Chapter 113 - The Abode of Love
(1)
Humming along~♪
Getting dressed: complete♪
Preparation: OK♪
"Well then, Rie-chan is heading out~♪"
"Have a safe trip~"
I arrived at the house two doors down.
And I pressed the doorbell.
"It's Tosaka."
"Yes, Airi-chan, come on in~"
Maya-san opened the door for me.
Once let inside, I headed straight for the kitchen.
My personal apron was already prepared.
I placed my things on the living room sofa and put on the apron.
Then, I stood in the kitchen with Maya-san.
Cooking is my role.
Maya-san's role is to guide me.
This is something we've been doing ever since the birthday.
I've learned many things.
Like the taste of tamagoyaki Toya-kun prefers, or the richness of the soup.
When making omelets, he apparently likes it when cheese and nutmeg are added.
And never forget the fried chicken for the bento.
On holidays, I sometimes make lunch too.
I also properly handle the laundry and the dishes.
Once the cooking is finished and the meal is set on the table, I go to wake Toya-kun.
I wonder how I should wake him today?
I wonder how he'll be waiting for me today?
...Maybe I'll go with something simple today?
As a return for when it's my turn.
Today is December 7th.
It's your birthday, you know?
I softly opened the door to find Toya-kun fast asleep.
I looked around the room. It's clean.
Which means he's really just sleeping, right?
I softly approached Toya-kun's side.
A peaceful sleeping face.
What kind of dream are you having?
Your sweet sleeping breath pierces my chest.
Because the morning I spend with Toya-kun is the most important...
I am gazing only at you...
I softly pressed my lips against Toya-kun's lips.
...Toya-kun didn't wake up.
Just how deep in a dream are you immersed?
I pressed my ear to Toya-kun's chest and listened closely.
I could hear his heartbeat.
And when I closed my eyes, I felt as if I could see his dream.
My face grew hot.
A dream where Toya-kun pulls me close and sleeps quietly.
Wait, I can't just leave things like this, can I?
Because I know everything about you.
Even your weak points.
"Toya-kun, it's morning."
Saying that, I breathed into his ear.
Toya-kun immediately sat up.
And then he searched for me.
"Good morning, Toya-kun."
He found my face and answered.
"Good morning, Airi."
Toya-kun hugged me.
I'm the one who's supposed to give the present.
What are you doing, giving me a present, Toya-kun?
I took the present out of my bag and handed it to Toya-kun.
"Happy Birthday."
I chose a planner.
Did I mess up?
"Thank you. I'll use it carefully."
He was happy. Thank goodness~
"Hurry up and change. Breakfast will get cold."
I said that, rushing him.
"It's delicious."
Just those few words make me so happy.
But today isn't just about that, you know.
Once Toya-kun finished eating, he headed to the washroom.
In the meantime, I consulted with Maya-san.
"Excuse me, about today's dinner..."
(2)
Airi has been in a good mood since this morning.
I'm not entirely sure why.
Is Airi in a good mood because it's my birthday?
But it's not just limited to today.
She's been in a good mood since around the end of last month.
It's probably because I said, "Let's live together someday."
Did it get translated in her brain to "Let's get married"?
Airi's good mood continued at school.
Usually, she'd stop me from going to the school store to buy bread by saying, "You have a bento, right!" but that didn't happen today.
Is she thinking about something? Is her imagination running wild? She didn't even seem to notice that I went to buy something.
It seemed other people noticed Airi's good mood too.
Kanna was asking Airi.
"Airi. Did something happen? You've been acting kind of flighty lately."
Kanna seems to be in a good mood too, though. Probably because Makoto's path after graduation was decided.
Apparently, Kanna was also invited to a party at Makoto's house.
She didn't tell me exactly what happened there.
But something good probably happened.
"Not really~ nothing's up~♪"
Airi, you're blatantly appealing the fact that you're in a good mood.
Sashihara-san joined in.
"I thought so too. I heard a bit from Watanabe-kun. Don't tell me Airi intends to move in with Katagiri-kun too!?"
"He did ask, but I turned him down~♪ I told him there's no need to rush~♪"
"Oh? What a waste. To turn down such an offer."
When Eguchi-san said that, Airi shook her head.
"Even if we moved in together now, we'd just be living off our parents' allowances, right? Our houses are close. Our parents approve, so I can stay over whenever I want. If that's the case, I thought maybe we don't need to move in together right now~♪"
I was indeed told the same thing.
