Chapter 189 - Eternal Wind
(1)
There was a girl standing, even as the fresh green breeze of early summer blew against her.
The girl was wearing a middle school uniform.
A girl with slightly long black hair.
The girl's eyes were transparent.
Eyes that would not overlook any truth.
The girl was looking at me.
I knew the girl.
I apologized to her.
It's all my fault, I'm sorry.
The girl's face remained like a doll's, the corners of her mouth turned up as she looked at me.
"Liar. In truth, you don't think it's your fault, do you?"
"You're right! I'm not lying."
"You can say whatever you want with your mouth... You haven't changed a bit since then. Just like this wind."
"I wonder what she would think if she found out about this? Hehehe."
...I've already told her.
"I'll tell her who you really are. Hehehe."
"Stop it!!"
"Huh?"
...A dream.
I hug Airi, who is taken aback.
Airi, not yet grasping the situation, rubs my back.
"It's time for breakfast~"
Saying that, she pulls me back to reality.
"A-Ah, I have to get changed."
"Wait."
Airi pulls at my clothes from behind.
"What's wrong?"
"Was I not allowed?"
"What was?"
"Because just as I was about to kiss you, you suddenly said 'Stop it!!'..."
Ah, so that's what happened.
I kiss Airi.
"I was just having a dream. You don't have to worry about it."
"Mm."
Once I finish changing, I say "I'll go down first" and head toward the dining room.
I didn't hear the words of Airi, who was gazing at me.
"You saw it 'again,' didn't you..."
After eating breakfast, I get ready and return to my room as usual.
While I'm slowly watching TV, Airi comes into the room with a mug as she always does.
I gaze at the TV with Airi while sipping coffee.
Though I'm just looking at the TV, my mind is thinking of other things.
Why did I have a dream like that now?
And not just once; I've started seeing it frequently lately.
Isn't it something that's already passed? Something I'd forgotten?
Why do I see it just as I'm starting to forget?
Someone said that dreams are the subconscious.
Is my subconscious telling me not to forget?
"I will never let you forget."
Is that girl saying that?
Isn't it about time you forgave me?
Why am I here?
Why is that girl there?
Why did things end up like that with her?
Was meeting her also fate?
Because fate never smiles upon those who do not fight.
How should I face it?
How should I fight?
Are you saying that girl is by my side?
"Toya-kun!"
I instinctively flinch at Airi's voice.
"Were you listening to me?"
"S-Sorry. I was thinking about something."
"I thought so. You were completely immersed in Toya-kun's world."
"Sorry..."
"You saw it again, didn't you? The dream of 'that person'."
"Why do you...?"
"You were suffering while you slept, Toya-kun. You had a face like you were frightened of something. Whenever you make that face, it's usually that."
Airi saw through it too.
At that moment, Airi pulls me close.
Being buried in Airi's mature breasts feels pleasant...
"Am I that unreliable?"
"Eh?"
"You won't tell me your true feelings when it matters most."
"Ah..."
Blank
"Even if that person says 'I won't forgive you,' I will forgive you, Toya-kun. Is that not enough?"
...Shall I speak my true feelings?
"I understand it in my head. I have Airi now. But Airi was there back then too. It's an inescapable fact. But whenever I try to forget, I have dreams as if being told to remember."
As if being told not to let it be forgotten.
"Isn't the 'subconscious' kind of fishy?"
"?"
"Even when I look it up, only things like how to become happy or how to awaken the subconscious come up, like some kind of fraudulent business. Toya-kun's Zone has more authenticity than that."
"Aren't they similar things?"
"They're completely different. Watanabe-kun said the Zone is the fruit of concentration."
Well, from the perspective of people around me, that's probably how it looks. Though I'm not consciously aware of it.
"And what does that have to do with my dreams?"
"That's why~ the subconscious is actually just the unconscious, right?"
"I suppose so."
"Somewhere in your heart, Toya-kun, you still have feelings of regret. They're lurking somewhere in your memories."
Like when you format a hard drive, the information is overwritten with 'deleted,' but the data actually remains.
"That's why I'll definitely make you forget. I'll fill Toya-kun's head with me. I'll dye the inside of Toya-kun's heart my color, so when you have a dream, tell me."
"I understand. Thank you, Airi."
"As a wife, it's humiliating that you can't forget another woman."
Airi laughs, saying that.
Emotional cheating, huh... When I first confessed to Airi, I thought it couldn't be helped if it was viewed as 'cheating.'
But Airi forgave me.
She told me, "Toya-kun is not in the wrong."
Airi, who says she will forgive me again. What can I possibly do for such an Airi?
The miracle of meeting Airi, like a dream.
We loved each other and had occasional fights, but we've overcome various walls together.
