Chapter 191 - Standing in the Rain
(1)
June. The start of the rainy season.
I could hear the croaking of frogs, and I was sleeping curled up in my futon like a frog myself.
Airi?
She already went to prepare breakfast.
Right now, I'm sleeping quietly alone...
"Toya-kun, breakfast is ready."
No chance of letting me sleep...
If I try to resist even a little...
"Heheh~n. If that's how you're gonna be, fine then."
Airi lies down next to me and presses her chest against my back.
The soft sensation bothers me and I can't sleep.
It's strange, since before I would have been able to sleep.
"The North Wind and the Sun Strategy, Version 2!!"
I'd like to see if there's any man who could resist this temptation.
For the record, I can't. But I still want to sleep. So what do I do?
I shake Airi off, turn my body around, and hug her.
"Hey, Toya-kun!?"
"You're the one who tempted me, Airi!"
As I say that and try to take off her clothes...
Ponk
Yeah, I knew it.
"Toya-kun, you've really been influenced by Makoto-kun lately."
"Even if it weren't Makoto, any guy our age would be the same."
"Uuu... fine then. It's okay if it's at night."
"Then hold me tonight."
"If I don't do it now, you won't get up, Toya-kun."
"Well, when my cute bride hugs me, I get in that kind of mood."
"Cute bride... ehehe~. That's not what I'm talking about!"
"You need to change, right? Let's hurry."
I get out of bed and change clothes.
I should buy some summer clothes soon. And my shoes are getting worn out too...
Just then, Airi hugs me from behind.
"Am I becoming a nagging wife?"
Airi says this with a pleading look, looking up at me.
"You're saying it because you care about me, right? I know."
"Yay~, I'm glad I have a kind husband."
"Thanks, Airi. You should hurry and change too."
"Okay."
Airi starts changing.
In the meantime, I go to the dining room and eat breakfast.
As I'm eating, Airi comes downstairs.
Airi sits next to me and starts eating breakfast. I finish eating first and head to the washroom.
Just as I'm finishing getting ready, I pass by Airi.
After that, I go back to the room and look at the news online.
Oh, that singer is retiring.
Well, I wasn't that interested in that singer anyway.
After that, I glance at some sports articles and turn on the TV.
Around that time, Airi comes back.
"Did I make it in time for the game~?"
"It looks like it's about to start?"
Airi puts her mug on the table and watches TV with me.
"You can choose, Airi."
"Then~, Red."
Airi almost always chooses red. I wonder if she likes red? If so, is the color she uses on special days her real favorite?
Ponk
"I didn't say anything, did I?"
"Your face had a lecherous look on it, Toya-kun."
The game was hitting on red.
"Yay~" Airi cheers.
"Do you like the color red, Airi?"
"Huh? Why??"
"Because you always pick red, Airi."
"I never really thought about it~. So, why are you asking?"
"No, so it's unconscious... I see."
"Don't just convince yourself and explain it to me!"
"It's a secret."
"Uuu... fine then, I'll figure it out myself."
Airi says that and puts her ear to my chest.
There's no way she can figure it out from that.
But even as I say that, I'm secretly nervous.
"Uuu... you're thinking about something weird again!"
Ponpoko
"Do you hate red and pink, Toya-kun? Do they not suit me?"
"Like I said before, no matter what color you wear, you look cute, Airi."
"Let me ask you the same thing, Toya-kun. What color do you like?"
"Let's see~... I guess pink? With frills on it..."
Ponk
"I knew you were thinking about something weird~. You don't need to imagine that. ...The real thing is right here, you know!"
Airi's face was bright red as she said that. If she's embarrassed, she shouldn't say it.
"Ah, I thought of a good punishment game!"
"What?"
"You were thinking about buying clothes or shoes earlier, weren't you?"
How does she know that?
"I've gotten to the point where I can kind of tell what you're thinking, Toya-kun."
Airi says this, puffing out her chest.
"So, how does that connect to a punishment game?"
"Let's go shopping together, Toya-kun?"
"We always go shopping together, don't we?"
"When we do, I'll give you options for the underwear you like."
I almost spat out my coffee.
What is she saying first thing in the morning...?
"And then I'll wear it for you on your birthday or something."
"You're planning to take me to the women's underwear section, Airi?"
I'd just look like a pervert.
"Can't you understand this wife's feelings of wanting to become the woman of your dreams, Toya-kun?"
"What about the other customers' eyes?"
Do you want to see your husband get caught by a security guard?
"It's fine, it's a lingerie shop in a shopping mall. Besides, these days, picking out underwear together is a nice, lovey-dovey thing, isn't it?"
Makoto-kun apparently went with Kanna too, you know? Airi says.
"Hmm... just the color or something is fine. I'll give you options."
