Chapter 188 - Memories of the Wind
(1)
A gust of wind blows.
Fragments of memories race past along with the wind.
The first time I saw Airi.
The first time Airi spoke to me.
The first time Airi gave me chocolates, and the moment I rang the doorbell of Airi's house.
The day I first held Airi's hand.
The day I first kissed Airi.
When I confessed my feelings to Airi.
The day I first... with Airi.
And then, proposing to Airi and having her accept.
Vowing eternal love as a couple blessed by everyone...
The daughter's name had been decided a long time ago...
Poke
"School starts today! You have to wake up quickly!"
The woman standing there with her hands on her hips is my wife (provisional), Airi Tosaka.
Since entering university, she has been living in my house, performing what she calls "bride training."
By the second year, far from just getting permission from the Tosaka family, she had reached the state of bringing me marriage registration forms.
I refused, telling her to please wait until we were no longer students.
Even if I gave in a hundred steps and agreed to a student marriage, it would be after I properly earned a living through a part-time job or something.
I am placed in the delicate situation of being a student by status but a husband by position.
It's not that I want to act like the head of the household, but I also don't like being completely walked over.
Whether Airi is mindful of that or not, she isn't particularly noisy about it.
She simply throws her desire to be together at me.
It's not on the level of cheating or anything like that; she just intensely dislikes it when I'm doing something alone.
When I say she dislikes it, being scolded is still the better option; she starts crying, becomes sulky, and pouts immediately.
Well, that side of Airi is just so cute and precious that I can't help it.
Once I finish changing, I head to the dining room and eat breakfast.
After finishing breakfast, I get ready and look at the internet and turn on the TV in my room.
When I do that, Airi comes into the room holding a mug.
"Did we win today's quiz~?"
There is a game using the remote control within the program, and the system is set up so that if you win the game, you get points, and if points accumulate, you can receive a prize via lottery.
It happens three times a day, but for us, who only do it once, it's something we have no real connection to, so we just do it for fun.
"It was a miss."
"I see~. Ah, it's starting."
What Airi means by "starting" is a segment that claims to show easy-to-make dishes, yet uses ingredients I've never heard of and does something outrageous like frying things in olive oil.
Once that ends, we change the channel, watch a fifteen-minute drama, and leave the house when it's time for the first period.
It takes about twenty minutes to reach the university.
From there, it's a walk to the building, ten minutes at most. Once I sit in a suitable seat, I begin preparing for class.
Because it's the first period, people are sparse.
Classes are ninety minutes per period, followed by a ten-minute break. During that time, I have to confirm the classroom for the next class and move.
Since I've mostly grasped the flow of the day, it's not that difficult and proceeds smoothly.
After the second period ends, there is a one-hour lunch break.
Airi and I go to the university cafeteria together, and while we sit and eat our bento and talk, Ishihara-kun and Eguchi-san, then Sakai-kun and Shimizu-san, arrive.
After that, Watanabe-kun and Kanna arrive.
With eight people, it becomes a large group and gets lively and noisy.
The topic naturally turns to the long weekend. Because Sakai-kun had been working a lot of part-time shifts, he and Shimizu-san ended up unable to go anywhere. Instead, they are apparently having their first date tonight.
"Sakai~ I hope you've prepared properly~" Kanna teases.
"I've done at least some preparation," Sakai-kun replies.
Eguchi-san and the others apparently went to Okinawa.
I thought it might be too early for that, but...
"It's just right now because it's not crowded. Isshy said he's never been there either," Eguchi-san says.
As for Watanabe-kun and the others...
"We went to stay at a leisure facility for one night. Our days off aligned."
It seems everyone enjoyed themselves in their own way.
"By the way, about the Nishimatsu matter..."
The moment Watanabe-kun mentions Nishimatsu's name, the expressions of the women become grim.
"Did that guy do something again?" Kanna asks.
"No, he hasn't done anything yet. I thought I'd consult you before he does. Could the women have a discussion once? If the opinions of the women are unanimous, I'm thinking of expelling him."
"Expelling..."
Airi repeats.
"It's not a game or anything anymore. He's doing things bordering on criminal. If the women find it repulsive, I think we should consider expulsion."
"I see... we won't know until we ask Ai and Honoka from the other campus as well."
When Eguchi-san says this, Watanabe-kun nods.
"That's why I want you to hold a girls' meeting once and consider it."
"Understood..."
As Eguchi-san says this, she operates her smartphone. She is probably sending a message to the girls' meeting group.
"I've decided on this coming Sunday."
When Eguchi-san says this, Watanabe-kun says, "I'll leave it to you."
However, I wondered to myself if that was really okay.
Will that stop Nishimatsu-kun's atrocities? Won't it instead make him escalate?
Also, won't he believe that expulsion equals his own victory?
But considering the safety of the women, is expulsion better? Though it's not as if their safety is guaranteed.
It seemed the women were thinking the same thing.
