Chapter 153 - Love for You
(1)
December.
A winter morning.
"Toya-kun, Toya-kun."
Airi is shaking my body. Today is a day off, let me sleep in.
"You promised before! Wake up, wake up!"
Promised? Did I do something? If I did, Airi will pout if I don't get up.
I lift my heavy body and ask Airi, "What's wrong?"
My nose reacted before I could ask. A savory aroma.
Two mugs on the table seem to be the source of the scent. One mug has coffee. The other has café au lait. This and a promise... they don't connect.
"Did you forget? You said it when we bought the mugs. 'Let's drink morning coffee together.'"
Ah, I did say something like that.
But why go to the trouble of doing it in the room? The dining room would be fine, I think, but as I sit down, Airi sits next to me as if sticking to me. The two of us sit side by side, leaning into each other.
"This kind of mood isn't bad, right?" Airi says with a smile.
The aroma is stronger than usual, and when I drink it, the taste is different. When I look at Airi's face, she tilts her head and asks, "Is it delicious?"
"I tried grinding the beans myself today. It was my first attempt..."
"It's delicious. You did a great job."
"Yay!"
Of course, coffee from a café is tastier, but if I can see Airi's happy face, I can say it's more delicious than any coffee.
"Breakfast is ready," Airi says around the time I finish my coffee.
We leave the room.
"Oh? Toya. Even though today is a day off... you've been waking up early lately," Mother asks, looking puzzled. If there are complaints, please tell Airi.
"You're the same after all, huh? You can't go against Airi-chan..."
Come to think of it, Father said before, "All the men around me can't stand up to the women..."
When we finish eating, Airi clears the dishes.
Once Airi's housework is settled, we return to the room.
After finishing changing and waiting for Airi to get ready, we go outside.
If we stay home, Airi continues to work without rest. So we wander aimlessly.
North, east, south, west. I change the course every week so we don't get bored.
Occasionally I take her shopping, or we enjoy a movie, or go to karaoke.
In any case, I spent the weekends making sure we weren't at home.
Today... apparently, it's car wash day.
I gratefully accepted Airi's affection-filled words: "We have to show the car some appreciation."
When we head to the usual SS, they welcome us with "Welcome."
What's different from usual is that today we came in Airi's car, not mine.
Because I thought that occasionally I should also show appreciation to Airi's car, which is overworked almost every day.
I wash Airi's car once a month.
"By the way, Toya-kun, wouldn't it be better to switch to studless tires soon?"
The clerk said.
"Studless tires?"
As Airi tilts her head, I explain.
"It might snow from now on, right? He's saying it would be better to switch to winter tires for that time."
"I see~"
Airi nodded.
"But it doesn't pile up that much in our hometown, does it?"
"If you switch after it piles up, it'll be too late, right? It often snows around February, so it's not too late to switch now. You need a break-in period for the driving, too."
After agonizing over it, I reached the conclusion that it's still fine. I might have been underestimating snowy roads.
After the car wash, we shop at the shopping mall.
Mainly winter clothes for me.
I think one coat is enough, but Airi chose clothes one after another, held them up to me, agonized, and then bought them.
When shopping is finished and we are about to go home, Airi says, "Wait and drink some coffee or something; there's something I want to look for for a bit."
"Should I go too?"
"Hmm, this time I want to look for it alone."
"I understand. I'll wait at that coffee shop over there."
"Yeah."
And so, I waited for Airi while drinking coffee alone.
I look around the shop. People working, people reading, people chatting noisily with friends; there are various people.
I wonder how I look to them?
Looking outside, various people from students to housewives have come to shop.
At that moment, a certain pair caught my eye.
They were wearing uniforms that looked like high school girls'.
One of them was happily holding a small wrapped box. Is she giving it to someone as a present?
A present?
Ah, that's right, next week is my birthday. I wonder if Airi is choosing a present?
I'll look forward to it until that day comes.
Did she say I should stay over for at least a special day?
...It's my birthday, so would it be strange for me to look for a place to stay on my own?
Well, it's a weekday, so it should be fine...
After a while, Airi returned. She wasn't holding anything. It's probably tucked away in her bag. I deliberately don't ask what she bought.
"Finished shopping?"
"Yeah."
"Then, shall we eat something before going home?"
"Yeah."
And so, we ate at the shopping mall and went home.
(2)
Today as well, regular customers are occupying the seats.
In the back seats, Katagiri-kun and others are chatting harmoniously with Oshima-san and others.
At the counter, Nakajima-kun and Shimizu-san were sitting.
Nakajima-kun is creating a gentle mood with Ichinose-san.
Shimizu-san is, as usual, staring at me in silence.
"I'm going home soon."
Shimizu-san says this and stands up from her seat.
She settles the bill and departs briskly.
After Shimizu-san leaves the shop, Nakajima-kun speaks to me.
"So, how about it, Yoshiyuki? Has it been going well since then?"
"Since then" refers to the story of when he declared he would date her the last time they went to the Yume-tsuri Bridge.
"Nothing's happened."
Because nothing has happened, it's eerie and the anxiety increases.
I wonder what she intends to pull.
"Nothing's happened... You're no good at this."
