Chapter 198 - Dreams Seen by Time
(1)
August. The end of summer.
There is a warmth that is forgivable, no matter how hot it gets.
The warmth of Airi's body temperature was something that was forgivable.
We were sleeping, embraced in each other's arms.
When Airi began to move, I inevitably woke up as well.
"Good morning, Toya-kun."
"Good morning, Airi."
Airi got out of bed and left the room.
She was likely preparing breakfast.
I booted up my PC and played the MMORPG I had been working on.
It was the one Kiritani-kun and the others were playing.
Since we were in different worlds, we couldn't play together.
It would have taken too much time to start from scratch.
Because I had to steal moments while Airi wasn't around, I couldn't put in much continuous time.
Still, Kiritani-kun occasionally invited me to play together.
He said he'd help with character leveling.
He invited me by saying that since world warehouses were being implemented, items could be moved.
I wondered if I should try it, so I had secretly created a character.
I had been playing bit by bit in my spare time.
However, the characteristic of these kinds of games is that once you start, it's hard to find a stopping point.
And so, I became absorbed.
To the point where I didn't notice Airi standing like a guardian deity behind me.
Poke
"A-Airi?"
"Gaming since the morning? You certainly have a privileged life."
Since Kiritani-kun seemed to have been able to persuade Sashihara-san, maybe I should try?
"Would you like to try it too, Airi? We can play together."
"Toya-kun, you know I'm not good at these kinds of games."
"Come on, just give it a try."
I gave my seat to Airi.
"First, press the shortcut to use a skill, then click the monster..."
"Uuu... Oh, the character is cute."
"That's a character recommended for beginners."
"This might be a little fun."
"Right?"
"Wait... it's time for breakfast!"
"Ah..."
I hurriedly logged out and changed my clothes.
After finishing my preparations, I checked the internet, shut down the PC, and while I was watching TV, Airi brought me coffee.
Airi placed the coffee on the table and booted up her laptop.
That's rare; is she doing the bookkeeping since the morning?
"Toya-kun, how do you play that game from before?"
"Eh?"
"The characters are cute, so I want to try~"
She'd become motivated.
I taught Airi everything from account creation to client downloading and character creation.
"Hmm, which one should I pick?"
She seemed to be worrying over the character race.
The humanoid characters had a wide variety of professions, and apparently, there were characters Airi liked.
On the other hand, the cat-type characters were strong from the start and cute from the start.
"I think a cat-type is fine for the beginning. After that, you'll have to make a humanoid one whether you like it or not."
"Why?"
"Cat-types make early leveling easy. But only humanoids can sell rare items."
"Can I make this cute character too?"
"You can make up to 15 characters, so it's possible."
"Then, I'll start with the cat-san~"
Once character creation was finished, I taught her the recommended stats and how to allocate skills.
Cat-type character growth is supported by the tutorial, and while it takes time to reach 185, it's not difficult.
The characters themselves are strong and there is strong equipment, so progress is easy.
In fact, Airi leveled up to over 50 in a short amount of time.
Though I provided support.
She seemed to have picked up some rare items too, so she created a character for the street stalls.
Leveling that one was grueling, but since there was a character I wanted to make, we formed a party and leveled up together.
Around then, it was time to go out.
"Let's play again when we get back."
Airi seemed to have taken a liking to it.
"Yeah, let's get it done during summer vacation."
"Uuu, summer vacation is for playing."
"Ah, that's right."
Airi insisted that this was merely for killing time.
I got it.
Saying that, we went out again today.
(2)
We gathered at an izakaya in the city on the night the exams ended.
"Alright, everyone, good work on the first semester!"
When Watanabe-kun said that, the celebration began.
"It's finally over..."
Kanna let that slip.
"Finally summer vacation. It's been long~"
"It has!"
While I was talking with Makoto, Manabe-kun and Niina-san began to argue.
"What were you thinking!? What were you doing alone with Shiina-san!?"
"That has nothing to do with you, Manabe-kun! It doesn't matter what I was doing!"
Watanabe-kun stepped in to mediate with a sigh.
"Manabe-kun, what she's saying is correct. Niina-san is 18, she knows how to handle her own actions."
"But she's..."
"She's...?"
Manabe-kun was at a loss for words.
"Manabe-kun, you cannot answer Niina-san's wishes. If so, you have no right to complain about Niina-san's actions. It's irresponsible."
"...That's also true."
Manabe-kun looked somewhat depressed.
"But Niina-san, you should also refrain from rash actions. It looked like you were acting out of desperation. Making everyone worry is not a commendable action."
Watanabe-kun said this to admonish Niina-san.
"...I'm sorry."
She also seemed depressed.
"Well, let's leave the gloomy talk at that and have some fun!"
When Mika-san said that, Kanna agreed.
"Today is until morning!"
