Chapter 164 - Spring Chill
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun."
"Good morning, Airi."
"..."
"?
Huh? I just replied normally; did I do something wrong?
"What's wrong, Airi?"
"Hmm, I was just a little bewildered because you replied so normally?"
"Would you have preferred it if I weren't normal?"
"No, good boy, good boy."
Airi patted my head.
Today is Valentine's Day.
They say it's a prescription to keep one's heart from breaking, and my Valentine's with Airi is no exception. Today, too, she handed me a small package adorned with a shining pink ribbon.
"Here, since today is Valentine's."
"Thank you, Airi."
Since today is Valentine's Day, tomorrow is the anniversary of the seventh year since I started dating Airi.
I eat the chocolate with a slight smile, thinking about how we've actually made it this far, and enjoy a morning coffee with Airi.
Starting from nothing, feeling unreliable, we've shared countless joys, angers, sorrows, and pleasures.
The flow of time is a strange thing; sometimes it creates bonds thicker than blood.
The road ahead won't be smooth, but I suppose we'll keep running forward, cracking jokes along the way.
As usual, Airi is beside me watching a news program that looks like a tabloid show.
The fact that we can leisurely watch TV during the test period, when other students are in screams of agony, was the result of Airi's schedule adjustments.
Watching Airi's profile as she enjoyed the TV, an idea flashed through my mind.
I poked Airi's shoulder, making her turn toward me.
"What is it?"
To Airi, who asked curiously, I held out the chocolate she had given me.
"Here, say ahh."
"Eh? That's the chocolate I gave to Toya-kun?"
"Yeah, since I received it, it's my freedom how I use it, right? Come on, come on."
"Geez, you're hopeless~"
Contrary to her words, Airi looked happy. She took a bite of the chocolate.
"Thank you♪"
"No problem, you're welcome."
"Ah, I prepared one more thing for this year~"
Airi took a small box out of her bag.
When she opened it, something that looked like a small accessory case was inside.
"What's this?"
"A coin purse. I heard that men carry separate wallets for coins and bills."
"Thank you."
"I'm glad you like it~"
As Airi frolicked with me, looking even happier than I was, I lightly patted her head.
As we played together like that, time flew by, and it became the hour where we wouldn't make it if we didn't leave the house soon.
"Airi, it's almost time."
"You're right..."
Airi looked a little lonely. When I whispered, "Let's continue when we get back," Airi looked delighted.
"You're really kind today. There's no day happier than this."
"I'll make you even happier tomorrow, so look forward to it."
"Eh...?"
Airi made a puzzled face. I guess even Airi forgets things sometimes.
"Just hurry up and do your makeup. If we don't rush, we'll be late."
"Ah, okay~"
Just by shifting slightly away from the rush hour, we can drive comfortably even during usually crowded times.
While driving the car, we continued the conversation about Airi's murderous intent.
"Keep your schedule open for tomorrow night."
"Eh? Tomorrow is the Watanabe group's wrap-up party?"
"Ah...!"
Damn! I completely forgot. The final day of tests. We were supposed to hold a "good job" party with the Watanabe group.
In a panic, I canceled the restaurant reservation.
"...You remembered, didn't you? The anniversary."
"Yeah, though I messed up again."
"Once the first party is over, shall we do a second party just the two of us?"
"True. That's also good, but..."
"What's wrong?"
"After the tests end tomorrow, I want to go shopping; would you come with me?"
"I don't mind, but...?"
"It's rare for Toya-kun to want to go shopping," Airi said, but I kept the item I wanted to buy a secret.
I could go buy it alone, but she's a troublesome person who pouts immediately if left alone, so it would be better to choose together.
(2)
"Good morning, Toya-kun."
"Good morning, Airi."
Today, Toya-kun woke up obediently. I wish it were always like this...
During the winter, I stopped worrying about clothes. Since I asked Toya-kun his preferences, I just have to coordinate according to them.
When I'm lost on colors and such, I have Toya-kun choose. That said, Toya-kun puts himself in my feelings to choose, so it's nothing more than him giving me a push in the right direction.
Because he knows my tastes.
This day was the final day of tests; from tomorrow, it's spring break.
It seems Toya-kun managed to clear the exams safely. I'm glad he didn't get exhausted like in the summer. The results of managing his physical condition paid off.
