Chapter 140 - The Beginning of Rest
(1)
The final exams, which lasted over a week, came to an end. Having successfully earned our credits, we entered a long summer vacation.
The courses for the second semester were already decided. I let Airi take whatever she liked, and just as I imagined, it looked like the second semester would be tough for her too.
I decided I would take it easy and relax during this vacation period, which spanned two months.
...Or so I thought, but
"Toya-kun, it's morning~, time for breakfast~"
Airi was full of energy from the start of the day.
Airi's parents? Naturally, they had gone on a trip for the Obon holiday.
"It's okay to leave Airi-chan in Toya-kun's care, right~?"
"U-uhm... I leave my daughter to you."
I didn't even feel like pointing out the absurdity anymore.
My own parents hadn't returned to their hometown either.
I suggested that we tag along, but they refused, saying that they wouldn't let us because Katsuya might be coming.
Since everywhere is crowded during the Obon holiday, Airi and I had promised to go out and play after the holiday ended.
Airi spent her time cooking, doing laundry, and cleaning.
She just kept working.
Naturally, I couldn't just stand by and watch, so I tried to help, but...
"Toya-kun worked hard for the finals, so please just relax," she said...
Airi worked hard for the finals too, didn't she?
"I'm not such a lazy husband that I'd let Airi work all by herself," I said, and though I tried to help, I realized once again that one shouldn't try to do things they aren't used to.
"Hmm, as long as you let me be spoiled tonight, it's fine," she replied, and I ended up being banished to my room.
So, I played games by myself.
Around evening, she asked me, "Toya-kun, please take me shopping."
We went to the supermarket in Airi's car.
Snacks were a no-go, but juice was okay.
Airi appraised the cooking ingredients and placed them in the shopping basket one after another.
I was the one holding it.
After looking around, we lined up at the register and paid.
Once that was finished, Airi opened an eco-bag and neatly packed the things we bought.
It was my role to carry that eco-bag filled with luggage, though.
"This kind of date isn't bad either,"
Airi smiled.
I wonder if you can call this a date.
I looked around.
I could see several couples and married pairs who looked just like us.
I wonder if they feel the same way?
I'm not used to this yet, so I don't really know.
When we returned home, Airi began preparing dinner.
"Is there anything I can help with?"
"Hmm."
Airi looked conflicted.
"Then, could you wash the rice for me?"
I didn't know how to do it.
Airi taught me.
Ah, I actually did it quite well.
"You're good at it."
Airi praised me.
In that way, I supported Airi's cooking.
"Could you prepare the bowls?"
When I prepared the bowls, Airi put the rice in and placed the cooked food on top.
It smelled great.
Today's menu was pork kimchi bowls, salad, and miso soup.
She gave me a large serving of the bowl.
She remembered.
The two of us sat side-by-side at the table and said, "Itadakimasu," before taking a bite of the pork kimchi bowl.
Ah, it's quite delicious.
"It's just like you said, Airi. It's better than the university cafeteria."
"Ehehe~. I just looked up how to make it on the internet, though."
I've heard that there is no seasoning that beats affection, and that is exactly right.
After finishing the meal, I helped clean up and told Airi to go in first; Airi prepared a change of clothes and went to the bath.
After Airi went in, I took my turn.
After bathing, Airi started the washing machine.
Then, while watching TV in my room, Airi filled out the entries in her household account book.
Around the time the washing machine stopped (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads 泊まる/stay), Airi spread out the laundry and ironed it.
At that moment, my smartphone rang.
It was from Father.
"Where are you two now? What are you doing?"
"We're at home, just relaxing."
"You're making Airi-chan work again, aren't you! Take her somewhere to have some fun!"
"It's Obon, so everywhere is crowded. The only place to go is shopping."
"If you keep doing that, Airi-chan's frustration will explode eventually."
I wonder if Father had experienced that himself?
"Summer vacation is long, so I'll take her out after the holidays end."
"Toya, do you intend to finish your university life with nothing but studying? Getting caught in a traffic jam is also a good memory. You have a car, so even just a drive would be fine, right?"
It's that drive being crowded that I hate.
"Anyway, take her somewhere for at least one day."
With that, the call ended.
I really did intend to go out after the holidays ended, though.
For now, I told Airi the contents of the call.
"Then, let's go for a drive. I'll leave the destination to you, Toya-kun! Ah, I have to prepare lunch boxes."