"...Just this once, okay?"
"Yay~♪"
After that, we killed time watching TV.
The singer's retirement was being heavily covered on TV too.
Apparently, he was incredibly popular when my dad was young.
He was also active as a fashion leader, I hear.
Come to think of it, Airi doesn't read fashion magazines, does she?
I look at Airi's face and our eyes meet?
"What is it this time?"
"No, I was just thinking I've never seen you read a fashion magazine, Airi."
"Hoe?"
"Do you have some kind of preference, Airi?"
"I match it to your tastes, you know? I always ask you before I buy something, right?"
"Is that okay? Don't you have clothes you want to wear yourself?"
"I haven't really thought about it much. I had favorite shops back in middle school."
Is that how it is?
"If I had to say, maybe loungewear?"
"Loungewear?"
"Yeah, I'd like to have matching ones with you, Toya-kun."
...I see.
She intends to match me in everything.
"Ah, that's right!"
"What's up?"
"While we're at it, I'll have you pick out a swimsuit too."
This wife of mine, one thing after another...
"Alright."
"Yay~♪"
I look at the clock. It's about time.
"Airi, it's about time."
"Okay~."
I leave the house with Airi.
It was raining.
I use my umbrella and walk to Airi's house. I put Airi in the passenger seat first, then get in the driver's seat.
"It'll probably be crowded today too."
"Yeah."
As usual, I take a shortcut.
I park the car in the parking lot and walk to the building.
Just then, my phone rings.
Airi's was ringing too, so it's probably the Watanabe group.
I was holding the umbrella, so I have Airi check it.
"Kimoto-senpai apparently got an unofficial job offer."
It says they want to celebrate with the inner circle, so we're meeting up this weekend.
Basically, they just want to party, right?
Well, I have no reason to refuse, so I nod to Airi, and she operates her phone.
I see... jobs, huh. Eventually, it'll be my turn.
"Huh? There's a message in the girls' group chat."
Maybe I shouldn't ask about that?
That concern was apparently unnecessary, as Airi says it out loud.
"She says she found a candidate for Sakura-san's boyfriend."
"Huh?"
"Wow, he's from a bit far away. He's a third-year at APRU, she says."
I see, well, it's about an hour's drive, so it's reachable.
It didn't say what kind of person he is.
It's a surprise for the day, apparently.
But a student from APRU... just how wide is Sashihara-san's network?
(2)
"Well then, a toast to Kimoto-senpai's unofficial job offer!!"
Watanabe-senpai says that, and the party begins.
The place is an izakaya near Ozai Station.
"Congratulations, Kazu-san!"
"Thanks, Kana."
Oshima-senpai is toasting with Kimoto-senpai.
Is this what they call being deeply in love?
"This is all thanks to Shimizu-san, thank you."
"I just introduced you to my parents. Getting the unofficial offer was Kimoto-senpai's own ability."
Right, Kimoto-senpai had an interview at Shimizu-senpai's parents' company.
"Still, without Shimizu-san's recommendation, I'd be shivering in my boots right now."
"...Well, I'm glad I could be of help, even if it was just that."
While everyone is congratulating Kimoto-senpai, one unfamiliar face is drinking alcohol with a bored look.
"Sakura... hey..."
I was called by Sashihara-senpai. He's a bit handsome, with a slender build, a real ikemen type.
"Let me introduce you. This is Hiyama Haruki-kun, a third-year at APRU. Hiyama-kun, this is Kanzaki Sakura-san, the girl I told you about."
"I'm Hiyama."
"I'm Sakura~. Nice to meet you."
"Well, you two have fun~."
"Huh? Aren't you going to stay with us, senpai~?"
"You're not the type to get nervous. Take your time~."
Saying that, Sashihara-senpai went back to the others.
"You're used to guys, huh?"
"Well~, I've been pampered and fussed over~."
"Hmm~, isn't that annoying?"
"Huh?"
"Ah, no. Forget it..."
After that, no matter what I asked Hiyama-kun, I only got replies like "Ah..." or "Well, yeah."
"Why did you come today~?"
I threw a straight ball, even for me.
"Shizuku just asked me to."
"Huh?"
"I just came because Shizuku insisted on it."
He doesn't fall for me. He meets that condition, but...
"Honestly, this kind of thing is a pain."
"..."
"I bet you had some image of me being cool or super chill. I'm just brushing them off because they're annoying."
His self-importance has its limits...
"I said I wanted a girlfriend, but most of the women who come on to me are that type."
"I don't think it's good to jump to conclusions~. And who do you think you are, anyway?"
The alcohol is probably helping, but I think this is his true feelings.
"You should also stop jumping to conclusions and getting on your high horse~. Don't think everyone will fall for you."
