Chapter 184 - When Love Changes
(1)
"Good morning, Airi. It's morning."
I intended to gently kiss Airi. But Airi wrapped her arms around my waist and held me tight.
"Airi! We need to get ready soon."
Airi is a girl who swore she would never sleep in the passenger seat. If that's the case, I wanted to help her with that.I thought I'd let Airi sleep until the last possible moment, finish the preparations, and then wake her up.But.Airi's wishShe wanted me to wake her with a kiss.
I tried to put that into practice, but this is the result.
"Airi, we need to leave soon. Hurry and get ready."
"No way~. I can't taste a morning this happy very often, so I want to enjoy it to the fullest while I can♪"
"I-I'll make tonight a wonderful night for you, so..."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Well then, I'll get up."
Saying that, Airi got up and left the room.While waiting for Airi to come back to the room, change clothes, and start getting ready, I fiddled with my smartphone.
"I'll get mad if you're watching a lewd video. You promised to make today a wonderful day, you know."
"I'm not watching anything, I'm just checking today's destination."
The content of the promise seems to have been slightly updated, but I don't mind.When Airi's preparations were done, we quietly left the house and got in the car.
"Did you forget anything?"
"It's fine. What about you, Toya?"
"I took care of everything while Airi was sleeping."
"?. Why didn't you wake me up right away?"
"I thought it would be bad if you didn't get enough sleep. Because we can't turn back this time."
Saying that, I laughed a little, and Airi looked a little puzzled, then got angry.
"Ugh... You said you'd make today a wonderful day for me, Toya, and now you're being mean? I'm going to cry."
"Sorry, sorry, but if you get tired, you can sleep, okay?"
"Aren't you the one who's sleep-deprived, Toya?"
"I went to bed early yesterday, so I'm fine. I slept well thanks to you, Airi."
"Okay, but taking breaks early is important, right?"
"If it's not too crowded, there are a few PAs, so we'll stop by."
"Okaaay."
And so we departed.
We got on the expressway and first headed for the Nagasaki Expressway.After a while, Airi turned on the FM radio.We drove along with the upbeat music.It was probably still early in the morning, but Airi looked like she was struggling.I had also made up my mind.A little traffic congestion couldn't be helped.If Airi was awake, that time would surely become a good memory too.We got out at the SA.
"Food again? We just bought some at the convenience store."
"No, I heard that when you're sleepy, it's good to breathe in the outside air."
Saying that, I took a deep breath.Airi imitated me and took a deep breath.
"Wait in the car, Airi."
"So food and drinks are..."
"I'm just going for a little stroll."
"Then I'm coming too!"
Saying that, Airi followed me. I really was just going for a walk.I took Airi and looked around at the souvenir shops. Of course, they weren't open at this hour.We wandered around a bit and then returned to the car.I checked the navigation for traffic information.Yeah, it looks like we'll be fine until the destination IC.
"You okay, Airi? Not sleepy?"
"I'm fine. Are you okay, Toya?"
"I'm fine. Well then, shall we go?"
"Okay."
We started driving again.We drove endlessly through the mountains.After driving for about an hour, plains began to spread out.The FM radio station changed.
"It's so wide~ Does it go all the way to the sea?"
Near the horizon, buildings stood in a row.It probably does continue.When we arrived at Tosu JCT, we went straight through and entered the Nagasaki Expressway.After a while, we would reach the destination IC, but...As expected, traffic congestion had started.But it seemed we would arrive in 40 minutes from the IC, so there was no need to rush.Talking with Airi while listening to the radio gave me peace of mind.Then, we finally saw the IC exit.From there, we followed the navigation to our destination, Karatsu.The national highway wasn't that crowded.The clock was just a little past noon. For the sake of our goal, I could endure skipping lunch.The goal?That is...We stopped at a fast-food drive-through, bought hamburgers, and passed by the inn we were aiming for.Airi seemed to find it suspicious too.
