A week had passed, and on the promised Saturday evening, after completing their usual overtime tasks, Tetsuya and his six companions took a taxi to the banquet hall of the Apex Hotel, reserved by Shu Daisuke, before it got dark.
The seven of them were all dressed in short-sleeved promotional shirts paired with jeans, their company logo printed on their chests, and carrying laptop bags over one shoulder, looking like a group of technicians who had come for repairs.
Upon entering the hall, Tetsuya was taken aback. He hadn't expected Shu Daisuke to arrange such a grand affair; the banquet hall was bustling with dozens of large tables filled with people, most of whom he didn't recognize. Just how large was The Worm Society? However, he soon felt relieved to learn that his bachelor party only occupied four of those tables.
The group of seven sat around one table, and after Kazuya poured a round of cola for everyone, Shu Daisuke forcibly sat down next to Tetsuya, holding a bottle of white liquor.
Tetsuya knew all too well that Shu Daisuke—Vice General Manager of the Marketing Department—had been relentlessly pursuing Misaki for years, showing a determination akin to "not shedding tears until seeing the coffin" or "not turning back until hitting the south wall," with Tetsuya himself being that coffin and south wall. Though the two were quite familiar with each other and had a decent relationship, Tetsuya understood what it meant when Shu Daisuke came over with that bottle.
Shu Daisuke had a somewhat square face, and beneath his lightly furrowed brows were surprisingly large eyes, complemented by his slightly graying temples and short cropped hair that made him look quite spirited. In an effort to elongate his face, he even had a small patch of beard on his chin. At that moment, he wore a broad smile, with eyes nearly squinting from it. Yet, Tetsuya couldn't shake the feeling that something lurked behind that smile—an assertive force, like a buildup before a charge.
Tetsuya felt disdain in his heart; could the disappointments in love really be remedied at a drinking table?
Looking around, he noticed that most of the people at the other three tables were colleagues from the company; some he knew well, others were familiar faces, while some were less friendly. As the banquet began, everyone took turns coming over to toast him, voices of blessings and clinking glasses echoing throughout.
"Tetsuya, why are you drinking cola when you're not driving? Let's have some white liquor or a beer," Shu Daisuke began to push Tetsuya the moment he sat down, even though Tetsuya had already filled his stomach with cola.
"Shu-san, old… I really don't drink," Tetsuya kept declining. He was still getting used to calling himself "old man" in front of the thirty-something Shu Daisuke, especially considering the latter held a much higher position.
Tetsuya recalled what Misaki had told him right before she left yesterday: "You can drink, but don't drink too much. I can't carry you back."
He had solemnly replied at the time, "Don't worry, old man doesn't drink!"
Tetsuya reflected that maybe because of her thorough understanding of his physical limits, Misaki had given him considerable trust, even to the point of indulgence.
She had proactively suggested returning to her hometown for a few days, partly to visit the elderly—including Tetsuya's father—to prepare for their upcoming wedding, and partly as a tradition, as the company would send wedding gifts to both families in these two days. However, Tetsuya felt that these were merely excuses Misaki had crafted; in reality, she wanted to enjoy a few days of carefree single life, just as she had often created opportunities for herself and other girls to be alone.
Misaki's thoughtfulness and trust warmed Tetsuya's heart, making him even more attached to this warm harbor.
After several unsuccessful attempts to persuade Tetsuya, Shu Daisuke gave up on his persistent refusals and poured a shot of white liquor into a small cup, placing it in front of Tetsuya. He then stood up, holding another glass and loudly announced, "Everyone, today we celebrate not only Tetsuya's bachelor party but also a farewell for us Worms!"
Tetsuya felt a chill run down his spine.
"We need to make our stance clear. We want Tetsuya to rest easy—no more Worm group, and no more Worms! If anyone dares to covet another's wife, may thunder strike them, and let them be punished! If you agree with me, drink this cup!" After finishing, Shu Daisuke tipped his head back and swallowed the liquor.
"Yeah! ... Bottoms up! ... Punish them!" a raucous cheer erupted from the tables in response to Shu Daisuke, and empty cups clinked on the table in a chorus of ringing sounds.
Tetsuya hesitated, looking at the two cups in front of him: one of cola and one of white liquor.
"We've all made our stance; it's up to the main guy whether he accepts or not!" someone shouted from another table.
"Yes, if Tetsuya doesn't drink this, it'll all be for nothing!" another chimed in, laughter erupting and drawing the attention of people from nearby tables.
"Tetsuya-bro, I'll drink for you!" Kazuya had somehow appeared behind Tetsuya, reaching for the liquor cup.
"No need," Tetsuya caught Kazuya's hand and tossed it back.
Tetsuya stood up slowly, raising the liquor cup, and loudly declared, "I, Tetsuya, thank you all! And I thank you on behalf of Misaki! We appreciate everyone's kindness; I'll drink this cup!" He gulped down the liquor, feeling as though he had swallowed a ball of fire that coursed from his mouth all the way to his stomach, and everyone burst into applause.
However, once the drinking started, stopping was not an option.