My first impression was the worst.
He's probably never gotten a reaction like this before. He's a bit flustered.
Sashihara-san, perhaps sensing the strange atmosphere, rushes back.
"Hey, are you two having fun?"
"Sashihara-senpai, I'm sorry~. I refuse such a man."
"What happened?"
"No, it's nothing major..."
That ticks me off.
"Nothing major? Your conceit has limits! You're sorely mistaken if you think everyone will suck up to you. You've completely pissed me off!"
"Sakura! Calm down."
Hiyama-senpai just listens without saying anything.
"I'm offended. I'm going home."
Saying that, I stand up.
Everyone is looking at me.
I was expecting something much nicer.
"Sakura-san, what's wrong? Won't you come drink with us over here?"
"You should also stop messing around, you have a girlfriend~."
Saying that, I left the shop.
It was raining outside.
I opened my umbrella and walked home.
(3)
"Your conceit has limits!!"
That was the first time I'd ever been told something like that.
I was stunned for a while.
She said "I'm going home" and left the place.
I snap back to reality and chase after her.
I run after her as she walks home under her umbrella.
"Wait!"
I say that and put my hand on her shoulder.
"Do you need something? Wouldn't it be better for you to go back and scope out other women~?"
"That's not why I came!"
"Well then, shouldn't you go back too~? To use your own words, it's a 'waste of time.'"
"I'm sorry about earlier. I just got carried away with my usual attitude..."
This is also the first time I've been so fixated on a single woman.
"Well then, you can just go back to your usual attitude and have all the girls swoon over you~. I'll pass."
"...At least, let me have your contact info."
Why am I making such a pathetic move? Calm down.
"This is the last time I'll see you~. I don't see the point in exchanging contact info~."
"...Do you have a boyfriend?"
"If I did, I wouldn't be stupid enough to let someone introduce you to me."
"Then, I still have a chance."
"Overconfident men really are full of idiots, aren't they~? I just rejected you, you know~?"
"You... might be someone I could get serious about. That's what I thought."
"Look somewhere else~. Well then..."
Saying that, she started walking.
I stood there dumbfounded, standing in the rain. I wished it would wash away all the mistakes I had made.
When I returned to the shop, Sashihara-san asked, "How did it go?"
I shook my head... and she answered, "I see..."
"So, are you going to give up?"
I hesitated to answer.
That was the first time a woman had ever spoken to me like that.
She completely hates me. Pushing any further would be a waste of time.
But...
"I don't plan to."
Why did I say that?
"That's what I like to hear!"
Sashihara-san is enthusiastic.
"Katagiri-kun, sorry, but could you give him a ride?"
"Sure?"
"Well then, should we call it a night? I think there are still trains for anyone going to the after-party."
I skipped the after-party.
And now I'm heading home in Katagiri-kun's car.
Tosaka-san, sitting next to me, is fiddling with her phone incessantly.
"It was the first time. Being told off like that."
"How do you feel?"
When Katagiri-kun said that, I laughed and said, "It's the worst..."
"I think that's good. To be honest, I kind of expected it. I thought it would probably turn out like that."
"...?"
"Actually, Sashihara-san told me about you beforehand. That's when I thought, 'He's probably going to clash with her.'"
"Is what I'm about to do just stalking?"
"You have to convey your feelings. You wouldn't be satisfied otherwise, right?"
"Hey? Hiyama-senpai. Won't you join the Watanabe group?"
Tosaka-san suddenly turned around and said that?
"The Watanabe group?"
"Our group. You want to apologize properly, right?"
"...What does that have to do with it?"
"You can't talk unless you join..."
"Then, I'll join."
I exchange IDs with Tosaka-san and get invited to the group.
Sakura-san was in the group.
I get a private chat request from Sakura-san.
I accept.
"I'm sorry about earlier, I lost my composure."
"I'm the one who should be sorry. I apologize for offending you."
"Is that all you wanted to talk about~?"
I hesitate. Should I tell her how I feel now? Is it just the alcohol?
"Carbonara isn't good unless you eat it fresh, Hiyama-senpai."
"...I think you need a little push, Hiyama-senpai."
Encouraged by the two of them, I conveyed my current feelings.
"If it's okay with you, Sakura-san... even just as friends."
What a pathetic line, isn't it?
Couldn't I have come up with something better?
"I have enough friends~. What I want is a boyfriend~."
"...Is it okay?"
"If it's annoying, that's fine too~."
"...Nice to meet you."
"Yes~."
I'm going out with a type of woman I've never dealt with before. I don't know how to interact with her. But I'll probably end up exposing all my flaws in front of her.
I don't know how to handle her, but I'll figure it out from now on. I'll enjoy that process of figuring it out.
