Chapter 148 - The Gathered Ones
(1)
Clink, clink.
The door bell rings.
"Welcome, Katagiri-kun, Tosaka-san."
The one who spoke was Sakai Yoshiyuki-kun, who works part-time at this shop.
He's a friend from the same faculty at the same university. We met at the university entrance ceremony. He's someone who played soccer at the same high school as Makoto. Apparently, his position was goalkeeper.
Coffee Shop "Blue Bird."
It seems we've become complete regulars.
A cute waitress comes to take our order.
"Will you both have the usual?"
This girl's name is Ichinose Honoka.
She's the ex-girlfriend of Sakai-kun, whom I met at this shop.
Triggered by a minor incident, she started dating Sakai-kun's friend, Nakajima Ryuji-kun, who is currently sitting at the counter.
On top of being cute, she's got a big chest.
Actually big. So big that it makes me think, So women like this really exist. I mean, can she even see her own feet?
Poke.
"I wonder where you're looking~? Toya-kun."
Sitting next to me is my girlfriend, Tosaka Airi. According to Airi, "I'm not your girlfriend~ I'm your fiancée~," or so she says.
Actually, it seems the Katagiri and Tosaka families have arranged for us to date on the premise that we will marry.
She sulks easily and acts selfishly, but that's what makes her cute. Even when I say she's being selfish, it's always over something trivial, and even when I tell her she can be more selfish, she still only makes cute requests.
"Toya, you're showing a manly side, aren't you."
The one saying that while sipping coffee across from me is my friend from high school, Watanabe Masashi-kun.
He's the one who created the Watanabe Squad and serves as the group's leader.
The Watanabe Squad was a group that happened to be together during a high school school trip, and since then, he's been giving us advice on all sorts of things.
He also has a troublesome side where he finds people without partners, drags them into the Watanabe Squad, and forces them to find a lover.
Even though we're at different universities, we keep in close contact using a group chat.
Even with the power of the Watanabe Squad, there are some loves that didn't come to fruition.
Like the case with Sakai-kun earlier...
"Does Kana prefer younger or older? If it's older, I could introduce someone."
Sitting next to Watanabe-kun while drinking a cola is his girlfriend, Kuze Mika-san.
She went to a different high school, but she became a member of the Watanabe Squad because she's Watanabe-kun's girlfriend.
By the way, she didn't go to university and apparently works at an eatery.
She seems to have a complicated relationship with her parents and is currently living with Watanabe-kun.
And then there's Oshima Kana-san.
A girl from the same university and same class who recently joined the Watanabe Squad.
She joined the Watanabe Squad as a friend of Airi. Apparently, she wants a boyfriend, but she gets nervous and lacks confidence in herself.
She's plenty beautiful, kind, and I think she'd be popular. But apparently, she becomes reserved in front of people she likes.
She's a serious and fashionable girl.
"I'd prefer someone older, but if possible, someone close in age would be better,"
Oshima-san said while drinking iced tea.
"In that case, I'm a bit too old. Toya, don't you have any male friends?"
And so, Mika-san turned the conversation to me.
Ah, my name is Katagiri Toya.
For some reason, I'm spending my school life carrying the expectations of both the Katagiri and Tosaka families.
Through high school and university, I've somehow made it this far while under pressure from Airi.
Apparently, I'm already considered engaged to Airi.
Again, I don't remember proposing. I intend to properly propose once I graduate from university and can stand on my own.
Airi laughs and says, "Words aren't necessary, we'll be together forever anyway," but I want to settle things properly.
Clink, clink.
Another customer entered.
"Hello, you've already started, I see."
A woman wearing a denim jacket over a pale pink dress arrived, bringing along a man who was about the same height as a woman.
The man was dressed in a T-shirt and cargo pants.
The woman's name is Eguchi Emi-san. Both her parents are entrepreneurs, and she was raised as a young lady.
In high school, she started dating a man, Ishihara Nozomi-kun. There's a feeling that the Watanabe Squad's power forced them together.
