Chapter 187 - First Love
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning~"
I can hear Airi's voice.
Airi had already finished changing.
I change as well.
The clock shows 9:00.
I think there is enough time for breakfast.
"Let's go to the restaurant quickly, okay?"
Hurried along by Airi, I go to the restaurant.
After eating breakfast, I wait for Airi to get ready.
It seems Sunday morning television is the same everywhere.
Well, I'm not watching the content closely; I'm just gazing at it blankly.
When Airi finishes her preparations, I take the luggage and check out.
"What are we doing after this?"
Airi, returning from the front desk, asks me.
"For now, we have to move the car to the parking lot."
"Mm-hmm."
Saying so, I move the car to the adjacent parking area.
Then, we move by taking the streetcar.
We head to the main store of a long-established castella shop.
"Airi, I heard the ones here are delicious."
"Oka~y."
After Airi buys the castella, she asks, "What's next~?"
"Shall we go back to Chinatown? We haven't looked around all the shops yet, right?"
"That's true."
Returning to Chinatown, first comes lunch.
"You can still eat so much even though you just ate a while ago."
Airi was amazed.
"Airi, if you can't finish it, I'll eat it for you."
"Okay."
Airi offers the remaining portion to me.
After lunch, we looked around the souvenir shops.
It's fun just looking,
and the two of us laughed whenever we found some suspicious goods.
After looking around Chinatown, we return to the car.
One way or another, we had bought various things.
Though it's doubtful whether we'll actually use them.
Around 15:00, we leave Nagasaki.
We get on the highway and drive straight ahead.
When I turn on the AM radio, they are doing a special program on anime songs.
I listened to it while frolicking with Airi, saying things like "I know this song~".
At the next service area after passing through the Tosu JCT, the car takes a break.
While Airi is in the restroom, I breathe in the outside air.
Thanks to Airi letting me sleep until the very last minute, my fatigue has vanished.
When Airi returns, I set the car in motion.
Listening to the radio and chatting, the enjoyable drive continued.
(2)
I must have accumulated a lot of fatigue. I slept until before noon.
I buy a bento and juice at a convenience store for lunch.
Then, after refueling, I head straight down Route 10.
When driving alone, moments of boredom arrive.
I turn on the AM radio, and they are doing a feature on anime songs.
When I hear a song I know, I sing it loudly.
By evening, I had entered my hometown.
I head toward the city, taking breaks at convenience stores along the way.
As expected, it was crowded around Hiji.
The anime song feature is still on.
Humming to myself, the car advances little by little.
Shall we all gather at Aoi Tori since I'll arrive by night?
I sent a message like that.
Most of the people said they understood.
I had decided what to say in front of everyone.
You, in your pale pink, also said you would come.
I want to see you.
Even if I know it's no use, I want to tell you.
Like a congested road, I want to show you the version of myself that has grown, even if slowly.
And I hope it leads to the next love.
As I enter Beppu, the traffic jam becomes even worse.
Just a little more. In just a little more, I can see you.
That feeling drives me forward.
I entered the city.
As if released, the traffic jam stopped.
I head straight for Aoi Tori.
Noticing my own appearance in the rearview mirror, I buy a razor at a convenience store.
I shave my beard in the car and head toward Aoi Tori.
The parking lot had become crowded.
When I head toward Aoi Tori, everyone tells me "Welcome back."
And then, a single girl stands before me.
"Welcome back, Takemoto-kun," she told me in a cute voice.
"I love you. I loved you," I tell her.
You widen your eyes, then blush and hide behind Niina-san.
That is the answer, then.
My first love came to an end with this.
But I have no regrets.
I will open a new door again.
I might find a new love.
Because that is how one carves the proof of having lived into the asphalt of life.
(3)
Shall we all gather at Aoi Tori since I'll arrive by night?
A message from Takemoto-kun.
I, who was bored to death at home, accepted.
It was still early until night, but I was heading toward Aoi Tori.