"It's fine, we'll look for a place to eat lunch on the way."
There's no point if I make Airi tired.
"Hmm, then let's do that."
Saying so, Airi watched TV with me.
(2)
The next day, after finishing our preparations, we set out in the car.
The destination was already decided. Although we got caught in a traffic jam along the way.
It'll probably be like that until we reach the aquarium area anyway.
While chatting leisurely with Airi, I enjoyed the traffic jam.
Upon entering Beppu, we took a break at a convenience store along the way.
We bought rice balls, juice, and other things, and ate the rice balls.
The car passed through Route 10.
"Where are we going?"
"Showa-no-machi."
"Hoe?"
When we arrived at Showa-no-machi, we looked for a parking space. As expected, there were many people at this time of year.
We managed to park and explored Showa-no-machi.
This shopping district, where small mazes and townscapes reminiscent of the Showa era continued.
Airi enjoyed seeing various unusual things and took photos.
I wonder if she intends to upload them to social media?
She looked disgusted whenever she saw insects.
We took a break at a diner where whale meat could be eaten.
To be honest, it wasn't very delicious. However, I didn't leave any. Because that would be rude to the food.
After filling our stomachs, we strolled through the townscape and then started the car.
I intended to go back by circling around Route 213.
"Wow, the sea is beautiful."
Just as Airi said, it was a very wonderful road that passed through a complex coastline.
Of course, we also drove through the mountains.
Along the way, we stopped at a swimming beach.
"I didn't bring a swimsuit, you know?"
"I just want to see the sea."
A beautiful coastline.
The only people there were families.
There were almost no young women like the ones everyone expects.
Rather, such places are rare in the local area.
I simply enjoyed the scent of the tide and the waves at the water's edge.
Looking at the water's edge made me forget various things.
Things about studying... and various problems I was carrying. I immersed myself in my own world.
Poke poke.
Airi poked my cheek.
"Shall we go soon?"
I wanted to stay immersed for a little longer, though.
We approached the airport.
I stopped the car again.
A place where you can see planes taking off and landing.
We gazed at it leisurely from inside the car. This kind of time is important, isn't it?
That said, it seemed to be a boring time for Airi.
"Ah!"
I shouted inside the car. Airi was surprised.
Looking at Airi's face, I simply drove past.
Even though it was a shop famous for delicious steak...
I can just come back next time...
"Which one do you want?"
I asked Airi.
Use the highway, or go via the national road?
"Toya-kun wants to drive on the national road, right?"
Huh? Is Airi in a bad mood for some reason?
"If Airi wants to go home early, I'll use the highway."
Pout.
"As long as I'm driving with Toya-kun, I'll go anywhere. It's just that Toya-kun sometimes immerses himself in his own world, so I was just sulking."
"Sorry..."
"It's okay. Toya-kun needs maintenance too. If you were able to rest, that's the best thing."
"Thank you."
"No problem."
And so we drove along the national road.
By the time we merged with Route 10, the sun had set.
The sea dyed in the sunset.
Is that Saganoseki visible beyond the horizon?
We got caught in a traffic jam again.
"Airi, if you're tired, you can sleep. I'll look for a place to eat dinner."
"I'm not so heartless that I'd sleep right next to Toya-kun."
"You could trust me a little."
"It's my role to make sure Toya-kun doesn't get bored!"
Saying so, Airi started talking about various things.
Route 10 was heavily congested.
It was open in front of the aquarium, but it was crowded up to the Beppu exit and just before entering the city center.
By the time we returned to our hometown, it was completely night.
"Airi, is there anything you want to eat?"
"Pasta♪"
We stopped at a family restaurant.
"Bacon and spinach butter soy sauce set, and Margherita, and prosciutto and fresh mozzarella, and chocolate gelato."
"Rich sea urchin cream set, and Italian salad, and special tiramisu."
...It's rare for Airi to eat that much.
"Just so you know, I'm not eating this alone! Toya-kun, you have to eat vegetables!"
After getting juice from the drink bar, we returned to our seats.
"Did you enjoy today?"
"Yes."
"That's good."
"Toya-kun, didn't you enjoy it?"
Airi took some salad on a small plate and handed it to me.
I answered while eating it.
"I enjoyed it, I got to see various things."
"Toya-kun, you knew about Showa-no-machi quite well."
"You were watching News Wide the other day, right? They were featuring it then."
"I see~."
When the pizza and pasta arrived, I cut the pizza for her.
