Chapter 151 - Two People Drawn to Each Other
(1)
A morning with an autumn-clear sky.
"Toya-kun, good morning. It's morning!"
Airi wakes me up while shaking my body.
"Today's Sunday, right? Let me relax."
"If you keep saying things like that, Maya-san will get angry."
That was the trigger.
I get up and begin to change clothes.
"I got a message from Ai today, telling us to come visit the school festival."
Ah, was the festival early at that campus?
"Watanabe's group said everyone should gather at the parking lot."
I look at my smartphone. It was indeed written there.
Once she confirms I'm changing, Airi says, "Breakfast is ready."
...Something is strange. An aura of "Look at me, look at me" is drifting from her. Is there something different about her? At times like this, it's usually... Just as I thought.
"The earrings suit you. You wore them, thank you."
Airi acts fidgety and shy.
When we head to the dining room, the food is laid out.
After eating that, I leisurely drink some coffee.
"Oh? Toya, you're up unusually early today."
It's because Airi starts working if I don't wake up early.
I eat my breakfast.
"By the way, Toya. Have you run out of pocket money already?"
Mother asks.
No matter how you look at it, that's not possible at the start of the month.
"No, I still have plenty. Why?"
"I was wondering if you don't even have the money to stay at a hotel."
"Huh?"
"Hoe?"
Airi reacted to those words as well.
"The day before yesterday was Airi-chan's birthday, right? I thought if you're going to do it anyway, you might as well do it at a hotel or somewhere with a mood."
I spat out my coffee.
"N-no, that's not it. Toya-kun invited me, but I said the house was fine..."
Airi explains.
"But you know, Airi-chan. Um... aren't you worried about the voices and such?"
What on earth is Mother asking?
"Since I was asked again, I thought maybe it's okay~..."
"Well, I've gotten used to it, but still. If you're going to do it, at least on birthdays or special days... yes, wouldn't a tower hotel be nice?"
"I think so too, Airi-chan. I hear the current city hotels have become quite beautiful..."
"Oh, dear. How do you know about such things?"
"Ugh, my subordinates were talking about it..."
As if escaping from the awkward atmosphere, I hurry to the washroom.
"Um, if it's a nuisance, we'll do it at my house..."
"That would also be bad for Rie-san and your father."
Mother opposes it.
"Uuu... then, we'll do that."
"The bed is narrow, so maybe I should prepare a semi-double for you. There are times when you just can't get a reservation."
"Also, it might be better to have soundproofing work done."
"I-I don't mind it."
"Even if Airi-chan doesn't mind, we do. I'm not blaming Airi-chan. It's just Toya's insensitivity."
"That brat is indifferent to those things."
"Toya-kun is inviting me. I just feel more relaxed and it's better at the house..."
While the argument between my parents and Airi continues, I return to the dining room.
"Toya-kun~"
Airi's voice, as if seeking help.
"If Mother and the others say they can't sleep because it's noisy, we'll do it outside."
"That's not what we're talking about; we're talking about why don't you change the situation a little?"
"Airi seems to like doing it at the house, so I'll let her do as she likes. But as Mother says, I'll reserve a hotel for special days."
"Please do that for her."
"Well, it's about time to head out. Airi, let's go."
"U-un."
And so, we left the house.
"That was surprising..."
Airi takes a breath inside the car.
I wondered what on earth my parents would start saying from the morning. ...But there certainly is an awkward atmosphere. Even more so if it's Airi's house.
"Maybe we should go to a hotel after all."
Since the frequency is less than once a month.
"That said, there are times when you suddenly want to, right?"
"...I'll try consulting Makoto."
He seems like he'd be knowledgeable about that.
"More than that, I'm looking forward to the school festival."
"Yeah."
Speaking of school festivals, there's ours.
"Airi, what happened after that?"
By "what happened," I meant the invitation to the miss contest.
"I haven't declared my participation on SNS, so I think it's fine."
"That's a waste; I'm sure Airi would be number one."