Most of the members had gathered.
The one who approaches my side is Nishimatsu-kun.
"Regarding the strategy from here on..."
"Sakai-senpai, the usual, please~"
Saying so, I sit at a table seat.
Nishimatsu-kun also sits opposite me.
"Regarding the strategy from here on..."
He's persistent. After doing something like that, he can actually say it.
Well, maybe I'm not one to talk...
"Sorry, but from now on, do it alone. I've lost the intention to be your ally."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Try thinking about what you've done. As a fellow woman, it's an unforgivable act."
"Didn't you do something similar?"
"I might indeed be the same as you. But now it's different. I'm in no mood to forgive."
"...What changed you like that?"
That's obvious. But even if I told you, you wouldn't understand. Because I myself am still bewildered...
But if I don't say it, I can't move forward. I feel that by declaring it, I can face the change.
"Love. I've fallen in love with someone."
"I didn't think such cliché words would come from you."
Cheers erupt from the members of the Watanabe group, excluding Nishimatsu-kun.
"By the way, who is it? The one who made you harbor such emotions."
"I can't say now. But it's certain that it's not you."
Nishimatsu-kun thought for a while and then spoke.
"Hanayama-san, why don't you participate in the game as well?"
"I refuse. There's no value in playing a game where the outcome is already obvious."
If I trace the logs of the Watanabe group, I can understand the content of the game he's talking about.
"If you can state that it's obvious, then there should be no problem with you participating."
"You're intending to provoke me, but it's useless."
"In other words, you lack confidence?"
"..."
I was at a loss for words. Because I lacked confidence. Because my fate would be decided by the statements he would likely make from here on.
I lack confidence, but I have no choice but to face him.
Because fate never smiles upon those who do not fight.
"Stop your futile struggles, Nishimatsu. It's useless no matter what you say to her now."
The one saying that was Watanabe-kun.
"Basically, your methods are filthy, you!!"
When Eita-kun shouted that, jeers flew toward Nishimatsu-kun one after another.
At that moment.
Clink-clink.
The door bell rang.
The ones who entered were Toya-kun and Tosaka-san.
"Tosaka-san, I've been waiting for you."
As Nishimatsu-kun tried to approach Tosaka-san, Toya-kun blocked him.
"Don't get close to Airi."
A simple phrase, but a very intimidating one.
"Is there something troublesome about me getting close?"
"Don't make me say it again, don't get close to Airi."
"And what will happen if I get close?"
Watanabe-kun grabbed the shoulder of Nishimatsu-kun, who was still trying to approach.
"This is what happens."
Saying so, Watanabe-kun pulled Nishimatsu-kun away from Tosaka-san.
"Do you think you'll get away with laying a hand on me for free?"
"Isn't it you who won't get away with it for free?"
Eguchi-san, who had been silent until then, intervened. Then Shimizu-san also spoke to Nishimatsu-kun.
"Regarding the other day's matter, if I wanted to sue, I could sue, you know? You should be grateful I didn't make it a criminal case."
A settlement might be possible, but you have no chance of winning, she intimidated him.
"I mean~, really now~ you've completely stopped caring about appearances, haven't you~. ...And to think you'd try to bring me down, isn't that taking 'making a fool of someone' a bit too far?"
When Sakura-san said that, the smile vanished from Nishimatsu-kun's expression.
"Hanayama-san, what you are trying to do is nothing more than folly. You should understand at least that much."
The one who doesn't understand is you, Nishimatsu-kun.
"Whether what I am trying to do is folly will be proven shortly."
The fact that he gathered everyone surely means that.
Clink-clink.
Everyone's gaze focused on the door.
There stood Takemoto-kun, whom I hadn't seen in a long time.
The moment I saw him, my heart throbbed with a romantic squeeze, as expected. I really am in love.
While everyone called out "Welcome back," the words were stuck in my throat and wouldn't come out.
Kinoshita-san took a step forward and said, "Welcome back."