It was a moment where anxiety suddenly passed through me, like a summer haze.
(2)
A restaurant near the harbor park.
We arrived as the sunset sank into the horizon.
A scene with a beautiful sea.
On this day, I had Kazami bring us.
That way, Zen-kun could drink with peace of mind.
With one sip of wine, the tension eased, and the conversation with Zen-kun became lively.
"I am truly sorry for never having invited you on a date until now."
"That's why we have today, right?"
"?"
Zen-kun looked like he didn't quite understand.
"The accumulation of everything until now led to today, didn't it? There is no day I'm happier than today."
"I'm happy to hear you say that."
"Yes, it seems it will be a good day for both of us."
Saying so, the two of us ate the course meal.
I noticed something.
Both of us had only taken one sip at the beginning and hadn't drunk since.
"What's wrong? Zen-kun, are you feeling unwell?"
"Akira-chan, you haven't been drinking at all today either."
"I'm just holding back because it would be bad if I lost my composure."
"It's the same for me; I don't want to ruin such a special day."
Drinking at home is more relaxing and nice.
The two of us said that and laughed.
After the meal was finished, we talked a bit and left the restaurant.
Since we had drunk a little, we took a stroll through the harbor park to sober up.
It was still a season where the night breeze felt pleasant.
Was he drunk? Or was he drunk on the mood?
He began to walk arm-in-arm, something he had never done until now.
A gust of wind dances.
The impression from when we first met.
The impression of him when I was dragged along to the welcome party.
The feeling of humiliation when he started dating Ichinose-san.
Thinking back, perhaps that feeling of humiliation sprouted precisely because I was twisted.
The pebble she let go of so easily might have been the finest jewel to me.
Warming it, warming it with great care.
I may have mistaken the way to warm it, but it finally let out its first cry.
Emotions I've never had before sprout.
I was a little embarrassed.
It wasn't that I was embarrassed to be walking with Zen-kun, but this mood was somehow bashful.
I too might have been drunk on the mood.
Sitting on a bench, leaning our shoulders together, we spoke of love.
I wonder if the couples around us are speaking of similar things?
Rejoicing together, laughing together. I want to stay in this state forever.
Is it about time?
I took out my smartphone and called Kazami.
"Zen-kun, shall we go home like this? Or shall we stop by somewhere in town?"
There was no answer.
"Zen-kun?"
Apparently, Zen-kun was asleep.
At the most crucial moment...
This person is always like this.
A person who misses the timing at the most crucial points.
When Kazami arrived in the car, I had Kazami help me carry him to the car. And upon returning home, I had Kazami help me carry him to the bed.
"He is quite a handful, isn't he?"
Kazami said and sighed.
"Yes, he's a handful."
I was happy.
"Then, I shall take my leave."
"Yes, thank you for your hard work."
After seeing Kazami off and returning to the room, Zen-kun was awake.
"How did I get home...?"
Giggling, I said to Zen-kun.
"What shall we do? Bath first? Alcohol first? Or..."
"Let's take a bath."
Oh? How disappointing...
"If possible, together..."
Eh? What did you just say?
"I was just thinking that if we could take a bath together~... but that's impossible, right?"
Impossible or not, you've done it once before.
I silently took out a change of clothes.
Sensing the situation, Zen-kun also took out a change of clothes.
Taking a bath together, drinking, and then...
The night was still long.
(3)
"Well, contact me when you're heading back."
"Yeah."
With that, Toya-kun's car drove away.
When I entered the shop, everyone had already gathered.
"Airi, you're late!"
When Mika-san said that, I replied with a laugh.
"Sorry~"
As I took my seat, Ai stood up.
"Then, the 3rd Girls' Meeting begins!"
Everyone applauded.
"Now, before everyone gets excited, there's something I want to settle, so I'll say it."
Ai explained.
That Nishimatsu-kun's actions have exceeded the limit, that if left alone any longer, we might suffer criminal damages, and that there are already people who have been victims, though it ended as an attempt. Shouldn't we take action around here? Specifically, something like an expulsion penalty.
All of this was consulted by Watanabe-kun.
"The ones in the most danger are Ai-chan and Honoka-chan, right?"
"That's right."
"True."
When Emi said this, Ai and Honoka nodded.
"Expelling him just like this feels a bit frustrating, but it can't be helped..."
"It's true that there's a part of it that's a bit excessive."
Shimizu-san and Kanna said.
"Then, shall we say expulsion is fine?"
Ai took out her smartphone.
"Please wait~"
Sakura-san raised her hand.
"I think it's somewhat better while he's in the group because we can keep in touch with him~. Even if we expel him, I don't think the 'game' will be considered as if it never happened~, thinking normally."
I had been thinking that too.
"Then, wouldn't it be safer to leave him in the group and monitor his actions~?"
"But just because we leave him in the group doesn't mean we can grasp all of his actions, you know?"
Emi countered.