I said that it's pathetic, isn't it?
But Airi acknowledged it.
"I think the fact that you can feel it's pathetic is actually something great," she said.
"Then why are you in such a good mood?"
When Kanna asked, Airi looked at my face—or so it seemed—smiled, and said:
"Because Toya-kun is kind. He eats the food and tells me it's delicious. When we wake up in the morning, when we study at night, he flirts with me. He smiles no matter what we're doing. He's so kind that there's no end to it if I start listing things."
I see.
While bathed in the collective gaze of the three girls, I was convinced.
A girl who feels happiness in the small things. For better or worse, she has no greed.
That's what Airi's father told me, right?
She pouts or acts selfish sometimes, but thinking about it, it's not that big a deal.
I think of Airi.
Just that makes me feel happy.
I thought about holding back since it's before exams, but believing her words that "there'll be no problem if you study as usual," maybe I'll do something for her?
Lunch break
"That guy Makoto is attending driving school. After school."
Kanna suddenly brought it up.
I see, since university entrance exams are over, he's bored.
He should be practicing soccer or something.
"Once he goes to university, soccer practice will start again, right? So he said it's better to get it over with now."
"I see."
Airi's way of seasoning the fried chicken is perfect, too.
When I told Airi that, she looked happy and said, "Thank you♪"
"And then, 'Kanna, what kind of car do you want to ride?' he asks. When I told him 'I'll buy my own, so buy whatever you like,' he said 'I want to go for drives together. It'll be a problem then.'"
"Drives together~ how nice~"
Airi said that and looked at my face.
Isn't she getting ahead of herself when she doesn't even have a license yet?
"Makoto apparently wants a one-box type. When I asked the reason, I was stunned. 'Because it's better to have more space for doing it in the car, right?'... I guess that's just the kind of guy he is..."
"...Kanna, are you troubled again?"
Airi was asking Kanna.
"Hmm, for example, if Toya were to binge-eat like he did before, would Airi be troubled? Would she get angry?"
"Well, I'd get angry, but I wouldn't be serious, I guess? I've already given up and accepted that's just how it is. I'd feel like, 'my boyfriend is that kind of person,' I suppose."
"I'm the same. Makoto's thing probably won't be cured. I'll just accept it as part of who he is. Apparently, his feelings are genuine."
"I see... But, Toya-kun. Just because of that, don't think for a second that I'll let you eat however you want!"
Ugh, right after she said she'd accept me.
"No detours today! We're going straight home!"
"Airi, I'm thinking of properly listening to Airi's detailed wishes. So, my detailed wishes too..."
It's my birthday, it should be fine, right?
"I'll properly grant those. So listen to my detailed wishes♪"
Airi, gesturing as she pleaded with an upturned gaze.
She's doing that on purpose, isn't she?
"...Alright."
"Yay. By the way, Toya-kun?"
What? Is there still something else?
Don't tell me she found out I ate the yakisoba bread!?
"What kind of car do you want to ride, Toya-kun?"
"I don't even have a license yet, you know?"
"But you'll get your license after graduation, right?"
"That's true, but..."
"Do you... want to do it in the car after all?"
"I don't think there's any need to do it in the car specifically."
"I'm getting my license too~. Rie-chan told me to stick to a domestic kei car."
"Why?"
"Because it's convenient for commuting. So, I thought when we go out, I'll use Toya-kun's car."
Ah, she intends to make me drive when she commutes too, huh?
And she intends to make me drive when we go out too, huh? So my car is the most important thing.
"I'm fine with any kind, because just sitting next to Toya-kun makes me happy~. Let's look at car catalogs together next time."
"First, after university entrance exams are over."
That said, I've more or less decided.
I asked Father, and I heard that cars with a high driver's seat are easier to drive and better.
Also, I have absolutely no intention of vulgarly lowering the ride height or adding aero parts to a luxury car.
Then, what kind would be good?
Something that can fit a lot of luggage and has a decent amount of horsepower... maybe an SUV.
If there's a decent amount of space and it's relaxing, I have no complaints.
Fuel efficiency... I guess I don't care much about that?
I probably won't be going out that much anyway, right?
"Well, I'll decide slowly after I get my license."
"I see, the fun part comes later, right♪"
"By the way, Airi. ...Are Airi-mama and the others okay with it?"
"With what?"
"Um, with commuting by my driving."
Airi made a pouty face.
"Is Toya-kun the type to let a girl drive while he just spaces out in the passenger seat?"