Although I'd known Ishihara-kun since the first year of high school, I couldn't make friends because of my interactions with Airi.
According to Watanabe-kun, "Your friendships are too thin, you need to make more friends!"
But I had friends too.
Tada Makoto and Otonashi Kanna, who are also sitting at the counter like Nakajima-kun. These two are also dating.
Both have been friends since middle school; Makoto is handsome, and Kanna is beautiful—a couple without flaws.
Kanna said, "Makoto is just an idiot and a pervert," but Kanna is probably the only one who can say such things so nonchalantly.
Makoto plays soccer at a private university. He told me many times to play soccer, but he doesn't say it anymore. It's probably because we're at different schools.
"You absolutely must not play soccer. Our team would lose."
What a selfish logic. Well, I have no intention of doing it anyway.
The four of us spent a mediocre school life through middle and high school, but I've made many friends through the Watanabe Squad.
"W-welcome."
Sakai-kun's voice is trembling.
Probably because of her appearance.
That "her" is Shimizu-san.
The person called the Queen of the same university.
For some reason, she's taken an interest in Sakai-kun and is pressing him to date her.
According to Eguchi-san, she's a "pitiful woman who doesn't know when to give up," but I actually don't understand what she likes about Sakai-kun.
Sakai-kun apparently asked her, but the reason is supposedly unclear.
Something like, "I fell in love with Sakai-kun's eyeballs."
Yeah, that's definitely incomprehensible.
The last ones to enter were Kiritani-kun and Sashihara-san.
Kiritani Eita. An acquaintance since the first year of high school.
We became friends during the second-year school trip. He loves tokusatsu and apparently watches it every Sunday without fail. He has a playful, haphazard personality.
He's often scolded by his girlfriend, Sashihara Ai-san.
These two also fight often and talk about breaking up or not, but since they've made it this far, it'll probably work out.
Sashihara-san and Watanabe-kun possess a mysterious information network.
Generally, these two recruit single men and women into the Watanabe Squad and then pair them up haphazardly.
The reason we gathered today is regarding the latest victim, Oshima Kana-san.
"First, we have to do something about that nervousness habit,"
Sashihara-san says.
"I've been shy since I was little..."
Oshima-san speaks while looking down.
"That's exactly the problem. You have to start by looking people in the eye when you speak,"
Eguchi-san says.
"Y-yes."
Oshima-san says so, but she doesn't raise her face easily.
"Leave the boyfriend candidates to me. I've heard a top-notch method from Tosaka-san for the setting. The rest is Oshima-san's own problem."
"A top-notch method?"
"Yeah, a top-notch method. It might be optimal for Oshima-san."
"What kind of method is that?"
Eguchi-san asked Watanabe-kun.
"That is..."
"I see, the 'suspension bridge effect,' then."
Eguchi-san looked impressed.
"If that's the case, even Oshima-san can be managed!"
Sashihara-san also seems to agree.
"But the partner is the problem. We have to choose carefully."
"There's still time before the peak season. I'll take my time choosing."
Eguchi-san and Watanabe-kun were talking.
I looked at Oshima-san. Oshima-san says nothing, still looking down. Yeah, her looks aren't bad.
A beige shop coat and corduroy wide pants. A white shirt and a slightly fashionable outfit.
Her makeup is better than Airi's... though I won't say it out loud.
"Toya-kun?"
The unfortunate reason why a girl as fashionable as Oshima-san doesn't have a boyfriend is simply that she has a phobia of men. How can that be resolved?
Poke.
"Toya-kun... why are you captivated by Oshima-san?"
"Eh? No, I was just thinking about Oshima-san."
Poke, poke.
"Why is Toya-kun thinking about Oshima-san!"
"Because I want to help her somehow."
"Uuu... That's true, but..."
Leaving aside Airi, who was struggling with something, I spoke to Oshima-san.
"...Hey, Oshima-san? Do you have any hobbies?"
"Eh? Bowling or karaoke, maybe?"