"Why didn't we eat at the restaurant?"
"Just because..."
"?"
I stopped the car along the coast, got out, and climbed the seawall with Airi.We sat down and started eating our hamburgers.
"Is this what you wanted to do?"
"I wanted to have a date like this."
While eating by the sea, I looked out at the ocean with Airi. The horizon stretching endlessly.If I were to say it in Makoto's style, is this romance?Airi laughed and said.
"We could do something like that back home, right? Let's go together next time? I'll make you a bento."
"You're sensitive to sunburn, right? So I thought it would be impossible once summer came."
"Well then, before the sunlight gets too strong."
Even after we finished eating our hamburgers, we stayed there for a while, just the two of us, looking at the sea.
(2)
Leaving the youth hostel early in the morning, I drove the car north.I kept driving on National Route 3.It was fine in the morning, but as it became daytime, the traffic got congested.Along the way, I stopped at a convenience store and ate lunch.After eating lunch, I just kept driving again.I hadn't really left my hometown much before.I was looking forward to seeing what kind of place it would be, but it was surprisingly ordinary.The stores were different, but the scenery was the same as always.The mountain roads were a bit different, but the townscapes weren't that different.If anything was different, it was that there were streetcars running.A phantom of you looking at the map beside me while I searched for the road.A soft love that disappears when touched.By the time I entered Kumamoto City, the sun was starting to set.I could have gone straight through to Kitakyushu, but I turned left.I might as well cover all of Kyushu.It was to get on a ferry.But by the time I arrived at the ferry terminal, the last ferry had already departed.
"This is as far as I can go today."
Saying that, I started preparing dinner.
I set up a pocket stove and pot I bought at a home center, put mineral water I bought at a convenience store into the pot, and boiled it.I put the noodles into the boiling water, loosened them, and added the soup powder. And so, instant ramen was ready.I've been eating nothing but instant ramen and rice balls lately.Should I eat a sandwich once in a while? I feel like that's not really the issue.As I was eating ramen outside like that, a long-haul trucker lady called out to me.
"What are you doing in a place like this? Couldn't you do that at home?"
"No, I'm just traveling."
"Traveling? Then instead of sleeping rough in a place like this, why not stay at a hotel or something?"
"Ah, no. I don't have much money, so I don't want to waste it."
"...There are a lot of people like you this time of year, huh~ I've picked up hitchhikers traveling like you before."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, they said it was a journey to find themselves or something. What's your purpose?"
Purpose. I'd never thought about it.
"...I guess I just left home somehow and ended up here somehow."
"So you're wandering?"
"Yeah, I suppose. If I had to say, I thought I'd like to go around Kyushu once."
And so I talked with the lady for a while."Where were you born?" "What do you do?" "How old are you now?" and so on.I also asked her various things about herself.She said she was from Tokyo. After graduating high school, she changed jobs frequently before ending up in her current one.
"Going around the country like this seems to suit me," the lady laughed.
As we talked, it passed 10 PM.
"Whoa, I need to sleep soon or I won't make it for the first departure. If you're going to drive long distances too, get some sleep early and rest up."
Saying that, the lady returned to her truck.I also got into my car.The moon was round and beautiful.The moonlight shone on the sea, creating a path of light on the water.What awaits beyond this sea?I reclined my seat and lay on my back.The stars were beautiful.Thinking about such things, I fell asleep.
(3)
Cafe Blue Bird
Today, too, I frequented his workplace.
"You could take a day off on your holiday, you know. You don't need to worry about money," I said, and he replied, "I don't want to be a kept man. I also have a car loan to pay off..."
Clink clank.The doorbell chimed pleasantly.
"Welcome," I heard his voice.
When I ordered "the usual," he replied, "Certainly," and relayed it to the master in the kitchen.
The master, who seemed to be able to tell customers apart by their orders, said loudly, "You're his girlfriend even though it's a holiday? Don't tell me you're making this your date spot."A date spot...Now that he mentions it, he's never asked me out on a date.