Tetsuya's single shot not only heated up his stomach but also ignited the atmosphere of the bachelor party, with everyone starting to take turns toasting him again. After being pressed into drinking a few more cups that he couldn't refuse, Kazuya and the others began to roll up their sleeves, following the planned course of action to help Tetsuya dodge further drinks...
As the night progressed, the scene evolved into a drinking competition between the six-man team and the former Worm group. Meanwhile, Shu Daisuke pulled Tetsuya aside, repeatedly recounting his past attempts to pursue Misaki, toasting each time it hit a sore spot, which made Tetsuya feel a mix of emotions. However, this also indirectly kept Tetsuya away from the main battlefield, allowing him to drink much less.
...
"Tetsuya, do you know that Christmas a few years ago, Misaki finally agreed to go see a movie, and I waited outside the cinema for a full three hours, but she never showed up... How heartless can that be? It was snowing that night, you know? I sat in the snow, striking matchsticks one by one... Later I found out she was taking you to the hospital; you really know how to choose your moments with that food poisoning! Sigh... Misaki is such a good girl; she chose you and didn't give anyone else a chance. You have to cherish her! Down the hatch!"
"Sorry... bottoms up!"
…
"Tetsuya, that date you had with the receptionist was arranged by Misaki, right? ...Don't deny it; I've already asked around. I'm puzzled—if Misaki really likes you, why would she do such a thing? Come on, bottoms up!"
"Hmm?... Cheers."
Since Tetsuya entered university, Misaki had started introducing him to potential matches, the number so high that even Tetsuya couldn't remember them all, but none had succeeded. The reasons were varied—some thought he looked too young, some felt he was too short, others complained he was too shy and couldn't hold a conversation. There was even one girl who went out with him just once for a meal and rather bluntly rejected him after.
Regarding Misaki's actions, not only Shu Daisuke but even Tetsuya himself found it somewhat confusing.
…
"Tetsuya, brother, how come I never saw you while I was standing downstairs waiting for Misaki? Don't you come in through the front door? Are you the type to climb through windows every day? Come on, bottoms up!"
"I... you might not have recognized me, Shu-san, Da-ge, but after this cup... really... I can't drink anymore."
…
"Listen here, little brother, just look at these guys. How many of them are genuinely wishing you well? They're all harboring resentment. But not me... I want to thank you for helping me let go of my thoughts. Come on, bottoms up!"
Hearing this, Tetsuya, although already feeling tipsy, felt a jolt in his heart. This sounded... so familiar.
As the party began to wind down, Tetsuya was still somewhat aware, even though his feet were unsteady.
Many of the members of the former Worm group had fallen, mostly due to internal squabbling and overindulgence. Among the six-man group, only Kazuya and Hitoshi were still standing; the others had sprawled out, unconscious.
Tetsuya arranged for Kazuya and Hitoshi to take the four people back, while he quietly slipped away to settle the bill at the counter. As he neared the exit, he noticed Kazuya was supporting Hitoshi, who was throwing up by the flowerbed. Tetsuya hurriedly asked how the other four were doing. Kazuya replied that he had arranged for other colleagues to take them home since they were all acquaintances, so there was no need to worry. Just then, Shu Daisuke stormed out through the main door, looking furious.
"Tetsuya, are you looking down on me? Are you looking down on your Shu-ge?" Shu Daisuke slapped Tetsuya on the shoulder from above, nearly causing Tetsuya to lose his stomach.
"No... I'm not! How could I—"
"Then why are you paying the bill? I said I'd treat! If this gets out, how am I supposed to face everyone at the company in the future?"
"This... it's not like anyone knows."
"Aren't they human?" Shu Daisuke pointed at Kazuya and Hitoshi, who were leaning against the flowerbed, looking confused.
"They... they won't say anything; if you don't shout, how would they know?"
"No way! Hand me the receipt, and I'll give you the money. If you try to take the next round from me, I'll really fall out with you!"
"Fine... then okay..." Tetsuya began to struggle as he fumbled for the receipt in his pocket, but suddenly stopped short—"Second round? Are you kidding me?"
"A single round is what's ridiculous! We came out to have fun today, so let's make it worthwhile. I've already booked the place."
The drunkenness of Hitoshi, Kazuya, and Tetsuya was partially shaken off.
"Shu-ge, look, everyone's gone; we can't drink anymore. How about we call it a night? Can the old man sit this one out?" Tetsuya swayed his head, glancing around.
"Matter of fact, fewer people make it easier to handle! If you don't go, then I won't bother with this receipt, and tomorrow I'll announce that today's drinks were all for nothing…"
"Hey? You can't be serious…" Tetsuya began to draw out his words.
"Tetsuya-bro, just go!" Kazuya chimed in, and Hitoshi, who was being supported, nodded in agreement. Tetsuya sighed inwardly.
"That's the spirit…" Seeing that Tetsuya was no longer resisting, Shu Daisuke snatched the receipt from Tetsuya's hand, as he tucked his bag under one arm and threw an arm around Tetsuya's shoulders, turning to head down a small path toward the back of the building. After a few steps, he looked back and tossed out, "You two, come on more quickly…" Kazuya, supporting Hitoshi, exchanged hesitant glances, then nodded. They were concerned about leaving Tetsuya alone.