Chapter 209 - Granting People's Desires and Joys
(1)
The day the second semester of October began.
"Good morning, Toya-kun. It's morning."
I look at the clock; it's only 6:30.
I tried to go back to sleep, but Airi whispers in my ear.
"Toya-kun, if you don't wake up, I can't go make breakfast~"
Come to think of it, was I sleeping while holding Airi?
I release the restraint of Airi's arms.
"That's not what I meant~"
Airi shakes my body.
"Look, I'm up, I'm up."
"Just let me sleep while Airi makes breakfast."
"You always say that, and then you're still sleeping even when the food is ready, so no! Ugh... at least peek at your PC."
Is it about time?
I raise my upper body and rub my eyes.
"I wonder why you can't just wake up honestly from the start~"
"It's because Airi is too cute, so I feel like being a little mean."
"Yay—wait, that's not it!"
"If we don't hurry, Mother will beat us to it."
"Ah, that's right."
Airi leaves the room hurriedly.
In the meantime, I change my clothes and, as Airi told me, peek at my PC.
Nothing particularly unusual.
For now, I make it a point to check politics and economics related news.
Airi returns.
I wait for Airi to change.
Once she finishes changing, we leave the room, eat breakfast... and I kill time in the room.
I drink coffee with Airi, and then we watch TV.
Airi finishes her makeup during that time.
Once her makeup is done, Airi sits next to me and we watch TV together.
When the time comes, we take our bags and leave the house.
Since we're in a hurry today, we take a shortcut.
Then, while I'm attending class and eating lunch with Airi, Eguchi-san arrives bringing a woman I don't know.
When that girl finds me, she clings to my arm.
"I've been looking for you~ It's been a long time! Katagiri-senpai!"
Wait, who are you? I mean, grabbing my arm so suddenly? Plus, if Airi sees me like this in a place like this...
Pop
"Who is it, Toya-kun? You two seem quite close..."
Contrasting with Airi's smile, her words and aura are terrifying.
"N-no. I don't recall who she is either."
"Eh? You don't remember? It's me! Sakura! Sakura Sakurako."
That's a name I've heard somewhere.
"I'm Sakura, from the same middle and high school!"
"Ah, the person who tried to recruit Toya-kun into the Soccer Club!"
When Airi says that, I vaguely remember.
"I heard she entered the local university following Katagiri-kun. Though it seems she chose the wrong faculty."
When Eguchi-san says that, Sakura-san smiles brightly.
"So, which club are you in?"
Huh?
"I thought it would be either the Basketball Club or the Soccer Club, but since I heard you weren't in either..."
"I'm not in any circles."
"Eeeh~? What a waste! You don't even have to study for entrance exams anymore, so let's do it!"
"I'll hear the detailed story later, so for now, let go of his arm!"
When Airi says that, Sakura-san looks at Airi.
"You're Tosaka-senpai, right. I think it's a bit much to restrain Katagiri-senpai!"
"Restrain..."
"Airi is my fiancée, so that much is natural, right?"
I gently admonish Sakura-san.
"Katagiri-senpai should do the things he wants to do! Whether it's basketball, soccer, or anything!"
"Let's go to a cafe called Blue Bird later. Let's talk slowly there."
I say that to tide over the situation for now.
However, I didn't realize how much Sakura-san's single remark had shaken Airi.
(2)
"I think it's a bit much to restrain him!"
The words Sakura-san said.
Am I restraining Toya-kun...?
Am I becoming a burden to Toya-kun?
It was something I had been concerned about shortly before the second semester began.
When it's pointed out by another person, I become anxious.
Should I consult Toya-kun when I get home?
Am I getting in Toya-kun's way?
What should I do if he says yes?
That's not true, Toya-kun would say that.
But I want to know his true feelings.
I want to know Toya-kun's real intentions.
Like a single fray found in a fabric that gradually spreads.
Like a single drop of water falling on cloth, gradually bleeding through.
The things that come to mind increase one after another.
We just did it yesterday too.
I wonder what the things Toya-kun wants to do are?
I was thinking about that during the afternoon classes.
Cafe Blue Bird.
Many people from the Watanabe Group are here today as well.