"Kanna... don't overdo it."
Makoto gave her a warning.
"I know! Makoto, you drink too!"
"I am drinking."
"Toya-kun, which one do you want to eat?"
Airi served some onto a small plate for me.
"You'll be eating at the second party too, so don't eat too much."
"Toya! How far did you get?"
Kiritani-kun sat in front of me and spoke.
"Since I started from scratch, I've moved most of the equipment over."
"Why don't you join our Guild? I want to increase the number of people."
"Eita, Katagiri-kun is busy too, so don't drag him into this!"
Sashihara-san apparently played too, but only occasionally.
"It's okay, Airi started too."
"Eh? Airi started too?"
"Yes, starting this week. Watching Toya-kun play, the characters were cute."
"Ah, I get that. There are cute hairstyles too."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah, it's interesting, like avatars."
"I feel like I understand that."
It seemed to be popular among the women.
"You actually managed to get Sashihara-san interested?"
"It seems to be surprisingly well-received by women."
Saying that, Kiritani-kun gulped down his drink.
"Eita, don't get carried away with the drinking!"
Sashihara-san checked him.
"It's only once in a while, so it's fine, right?"
Kiritani-kun said as he ordered a refill.
"Kazu-san, good work."
"Good work to you too, Kana. We can drink leisurely today."
"Yeah."
"But don't drink too much. You're not very used to it."
"I know. Kazu-san, you be careful too."
"After the second party, we'll rest at the hotel."
"...Yes."
The Watanabe couple, Kanna, and Makoto were talking.
Shimizu-san, Eguchi-san, Sakai-kun, and Ishihara-kun were talking.
Ichinose-san and Nakajima-kun were also talking about something between the two of them.
Hanayama-san and Takemoto-kun were also talking together.
I wonder if those two started dating. Is it just my imagination? That the atmosphere between them felt gentle.
Sakura-san and Hiyama-senpai were also conversing.
Manabe-kun was talking with Niina-san while Kinoshita-san soothed her.
Nishimatsu-kun and Takashina-senpai were also talking amicably.
It's become quite a large group.
The first semester was difficult in various ways, but in the end, everything settled down properly.
The Watanabe group is truly amazing.
They overcome any hardship together.
Friends since high school. Irreplaceable comrades.
We'll probably continue to share joys and sorrows from here on. I hope it stays that way.
A dream of spending eternal time.
It might end someday, but I wish it would last forever.
"Toya-kun, what are you thinking about?"
Airi spoke to me.
"Hm? It's nothing much."
"Tell me~"
"That I hope I can get along well with everyone."
"Just that?"
"That's right."
"Hmm."
Airi seemed satisfied and ate the salad she had taken on her plate.
"You shouldn't just eat vegetables; you have to eat some meat too."
"I am eating."
Airi really has a small appetite.
I end up eating most of what is put in front of her.
Even so, Airi always ate the dessert.
I offered my portion of dessert to Airi.
Airi seemed dissatisfied.
Understanding her intent, I scooped up the dessert with a spoon and carried it to Airi's mouth.
Naturally, voices of teasing could be heard from around us.
"The party is at its peak, but..." Watanabe-kun's greeting began.
That was the end of the first party.
Some people went home after the first party.
Those who remained for the second party were the Watanabe couple, Airi and I, Kanna and Makoto, and Kimoto-senpai and Oshima-san—eight people in total.
For the second party, we went to a snack bar that Watanabe-kun apparently visits often.
A mysterious space I was entering for the first time.
The inside was dim, with counter seats and table seats.
We took table seats and ordered drinks.
"Here, please take this."
We were handed a karaoke terminal.
Kanna sang a wedding song.
It was a song by someone who had recently retired.
Airi also sang a wedding song.
Makoto and Kimoto-senpai also sang.
Everyone was likely celebrating the Watanabe couple.
I listened while eating snacks.
"Toya-kun, sing that one too."
Saying that, Airi entered a song on her own.
I sang it.
After that, the Watanabe couple sang a duet.
Everyone was enjoying themselves.
The second party continued until morning.
The Watanabe couple said they would go home by taxi. Kanna and Makoto, and Kimoto-senpai and Oshima-san, said they would rest at the hotel before going home.
We went home in the car as we were.
"Ah, that's right. I've put together the summer vacation schedule, so I'll send it via message later."
Watanabe-kun had said that.
"Toya-kun, aren't you sleepy? It's okay to take a little break before going."
"It's not that far to the house, so I'm fine."
"If you say so..."
Airi looked a little lonely.
"By any chance, did you want to take a break?"
Airi reacted to those words.
"...Yeah. I wore my special underwear."
"There are hotels along the river, you know?"
"Uuu... if we're going that far, I'll just go home. That place is run-down."
"I see, then shall we enjoy ourselves at home?"
"I'm resting at home today..."