"Then, next time let's go together—ouch!"
Poke.
"Toya-kun, I told you that you don't need the kind of courage it takes to hit on someone right next to your fiancée, right?"
Ah, I forgot to say "everyone."
"I meant let's all go together. It's not hitting on her or anything!"
"All of us?"
Oshima-san asked back, so I answered.
"Yeah, as part of group activities, we gather once a week when we can. So let's try hanging out with everyone."
"If that's the case..."
She took the bait. I might be able to ask various things now.
"What's your average in bowling?"
"About 150, I think. I even have my own ball."
"That's amazing. What do you sing at karaoke?"
"Hmm, I can sing various things. From the 90s to current songs."
"Heh, who do you like—"
Poke!
That actually hurt, Airi.
"As I thought, when Toya-kun says it, it looks like nothing but flirting!"
That's a prejudice, Airi.
"Toya, I'm always telling you... just think about Airi."
Kanna is angry too. Did I go too far?
"Did you activate some kind of ability on that side too? A technique that perfectly infiltrates the heart's defenses. Can't you just do anything now?"
No, I just had a normal conversation. Even Makoto could do that much.
I look at Airi. Whoa, she's really angry. What should I do?
"Airi is good at bowling too, right?"
"Yeah, I can get around 200, I think."
"You get 200? That's amazing. I'd definitely love to try it together once."
Oshima-san took the bait.
"Yeah, let's go together next time!"
Airi's mood seems to have improved.
"Then, the next meeting place will be an amusement facility," Watanabe-kun says, and everyone nods.
"Can we go too?" Nakajima-kun asked.
"Of course. You're in the group," Watanabe-kun says as if it's obvious.
"Don't worry about me," Sakai-kun said.
"I-I see. Sorry about that," Nakajima-kun replied.
"Well, shall we head out soon?" Watanabe-kun stands up.
True, having this many people gather at this time feels like we're occupying the place, which makes me feel a bit guilty.
"You don't have to worry about it, everyone is a customer."
The owner adds with a laugh that usually not that many people come.
I don't think that's a laughing matter, though.
(2)
Clink, clink.
The door bell rings.
The ones who entered were Katagiri-kun and Tosaka-san.
They visit often, even though it's summer vacation.
"When I'm at home, Airi works, so she tells me to take her somewhere,"
Katagiri-kun said.
I see, Tosaka-san said she's in a semi-live-in state.
Apparently, she's doing some kind of bridal training?
"The usual?"
"Yeah."
They come to this shop so often that "the usual" suffices.
I'm grateful they've taken a liking to this shop.
Though there are already two other customers in this shop for whom "the usual" works.
One is stationed at the counter, sipping coffee while chatting with Ichinose-san.
The other is... ah, she's here.
Clink, clink.
"Welcome."
"The usual, please."
Removing her sunglasses and taking off her hat, her—Shimizu-san—said.
"Oh? You were here too?"
Looking at Katagiri-kun and the others at the back table and Nakajima-kun at the counter, Shimizu-san spoke.
Shimizu-san sat next to Nakajima-kun and said to Ichinose-san.
"How enviable to have such a devoted boyfriend."
"Yes, he takes very good care of me."
Ready for battle already?
"I want a boyfriend like that too."
"Aren't there always people around you, Shimizu-san? People who would take good care of you."
I know that person isn't me. I hope it isn't.
"It seems the things one truly wants are unattainable."
Saying that, Shimizu-san glances toward me.
I avert my gaze.
"Surprisingly, they're often rolling around in close proximity."
"I've come to understand that recently."
"Is that so?"
Ichinose-san showed a surprised expression.
"Yes, though it was shocking when I noticed."
Saying that, she looks at me. Our eyes met for a moment. I hurriedly look away.
"Eh!? Shimizu-san, is there someone you like?"
Nakajima-kun asks something unnecessary.
"Yes, they're right in front of me."
I'm on the clock. I'm on the clock.