I said something a bit teasing.
"That's not possible, Shimizu-san will probably enter. It's practically decided."
"Besides, if someone like Kanna enters, I can't win."
Airi says this and laughs.
Come to think of it, Kanna, Airi, Oshima-san, Eguchi-san, and Shimizu-san—our group has many beautiful women.
But...
"To me, Airi is number one."
"Thank you~. If I'm number one for Toya-kun, then nothing else matters."
"I'd also rather spare myself from Airi being liked by other people."
Was that one word too many? It seems not.
"It's okay, I have no interest in any man other than Toya-kun."
The fairy sitting next to me smiled brightly, and as if being led away by the cool morning clouds, we headed for the campus.
(2)
When we stop the car in the parking lot, Watanabe's group gathers in front of the Nursing Department building while coordinating via smartphone.
Sashihara-san and Kiritani-kun, Ichinose-san and Nakajima-kun had arrived first.
"Hey, sorry for keeping you waiting."
Watanabe-kun brought Mika-san and... a man I don't know. Who is he?
"Now, now, I'll introduce him when Oshima-san arrives," Watanabe-kun says. Ah, I see.
"He's a handsome person... I wonder if Oshima-san will be okay? I wonder if she'll get nervous again?"
Airi is worried. Watanabe-kun chose him, so there should be no mistake.
Eventually, Oshima-san arrived, wearing a black top and a beige skirt.
"Hello."
When Oshima-san arrives, Watanabe-kun introduces the unknown man.
"Oshima-san, this is Kazuya Kimoto-senpai from the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Kimoto-senpai, this is Kana Oshima-san."
"Nice to meet you, Oshima-san... can I call you Kana-san?"
"Y-yes..."
"I've heard about you. For now, let's just have fun today. I want to get to know each other well too."
Saying so, Kimoto-senpai reaches out his hand.
Oshima-san hesitated at first, but when Airi whispered to her, she took the hand.
"So, what's on for today?"
When Kimoto-senpai asks, Sashihara-san answers.
"Uh, let's see. The Light Music Club's live show, a fast-eating contest, and maybe a jazz live?"
"Are you interested in live shows, Kana-san?"
"Yes, I am."
"Then, shall we go see them?"
"Ah, shall we go too..."
When Watanabe-kun says that, we start moving in a crowd.
pokatsu
"I wonder what Toya-kun is doing~?"
"No, there were food stalls, so I just..."
"You haven't forgotten today's objective, right?"
Actually, I just found out...
While watching the live show, we observed the state of Oshima-san and Kimoto-senpai.
The feeling isn't bad. Although clumsy, Kimoto-senpai escorts Oshima-san splendidly.
According to what I heard, he has excellent grades, can handle sports and everything, and has a kind and calm personality.
"How did such a prime piece of real estate stay available!?"
Sashihara-san lets out a voice of surprise. Kimoto-senpai and the others can't hear her.
"He's handsome, right? Plus that personality. He's unable to act spoiled with women, so he was apparently looking for a woman he could feel secure with. He's perfect for Oshima-san, right?"
"True~, but I'm surprised you found him from another faculty."
"Well, I used my connections..."
I wonder how far his information network extends.
Well, I look at Oshima-san and the others.
While getting excited by the live show, they seem to be talking well.
The first impression isn't bad.
By the time we finished watching the dance competition, it had become night.
Honestly, I was more interested in things like the bingo competition, but since we had today's objective, we stayed in the gymnasium the whole time.
Watching until the end is naturally tiring.
After that, we have a meal at a family restaurant.
The topic of the day was entirely about Kimoto-senpai.
The women were making a fuss. Airi was included among them.
Women really like handsome men. Of course, it's something different from romantic feelings. Or so I think.
"But everyone's boyfriends are wonderful too."
When he responds with a refreshing smile, the women cheer even more.
The ones not amused are the men. Kiritani-kun is clearly showing his displeasure.
Watanabe-kun has a composed smile. I'm absorbed in eating. Airi is clearly looking at Kimoto-senpai. Now's the chance!
