We loaded the cart with the bag of rice we just paid for, some extra seasonings, and the lunch box. Then, we headed toward the exit of the store.
Feeling a bit relieved that the shopping was done, I started planning what to do after getting home.
First, I’ll unpack the rice cooker and set it up. Then I’ll wash the rice and the lunch box. Come to think of it, what should I make for her lunch tomorrow? Since her stomach was upset this morning, I should probably make something gentle for her. That means I should cook a dinner that works well as a side dish for her lunch too…
I was completely lost in my “housekeeper” thoughts when it happened.
The presence of Sakura-san, who was supposed to be walking right next to me, suddenly vanished.
“…Huh?”
I stopped the cart and looked around. I saw her standing in front of a display case a little further ahead. Under the bright lights, she had her face close to the glass, staring intently. Inside the case were accessories—rings, necklaces, and earrings.
“What are you doing?”
As I walked over to her, she turned around, looking a bit surprised.
“Oh, sorry… I was just looking at the rings.”
The rings lined up behind the glass weren’t expensive brand names like real wedding rings. They were mostly simple designs sold as “pair rings.” Still, they all reflected the light beautifully, and to me, they looked like luxury items.
“Rings, huh? Why all of a sudden?”
“Well… I thought if I wore a ring, people might actually believe we are married.”
“I see. It would certainly be a good prop to make our fake marriage look real.”
I looked at the price tags in the case. To me, they were definitely a luxury. With that much money, I could buy enough food and daily supplies to last a long time and still have change left over.
“If it works as well as a ring that costs three months’ salary, I guess it’s a bargain.”
When I said that jokingly, Sakura-san’s eyes went wide.
“Um, does ‘three months’ salary’ mean something?”
“Wait… you don’t know?”
I was speechless at her unexpected reaction.
“Seriously? You’ve never heard that? It’s an old saying that an engagement ring should cost three months’ salary.”
“It’s the first I’ve heard of it. What kind of rule is that?”
“Wow…”
I felt a little dizzy, realizing this must be a “generation gap.” Even I only knew it from my parents or TV, and I never took it seriously.
“It’s not really a rule… It’s just something like, ‘a man shows his sincerity with three months’ salary.'”
“Huh… I didn’t know that culture existed. But if you think about it calmly, three months’ salary is a lot of money, isn’t it?”
She thought for a moment, counting on her fingers as she calculated in her head. A few seconds later, she looked up with a serious face.
“If I were the one buying it, I’d have to buy a ring worth 1.5 or 2 million yen. I would definitely hesitate to spend that much on a ring.”
“You’ve got to be kidding! With my salary, three months’ worth isn’t even close… it would be more like my yearly income.”
I was reminded once again of the difference in our positions.
She is a team leader at a large company. She has a high income and a stable future. That’s why she can live in that big apartment and spend money freely at the izakaya. Well, I’m sure she has a lot of stress that I can’t even imagine in return.
“…Well, anyway,” I said with a small sigh.
“Even if it’s not three months’ salary, I think the feeling behind a ring is enough.”
“The feeling…?”
“Yes. It’s more important to choose something while thinking about the other person than how much it costs. Well, it’s not like I have a partner like that, though.”
Sakura-san narrowed her eyes slightly and nodded as if taking my words to heart. Then she gave a small smile.
“Then, someday, I want to choose a ring with those feelings included.”
After saying that, she raised her hand and called over a clerk.
“Excuse me, could I see this, please?”
The clerk unlocked the glass case and, wearing white gloves, gently took out a pair of simple silver rings.
They had no decorations at all. They were just thin silver bands reflecting the light quietly. But that modest shine looked like it would suit any outfit or any hand—it had a calm presence.
“Wait! Are you buying them? Mine too?”
I asked reflexively. But Sakura-san didn’t hesitate; she smiled happily.
“Yes. If I have this, people at work might stop asking if I have a boyfriend. And it will probably stop people from saying unnecessary things to you too, Kyoko-san.”
She said it so confidently that I couldn’t find any words to argue.
“…You’re right. If you’re giving it to me, I suppose I’ll take it.”
She nodded and went straight to the register. Her back looked determined and straight. Watching her made my heart flutter just a little.
A few minutes later, she returned holding a white paper bag with both hands, as if it were a treasure.
She took the pair rings out of the box inside, took my left hand, and looked up at me with a serious face.
“Okay, let me put it on you.”
“Um… I can do it myself, you know?”
“Please let me do it. Even if it’s fake, we are married.”
Her voice was quiet, but it was filled with strong will. I didn’t resist and held out my left hand.
Her fingers wrapped around my hand. Her fingertips were surprisingly soft, and I could feel them brushing against my palm as she put the ring on.
The cool metal slid onto my ring finger and fit perfectly.
This is just an accessory. It has no special meaning. Even so, I could feel a warmth spreading deep in my chest.
…I wonder what this feeling is.
“It fits perfectly.”
She smiled with satisfaction. I couldn’t look her in the eye, so I reflexively looked away.
“…Um, thanks.”
“Your turn, Kyoko-san.”
“…Right.”
I took the other ring and slowly took her hand. I gently slid the matching ring onto her thin, soft finger.
“…Is that okay?”
The moment I spoke, her expression brightened like a flower. It was the most honest smile I had ever seen from her.
“Thank you so much…!”
Seeing that smile made my own chest feel warm.
Even though it was supposed to be fake, the warmth of her hand felt very real.
I won’t be able to take this ring off easily.
Thinking that, I stared quietly at the silver band shining on my ring finger. The small light reflected from the white ceiling quietly lit up something in my heart.