She also bought souvenirs, so she seemed very satisfied.
That said, I've already been to most of the places I know...
Maybe I'll buy a leisure magazine next time.
While thinking, snacking on pizza and eating pasta, my smartphone rang.
I wiped my hands and looked at the phone.
"Let's go play somewhere tomorrow."
I consulted with Airi.
Airi answered, "Okay."
"That's fine, but where are we going?"
"I'll leave it to you guys."
When I told Airi that, she answered, "Then, an amusement park!"
"Won't it be crowded?"
"Couldn't we just go from the evening? I want to relax in the morning."
"Got it."
When I told Makoto that...
"Then, let's have a BBQ at Shidaka Lake at noon!"
He really likes BBQs.
I asked Airi. Airi was also laughing.
"Why not just let Makoto-kun do as he likes?" Airi said.
I sent an "Understood" stamp.
"Since we're at it, why don't we have a full gathering of the Watanabe squad?" from Makoto.
"Yeah, sure."
"Gather at Shidaka Lake tomorrow at 12:00 for a BBQ!"
It was written in the group message.
I received OK replies from several people.
There were no replies from Eguchi-san, Ishihara-kun, and Shimizu-san.
I wonder if they've gone somewhere?
(3)
The ones who gathered at Shidaka Lake were me and Airi, Kanna and Makoto, Watanabe-kun and Mika-san, and Kiritani-kun and Sashihara-san, totaling eight people.
"Well, it was a sudden full gathering, so it's a lot that we got this many," said Watanabe-kun.
But this really is a group that loves BBQs.
Shouldn't we change the name to "BBQ Appreciation Society"?
...I feel like there was a similar circle somewhere.
Once the preparations for grilling meat were ready, we took our drinks and toasted.
I had Airi get some meat for me. About twice as many vegetables came with it, but...
"Airi, more meat..."
"There are plenty of vegetables, you know."
"No, meat..."
"There are some, okay♪"
Coming to a BBQ and only being allowed to eat vegetables—just how much of a vegetarian am I supposed to be!
I don't remember turning to such a weak ideology.
Mika-san was grilling meat with a silver can in one hand.
"This is good meat, so don't burn it!" she was saying.
Yeah, I want to eat it before it burns, but there isn't enough meat.
"Toya-kun, are you hungry?"
"Yes, so meat..."
"There are plenty of rice balls too♪"
Does Airi want to keep me from eating meat no matter what?
"Listen, Airi?"
"Wha~t?"
"Carbohydrates are worse for the body. You have to eat in balance..."
"What's this—Toya, you haven't eaten meat? Eat up!"
Saying so, Mika-san gave me an even larger amount of meat... This is what I was waiting for!
"Uugh..."
Ah, Airi's mood is getting worse. I need a good method.
"Airi, shall we ride a boat after we eat?"
"A boat?"
"Yes, shall we give food to the fishies?"
"...Yes♪"
These days, I'm starting to think that I've completely mastered Airi's instruction manual.
"Eita, I want to ride a boat too."
"I've never rowed a boat!"
"I guess it can't be helped, I'll settle for a swan boat."
Kanna and the others were also talking.
"Kanna, shall we also ride a boat..."
"Whenever I'm alone with you, I have nothing but bad premonitions."
"T-that's not true."
"Well, I guess it's fine..."
"Masashi, shall we ride too!?"
When Mika-san said that, Watanabe-kun said, "Yeah, sure."
Once everyone finished eating, they cleaned up and then went to the boat dock.
Once we got on the boat, we began to row.
When we had moved quite far from the boat dock, Airi looked at the water's surface.
"Wow, there are so many fishies~♪"
Airi threw food to the carp. Sometimes she was mean and hit the carp's face with the food.
Eventually, when the food ran out, Airi said regretfully.
"There's no more food, sorry, fishies."
"Airi, look around you."
"?...Wow, it's beautiful."
The blue lake surface and the lush green shores. While fully enjoying those, we returned to the boat dock.
Since it seemed there was still time before the other members returned, I bought another portion of food for Airi.
"You can give them food from the pier too."
When I told Airi that, Airi began feeding the carp near the pier.
While she was doing that, everyone returned.
Airi was still absorbed in feeding the fish.
Eventually, timing it for when the food ran out, I spoke to Airi.
"Everyone's back, so shall we go soon?"
Airi nodded with a smile and went to the washing area to wash her hands.