"...Even if we're reborn, I'm sure we'll be together forever. Because we love each other this much."
"You're right."
"Ah, it's almost time."
"Wait, Airi."
"Whaaat?"
"What were you trying to talk about earlier?"
"Oh, I was wondering if that thing Toya-kun mentioned would be okay this weekend."
"That thing?"
"You know~ that thing Toya-kun mentioned in Karatsu!!"
"Ah, I see. Got it."
"Mm, I'll prepare lots of bento!"
"A nearby fast food place is also fine, you know?"
"Uuu... Toya-kun prefers fast food over a bento made by his wife?"
"T-That's not possible, right?"
"Then it's decided♪"
Saying that, Airi gets ready.
Is it a waste of time to think about it now...
The treasure of the reality called "now" is right here.
So I will live to the fullest. I'll do what I can do now.
"Toya-kun, I'm ready."
"Well, shall we go?"
"Mm."
The album on the top shelf of the bookcase. Inside it, "she" existed and had left a message.
My greatest blunder. The truth I didn't want to tell anyone.
I believed that the time to speak of it would never eternally come.
However, just as the eternal wind blows. The truth that one must never look away from was hidden there.
(2)
"Miyuki, we've arrived."
Keisuke stops the car at a small coffee shop.
As I get out of the car, I spit out my gum.
"So, is there actual confirmation that they're here today?"
"They come every day; at this time, it's certain."
"I see. I pray it won't be a wasted trip."
Saying that, I am led by Keisuke and open the entrance door.
The door bell rings with a clink-clank. The people inside, who look like students, look at me.
They probably want to thoroughly ignore Keisuke, but my presence likely forces them to question him.
"Nishimatsu, who is that woman?"
"Ah, she's Takashina Miyuki. My childhood friend. She doesn't have many friends either. Could you let her into the Watanabe squad?"
"Your childhood friend? You're definitely plotting something, aren't you?"
A woman sitting at a table seat snapped at Keisuke.
"Ah, Takashina-san, is there any mistake in what he's saying?"
"Yes, that's right. I'm on good terms with him. But I don't have any other friends..."
"Wait, Watanabe-kun, do you intend to let this girl in? He's definitely plotting something..."
"It's fine, Sashihara-san. There's no way the men will be swayed by this girl."
Men trust easily if you show a little weakness. Or am I simply being underestimated?
"By the way, excuse me, but how old are you? You look older than us."
"I'm 23, attending Medical School. I graduate this year."
"Amazing!"
...It doesn't seem to be this woman. Well, it might be better to scatter some friendliness.
Keisuke whispers, "She's Sashihara Ai. The leader-like existence of the girls' section."
All the more reason to win her over.
"I'm lacking in many ways, but I look forward to your kindness."
Saying that, I bow deeply.
"W-Well, I don't have any particular problem, but what about everyone else?"
An easy woman.
"I'm Eguchi. If I may ask, what's your reason for joining the Watanabe squad?"
"Nice to meet you, Eguchi-san. The reason is as Keisuke said. I want friends..."
"...I see. Nice to meet you, Takashina-senpai."
As I greet them one by one like that, I noticed a person sending a cold gaze.
He is staring at me blankly, but those eyes look as if they are seeing through my inner thoughts.
Was I sensed?
"Um, and you are?"
"...I'm Katagiri Toya."
"Ah, you are..."
So the target this time is him.
As I try to approach him, a woman cuts in between.
She clings to Katagiri-kun's arm and glares at me.
Anything that approaches him is an enemy.
She deals with me with that kind of resolve.
"I'm Tosaka Airi. We haven't registered the marriage, but I'm Toya-kun's wife."
A common-law wife, then?
I wonder why you'd willingly enter such a relationship.
"Nice to meet you, Tosaka-san."
Saying that, I offer her my hand.
Her hand remains clinging to Katagiri-kun's arm.
"Airi, at least give her a handshake."
When Katagiri-kun says that, she hesitantly reaches out and shakes hands.
"Is this seat okay?"
When I say that, Katagiri-kun answers, "Go ahead."
The vigilance does not leave his eyes.
I recognized that today's objective is to lower everyone's vigilance.
"Keisuke, what are you drinking?"
"I'll have a blend coffee."
"Then, I'll have a coffee float."
The clerk, Sakai-kun, says "Certainly" and takes the order to the kitchen.
The faces present today. Katagiri-kun and Tosaka-san, Sashihara-san and Kiritani-kun, Watanabe-kun and Mika-san, Kimoto-kun and Oshima-san, Nakajima-kun and Ichinose-san, Eguchi-san and Ishihara-kun, Shimizu-san and Sakai-kun, Takemoto-kun and Manabe-kun; I greeted each of them.