"Sakai-kun, I hate to say this, but you're not considering a woman's feelings enough."
When you say it, it's very persuasive, Ichinose-san.
But you see, for my part, I'm hoping that, like in your case, she'll get disillusioned on her own and the fact that we're dating will vanish.
"Well, it's only been about half a month since we started dating."
"Half a month already! You should at least try inviting her on a date."
"As for dates, isn't it practically every day?"
"I think it would be good to show some gesture, like inviting her to a meal."
Ichinose-san demands desires that she probably wanted for herself.
"What about you two? What do you do?"
Is Nakajima-kun fulfilling those desires? I think Nakajima-kun is also busy with club activities and doesn't have the headspace for that.
"Nakajima-san does it for me. He takes me on dates, or we spend time relaxing at home..."
As expected, handsome guys are fast. Already staying over?
"I see, that's good for you. But that's a general theory, and I don't think it applies to our case."
"What do you mean?"
I was at a loss for words. How refreshing would I have felt if I could honestly confess, "I'm dating her reluctantly because she told me to"?
However, my heart isn't built to be that tough. After being thoroughly cursed at, I can see a future where the information is immediately transmitted within the group and I'm surrounded by a bed of needles, so I don't want to do it.
"No, in her case, she'll be the one making demands."
Yes, since she was that aggressive, if the established fact of dating has occurred, there should be more push, yet there is none. That was unbearably eerie.
"Shimizu-san might be waiting too; in times like this, it's the man who should move."
What Ichinose-san says is a general theory. I don't think she's wrong.
Provided that the premise is "I like Shimizu-san."
"What's wrong, Yoshiyuki? By any chance, have you never dated a woman?"
"I think I told you before, but I have. For one year in high school."
"Then why? Even high schoolers these days have better relationships than that."
Is it better to vaguely gloss over this and let it slide...
"Well, I'll try inviting her if there's an opportunity next time."
"Not 'if there's an opportunity,' now is the time!"
Ichinose-san's push is strong.
Because they are doing well, she wants us to do well too.
I wish she wouldn't use us for such self-satisfaction.
"This is exactly when we need the 'Watanabe Squad,' right, Nakajima-san?"
Wa-wait a minute, if you tell those people...!
Too late. Like a flash of lightning, Nakajima-kun conveys my false intention to Shimizu-san through the Watanabe Squad.
And the response comes back with god-like speed, and it's been decided that we will go on a date on the 24th of this month.
'I will specify the location.'
When I checked my smartphone later, a message with that content had arrived.
(3)
The 21st floor of the tower hotel.
A French dinner while enjoying the night view at a window-side table seat.
Today is Toya-kun's birthday. A present from me to Toya-kun.
A very wonderful view.
Let's come again next year. Next year you can drink alcohol. It's my dream to drink cocktails here with Toya-kun.
After dessert is served, I give Toya-kun his present.
I gave him a wallet from a famous brand.
He changed his wallet when he entered university, but in the end, Toya-kun bought it himself.
Do you know the meaning of giving a wallet as a present?
It means, "I want to be with you always, please keep me by your side and cherish me."
I hope he likes it.
After enjoying dinner, we relax in the room. The two of us frolic on the bed after taking showers.
Frolicking turns into flirting, and then... we spend a precious night.
We've repeated the same thing for many years. I feel happiness and joy in being able to repeat the same thing.
We've grown, but I want our feelings alone to remain unchanged.
Because I don't wish for anything more than this. Just you staying as the Toya-kun you are now makes me happy.
In the middle of the night, I gaze at the winter sky.
The stars are beautiful.
While gazing at the night sky, I slept in Toya-kun's arms.
The next morning.
When I wake up, I can hear Toya-kun's breathing as he sleeps.
It's every day, but it's reassuring.
Should I let him sleep in today?
But morning breakfast is waiting.
"Toya-kun, breakfast will be over."
Reacting to the word breakfast, Toya-kun wakes up.
After changing, we head to the restaurant.
And after finishing breakfast, we return to the room and talk while gazing at the scenery until check-out time.
After completing check-out, since we're already here, we stroll through the city.
We settle lunch in the city, look around the shops, and settle dinner outside before returning.
Though by returning, I mean staying over at Toya-kun's house.
When we enter the house, Maya-san was calling me.
I wonder what happened?
"Apparently a friend has come to the house. However..."
However?
"Apparently their behavior is strange. They're someone she's never met before, so why don't you go back for now?"
Toya-kun is also listening to the story with a suspicious look.
"Should I come along too?"
Toya-kun said.
"No, it's okay. I'll be back soon."
Saying so, I go back for now.
When I return, a man I recognize from somewhere is sitting in the living room.
"Airi-chan, welcome home. Did you hear from Maya-san? You have a guest~"
While listening to Rie-chan's words, my spine froze.
The man who reacted to my name slowly stood up and turned toward me.
I remember that smirking face. I only saw it once, for just a moment.
"Long time no see, Airi-chan..."
"GET OUT!!"
I was screaming with all the strength I had.
Putting in all my anger.
I wonder if this is the first time I've shouted like this since second year of middle school.
Tears were spilling from anger.