"Zen. Did you take any days off during the holiday?"
"I took them after the holiday."
That defeats the purpose.But the days after the holiday are more convenient for me.
"And so..."
"Well then..."
When our voices overlapped. Clink clank, the doorbell announced a new customer.
"Are you alone today, Shimizu-san?"
It was Nishimatsu's entrance.
"Welcome."
Even if he's a disagreeable person, a customer is a customer. He kept his professional smile and guided him to a seat.But, for some reason, he sat down next to me.
"You're diligent even during the holidays."
"So are you."
"Doesn't he ask you out on dates?"
"Unfortunately, unlike you, he doesn't seem to have free time. Apparently, it's a holiday full of part-time jobs."
"That's pitiful. It's like he doesn't think about his girlfriend at all."
"That doesn't seem to be the case. Zen. What were you about to say earlier?"
He said nothing and straightened his tie.
I'll tell you at home later.
That was a sign between him and me alone.I didn't say anything more to him. When it comes to that, this scumbag gets cocky.
"It's a waste of a precious holiday. Would you mind keeping me company to kill some time?"
Has this scumbag forgotten that Emi threw water on him?Should I use the same trick?Just then, an idea flashed through my mind.A plan that would both make this man regret it and get Zen motivated—killing two birds with one stone.
"Fine, what time should we meet?"
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Nishimatsu, who asked back suspiciously, and Zen, with a blank expression.
"Is that alright?"
"It's just killing time, right? It's fine. I'm free too."
"Well then, how about dinner at the Tower Hotel..."
"No overnight stay. I'm not that cheap of a woman."
"Then tomorrow at 6:30 PM."
Nishimatsu's elation and Zen's disappointment.Good. It seems I'm not hated by Zen.
(4)
Is this what it feels like to be hit hard on the head?Is this the first time I've felt like this since being rejected by Ichinose-san?I still can't really grasp it.When I got home after my part-time job ended, Akira-chan greeted me with a smile.How many more times will I see this smile?Today's dinner was also exceptionally luxurious.The living expenses I give Akira-chan must be paltry.As expected, the rich stick with the rich?But Ishihara-kun seems to be an exception.
"I think you heard, but I'm having dinner with Nishimatsu tomorrow, so please eat alone that night."
"Don't cheat on me," she added with a laugh.
Then what is she doing!?I downed my wine in one gulp.
"At that pace, you'll get drunk and pass out again."
I feel like getting drunk and forgetting everything.After dinner, Akira-chan was cleaning up.I stared blankly at Akira-chan.Will this daily life end soon too?I need to find a new place to move to.I'll have to buy new home appliances too.A feeling of exhaustion that blows even those thoughts away.If I'm going to be rejected anyway...While there's still the established fact that we're dating!
"Akira-chan!"
"What's wrong?"
Akira-chan stopped her work and turned around.Maybe it was the influence of the alcohol, but the fact that I would be rejected soon pushed me forward.
"Let's take a bath together after this."
"...That's fine, but?"
She showed hesitation at my sudden proposal.In the bathroom, I saw Akira-chan for the first time without a stitch of clothing.After all this time dating, I was finally able to see her.This can't be the end.I hugged Akira-chan from behind as she showered.
"...If that's the case, please do it in bed."
She said that one line.Was it my imagination that it sounded cold?When we got into bed, I leaned over her.The relaxed smile had disappeared from her face.Was she nervous?I took off her pajamas, and I took off mine too.Then, starting with a kiss, I caressed her whole body.Akira-chan, though embarrassed, let out small voices, and her breathing became ragged.If I'm going to be rejected anyway, I'll do it before I'm rejected!Pleasure, regret, exhaustion, and emptiness.The time of love, mixed with all these, ended in the blink of an eye.Afterwards, I was alone, rummaging through the refrigerator. When I returned to the room with a can of beer, Akira-chan was looking at me while brushing her hair.