"Too bad, then. I'll look forward to next time."
"Yeah."
And so, upon arriving home, I looked at my smartphone and found the schedule had been sent.
Next weekend was a barbecue at the sea.
Apparently, we would stay one night at a resort hotel in September.
Since it was the off-season, group discounts would apply.
It really has become a large group.
I decided to go on a trip with Airi at the end of August.
(3)
Yuma had said we should go home using a driver service for the return trip, but I invited Yuma, saying, "Since we're here, why don't we stay over?"
The first hotel.
It seemed like a very luxurious hotel.
A hotel that smelled slightly of cigarettes.
Since there were no windows, I couldn't see the scenery outside.
However, the crucial shower room was made of glass, which was a bit embarrassing.
For the time being, Yuma turned on the TV... and immediately changed the channel.
He told me to take a shower first, so I did.
Is he watching?
When I glanced at the window, Yuma was staring intently at the TV.
After I showered and changed, Yuma took a shower.
I lay down on the bed and looked the opposite way.
Why am I so nervous?
It's not like it's the first time.
Eventually, he returned to the room after showering.
I was waiting with anticipation for him to get into bed.
My heart was pounding.
But he didn't come in.
When I looked back, he was lying on the sofa, asleep.
I felt foolish for having been so excited.
At the same time, anger welled up.
Was I the only one getting worked up?
Give me back the time I spent dreaming!!
I got out of bed and woke him up.
Yuma woke up with a sleepy face.
How should I scold him!
I intended to think that, but the words that came out were...
"You'll catch a cold if you sleep in a place like that, so get in the bed. I wouldn't mind."
Yuma was bewildered.
Even Yuma seemed to know. The meaning of a man and woman who harbor feelings for each other entering the same bed.
It's okay. I'm fine with it.
That's all I should have said, but the words that came out of my mouth were
"You coward!!"
I didn't mean it like that.
I regretted it after saying it.
Yuma sat on the sofa and urged me to sit beside him.
I sat next to him.
"It's about time we properly settled things..."
I flinched.
I really can't date you.
I was terrified that he would say that.
I covered both ears, rejecting his words.
"I want you to listen properly."
Yuma said that and grabbed both my arms.
"Your feelings have been properly conveyed. I don't know if I can respond to them, but..."
This was the first time I had felt this way. All the men until now had flattered me.
Come to think of it, he had known my true nature from the start. He had seen my unsightly side.
Yuma's words continued.
"I don't know if I can respond, but I'll make an effort."
Is it something you have to make an effort for?
Tell me your feelings straight. You did that the first time.
It was as good as being rejected. I felt like I was going to cry.
"Ever since that incident at the Blue Bird where I thought Saki-san would disappear, I've been thinking about Saki-san all the time. I thought Katagiri-kun was right. You had become an important person to me."
Eh?
"I love Saki... I want you to be with me forever."
Words I had been told by many men.
But for the first time, I was told them by the person I loved.
I'm happy. I should be happy, so why are tears falling?
"Saki?"
Yuma grabbed both my shoulders and called out to me.
"Saki... suddenly without an honorific?"
"Ah, sorry. My bad."
I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him a gentle kiss.
"It doesn't feel bad at all, it's just a bit embarrassing. It's strange. I'm happy, yet tears come out. I'm embarrassed, yet laughter wells up."
"If someone like me is okay..."
"I'll tell you the answer in bed."
The two of us got into bed and spoke of our love.
That continued until morning.
The story of the first day the two of us spent the night together.
(4)
I could hear Airi's voice, sounding happy and excited.
I wonder what happened?
I was sleepy, but when I opened my eyes, there was Airi, happily operating her PC.
"What's wrong, Airi?"
"Ah, Toya-kun, you're awake? Look, look!"
I peeked at Airi's laptop.
Airi's character level had exceeded 100.
And it was a humanoid character.
"What happened to the cat-san?"
When Airi switched to the character selection screen, the level was displayed.
It had exceeded 140.
"...You did this in one day!?"
"That's right~. Though I had some help."
"Help from who?"
Surely she wasn't invited by some unknown player...
With Airi, that was possible.
"Airi... you mustn't let strangers do things like that for you."
"They're not strangers~. Kiritani-kun and Ai helped me."
Ah, those two. They were in the same world, right?
"I have that much knowledge too, you know!"
The screen returned to the previous one.
The support-type profession was Sashihara-san, and the combat-type profession was Kiritani-kun.
Kiritani-kun's profession was glowing gold.
That meant the level had capped.
Airi's character seemed to be a pharmaceutical-type profession. Well, I told her to make a merchant-type.
Airi apparently researched it herself. Based on that, she chose the pharmaceutical-type.
The reason was that the character was cute.
Well, since she's not doing it seriously, the performance of the profession doesn't really matter.