At my table are Toya-kun, myself, Eguchi-san, and Sakura-san.
Once Ichinose-san takes the orders and leaves, Sakura-san begins to speak.
"What is it that Katagiri-senpai wants to do!? Why does Tosaka-senpai get in the way of that!?"
Toya-kun denied what Sakura-san was saying.
"I'm allowed to do what I want to do; it's just that if I'm alone, I get too absorbed, so Airi just acts as the brake. I don't feel like I'm being restrained at all."
"What are the things Katagiri-senpai wants to do?"
"Online games, driving, gaming... and the Watanabe Group activities."
"Watanabe Group? I asked Eguchi-senpai about that too, but what is it?"
"A kind of group. We all hang out and make noise together."
Sakura-san looks at me and says.
"You said Tosaka-senpai is Katagiri-senpai's fiancée, right? Is it okay for your fiancée to be like this? Isn't he just idling away playing around!?"
"I'm letting Toya-kun do as he likes. If Toya-kun says he wants to play soccer, he can. If he says he wants to play basketball, he can do that."
I tried responding like that, but...
Is that really true?
I question myself.
Is Toya-kun holding back because I'm here...?
Toya-kun accepts my arguments.
But Toya-kun has rarely demanded anything from me.
Can I definitively say that I'm not restraining him?
At that moment, the words Sakura-san said.
"If I were his girlfriend, I wouldn't let him do that. I'd make him do something, even by force. Because there are things you can only do now. Katagiri-senpai, won't you date me?"
"Impossible, I told you, right? I'm engaged to Airi."
"You can just break that off, can't you? If you don't like it, you should just break it off!"
Breaking the engagement...
Unconsciously, my left hand gripping Toya-kun tightens.
No, only that is absolutely no.
"I haven't said a single word about not liking it, have I? There's no way I'd let go of a precious fiancée who not only lets me do what I like but also tries to enjoy things together with me, right?"
Did Toya-kun read my feelings? He answered that.
"I won't give up..."
"Eh?"
"I absolutely won't give up! Whether it's soccer, basketball, tennis, or anything, I have the confidence to bring out Katagiri-senpai's potential! In contrast, Tosaka-senpai is..."
What am I...?
Am I a hindrance after all?
Just as Toya-kun tried to say something, Watanabe-kun held Toya-kun back.
"Calm down, Toya. It's your bad habit of becoming reckless when it comes to Tosaka-san."
Watanabe-kun soothed Toya-kun, then spoke to Sakura-san.
"Sakura-san, was it? You should also calm down a bit. Toya certainly has potential. However, he is denying that path himself. Even Tosaka-san doesn't have the right to force him to do things he dislikes."
"Even if he has the potential to become a great person, isn't it a matter of time and circumstance whether you let him not do it just because he dislikes it? Isn't creating a path also the role of a lover!?"
I thought that during high school. Toya-kun said he wanted to enjoy campus life with me and didn't even look back.
But I wonder if I'm becoming a shackle for Toya-kun...
"Why don't you join the Watanabe Group too, Sakura-san? Then you'll understand how fulfilling a life Toya is leading now."
"I refuse! I have absolutely no intention of leading such a degenerate campus life!"
"You said degenerate, didn't you?"
Toya-kun opened his mouth.
"Kimoto-senpai plays basketball. Makoto plays soccer. Even Hanayama-san plays tennis, and Shimizu-san plays golf. Everyone else is also fulfilling their lives by working part-time. Who do you think you are to deny that?"
Toya-kun's tone is cold.
"If everyone is doing it, then Katagiri-senpai should do it too, right?"
"I am acting to make Airi happy. I am striving so that Airi can spend her time enjoyably."
"Why is everything centered around Tosaka-senpai? I'll release you from that restraint."
Restraint...
My body shudders at that word.
The word I am most afraid of right now. The word that makes me anxious.
Whether Toya-kun noticed that, or whether he is looking into my heart, he squeezes my left hand.
"It's not restraint, it's a bond. Even Sakura-san has no right to break that."
Toya-kun solved my worries with the single word "bond."
It might just be an excuse, but is that okay?
"Granting Airi's desires is my joy. If you absolutely want to break it, join the Watanabe Group. Though I think it'll be impossible even if you do."
