave him after he lost that competition many years ago. He said that he don't want to change not, he doesn't have any plans to alter it. He told her that his hairstyle was one of the foundations of their relationship. And it brings out my best look, too! Not that I'm not handsome to begin with! Hahaha!

She barely contained her laugh at that memory, thinking that she might wake him up. She cupped his cheek with her hand, slightly rubbing the skin beneath his eye. Even though he was asleep, his facial expression became tender as if he heard her mirthful giggle. His face slightly leaning against her touch and he let out a happy sigh.

If someone had told her that she will fall in love with him during her teenage years, she would laugh at their face outright. They didn't have the best relationship when they met. Too many shouting and yelling and ignoring the other's sentences. They were the opposite end of a pole, with him being too loud and with her being aloof.

That changed after she joined his club, after she decided to pursue her career. They got to know each other. He got to know her like nobody else did and vice versa. Sure there are some bumps here and there but their love for each other outshines them all. They always managed to find a way to each other.

Now back to the question at hand. She removed her hand from his cheek and laid on her back, looking up to the ceiling, as if she could find all the answers there.

From this day, she still remembered what she wrote on a piece of paper where they will write the profession they would follow. Beautician, probably.

The 'probably' was unnecessary because from that day onward, she had already decided what she wanted to do. She wanted to help people, help them add a little magic in their life.

Her eyes widened a bit. She finally found her answer. She laughed the tiniest bit. The answer was looking her right on the face. How could she forget?

All she wanted to do was to cut hair and generally make people look good and feel better. To help them be confident with their outward appearance and boost their ego, especially those in need.

She was already a part of the Scissors Project, the tiny school club that turned into a high class company. She was one of the two best hairstylists, the other one lying beside her. She was already helping people, yes that's a given. But how about those who are in need?

To make an appointment, a person must be booked 6-12 months before. That was how fast their company was growing, and they're only approaching their 3rd year anniversary! She wanted to help ALL in need, not only those who can manage to book themselves in.

She turned to look at Shougo again. Could he handle the company himself? She decided that yes, of course he can. He may brag a lot that he's a genius hairstylist but he wasn't lying. He was one of the best there is. At the tender age of 21, he was able to open the company with his best friend, Ochiai. Not to mention that he has a lot of his friends behind him. No, not behind, she corrected, but beside him.

She leaned forward and gave his lips a peck, only a feather of a kiss. He stirred a bit and groggily opened his eyes.

"Still up?" he whispered, brought his arm out from the blanket and placed it on top of her head to tuck her under his chin, his other arm snaked its way to her waist.

"Hmmmm, just thinking about some things," she replied just as softly. She gripped the back of his shirt while taking in a long breath, smelling his musky scent.

"Go to sleep, we'll have a long day tomorrow." He kissed the top of her head. His breathing regularized only after a minute which signaled that he was already asleep.

You have no idea.

She heaved a long sigh. She already made her decision. She will tell Shougo once he was up and awake. She will leave the company, maybe a month or two after their wedding. And she will re-open the Koshiba Salon. Anyone who steps in that shop will be showered with magic. That was the answer to her question.

She doesn't know how Shougo will react to her choice. He might like it, he might not. She knew that he will probably sulk and throw misfits tomorrow but she already made up her mind and it will be undeterred. She can be as stubborn as his fiancé if she wanted to.

If he saw how happy she was with her decision then he will surely back her up. Working in the SP was a bit ostentatious for her. And she knew that he knew that she was never one for grandiosity anyway, never was and never will.