"That's all the more reason why if we expel him from the group, he'll definitely go berserk~, that guy."
"I think it's as Sakura-san says."
"Airi-chan?"
"Because, I can't believe his actions will stop just because we expel him from the group... Emi, Shimizu-san, aren't you actually frustrated?"
"Well, I am frustrated, but..."
"Considering everyone's safety..."
"But even that safety isn't guaranteed, is it?"
When Ai said this, I nodded in agreement.
"That's why we just have to not step onto his playing field. He said that if you move first, you lose."
"You said that before too."
When Emi said this, I nodded.
"The reason Nishimatsu-kun attacks first is because there's some ulterior motive. If so, we just have to not bite. In cases where we can't take proper countermeasures like Shimizu-san did, I think we just have to ignore him."
"But if a situation like abduction or confinement happens, there's no way to devise countermeasures, right?"
Ai asked.
"He's the son of a hospital, right? I don't think he'd actually do an abduction. It would damage the hospital... I don't think he's stupid enough to do something that would throw his whole life away. Besides, we can't say that risk disappears just because we expel him."
"That's true~"
"Isn't it just a matter of not thinking about it too hard? It's just a story of ignoring that guy, right?"
Mika-san said.
"And then, just not acting alone as much as possible except when at home..."
"U-um, what about us?"
The ones who timidly raised their hands were Kinoshita-san and Niina-san.
"True, Kinoshita-san is safe because Tange-sensei is there, so the problem is Niina-san."
"But Niina-san is at a different university and her address isn't known, so it's fine."
"I'm fine; despite how I look, I can use at least some self-defense techniques."
Ai, Honoka, and Niina-san discussed.
"To be honest, the feeling of just being pushed around is incredible... I bet the men feel the same? They don't say anything because they're thinking about our safety."
When Mika-san said this, Kanna and Ai agreed.
"Being pushed around is irritating, isn't it?"
"I want to think of a way to make him eat his words, you know?"
"Everyone, may I have a moment~? I can say this because I was on the enemy side..."
Everyone focused on Hanayama-san.
"I think he's already in a state of being humbled~. The moment he can't get Tosaka-san, it's like he's admitted defeat."
"I agree~. He can only do things like laugh while seeing us flustered~, the current him. He's just making one last desperate struggle."
Sakura-san said.
"Then, shall we go with not expelling him and letting him taste humiliation as it is?"
Ai moved to summarize.
There was no one who voiced an objection.
"Then, sending to Watanabe-kun."
The reply came back immediately.
"He says, 'Are you really sure?'"
"Tell him that women don't say things twice,"
Emi said, and Ai operated her smartphone, saying "Okay."
"He says, 'Understood, the men will also think of countermeasures.'"
"Then, next is how to make Nishimatsu eat his words. I can't stand doing nothing; in short, we just need to devise a secret plan, right?"
When Mika-san said this, Emi, Ai, and Shimizu-san agreed.
"Ye-es, I have a proposal~"
Everyone focused on Sakura-san.
"Please introduce a boyfriend to me~. That's all I need~. ...I'll cook the rest on this end."
"Cook?"
Niina-san asked.
"It's still undecided~ because it depends on what kind of person the partner is~"
"As for Sakura, what kind of partner do you prefer~?"
"Someone who doesn't judge based on looks alone would be good~"
"Hmm, hmm..."
From there, it started with the topic of Sakura-san's boyfriend and ended with Hanayama-san's recent status report.
(4)
Airi and the others are there.
When I honked the horn, Airi seemed to notice. Saying "See you later," Airi climbed into the passenger seat.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's fine."
I slowly move the car.
"How was today?"
"It was fun~"
No, not that...
"Everyone's opinions were unanimous. That we will resolutely stand up to Nishimatsu-kun."
"I see... is it okay?"
"They said it'll be fine as long as the men stay sharp."
True...
"Toya-kun is fine, right?"
"Eh?"
"We're already a married couple (provisional), after all. You won't waver, right?"
"I know, Airi."
"Hey, what were you and the others doing?"
"...Hanging out with Makoto and the others. It seemed everyone was the same."
They were probably drinking anyway, so I thought I'd have to give them a ride.
"With Makoto-kun and the others... you weren't watching lewd DVDs again, were you?"
"...Lately, I'm only interested in Airi, so I haven't watched them."
Poke
"You're looking at me with those eyes. How lewd."
Someone please tell me the correct answer...
"Should I take an interest in other women?"
"Uuu... Toya-kun is acting mean again~"
Airi pretends to cry.
"It's true that I'm only interested in Airi. Even until now, I've never laid a hand on any woman other than Airi, right?"
"There was Kanna, wasn't there?"
"Back when Airi was around, I had eyes only for Airi. I was truly happy."
"Yeah."
That girl who was crying when I remember her back then, I can now make her smile like this.
The two of us are slowly walking toward happiness.
There wasn't a shred of anxiety.
I thought all that was left was to proceed toward the goal.