"Sakai-kun, the order is ready."
Since the master spoke, I go to the kitchen to pick it up. Then I take it to Katagiri-kun and the others.
In the meantime, Ichinose-san had handed a lemon tea to Shimizu-san.
"Thank you."
Saying so, Shimizu-san takes a sip of the lemon tea.
"How about you two? Is it going well?"
"Yes, every day is very fun,"
Ichinose-san said with a bright expression. Even I can tell it's not a business smile.
"I have club activities, so we can't meet every day. But if we come here, we can usually find each other."
While you guys are having fun, I'm on a bed of nails.
I feel like salt is being rubbed into my wound.
It's a shop I like, but it's no longer a fun workplace.
"So, is the person Shimizu-san likes perhaps Yoshiyuki?"
Why do you always say unnecessary things?
Just when the conversation had drifted...
"Yes, that's right. However, he's not easily swayed. I'm struggling."
Shimizu-san said it nonchalantly.
"Seriously!? Yoshiyuki! It was the same with Ichinose-san, but what the hell are you dissatisfied with?"
It's not that I'm refusing because I'm dissatisfied.
Because I wish for peace, I take the safest course of action.
It's just that, yet the people around me won't allow it.
Why won't they just leave me alone?
Falling in love has fun parts, but it also has painful parts.
I just thought I never want to taste that again.
That's all.
Besides, it looks like Shimizu-san is just teasing me.
Is there a merit that matches the risk of dating Shimizu-san?
Thinking about it that way, dating Shimizu-san is impossible.
"I'll be taking my leave now."
"Eh? You're leaving already? You should stay and relax a bit more..."
Despite Ichinose-san saying that, she left, saying, "I only came to see Sakai-kun's face."
It's been like this lately. She's become a convenient regular who leaves once her business is done.
I wonder what she's thinking?
The pushiness from before was gone. Or so it seemed.
(3)
Today is my day off from my part-time job.
We plan to play at an amusement facility together.
Katagiri-kun was supposed to come pick me up... he was.
I was sleeping until that time. I didn't notice.
Ding-dong.
I wake up to the sound of the doorbell.
Looking at the clock, it's slightly earlier than the promised time.
Ding-dong.
Yes, yes, I'm coming out now.
Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong.
A visitor spamming the doorbell.
Was Katagiri-kun that kind of character?
My smartphone rings.
The doorbell spamming is bothering me, but for now, I answer the phone.
It's from Shimizu-san.
When I answer the phone, the doorbell stops ringing.
"I'm waiting outside right now."
Huh?
"Katagiri-kun is coming to pick me up today, so it's fine."
"Haven't you checked the group chat?"
I checked the group chat.
"I'm coming to pick up Sakai-kun."
I froze.
"For now, could you open the door?"
I open the door as told...
It was shocking.
The Shimizu-san who had been a haughty but noble young lady until now was gone.
Wearing white short pants and a white T-shirt with a long checked shirt thrown over, her appearance fully utilized her attractive physique.
Wearing sunglasses and a white actress hat, she looks at me and smiles defiantly.
"I tried changing my clothes from the usual. Does it suit me?"
Showing off her beautiful leg lines, asserting her ample chest, and with a slender waist, her figure was almost too much to look at directly.
"Does it suit me?"
"I think it suits you very well."
"Then, let me know when you're ready. I'll wait here."
Shimizu-san has stepped inside my house.
After asking her to wait there, I put on the clothes I chose with Ichinose-san, fixed only my bedhead, and left the house with her.
Probably, we're the only ones in the prefecture going to an amusement facility in a limousine.
Stopping the limousine at the entrance, we naturally attract everyone's attention.
Then the gazes shift to the woman getting out. No one notices me coming out after her.
Even if they did, they'd probably just think I'm an attendant.
Shimizu-san, unbothered by the attention just as she was when we were on campus, suddenly links arms with me.
"Let's go, Sakai-kun."
A very bright voice.
"Hey, over here, over here!"