"What's wrong? Airi-chan, why are you so angry?"
Is this the first time I've shouted in the house?
Rie-chan, whether surprised or nervous, was no longer speaking in her usual relaxed tone.
"This is the person I talked about before! Toya-kun's cousin, Katsuya-san."
As I say that, Papa-san, who was in the living room, grabs Katsuya-san's neck.
"...Hmm, it seems you were an uninvited guest. ...I shall ask you to leave."
Saying so, Papa-san drags Katsuya-san to the entrance and drags him outside.
Katsuya-san resists, putting his foot in the gap of the open door to prevent it from closing.
That resistance suddenly stopped.
"TOYA!!"
Hearing those words, I tried to rush outside in a panic. However, I was stopped by Papa-san.
"...Airi, wait inside. Papa will go."
Saying so, Papa-san rushed outside.
"Airi-chan, it's okay. Papa-san is there."
Rie-chan said, hugging my shoulder.
Toya-kun, please don't do anything reckless.
(4)
I had a bad feeling.
I had returned to my room once and was in the process of moving the contents of my wallet into the wallet I received from Airi, but... I'm still worried.
"Mother, I'm going to Airi's house too."
Saying so, I rushed out of the house.
When I arrive at Airi's house, I try to ring the doorbell.
Then, the door opens on its own and a man is thrown out.
Reflexively, I dodge him.
The man who rolled over slowly stood up. That man was... Katsuya.
"Katsuya!"
"Toya!"
Katsuya shouts my name, takes something shining silver from his bosom, and attacks.
Ever since I was stabbed before, I had prepared for the possibility that something like this might happen, though I didn't want it to.
I dodge Katsuya's attack with a half-turn and strike the extended hand with a knife-hand strike, making him drop the weapon.
Before he can grab it, I kick the weapon away.
The one who grabbed the arm of Katsuya as he tried to punch was Airi's Papa.
"...Umu. You came because you were worried. Thank you. ...But, for the sake of my daughter, I want you to refrain from recklessness."
Even while saying this, Airi's Papa does not let go of Katsuya's arm.
"Rie! Call the police!"
"That is not necessary; my wife has already reported it."
The one who said that was Father.
Father picks up the rolling weapon and strikes Katsuya with it.
"You idiot! ...Causing trouble even for Tosaka-san. I'm sorry, my relative did something foolish..."
"...It's okay. I'm just glad Toya-kun is safe."
Soon, the siren of a patrol car is heard, and it stops in front of Airi's house. Police officers restrain Katsuya and take him to the police station.
That night, I ended up undergoing questioning.
The questioning continued until midnight, and waiting for the exhausted me was the embrace of Airi, whose eyes were swollen from crying.
"Toya-kun, you idiot! What were you going to do if you got injured again!?"
"I had countermeasures in place, just in case."
I lift my jacket, and a manga magazine was sandwiched against my stomach.
"It's a bit of comfort, right?"
I say and laugh, but apparently, that ended up making Airi angry.
Smack
"That's not a comfort at all! If something had happened, I..."
I gently pat the head of Airi, who is sobbing against my chest.
"Sorry for involving you in something dangerous."
"It's not Toya-kun's fault."
"That's true. Airi-chan, I'm sorry. That this happened is the responsibility of the uncles who couldn't take action sooner... I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay. Papa-san and the others also said, 'It's not the responsibility of Katagiri-san and the others, so don't worry about it.'"
After that, Katsuya received a warning from the police and signed a written pledge.
Because there was an assault incident, he was almost arrested, but the Inoue family, through a lawyer, reached a settlement with both the Katagiri and Tosaka families, and under a pledge that he would "never be involved again," he was released this time.
Apparently, all the costs for that were paid by Grandmother.
It seemed that this matter ended with this. After all, Katsuya cannot even approach the hometown.
"Toya really gets caught up in incidents often... though it's me saying that, the one who dragged you into them."
Kanna said.
As long as I'm involved with beautiful women like Airi or Kanna, it might be inevitable.
However, I kept that to myself. If I said it, it would make them feel indebted.
Even as it is...
"Toya-kun. It's my fault, isn't it..." and so on, this mess.
I pat Airi's head.
"It's okay, it's already over."
"But, it might happen again?"
"I'll protect you then too; I'll rush to wherever you are."
"If we're always together, there's no need to rush, right?"
That was true.
"But Katagiri-kun is amazing. To be able to stay fine after going through that so many times."
"Isshy, don't let him get carried away. He probably thinks of it as nothing more than a heroic tale."
Eguchi-san's caustic word pierces through.
"Katagiri-kun, please understand Airi-chan's feelings a bit more. If something happened because of her like before, she'd surely keep blaming herself forever."
"I know."
"Come to think of it, Sakai-kun isn't here today, is he?"
Ishihara-kun changes the subject.
"That's right, he suddenly took a day off. Shimizu-san hasn't come either, I wonder what happened?"
"They're probably doing something together."
When I say that, everyone says, "That's true."
They're dating, so they'll go on a date or something.
At that time, I thought simply.
The night of the winter solstice comes early.
And the dawn is late.
Their dawn also still required more time.