Tonight is the Watanabe group's wrap-up party. Before that, since Toya-kun apparently has something he wants to buy, we headed to the city's Department Store.
I wonder what he's buying? Was Toya-kun interested in brand-name goods? If he is, I definitely want to check them out. For the sake of the future.
We headed to a certain overseas brand's watch shop.
Considering what day today is, I should have known immediately what Toya-kun wanted to buy. I seem to be bad at putting myself in Toya-kun's feelings. I'm sorry.
I remained completely unaware until Toya-kun asked, "Which one do you like?" What Toya-kun came to buy were pair watches.
"Since we've become university students, I was curious," Toya-kun said bashfully.
Watches where the body, dial, band size, color, and charm could all be customized. The two of us chose and tried them on, selecting the ones that felt right.
Do you know, Toya-kun? The meaning of giving pair watches is "Let's carve out time together."
He does such wonderful things for me.
But choosing together is also fun. Maybe I'll use that trick from now on too?
Worrying together, deciding together, and walking together. Until now, and from now on. While slowly feeling the passage of time.
Once the shopping was finished, there was still time before the party. "What should we do?" I asked Toya-kun.
"There's something I want to do," Toya-kun said, leading me away.
The place Toya-kun brought me to was a different hotel than usual.
Come to think of it, I was still carrying my overnight set. Was I just too excited? To not even notice such a thing.
After completing check-in, we entered the room and put down our luggage. He probably wants to relax, but I'm sorry. Please indulge my selfishness today.
I took Toya-kun for a stroll through the shopping district. On the way, we stopped at a coffee shop. Toya-kun ordered food, as he always does.
Poke
"Let's hold out until dinner."
When I said that, Toya-kun looked crestfallen. I wonder if he thinks I'm a nagging woman?
Seeing me depressed, Toya-kun patted my head. He told me, "I understand." Just that saves me.
Looking at the couples walking through the city, I think. They look happy.
I don't feel envious.
We aren't losing either.
It doesn't matter who wins or loses.
As long as we can live happily now, that alone is enough.
If I may wish, I hope this happiness lasts forever.
(3)
Gathering time.
A yakitori shop different from the usual. Apparently, Watanabe-kun found it.
"The mizutaki here is exquisite,"
Watanabe-kun said.
For now, everyone has gathered.
"Well then, good job on the second semester! Cheers!"
As Watanabe-kun said that, the feast began.
Beside me were Airi and Sakai-kun.
In front of me were Makoto, Kanna, and Shimizu-san.
"Eita, eat the macaroni salad properly too!"
"I hate it!"
Those two are the same as always.
"Zen-kun, I'll take some of what you like. Which one do you want?"
"Anything is fine with me, though."
"Sakai, she doesn't want an indecisive answer like 'anything is fine'."
"T-then..."
"I'll take some for Emi."
"Thank you, Isshy. In that case..."
Those four seem to have become close before I knew it.
"Toya, I heard things were rough the other day."
"A-ah..."
I don't really want to talk about that in front of Airi...
Look, Airi is sinking. The hand gripping my arm is trembling slightly.
Some topic to change Airi's mood... anything will do, right?
"Speaking of which, I saw the site Makoto told me about. It's amazing!"
"Right!? A senior told me about it; the length is just right, and around 40 minutes is moderate, right?"
Makoto took the bait. This should be fine.
"But length doesn't matter, does it? ...You just skip through it anyway."
"You're an idiot, Toya. You won't understand if you don't watch the story from the beginning!"
Is that how it is? I thought you should just watch the parts you want to see.
Eh? When do I watch? Well, when Airi is in the bath, or when I wake up in the middle of the night...
Poke
Slap
The former was Airi, the latter was Kanna.
"Toya-kun, you're the worst! How can you talk about such things in front of your girlfriend!"
"Even Toya has been influenced by Makoto's idiocy... Airi, sorry. I'll make sure to tell this idiot off."
"Kanna isn't the problem; it's Toya-kun who's wrong for secretly watching while stealing my gaze!"
"So it's okay if it's not secret?"
"Uugh... so that's how you're going..."
Airi fell silent for a while. Did I go too far?
"If it gets Toya-kun's mood up, I don't mind if you watch it with me."
"Hmm, so that's how Airi thinks? The ones Makoto watches are too maniacal and gross, but what kind does Toya watch?"
"Hoe? Just normal ones... but you know, while I'm doing my makeup next to him, from the morning, the search word is 'female college student'..."