"Give me one too."
I handed Akira-chan the beer and sat down next to her.
"Thank you. It was my first time. It felt really good."
"I'm glad. ...Nishimatsu-kun will probably lead you much better."
Saying that, I drank my beer.
"Zen, are you misunderstanding something? I don't intend to be won over by him."
Huh?
"But you accepted his invitation, didn't you?"
"It was just to kill time. Though I had one other purpose."
"Purpose?"
"It's fine. It seems that purpose was a success. You really are a man, Zen. I'm relieved."
"?"
Akira-chan said.
Unless I make a move, Zen won't do anything. But I wanted my first partner to be the one to invite me.So I set it up that way. By accepting Nishimatsu's invitation, I made him impatient.
"But wasn't that too dangerous? What if something happened to you, Akira-chan?"
"I have Kazami with me. Nothing will go wrong. Or what? Do you see me as a cheap woman who would sleep with a man like that?"
Saying that, she flicked my forehead.
"Let's drink tonight. We finally became one. Our feelings became one too. This is a day to celebrate that you finally accepted my love."
Seeing her face, I felt relieved. It seems I can still make it work with Akira-chan.I noticed my smartphone was lit up. It seemed I had received a message.Nishimatsu-kun was boasting that he had won Akira-chan over.It seemed Akira-chan's phone was also flooded with private chats.Akira-chan replied with a laugh.
"Don't misunderstand. I'm just agreeing to keep you company to kill time. Whether you can win me over is yet to be seen."
"As long as I have a chance, I'm confident I can win."
"I hope that overconfidence doesn't backfire on you. And one more thing, I'll thank you."
"Thank me?"
"Thanks to you, he finally took action. He showed me his love. Thank you."
"Now, let's drink slowly? Beer isn't enough for this. I'll go get some wine."
Saying that, she left the room.It became a memorable eighty-eighth night.
(5)
Toya-kun seemed to have been thinking until the very last moment.Whether to have Saga beef or to enjoy live squid sashimi?It must have been a very agonizing decision for Toya-kun.He chose the squid.He passionately explained, "If you search for it, you can eat Saga beef even outside of Saga! The freshness of Yobuko squid is everything!!"
When I saw it, I let out a little scream.
"Toya-kun, this is alive!"
"Well, it's live sashimi."
It was wriggling and gross, I couldn't eat it.Toya-kun ate it without a care.
"Ah, it's delicious. You should eat some too, Airi."
"I-I'll have something else on the menu."
To me, who was holding back, Toya-kun chuckled and picked up the squid.
"Close your eyes and open your mouth. It'll be fine if you don't look, right?"
Gulp
"Huh?"
"See? It's delicious, right?"
Toya-kun was smiling.It had a good texture and plenty of sweetness.Me, being fed by Toya-kun.It was a little embarrassing, but love is a seasoning too.After that, we took a shower and both got into one of the twin beds.
"Tomorrow morning is early too, so let's go to sleep quickly?"
Thump
"You forgot your promise from this morning~"
When I voiced my complaint, Toya-kun apologized.When we got into bed, I hugged Toya-kun.Toya-kun looked at his smartphone and then froze.
"What's wrong?"
"Shimizu-san accepted Nishimatsu-kun's invitation."
"Huh?"
I also looked at my own smartphone. The girls' group chat was in an uproar.But it seemed to have been settled by one comment from Shimizu-san.
When I replied, "Be careful," she replied, "It's nothing. More importantly, Zen finally did it with me."
"So you got him to do it? Did you have some secret strategy?"
"I just used Nishimatsu. He seemed pretty desperate."
Toya-kun was pretty similar.Are men creatures that don't act unless they're backed into a corner?Toya-kun now is different, though.He properly looks into my heart.And he responds accordingly.Toya-kun doesn't seek anything in return.Is he still shy?You don't need to put on airs.Show me your true self.And so we spent the night.That's how the journey of late spring began.