"If Airi likes driving, I'll do that, but..."
"I want to do things like put gum in Toya-kun's mouth while sitting next to him~"
Ah, that thing that looks like a total lovey-dovey couple from behind.
Even though she's looking sideways, isn't that as dangerous as driving while using a smartphone?
(3)
"You came again... Masashi."
I looked around the room.
It's cluttered as always.
The curtains remained closed.
"Are you going to school?"
"You don't have to worry, I'm going. Masashi, you worry too much!"
Mika was lying on the bed, watching television.
I couldn't tell if she was actually watching it or just had it on.
"Have you decided on your path?"
"I've decided on a place of employment."
"Ho, did you pass the interview?"
I was surprised.
I thought, she actually did her job hunting properly.
But that thought was short-lived.
"Permanent employment as Masashi's wife."
Was I a fool for believing her?
"That's a joke. It's been decided that I'll work at a local restaurant."
I see, that's good.
"Once we live together, I'll let Masashi eat delicious food."
"I'm looking forward to that."
"Are you doubting my skill?"
"It's not that."
Rather, I'm more worried about whether she'll become a kitchen drinker.
"I think I'll be able to get my driver's license soon, too."
"I see, since your employment was decided."
"Masashi, I'll take you wherever you like."
"Just spare me the drunk driving."
Saying that, I must have offended Mika, because she breathed into my face.
There was no smell of alcohol.
"See? Even so, I'm enduring. Since the day Masashi told me 'Let's live together.' I've been working hard, thinking 'I have to get it together too!'"
"I see, sorry about that."
Despite that, the room is a mess.
"That's right. Since you're here, stay over today. Anyway, Gramps and Granny aren't coming home. I'll show off my skill."
"I'll come slowly on a holiday. Today I just came to check on you."
"It's okay even if you don't come every day, you know? Trust me a little."
"That's my intention, I have exams soon."
"Masashi has it rough too... good luck."
"Yeah, thanks."
Saying that, I stood up.
"Are you leaving already?"
Mika said that with an anxious face.
"If you're going to come out of worry... be a little kinder to me."
Saying that, Mika clung to me?
I hugged Mika and said:
"Mika... sorry. Normally, I should be aiming for employment too, but..."
"Masashi is smart. Do whatever you want to do."
I'll rely on those words for now.
"Is Toya and the others doing well?"
Mika asked abruptly.
"Yeah, it seems they're the same as always, yet not."
"Did something happen!?"
Mika's expression changed instantly.
"Don't tell me he got stabbed again!?"
"No, that's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean?"
"Those two apparently grew again. Tosaka-san too, but the way Toya looks at Tosaka-san has become gentler. Tosaka-san probably feels that too. She's become even gentler."
"They're a good couple."
"They are."
"Let's become like that too."
"That's my intention."
I intend to always look at Mika with those eyes, though?
Thinking that, I looked at Mika's face.
Mika was also looking at my face.
Eventually, Mika closed her eyes and approached me.
I accepted that intention.
(4)
Today, she really didn't allow any detours.
As expected, when I tried to stop by a Convenience Store, I was scolded by Airi.
"Aren't you thirsty?"
"There's juice when we get home!"
Not even allowing a drink, what happened?
Did I mess up something without noticing?
I thought about it calmly.
...She was in a good mood until noon.
But since noon, the "no eating on the way" declaration was issued.
Today is my birthday.
Just a little bit of my selfishness...
"Toya-kun, look out!"
I know, it's a red light, right?
I gripped the brakes and stopped.
I took classes in the afternoon, did cleaning, did HR, and then headed home.
Yeah, I didn't do anything.
Is "my birthday" the keyword?
Suddenly, everything in front of me went dark.
It seems Airi covered my eyes.
"Shall I guess what you're thinking~?"
You've probably seen right through me anyway, right?
If so, just tell me the answer.
"Because I want you to keep your stomach empty today."
?
...Ah, so that's it.
"Airi, the mock exams start tomorrow, you know? Is it okay?"
"I'm the same as always."
Airi's "same as always" is certainly okay.
Airi returned to her own house first, changed into room wear, and then came to my house.
Bringing large luggage.
She's relentless even though it's before mock exams.
"Toya-kun, study by yourself! I have some studying to do in the kitchen."
Saying that, Airi left the room.
Eventually, a good smell drifted in.
This smell... what is it?
"It's ready... please go call Toya."