Everyone except Katagiri-kun was able to lower their guard.
"So, is it okay to let her into the Watanabe squad?"
"...I don't mind. What about everyone else?"
"I'm fine with it too."
Watanabe-kun and Sashihara-san say so. Everyone consented.
"Don't worry, I just heard from Keisuke that there's a matchmaking group and had him introduce me."
I'm not lying.
"...What about you, Toya-kun?"
"...There's probably nothing to worry about."
He's unexpectedly easy, too.
But he's surely just making it look that way; I've heard from Keisuke that he can understand other people's hearts.
Is this statement made after reading my heart?
"Then, I'm okay with it too..."
It felt as if she consented reluctantly. It seems she believes everything Katagiri-kun says. To bring her down, first from Katagiri-kun.
Keisuke's strategy might actually be hitting the mark.
Then it seems I first have to do something about Katagiri-kun.
"Thank you, Katagiri-kun. I look forward to it."
"...Likewise."
Saying that, I exchange IDs with Watanabe-kun and am invited to the group.
"Our activities are..."
"Mainly exchanging messages, and then gathering here or having occasional drinking parties, right? I've heard from Keisuke."
"Listen, I've been hearing 'Keisuke' for a while now, but what's your relationship with Nishimatsu?"
Sashihara-san questioned me.
"Just childhood friends. There's no one I trust as much as him."
I told a small lie.
"I wonder how you managed to trust this man."
Eguchi-san asks.
"Because I've known him since he was little. If you ask me, he's just a prank-loving child."
"In that case, could you make him stop those 'pranks'?"
"Impossible. It's a bad habit, though well, he gets bored quickly."
"Listen... you've been avoiding eye contact while talking for a while now, why is that?"
Katagiri-kun suddenly asked.
As expected, he seems sharp.
"Miyuki has been shy since she was young and can't talk while looking people straight in the face."
Keisuke says that and supports me.
"...Hmm."
Saying that, Katagiri-kun finishes his Napolitan.
"Airi, didn't you have a 5th period class today?"
"Ah, that's right!"
"Shall we go soon?"
"Mm."
"Then, Sakai-kun, thanks for the meal."
"Thank you very much."
Saying that, Katagiri-kun and Tosaka-san left the shop.
In that case, there's no reason for us to be here either.
"Keisuke, I have class too..."
"I see, then shall we go soon?"
We stand up from our seats.
"Well, I look forward to your kindness from now on."
"See you again."
Saying that, we left the shop.
Once I get into the car, I take a deep breath.
"How was it? Miyuki."
"Katagiri-kun... it might take a little time..."
First, I must start by becoming friends with Tosaka-san.
"Do you have confidence...?"
"I'll fulfill the minimum role."
"I'm counting on you."
"I'll do my best to meet your expectations."
Separate Katagiri-kun from Tosaka-san. That is the duty imposed upon me.
I can't do it by force. I can't take aggressive measures.
First, unless I confirm how strong their so-called bond is, there's no way to handle it.
It looks like I'll be able to kill some time for the first time in a while. I pop a piece of gum into my mouth.
As I chew the gum, my thoughts become clear.
As expected, first I have no choice but to become friends with Tosaka-san.
Increasing intimacy with the two and striking when they've loosened up is the best move.
I've never handled a case like that, but that's exactly why it's rewarding.
While chewing gum, I was sending a message to Tosaka-san.
It was an occurrence on a day when the wind was fragrant.
(3)
Everyone was surprised when she appeared wearing a light blue two-piece.
A balanced physique, regular features. A woman with slightly brownish hair falling to her shoulders and a slight perm.
The men all caught their breath. Except for one. That one glanced at her while eating a katsu sandwich and then returned his gaze to the katsu sandwich.
She is said to be Nishimatsu's childhood friend. An older woman from Medical School. Her name is Takashina Miyuki.
They seem to be close enough that she calls Nishimatsu "Keisuke." If they're childhood friends, that's natural, right?
She attempted to approach Katagiri-kun, but Airi blocked it.
I was also vigilant, but since everyone said it was fine, I thought that the reason of being Nishimatsu's childhood friend wasn't a reason to refuse, so I consented to her joining the group.
Airi was opposed, but since Katagiri-kun said "Isn't it fine?", Airi also reluctantly consented.
The two of them leave the shop as if following Katagiri-kun and the others.
"She was a beautiful woman, wasn't she. Why doesn't she get together with Nishimatsu-kun? They'd make a well-matched couple."
Sakai-kun states his honest impression.
"No matter how you think about it, she's in league with Nishimatsu..."
"Right!? I thought so too."
Emi and Mika-san are talking like that.
"Well, it's probably as everyone thinks."
Watanabe-kun doesn't deny it either.