The words he spoke toward that Kinoshita-san were:
"I love you. I loved you."
The moment I heard those words, I felt as if my heart were being gouged out.
Kinoshita-san widened her eyes, blushed... and then, as if frightened, hid behind Niina-san.
Everyone let out voices of disappointment.
"See? This is what happens when you try things beyond your station."
I felt an anger like never before. This man has no right to criticize Takemoto-kun's actions!
Then, Toya-kun drifted closer to Nishimatsu-kun.
"Toya-kun, don't!"
It was simultaneous with Tosaka-san speaking and Toya-kun raising his fist.
But Toya-kun grinned.
"You really seem to be stupid. You haven't learned your lesson even after being punched once?"
If that's the case, I'll punch you as many times as it takes.
As if to say that, Toya-kun provoked Nishimatsu.
"Please don't get ahead of yourself. If I feel like it..."
"Are you slow to learn too? Sue me or do whatever you like. In exchange, I'll definitely kill you right here, okay?"
Since I said I'll kill you, your death is absolute.
Whack
"Toya-kun, how many times do I have to tell you to stop doing things like that!"
For some reason, Tosaka-senpai is angry.
Tosaka-senpai then glared at Nishimatsu and spoke.
"You should also know your place and stop calling out to us. There is no woman here who would succumb to you."
"The match isn't decided yet, Tosaka-san."
"People who are all head really lack understanding, don't they. I have no idea why you're so pampered."
"You'll understand if you go on one date."
"I understood perfectly after seeing the incident with Shimizu-san."
When Tosaka-san declared that she had absolutely no intention of responding, Nishimatsu-kun looked at Tosaka-san resentfully and left the shop.
"Who would respond to someone with an attitude like that!"
When Kuze-san said that, everyone laughed.
More than a guy like that, I'm concerned about Takemoto-kun.
"Well, I haven't gone home yet, so I'll be leaving."
Saying he'll come again, Takemoto-kun leaves the shop.
Before I knew it, I was chasing after Takemoto-kun.
"Takemoto-kun!"
I call out to Takemoto-kun as he is about to get into his car.
"Hanayama-san..."
"...You worked hard."
I didn't have confidence that I could say it any better.
"Thanks to you, I was finally able to say it properly. I wonder if I've grown a bit through this?"
"You look wonderful... always, always..."
"I'm glad... that you said that. I'm glad... I fell in love with her."
Takemoto-kun's eyes are moist.
I hug Takemoto-kun.
"Today is special, I'll lend you my chest... cry as much as you want."
"Thank you very much."
Takemoto-kun said so and continued to cry.
You worked hard. Next, it's my turn to work hard. Just you wait!
(4)
Whack
"Toya-kun, you idiot! I told you so many times not to be reckless!"
Leaving Aoi Tori, Airi is in a bad mood.
"I know. It couldn't be helped, before I knew it, I had become like that."
"You have to exercise self-control!"
But I couldn't forgive Nishimatsu-kun for making a fool of Takemoto-kun.
Did he do something so great that he could completely deny the values Takemoto-kun grasped even by traveling?
"Even though I cried and asked you, you won't protect me?"
"I'm sorry."
"You're always saying the same thing."
"...I'm not such a pushover that I can just grin while my friend is being made a fool of."
Whack whack!
"Even though you don't mind when you're the one being made a fool of..."
"Isn't that just how it is?"
"No! I hate to say this, but Toya-kun is probably the easiest target, you know?"
"Eh?"
"Wouldn't it be easy to provoke and lead Toya-kun to isolate me?"
"Ah!"
"You finally noticed?"
"Sorry."
" 'Sorry' isn't enough. If you're the knight-sama who protects me, please act with a bit more awareness."
"I get it."
The car arrived home.
I take the luggage and go inside.
After that, Airi and I stop by Airi's house.
Airi gives the souvenirs to Airi-mama.
"Oh, castella! Thank you, Airi-chan."