"That's still better... that guy Makoto searches for things like 'baby play' or 'incest'."
Uwah, I don't understand Makoto's romance. I wonder what kind of feeling he has while watching...
Poke
"Toya-kun doesn't need to understand. Here, I'll give you some yakitori."
"Thank you."
"Katagiri-kun, you watch those things too, right?"
Sakai-kun spoke to me from beside me.
Well, I watch them occasionally. Really occasionally... I put some in my favorites, but Airi deleted them.
"Sakai-kun, how have things been since then? Did you enter that kind of relationship with Shimizu-san?"
"No, that's..."
"Sakai, what's wrong!? Don't tell me..."
Makoto reacted.
It was Shimizu-san who answered on behalf of the hesitating Sakai-kun.
"I tried inviting him yesterday... but it was no good."
Apparently, last night, after getting out of the bath, Shimizu-san appeared wearing only a bath towel, with a ribbon tied around her head and holding chocolate.
Shimizu-san handed over the chocolate bashfully, and then quietly closed her eyes.
"Take it off."
"Eh?"
"I said, take off the ribbon."
Sakai-kun, who couldn't quite grasp the situation, took off the ribbon for the time being and was pushed down onto the bed by Shimizu-san.
"I'll give you a present too."
Shimizu-san said bashfully.
However, Sakai-kun was bewildered.
Think about it; imagine if your girlfriend suddenly appeared wearing a ribbon and said, "I'll give you myself as a present." It's a situation that seems common in manga, but if it actually happened, I'd think she was a psycho.
However, the girls around us didn't seem to think so.
"I feel sorry for Shimizu-san," Airi said.
"You, are you even a man!" Kanna shouted.
"Wait, isn't it impossible to do nothing after that?" Sashihara-san said.
"In times like that, it's no good without follow-up from the man," Oshima-san said.
"You really haven't changed. In that regard," Ichinose-san said.
"Don't you think it's bad to make a woman feel ashamed?" Mika-san said.
"...If we're going to have him re-educated, I'll set it up during spring break," Eguchi-san said.
"It's not your first time, right? Why didn't you go for it?" Makoto said, to which Sakai-kun replied, "No, if that happened suddenly. I'd be bewildered in reality." I think Sakai-kun is right...
"If Kanna did that for me, I'd strip my clothes off immediately," Makoto said, to which Kanna replied, "I'm absolutely not doing that, so don't worry."
I noticed the gaze beside me; Airi was looking up at me.
"Does Toya-kun want me to do that?"
"You don't have to,"
I answered instantly. Was that the wrong move...
"Uugh... I wanted to try the single bath towel..."
Airi, think about it; if you wandered around the house in that outfit, the ones who would be troubled are my parents. Then, would it be okay if the parents weren't home?
"I don't have such a good figure anyway~"
Airi pouted. I've said it many times, but Airi's physique boils down to "a moderate breast size and a magnificent curved beauty." However...
"The fact that Airi has a great figure is something only I should know," I replied.
"That's true too~. Ehehe~" Airi's mood improved.
However, I wondered whose side I should take between Sakai-kun and Shimizu-san...
"Hahaha, Sakai is still in the exploration phase. It's only natural to be bewildered if you're suddenly jumped on."
When Watanabe-kun said that, the women's target shifted.
"Far from exploration, this guy hasn't even put out a hand. If a woman says it's okay, hugging her is what a man does, right?"
Mika-san counterattacked brilliantly.
"Do you know QBK?"
When I said that, gazes gathered on me, asking "What's that?"
"Apparently, it's short for 'Because the ball came suddenly' (Kyuu ni ball ga kita node), meaning that even the best players will make a mistake if a pass comes suddenly. It's just that Shimizu-san and Sakai-kun aren't in sync yet; they'll get it right eventually."
"It's rare for Toya to use a soccer analogy," Makoto said.
Well, since it just came to me, would "Because the mizutaki came suddenly" have worked? I feel like something's off.
"But even if Toya says it, the persuasiveness is zero. You're always sending the ball to some outrageous place suddenly, and above all, aren't you catching Airi's sudden passes?"
"It took me three years to get to that point. Kanna, do you remember? My birthday in third year of middle school."
"Yeah, I remember, but..."
"What's that about?" Mika-san asked.