"Show me Toya-kun's character too."
Airi was looking proud. I'll be a little mean to her.
I booted up the desktop.
"Why aren't you using the laptop? Let's play together~"
"I haven't installed it yet. I'll do it next time."
"Not next time, do it now!"
Saying that, Airi arbitrarily booted up my laptop and started the installation.
"Toya-kun, you have to set a password. What will you do if it's stolen?"
Airi is literally tampering with it right now.
I know that even if I set a password, I'd have to tell it to Airi, so I didn't do it because it's a hassle.
The laptop doesn't have a GPU, so I don't really want to play on it. The mouse is different from my usual one, so it feels different.
The feel of the desktop keyboard and the laptop keyboard is different too.
Anyway, I logged in and headed to the place where Airi's character was.
It was a desert city.
An assassin-type character glowing gold entered Airi's screen.
When Airi hovered the cursor over it, "Toya" was written.
Airi made a frustrated face.
"Toya-kun, you said you started from scratch in this world too, so why?"
"Because I moved equipment and things from my original world. Assassin-type characters are easy to grow if you have equipment. Also, unlike Airi, I had knowledge."
"I researched properly on the internet too, you know?"
"Maybe it's the difference in experience."
"Uuu... so you weren't just watching lewd videos when you were sneaking around at midnight."
"Well, yeah."
Within the game, Kiritani-kun was saying, "Toya is amazing. Let me see your equipment."
When I revealed the equipment, he became depressed, saying, "Amazing... I can't beat Toya even in a game."
That said, when I looked at Kiritani-kun's equipment, he had two pieces of equipment called Divine Artifacts.
"They're borrowed from the Guild," Kiritani-kun said.
Speaking of the Guild, next to Airi's character name was the same emblem as Kiritani-kun and Sashihara-san.
Having an emblem meant she had joined a Guild.
"Toya-kun, you should join too," Airi pleaded.
"I don't have much time on Sunday nights, but if occasionally is fine."
"That helps! Thanks!"
And then, a Guild join request arrived.
I clicked the OK button.
"Nice to meet you, I'm going to change characters for a bit," I excused myself and returned to the character selection screen.
As I chose a character whose level matched Airi's and could form a party, Airi said, "Wait."
"Show me the characters from the world you were originally playing in."
"I don't mind."
I returned to the world selection screen and selected the world I was originally in.
The characters were displayed. The character composition was similar to the current world, but there were female characters, and most characters had capped levels. That was about the only difference.
"Amazing... but for it to be this amazing means..."
Airi glared at me.
"That means you played the game that much while hiding it from me!?"
"It's a game I've been playing since middle school!"
"This game has been around that long?"
"Yeah, are we done now?"
"Yeah."
Returning to the world Airi was in, I looked for a character whose level would match Airi's. A cat-type character seemed good.
"Is the character you want to level up that pharmaceutical-type one?"
"Yeah. They lent me equipment that lets me just auto-attack."
"It'll be hard to level up at that range now, so I'll help you."
"You'll do it with me?"
"I'm the one who invited you, after all."
"I'm incredibly happy, but..."
Airi looked at the clock.
It was past 16:00.
"It's about time to go shopping."
Saying that, Airi closed the PC and began to change clothes.
"Weren't house chores on break during the holidays?"
"Can't you understand my feeling of wanting Toya-kun to eat my homemade cooking?"
"Thank you."
"Fine, then Toya-kun, let's go shopping together."
After finishing dinner, I took a bath and waited for Airi to return.
I had left the laptop booted up.
What I actually needed to do in the new world, besides character growth, was secure funds.
I selected things from the brought equipment that seemed unnecessary, then excluded things Airi could use, and put the rest up for sale.
I set up the shop, left it idling, and left the room.
When I checked, a few things had sold. I used that money to replenish items Airi might use.
"Ah, Toya-kun is hiding and playing again~"
"Hurry up and dry your hair. I was preparing so I could play games with Airi."
"...Oka~y."
Airi answered and began drying her hair.
Is this about right?
Basically, I'll be the one defeating monsters; Airi just needs to endure.
Once she finished drying her hair, Airi logged in.
I selected item exchange while adjacent to Airi's character.
"Make sure to separate the warehouse so it doesn't get mixed up with Kiritani-kun's equipment," I said, handing the items to Airi.
Airi was stunned looking at those items.
"Isn't this a Divine Artifact? I can't accept something like this."
"I'm not giving it to a friend or lending it; I'm entrusting it to my bride, Airi. There's no problem."
It's no use for me to have it. When I said that Airi's character could make better use of it, Airi accepted it.
"Thank you, Toya-kun."
"I'm the one who wants to say thank you."
"Eh?"
Playing games side-by-side with the girl I love. Airi has fulfilled a dream from the distant past.
The dream seen by time has now materialized in an unexpected form.