"Then why didn't everyone refuse?"
Eita was asking something obvious.
"It was interesting that they're still targeting Tosaka-san and Toya without learning their lesson... I couldn't help it."
Watanabe-kun answers nonchalantly.
"The ones troubled are Airi-chan and the others, right. Even though I agreed too."
Emi says so. But Katagiri-kun consented.
It was as if he saw through her objective.
"Toya is probably fine. More than that, a warning to the other men might be necessary."
Thinking he should make a group, Watanabe-kun operates his smartphone. Then, a group invitation arrives. A group named "Nishimatsu Countermeasures Room."
Katagiri-kun and the others also enter immediately.
He explains the situation to the people not present.
Then, Katagiri-kun gave a warning.
"You should be careful with her. Her heart is empty," he said...
Does that mean you can't tell what she's thinking?
"Well, it's better for everyone to be careful. Toya of course, but especially Eita will probably be targeted."
I think it's as Watanabe-kun says.
"Please believe in Eita-kun~ even when I pressed him, he rejected me saying 'Because Ai is here'," Sakura says, and Saki says, "I was told that too."
Did that guy say such happy things?
"Judging by the timing, it's the last trump card, right? Let's all stay sharp," Watanabe-kun says, and everyone nods.
Is this the end...?
I had doubts remaining, but I had no choice but to say yes.
"Ai-chan, don't you have anything to say?"
Emi asks. Let's see...
"Absolutely do not be alone with that woman. Men, be careful of that."
I sent that message.
You don't know what she'll do. Being alone is out of the question.
The men other than Katagiri-kun send "Roger" stamps.
"We can't trust her until we grasp her true identity."
When I say that, Akira makes a proposal.
"I have a detective through my connections. Shall I have them investigate?"
"Could I ask you to do that?"
"Got it," Akira says.
A fresh green breeze was raging inside our hearts.
(4)
"Mmm, feels good."
Airi is stretching her back thoroughly.
Airi opens the bento while gazing at Beppu Bay.
"Eat lots♪"
Airi says that and pours tea into a cup.
As Airi said, the bento was abundant.
Sandwiches, rice balls, fried chicken, rolled omelets...
I gaze at the sea while eating the bento.
The weather is good today too.
The sunlight is good, the sea breeze is pleasant, and the bento is delicious. And beside me is my pseudo-wife.
How happy can one be.
I wish this happiness would last forever.
That's what I thought.
"Hey...? It's really okay, right?"
Airi asked anxiously.
Probably, what Airi is worried about is Takashina-san.
After that, she asked Airi, "Is it okay if I add you personally?" and once Airi consented, she sends messages almost every day.
The content is friendly and nothing with other intentions could be felt.
That, conversely, was making Airi anxious.
Nishimatsu-kun's childhood friend... that one phrase is probably making Airi anxious.
There's no doubt she's plotting something.
I thought so the moment I first saw her.
She is hiding something.
I didn't know the content, though.
After all, the inside of her heart is a blank, so I don't know what she's thinking or what she's feeling.
The one thing I can say is that her objective is to pull me away from Airi.
It's not about making me fall for her or anything like that, but simply pulling me away.
Does she think that if Nishimatsu approaches when Airi is alone, something will happen?
I won't let that happen.
But what is it...?
I feel that Takashina-san and Nishimatsu-kun are connected by something stronger than being childhood friends.
It's not something gentle like a bond, but something closer to a shackle.
Both Nishimatsu-kun and Takashina-san are hiding it. I feel it's the most important thing.
"Toya-kun?"
"Ah, sorry. Was I immersed again?"
"Looks like it. About those two?"
"Yeah, about that..."
At that moment, a dazzling light enveloped the surroundings. A hallucination?
I suddenly look at the sea.
A girl is standing on the sea.
Have I finally started seeing hallucinations?
"Because I won't let you forget."
I'll show you that I can forget.
"Impossible, you are begging me for forgiveness."
What do I have to do to be forgiven?
"...Come over here."
I stand up and move my feet toward her.
"Yes, that's it..."
"Toya-kun, no!!"
Airi's both arms grab my waist.
The phantom disappeared.
"Airi?"
"Toya-kun, did you have a daydream? You suddenly went all wobbly~..."
"Ah, sorry. ...I was seeing a phantom of her."
"I've found a reason why I can't leave Toya-kun alone."
Airi says that and laughs.
Right now, rain is falling in my heart.
However, that rain will stop someday, and a rainbow will appear. Light born in the fresh green breeze.
An unwavering precious thing, the feeling of love I've long since noticed.
I can still walk, the goal is in sight. Feelings transcend time and echo eternally.
All of Airi's joys and pains.
O flower of love, bloom in full, more and more.
The eternal wind continues to blow.