"My, you two should stay and have some tea."
"Yeah!"
Saying so, Airi goes up into the house.
Seeing me at the entrance, Airi seemed to find it strange.
"What's wrong, Toya-kun?"
"Ma'am, excuse me. I'd like to talk with the mister for a bit..."
"If it's an important talk, do it after coming inside. We're curious too."
"Toya-kun, what's wrong all of a sudden? Being so formal."
I pat Airi's shoulder and whisper in her ear.
"The penalty game from earlier."
"Eh?"
Leaving Airi tilting her head behind me, I head toward the living room.
"...What is this 'talk'?"
Airi-papa with a stern expression. Scary...
"When you brought the marriage registration to our house the other day, the parents said, 'We already consider the two of you married'..."
"Umu..."
"I made a promise. That I would propose to Airi after graduation. If I propose and Airi accepts... will you give Airi to me?"
"Didn't I tell you that's meaningless? I want to marry Toya-kun."
"Airi-chan. Let's listen to the talk properly~"
"Uuu... okay, Rie-chan."
"...I cannot read the intent of the question...?"
What are you saying now?
That's what Airi-papa seemed to be saying.
My heart is pounding. As expected, it would turn out like this.
"Due to my own careless actions, I've constantly put Airi in dangerous situations. I might commit the same mistakes again in the future. Even so, if it's alright..."
"...If it's alright?"
"When the time comes, I will propose to Airi. At that time, please give Airi to me. I will definitely protect Airi. Even if I have to stake this body, I will make her happy."
"...There are about two points I don't like, is that alright?"
"Yes..."
Was it no good?
"First, that you put Airi in dangerous situations. This isn't Toya-kun's mistake. It's an accidental thing. It's not something Toya-kun needs to worry about. Every time, Toya-kun has supported and protected Airi."
"Yes..."
"The second point is where you said 'even if I have to stake this body.' My daughter does not wish for that. The moment you become a sacrifice, Airi will be sad. You cannot make her happy. I don't want you to be reckless. For Airi's sake as well."
"..."
"I believe I've already entrusted Airi to you. It's not something I should say now... You've finally felt that way, have you?"
"...I have resolved that I will not do anything that makes Airi cry."
"...Umu. Then, I'll entrust Airi to you. ...Make her happy."
"Thank you very much."
I bow my head.
Airi is crying beside me.
I'm making her cry already, aren't I?
"These are tears of joy. There's no need to worry."
After that, we drank tea and left Airi's house.
Since dinner wouldn't be ready if we returned at this hour, we decided to go out to eat.
"Airi, is there anything you want to eat?"
"Toya-kun, you said udon is a lucky food, right?"
"Yeah, in the sense of 'thick and long'."
"Then, I'll have udon..."
"Got it."
"Uuu..."
"What's wrong, Airi?"
Did I mess something up?
"Toya-kun, did you greet Papa-san as a penalty game?"
"As a warning to myself, I went to greet him to make myself exercise self-control so as not to do things that make Airi sad."
"I cannot forgive you for making the promise of marriage to me a penalty game~"
Ah, so she took it that way.
"That's not what I meant."
"Even if the meaning was different, the fact doesn't change~. Boo~"
"...So it is a penalty game."
"Yep!"
"What should I do?"
When I ask, Airi is thinking hard, "Hmm."
And after a while, after arriving at the udon shop, Airi answered.
"Keep your promise properly. How about 'if you break it, immediate marriage'?"
She says such difficult problems again.
"Is marriage to Airi a penalty game?"
"Uuu... now that you mention it, certainly."
I whisper softly to the worrying Airi. Then, Airi's face flushes red.
"I've been thinking this for a while, but I've started to feel that this isn't becoming a penalty game."
"But Airi doesn't feel bad about it, right?"
"Idiot!!"
Whack
"Then, we have to go home quickly."
"That's true."
The consecutive holidays of the start of summer came to an end, and peaceful days begin again.