"Airi came in a special outfit for my sake, and she even wore perfume. But I didn't notice it. I made Airi absolutely furious... even I make mistakes. It can't be helped while you're not used to it."
"But Toya-kun followed up properly, right?"
"That was because of the support from Kanna and Makoto. In a state of total isolation, there's nothing you can do. I think that's probably not the case now, but mistakes still happen. You just have to wait patiently. I think Sakai-kun has noticed too. After that, the two of them just need to put their heads together and solve the problems one by one."
"I think it's as Toya says. It's still the break-in period. It's not Sakai's first time either. He'll decide soon enough."
When Watanabe-kun said that, everyone seemed convinced.
Then, Airi said to Shimizu-san.
"Shimizu-san, Toya-kun made mistakes three times. The fourth time was barely a safe... let's look at him with a slightly longer perspective."
Airi must have remembered too. Though it's embarrassing to say, Shimizu-san seemed convinced.
"I see... it seems I need to look at him with a slightly longer perspective. But please don't make me wait too long."
When Shimizu-san said that, the conversation was settled.
Now, mizutaki, mizutaki♪
Poke
"I'll take some for you properly, so wait."
When Airi said that, everyone laughed.
"Toya is the same as always," Mika-san said, and Watanabe-kun added, "Only his sense of smell is amazing."
"But what did Toya mess up three times?" Mika-san shifted the topic back to me.
"That's it, I was curious about that too. What did Katagiri-kun mess up? Was it food-related again?" Sashihara-san asked Airi.
"No~ you see~..."
Airi began to speak with a smile.
Stop, stop! Talk about those things at a girls' gathering! It's not something to talk about in front of the person involved!
Though I tried to stop Airi, everyone wanted to hear, so there was no way to stop her, and my past was exposed.
"So Katagiri-kun makes mistakes too," Eguchi-san said, and Kanna added, "Toya was terrible back in middle school."
It's a funny story now, but back then, it was no joke. Airi's kindness made it even more painful.
But now I can make it a funny story. Though it's embarrassing. So, do your best, Sakai-kun.
(4)
When the first party ended, Toya-kun said, "Airi and I will act separately."
Booing erupted from everyone, but Makoto-kun and Kanna, who understood the circumstances, explained, and they were convinced, saying, "Then it can't be helped."
After greeting everyone, Toya-kun took me back to the hotel.
"Huh? Aren't we doing a second party just the two of us?" I asked, and he laughed, saying, "We are, to a truly special place."
Taking the elevator, Toya-kun headed to the dining bar on the top floor.
"Toya-kun, alcohol is no good."
"I know, I'm only drinking soft drinks."
Then why a bar?
Arriving at the bar, we took our seats after Toya-kun ordered a soft drink as he said.
The window side was a counter table, allowing us to enjoy the night view.
But for height, the usual tower hotel is better.
Then, suddenly, loud jazz began to play.
Turning around, a live jazz performance was taking place.
Toya-kun sipped his soft drink while enjoying the jazz performance.
Was this what Toya-kun meant by "truly special"?
"I asked Kimoto-senpai if there was a special shop for anniversaries, and he told me about this place. While I was at it, I reserved the hotel too."
I can't believe Toya-kun can choose such a wonderful shop. I'm happy.
When the jazz performance ended, we applauded.
And then, elegant BGM flowed again.
Next time I come, it'll be after I'm able to drink alcohol.
Another thing to look forward to. When I'm with Toya-kun, things to look forward to increase one after another.
That makes me so happy and joyful... I love him.
Returning to the room, we took showers in turns.
You wonder why we didn't go in together?
Because the bed is a double. Toya-kun understands that we don't have to force ourselves to be together anymore.
"Thank you for everything until now, and I look forward to the future."
The two of us toasted with the juice he had bought.
The clock had reached the time of a flight.
"Shall we sleep soon?"
Eh? We're just going to sleep... it's a waste of such a great atmosphere.
Lately, Toya-kun has become even more teasing... and treats me more kindly.
He says it while opening both arms slightly.
"Come here," he says...
When I hugged Toya-kun, he wrapped around me softly and gently.
Every human being is very ordinary.
But every encounter is special.
Someone is waiting, waiting somewhere.
One does not live alone.
Let's go together with the person we can open our hearts to.
Everything we see, laughing, dancing, and singing.
Let's live while cherishing every moment.
I fell softly asleep in Toya-kun's warm arms, which thawed the spring chill.