"Excuse me, one parfait..."
pokatsu
"Don't make the mistake of thinking I'm not looking at Toya-kun. Let's eat together~"
"Excuse me, one more parfait..."
pokatsu
"Let's eat together~"
"Excuse me... please cancel one order..."
"Are Katagiri-kun and Tosaka-san dating? You two seem very close."
Kimoto-senpai directed the topic to me.
"Ah, those two are already beyond the dimension of being lovers or something like that," Kanna says.
"That's right~, they promised to marry after graduating university," Airi says happily.
I did say I'd propose after graduation. Well, I guess it's an easier screening than an entrance exam?
Apparently, she says OK before I even say the lines.
"Kimoto-senpai, are you in a club or something?"
"I'm in the Basketball Club."
"Ah, Toya-kun is also good at basketball."
Airi says immediately.
"Ah, you're the famous Katagiri Toya-kun."
It seems he knew about me. Well, I did get that many recruitment offers.
"Even so, this group is full of beauties. I'm envious."
"If you're envious, just join. The membership fee is 0 yen."
Mika-san recruits him.
"If it's okay in between club activities, I'd like to get closer to Kana-san too..."
Kimoto-senpai seems to have taken a liking to Oshima-san. For now, the first stage is cleared.
I just hope the operation Airi proposed succeeds after this.
"Kana, since we're here, you should exchange contact info with Senpai while you can."
When Sashihara-san suggests it, Oshima-san asks timidly.
"...Is it okay?"
"Of course."
Kimoto-senpai readily agrees, and they exchange contact information.
"Um, you're joining the group too, right?"
"If I can be let in, I'd like to join."
When Oshima-san invites Kimoto-senpai to the group chat, Kimoto-senpai enters.
"Everyone, please treat me well."
"Likewise, please treat us well."
When Kimoto-senpai gives his thanks, everyone returns the greeting.
"Well, shall we disband soon. It's getting late."
"Let's go to an after-party, an after-party!"
"Mika, you have an early morning tomorrow too, right? You have to go home and sleep."
"I'm young, so I can handle staying up all night."
"Please think about my position as the one who wakes you up... I'm going home today. Got it?"
"Che, how cold. Well, fine."
Saying so, the members head to pay the bill.
During that time, Kimoto-senpai was talking with Oshima-san.
(3)
"Oshima-san, sorry, but could you give Kimoto-senpai a ride?"
I was suddenly told by Watanabe-kun.
"I gave him a ride on the way here, but wouldn't you two want to talk slowly on the way back?"
"Sorry, I'll ask too."
How many people could refuse when asked by Kimoto-senpai?
I answered, "I understand."
I was giddy. A very kind person, and handsome. I wonder why he doesn't have a girlfriend?
After putting Kimoto-senpai in the passenger seat, I started the car.
Then, Kimoto-senpai took a deep breath.
"Phew. This kind of thing is tiring, isn't it?"
Eh?
"I'm not used to these kinds of settings, so I can't handle myself well."
That's not true, you were perfect.
I suddenly became anxious. Even though we exchanged contact info, was he just being polite?
I timidly asked Kimoto-senpai.
"By any chance, was it a nuisance?"
Then Kimoto-senpai hurriedly denies it.
"Not at all, I'm sorry if it sounded that way. I'm really just not used to it."
I think he's probably not lying. I threw another question at him.
"Is it really okay if it's me? Why me?"
"To be honest, I don't know, but I could tell that you aren't a bad person. And..."
"And?"
"I've never met someone I could feel as at ease with as you. This is the first time."
He must be speaking his true feelings. I became interested in Kimoto-senpai's words.
"The first time... what about the people you've dated until now?"
"Ah, I didn't mean it in that sense. I've had people I dated. However, in the end, I was always the one who got tired and broke things off. But you're different."
I had also judged that this person was okay based on appearance and personality. I feel ashamed of myself for that. But this person says I am different. I wonder where I am different?