Looking toward the voice, Sashihara-san was waving her hand.
We head toward Sashihara-san and the others.
"As usual, you're satisfied with dragging along a small fry."
Eguchi-san's verbal attack.
Shimizu-san easily dodges it.
"He just clings to me on his own, so it can't be helped. Sorry if it bothers you."
Her response felt less like dodging and more like provoking.
"It's almost reservation time, so shall we go?"
Since Watanabe-kun said so, we followed.
As she said herself, Oshima-san seemed to be good at bowling.
Oshima-san, getting strike after strike and giving high-fives.
I wonder if she's opened up a bit?
While Katagiri-kun and I were cleaning the gutters.
"Toya-kun, let's fix your form more."
When Tosaka-san says that, she shows him by throwing once.
A perfect strike.
"Now look, you hold the ball like this..."
Katagiri-kun learns his form from Tosaka-san.
"Also, Toya-kun, you should just throw it more boldly. I told you before, right? 'If you're going to be embarrassed, be completely embarrassed.'"
When told by Tosaka-san, Katagiri-kun's look changes.
Can he see the trajectory of the ball in his eyes?
He throws as if placing it on that trajectory.
Tracing that trajectory, Katagiri-kun started getting strikes.
"Toya-kun really is amazing, you can do anything if you put your mind to it! I thought so when we were playing putt-putt golf."
I wonder if he can see the guidance of the moon?
It was a bowling game that merely showcased a glimpse of Katagiri-kun's talent.
After that, we go to karaoke.
The group singing in the party room.
No, I seriously don't have any songs I can sing. Seriously.
Katagiri-kun and Tosaka-san only sang duets.
Shimizu-san sang surprisingly soulful songs.
With 15 people, no matter how much time we had, it wasn't enough, and time passed in a flash.
After the karaoke time ended, we go outside the shop.
"With this many people, I guess that place is best?"
"I thought so too, so I've made a reservation."
While Kuze-san and Watanabe-kun were talking about that, Shimizu-san had her smartphone in hand, arranging a limousine.
Katagiri-kun stops her.
"You two should ride in my car. We'll be passing through narrow alleys, so a limousine will be difficult."
"...If you put it that way, it can't be helped."
Canceling the limousine arrangement, we got into Katagiri-kun's car.
"The restaurant is the place we went to before, right?"
"Yeah, it's reserved under Watanabe's name."
"Got it."
Saying that, Katagiri-kun starts the car.
The two of them are chatting happily.
Those of us in the back are left behind.
What is this awkward atmosphere?
"You two are very close,"
Shimizu-san started the conversation.
"Yeah, because we're engaged,"
Tosaka-san answers with a full smile.
"I want to know the secret. How can you become so close?"
"Hmm, respect the other person's feelings. Don't just push your own feelings. Love the other person as they are. I guess that's about it~"
"I see, that's helpful. Respecting the other person's feelings... that might be what I was lacking."
The three of them were surprised by Shimizu-san's words.
"Even Shimizu-san thinks things like that..."
Tosaka-san lets slip.
"I'm not an idiot. I've been thinking about it all along. How can I make him look my way?"
If you'd think about my feelings too, I'd prefer it if you left me alone, though.
(4)
The banquet began at the izakaya.
That's why I told them so many times not to seat Shimizu-san and Eguchi-san together...
"How is it? Did you taste frustration?"
"I'm just getting started."
Both of their faces are bright red.
I thought Watanabe-kun would step in to stop them, but Watanabe-kun is also in a great mood. Oh boy.
Other than that, I guess Kuze-san and Otonashi-san are getting hyped up?
The other couples have entered their own respective worlds.
Ishihara-kun and I talk while drinking juice.
"How did it go well in Ishihara-kun's case?"
"In my case, just as I was about to confess, she beat me to it. For a reason I don't quite understand."
Ah, you were in the same situation.
"But now, I think it's for the best. She's surprisingly kind, and she has a side that likes to be pampered."
"Is that how it works?"