"You've gotten used to handling Tosaka-san, haven't you?"
Watanabe-kun told me. Well, it's already the seventh year, after all.
"It's nice for Airi. I'm still treated like a child," said Mika-san.
"Mika is still better off; I'm thought of as nothing more than a toy," said Kanna.
"I cherish Kanna too," said Makoto.
I think he's probably mistaken in the direction of how to cherish her.
(4)
After leaving Shidaka Lake, the next place we headed to was the amusement park.
Apparently, it's open until 21:00 today.
It's my first time on a scream machine at night.
It'll probably be okay, right?
After buying tickets, we entered.
"Alright, everyone's free until closing time!"
They said that, but everyone was heading in the same direction.
Everyone's aim is the same, huh. Toya-kun seems to be different, though.
"There's something I want to try."
I wonder what it is?
Toya-kun is unfair.
There's no one who can beat Toya-kun at putt-putt golf.
Look, he's immersed in his own world again and sinks it in one putt.
Maybe I'll be a little mean.
"Wah!!"
I startled him.
The surprised Toya-kun missed the course. But, I know. Because it's my voice, you'll notice, right? Thank you.
After finishing putt-putt golf, we rode scream-type machines relentlessly.
My whole body hurts from the rattling and shaking, but it's fun. So this is the feeling he enjoys.
I can feel this way because Toya-kun is here. Thank you.
Toya-kun is mindful of the time.
What's wrong?
There's still over an hour left, you know?
Bored? Tired? Want to go home early?
"There's one I want to ride."
Okay, Toya-kun's occasional selfishness. I'll listen to it. Because it's usually something wonderful.
This time was no different. What we rode was the Ferris wheel; the changing scenery was fireworks floating in the night sky.
Come to think of it, I haven't seen fireworks yet this year.
I want to go see a fireworks festival too. The list of places I want to go has increased again.
But let's take care of things we can do first.
Telling myself to do it little by little, let's make our wishes come true.
When the time came, everyone gathered at the entrance gate.
"What should we do for dinner?"
"Given the time, there aren't many options left."
"Which side should we go?"
"It's close, so shall we go through the mountains and stop at a family restaurant in Yufuin?"
He listened to my selfishness earlier, so he'll listen to my selfishness too, right?
"Toya-kun, I'd prefer the sea."
I whispered softly into Toya-kun's ear.
"Sorry, we'll split up here. It seems Airi has a place she wants to stop by."
"I see. Well, see ya."
When Watanabe-kun said that, the six of them headed toward the cars.
We also headed toward the car.
"So, why did you prefer the sea?"
Toya-kun asked. I can't tell him that I wanted to be alone with him.
"The night view is prettier by the sea, right?"
"I see."
"Would it have been better with everyone?"
"No, I was just curious for some reason."
And so, while descending the mountain, we enjoyed the night view, ate at a family restaurant on the way, and returned home.
When we got home, Papa-san and Rie-chan had returned.
Toya-kun's parents had also returned.
But, there's not much need to return to my own home, right? Most of my things are at Toya-kun's house.
I've been allowed to move in.
When we returned to Toya-kun's house, Toya-kun's father was calling for Toya-kun.
"Ah, Airi-chan, please go back to your room."
Maya-san said that.
So that's how it is.
"I'll ask Toya-kun anyway, and since Toya-kun said he wouldn't keep secrets, it's the same. Please let me hear."
When I said that, Toya-kun's father had us sit on the living room sofa.
Opposite us were Toya-kun's parents.
"To put it briefly, I've broken ties."
"Huh?"
Toya-kun asked, looking puzzled.
The content was this.
They desired an arranged marriage between Katsuya-kun and me.
Toya-kun's father refused it.
The uncle said it would be pitiful for Katsuya.
He said why not let him find his own partner.
As a result, they had a falling out.
"So from now on, you don't have to be involved with the Inoue family anymore," said Toya-kun's father.
"But Mother, are you okay with that?" Toya-kun asked.
"After being told that much, I can't feel like being on friendly terms," Maya-san said.
Am I causing trouble again?
The blood drained from my face.
Toya-kun placed his hand on my shoulder.
"You don't have to worry," Toya-kun said.
"That's right, Airi-chan, please be happy with Toya. Since you'll be at your aunt's house from tomorrow, you can fully enjoy your rest," he told me.
I squeezed Toya-kun's hand.
Let's be happy together.
I swore it firmly.
The vacation has only just begun.