"Are you done talking?"
"Yeah... thanks."
"I'm glad."
When I get home, I'll talk with Sakura-san first. About what we'll do from now on.
We'll talk until dawn. There's plenty of time.
(4)
"Miyuki... what is the meaning of this? Weren't you supposed to not fail?"
Keisuke presses me for answers.
"I wonder if this is the place to discuss that, but regardless, the plan has failed."
"Then, let's talk in the car, shall we?"
"I think it's already too late, though?"
"Isn't there some good move?"
"No matter how good a move I think of, it's pointless if you self-destruct, Keisuke."
Besides, now that our relationship has been revealed, their vigilance will only increase.
I've learned well how strong everyone's bonds are.
"Haven't you already given up yourself? You know it's impossible now."
"I can't admit defeat! If I could just get Tosaka-san alone..."
"By force, you mean? It would leave a mark on the hospital, you know?"
If that happens, the hospital is finished. My relationship with you will be dissolved too. That would be a wish come true for me, though.
When the party ended, we went home.
I was in the back seat, looking out at the scenery as the car rocked.
"Miyuki, isn't there some good move?"
I chew gum and think.
My relationship with Keisuke has been exposed. No, it's as good as if I revealed it myself.
I've also revealed the full picture of the plan. That's because I myself thought it didn't matter anymore.
But if Keisuke still wants to tear apart the Watanabe group's bonds...
"We might need to change the target."
I don't know who to target, though.
"Targets are always changing. There's a saying about adapting to circumstances, isn't there?"
The saying 'He who chases two hares catches neither' fits Keisuke perfectly right now.
But his feelings are close to obsession.
"...It's impossible to separate those two anymore. Our moves have been read."
The best possible move... I've known that from the start.
"You'll just have to make it look like you've reformed, I suppose."
Keisuke's expression hardens.
"You're telling me to admit defeat?"
"We can't even talk unless we first make them let their guard down."
Unless we come up with an extraordinary scheme, even if we make a move, we'll just be counterattacked.
There are people we can target if we can create an opening in their hearts.
I know that from reading the messages so far.
"I can't do that. My pride won't allow it."
This isn't the time to be worrying about pride.
"Then we wait for the right time. We have no choice but to strike when their vigilance wavers."
"A war of attrition?"
"The one who moves first loses. Unfortunately, the advantage is on their side right now."
If their vigilance relaxes, I might be able to devise a scheme to exploit an opening.
"Understood, Miyuki. You think up your 'extraordinary scheme.' I'll act on my own judgment."
"It's a problem for me if you act on your own, though..."
"I'm not the type to just take a beating."
"Is that so... then do as you please."
I half gave up. This man doesn't care about winning or losing anymore. He seems desperate to protect himself.
"Let me ask you something, why are you so fixated on those people?"
"They tore my pride to shreds. I won't be satisfied until I get back at them."
I see. I thought it might be something like that.
"Well, move carefully. They're not an easy opponent."
"For you to say that much..."
I'm not stupid either. I know that continuing this any further is a waste of time.
However, they said they would continue.
Because they said they could give me a wonderful present.
So, I'll continue the game. I won't hold back.
I chew my gum.
And I think of a new plan.
(5)
"I'm glad for Sakura."
"Yeah."
It was on the way back from sending off Hiyama-senpai.
"A rainbow appears because it rains, right?"
"?"
Sometimes Airi says things I don't understand.
"It means a rainbow appeared between Sakura and Hiyama-senpai."
"Ah, I see."
"It keeps increasing. Our friends."
"Yeah."
"I hope everyone has a wonderful campus life."
I guess it depends on what a wonderful campus life means, though.
The same goes for me.
I wonder if I'll be able to find a job that can support Airi?
"Let's be just as happy, so we don't lose to them, okay?"
"I don't think that'll be a problem."
"Hoe?"
"It seems we already look like a happy married couple to everyone."
"..."
"It's not something to compare with others, but I think we're already happy."
"Toya-kun..."
Airi was silent for a while.
Even in silence, I can tell.
I'm happy too.
Airi's face was telling me that.
I'm proud of myself for being able to make her wear that expression.
And I pride myself on being the only one who can make her wear that expression.
Just then, Airi's phone rings.
It seems she received a message.
It's from the girls' group chat.
It seems Keisuke still hasn't given up. I think it'll be fine, but be careful.
It was from Takashina-senpai.
"There are some persistent guys out there, huh~."
Airi sighs.
The rain had stopped.
"It's okay. Nothing will change."
I pat Airi's head.
"Okay."
Airi says just that one word.
We push through the city lights.
The road was lit by the lights.
We drive through the darkness, but our path is lit by the headlights, and beyond that, the city lights were shining.