"That's right. Katagiri-kun said, 'Eat ramen before it gets soggy'..."
Katagiri-kun is really good at using food as metaphors for everything.
I continued talking with Ishihara-kun after that.
Ignoring the two of them who were getting excited.
"Well, let's disband here,"
Watanabe-kun said while arranging taxis.
"Well, I have to take Kanna home,"
Tada-kun said, walking away while supporting Otonashi-san, whose legs were wobbling.
"Shall we head out soon too?"
Shimizu-san says, arranging a limousine.
"I'll ride in Katagiri-kun's car."
"Don't be such a killjoy."
Saying that, Shimizu-san firmly links arms with me and doesn't let go.
"It seems it's coming to the south exit, so I'm going. See you."
Saying that, Shimizu-san began to walk resolutely.
While still gripping my arm...
Inside the car.
"I learned a lot today... though it was irritating to be taught by that woman."
They were getting along well.
"Now, the question is how to conquer Sakai-kun."
The best move would be for you to give up, though.
"I won't give up."
The car stops in front of my apartment. The car door opens.
"Well, with this...!?"
Her lips overlapped with mine.
"Actually, I wanted you to be the one to do it, but it can't be helped. This is a declaration of war."
I stood there dazed.
"Well, see you tomorrow. At Blue Bird."
Saying that, her limousine drove away.
It was a night in the season where the late summer heat still lingered.
(5)
"I'm sorry."
Oshima-san apologizes.
"There's no need to apologize. The one at fault is Kanna, who invited you."
Oshima-san... well, she did it, didn't she?
So, I'm driving Oshima-san's car because Oshima-san did it, and Toya-kun is following behind us.
I'm glad I prepared casual shoes in Toya-kun's car.
Oshima-san's house is said to be near Hazama.
"How was today? Was it fun?"
"It was very fun. I want to play again."
"Then, the first stage is cleared."
"Eh?"
"The shyness... for now, you're no longer an outsider among the group, right?"
"Ah..."
"I'm sure Watanabe-kun will find a wonderful person for you."
"That strategy... will it really work?"
"Is Oshima-san afraid of heights?"
"No, I'm fine."
"Then, if we do it as planned, it'll be fine."
"But..."
I think I'll use the words Toya-kun said.
"Toya-kun said that it's not good to dislike things without trying them. So for now, let's try talking while looking the other person in the eye. I'll help you."
"You're right."
"Don't choose the easy path; become someone who can be proud of the path they've walked. I think that's exactly right."
"...I understand. Ah, there it is, my apartment."
It was a wooden... to put it bluntly, a run-down apartment.
So this was the reason she couldn't bring a boyfriend here.
I stop the car in the parking lot and hand over the keys.
"Thank you very much."
After she gives her thanks, she goes back.
"...And that's how it went."
"I see, it went well."
"Yeah♪"
"Now it's just the partner... I wonder if there's a good person."
"Watanabe-kun said he'll look for a good person once the second semester starts."
Watanabe-kun's information network is wide. It'll work out somehow.
"Then there's Shimizu-san and Sakai-kun."
Despite everything, I feel like it'll work out. I feel like Shimizu-san has changed somehow.
"Really?"
"Toya-kun didn't notice?"
Of course he wouldn't. That's fine, Toya-kun doesn't have to notice. As long as he only looks at me.
"I have no idea."
I figured.
"The second semester will start soon."
"Yeah."
"We have to prepare various things."
"Like what?"
"Toya-kun's health management. I'll make a strict schedule so that things like the end of the first semester don't happen again."
"Let's think about the timetable from next year."
"Uuu... campus life with Toya-kun..."
But it said it's better to get certifications or something while in university.
At that moment, Toya-kun patted my head.
"I know. I'll be careful."
"Yeah."
Toya-kun will become busy once he becomes a third-year.
Let me make memories before then.
I won't do anything that gets in Toya-kun's way.
Summer vacation will end soon.
I had various experiences.
It was the beginning of a new season.