"Yes~"
Airi appeared in the room wearing an apron.
"It's done~"
On the table, a luncheon mat was spread, pure white plates were lined up, and salad, soup, and the main roast beef and bread were served.
"Well then, Toya. Happy Birthday."
When Father said that, we began the meal.
"It's delicious!"
When I said that one sentence, Airi looked satisfied.
"It's really delicious. Did Airi-chan make all of this?"
Father was surprised.
"That's right, I just checked the seasoning a bit."
Mother apparently just watched from the side.
"I'm glad it was to your liking."
Airi said that while blushing.
"But that's not all."
Saying that, Airi took a large box out of the refrigerator.
"I made this yesterday..."
It was a birthday cake.
"Airi, thank you."
"No, because you're always taking care of me."
Airi seemed happier.
Once we finished all of that, Mother said, "I'll do the cleaning, so Airi-chan, go take a bath," but Airi shook her head.
"Cleaning is part of the job."
Well, I can go in now, right?
Poke
"Toya-kun, please relax in the living room."
Silent pressure that we'll take the bath together.
Well, it's too late for that now, so it's fine.
"You've given up on your futile struggles too, huh..."
Father muttered. Was Father like that too?
"It seems the men around me tend to fall for women of that nature. It seems to be the same at Tosaka-san's place."
"Dear, I can hear you."
Mother's smile has never felt as terrifying as it did today.
After the cleaning was finished and I took a bath.
Airi is drying her hair.
I am drinking juice after the bath.
Once she finished drying her hair, she looked at the table and said, "Now then, shall we check Toya-kun's studying?"
"Wait! You haven't done any at all!?"
Airi was surprised, spotting the game console controller rolling on the floor.
"The mock exam is tomorrow! What are you doing!?"
"Airi was cooking too, right?"
"Is Toya-kun the kind of person who plays games while his wife is cooking?"
"It's my birthday today, so it's fine no matter what I do, right?"
"Ugh, just this once!"
Airi said that and tried to line up the study materials on the table, but I placed my hand over hers.
Airi looked at me in surprise.
Realizing the true intent, Airi said:
"Wa-wait, it's still study time..."
"Just for today, it's fine, right?"
"U-ugh... b-but wait, it's still early. And my mental preparation..."
"Airi always catches me by surprise."
"U-ugh..."
Airi is troubled.
She's really cute.
"Then, until I can mentally prepare, let's watch TV... ow!"
"You said the mock exam is tomorrow, right? Study until you're mentally prepared♪"
"Can you actually prepare that way?"
"I can♪"
Airi said calmly.
She moved next to me and opened the notebook.
I'm the one getting nervous now.
Even though I'm the one who invited her...
"Actually, I'm OK anytime. But I don't want to hold Toya-kun back. That's why I study."
Saying that, Airi smiled.
I don't think I'm in a state to study.
"It'll be fine if it's Toya-kun. Because Toya-kun enters 'flow' immediately."
I mean, I have the absolute time known as Sage Time, but Airi is blocking me from entering that world.
"Am I in the way?"
Airi made an expression as if appealing with an upturned gaze.
How many times do I have to say that expression and voice are unfair... tell me.
After that, we studied... and it turns out it's surprisingly easy to enter that "flow" state.
The climax arrived, and it felt as if not much time had passed until Airi spoke.
After that, we put away the study materials and entered the bed together.
"Airi..."
Just as I said that and tried to undress her, I noticed.
Airi was sleeping peacefully.
She worked hard today, after all.
That said, she is sleeping peacefully and defenseless in front of me.
She probably wouldn't notice even if I undressed her, and she probably wouldn't get angry.
I can imagine her hugging me happily.
"Toya-kun..."
Airi clung to me while saying such things in her sleep.
What kind of dream are you having?
I softly pulled Airi close.
A single breath of Airi's sleep won't let me go.
The time I spend thinking of Airi changes me.
"I love you."
I can't say it well, but I want you to be by my side forever, with an unadorned heart.
Because I'll accept Airi's selfishness, weakness, and tears, without leaving a single one behind.
The abode of love is within Airi.
That said, how should I process this feeling of lust?
Should I just watch an erotic DVD?
I told you, right?
I'm being hugged by Airi right now.
Should I wake Airi up?
That would be pitiful, wouldn't it?
...I'll resign myself.
There are plenty of chances.
Many times from here on.
I also fell asleep.
Because the morning I spend in the same place as Airi is the most important.