"It's an intuition, but it's the feeling that I might be okay showing my weak self to you."
How do I look in this person's eyes? What did he feel?
"What part of me did you come to like?"
"...The part that seems kind, maybe?"
"At first, it's like that; everyone gives the same answer. But the real me isn't like that. I'm something filthy with calculating motives."
"I think it's amazing that you're aware of that. That even seems beautiful."
This person is truly a kind person. At least more than any person I've met until now...
"Honestly, I don't know yet if I like you. If that's okay."
"Thank you very much."
"Likewise, please treat me well."
We arrive at the apartment where Kimoto-senpai lives.
"Thank you, I'll contact you again."
"Yes, see you again."
I follow his departing figure. Even though we just said "see you," I already want to see him again.
If the place we return to was the same for the mock exams too, if I could say welcome home and good night by his side without being hindered by the clock, how happy would I be?
But...
When I return home, there's a message on my smartphone.
It was from Kimoto-senpai.
It said, "Good night."
After seeing that message, I think. I've fallen in love.
Even in the time we can't meet, if I close my eyes, he is there.
Just that alone makes me strong.
I felt strongly that I want to be together with him from now on.
What kind of message should I send back?
I worry over such an ordinary thing.
His existence confuses me.
Maybe simple is best?
"Good night."
There was no reaction from him. But the next morning, I woke up to a message saying, "Good morning, looking forward to today too."
(4)
"So, in the end, how was today?"
I was asking Airi.
"Did Toya-kun only look at the food?"
Airi says, puffing out her cheeks.
Well, I think all the men were like that. Because it was boring since it was all talk about Senpai. Kiritani-kun was at least like that. Watanabe-kun felt like he was observing the situation for the most part.
"I think it'll go well. It's just an intuition, though."
I read somewhere that you can't ignore a woman's intuition at times like this. Since Airi is saying it, there should be no mistake. Now we just have to execute that operation.
"I hope the operation goes well."
I said, glancing at Airi.
"Yeah."
Airi answered with a full smile.
Airi's figure, illuminated by the car's headlights, seemed beautiful and dazzling, and I almost lose myself staring.
Of course, it's dangerous, so I immediately return my gaze to the front. I saw a long rearview mirror for sale. Maybe I'll buy one next time?
A question occurred to me. Does Airi long for that kind of man after all? Well, there's no woman who doesn't long for that. It was a moment where I felt pathetic. At the same time, anxiety attacks. Honestly, I didn't have a good impression of Kimoto-senpai. Is it what you call the enemy of men?
And I think, has Airi also been viewed from a similar perspective by the same sex? Is she still being viewed that way? No, that's not it. Because the men are crazy about Shimizu-san.
A group full of beauties to the extent that Airi can think of it as normal. From the outside, it must be an enviable group.
"What's wrong?"
Airi looks at me with upturned eyes. Did I get a bit too lost in thought?
"Airi, do you long for someone like Kimoto-senpai after all?"
"Hoe?"
Airi tilts her head curiously.
"No, I mean, I wonder if you like handsome, kind, and tall men like that?"
"I don't dislike them. He seems like a good person."
As I thought...
"But I don't think I look at him as a romantic target. Because... I have Toya-kun."
"Is that how it is?"
"That's how it is~. Even though Kanna and Shimizu-san are there, Toya-kun chose me, didn't you?"
The comparison targets between me and Airi are too different. If I were to say such a thing...
"If you say what you're thinking right now, it's a penalty game."
"...I know."
"Yeah, because Toya-kun chose me, I'll keep choosing Toya-kun forever. If possible, eternally..."
Airi's expression as she said that was very gentle. I think of her. She is precious beyond measure.
When we return home, we park and both get out.
It was then.
The headlights of a car parked in front of the house turned on and illuminated brightly.
What!?!
As it was, the car made an engine sound and drove away.
"I wonder what that was?"
Airi clings to me anxiously.
Had they been watching this whole time? The identity of that car was not yet known.