"...If you go that far, I understand. I'll join."
"Then, shall we exchange contact information?"
"Yes..."
Toya-kun and Sakura-san exchange contact information.
Toya-kun invites Sakura-san to the Watanabe Group.
"Well, that's it for today. I absolutely won't give up!"
Saying that, Sakura-san left the shop.
"So, Watanabe-kun, do you have some kind of plan?"
Toya-kun was asking Watanabe-kun.
"I have a plan, it's the same as always."
Watanabe-kun says.
"I don't think Sakura-san can do anything to Toya. Their values are too different; she'll probably be disillusioned and leave eventually."
Will she give up that easily?
"It's okay, Tosaka-senpai. He didn't yield even though I pressed him that much."
Hanayama-san says and laughs.
I know that. But what I'm worried about is something else.
Is it really okay like this?
When people fall into a crisis, they always forget the essential things.
That was me right now.
(3)
"Well then, congratulations, Airi-chan~"
When Airi blows out the candles stuck in the cake, crackers go off.
"Now, please have Airi-chan's first drink."
Airi's Mama tries to pour champagne into the glass Airi is holding.
But Airi refused.
"Not yet!"
When Airi says that, everyone falls silent.
"...Do you dislike having your first drink with your Father?"
Airi's Papa says.
"...Because I've decided to have my first drink with Toya-kun."
Come to think of it, she did say something like that.
But usually, Airi would say it with a bigger smile, yet today she has a solemn expression.
Her behavior has been strange since the other day.
Let's put that aside for now.
For now, let's eat the feast in front of me.
"...U-umu."
"Then, let's have a party with everyone in December. Both of you will be at an age where you can drink."
"That's true~"
The parents seem to be looking forward to drinking with their child.
"With this, Airi-chan's preparations are complete. The rest is up to your selfishness, okay?"
"Eh?"
When Father said that, I had no idea what he was talking about.
"Airi-chan has turned twenty. She's at an age where she can do anything. She can even get married already."
"That's only if I have the ability to support a living, right?"
"Even without being independent, registering the marriage is possible."
"I told you that's for after I've sorted things out, right?"
While I'm arguing with Father, Airi's Papa comes over saying "Now, now."
"What Toya-kun says is also reasonable. As long as you keep your promise, we don't mind."
"Papa, stop that conversation!"
Airi suddenly shouted. The surroundings fall silent.
"Don't put any more burden on Toya-kun..."
Airi says that and sinks into herself.
I see, so that's what Airi's worry is.
When the feast ends, Airi, Airi's Mama, and my Mother begin cleaning up.
The fathers are sitting on the sofa, drinking beer and watching TV.
I was drinking the carbonated beverage offered to me by Airi.
"Still, Toya-kun has grown up splendidly. It's the result of Katagiri-san's efforts."
"We just let him do as he liked. The one who formed Toya's own feelings was Airi-chan's existence."
"...Thank you very much."
"No, thank you. I'll make sure Toya takes responsibility and settles things. Tonight is a celebratory occasion, let's drink a lot."
The fathers seem to be tipsy.
While I'm listening to the conversation in silence, Airi says, "Toya-kun, go take a bath."
I return to the room, take my change of clothes, and head to the bath.
When I come out of the bath, I return to the room with another plastic bottle of carbonated water.
While I'm watching TV in the room, Airi returns from the bath.
I turn off the TV and hug Airi.
"Toya-kun?"
"Airi, you've been worrying about whether you're restraining me and things like that, right?"
"...Yes."
Just as I thought.
I'll make you realize that's a mistake.
I put my hand through the gap in the buttons of Airi's pajamas and touch Airi's breast.
Airi's body trembles slightly, her face flushes, and she remains silent.
My hand slips between Airi's bra and touches the protruding tip.
"Ah..."
Airi's breath leaks out.
And then Airi grabs that arm.
"I can't get in that mood."
"Airi lets me do the things I want to do, right?"
"...Yes, but..."
"What I want to do now is this, okay?"
"Isn't that just you saying it because you're being considerate of me?"
"Which means, Airi was in that mood, wasn't she?"
"Ah..."
Airi covers her mouth with both hands.
"It's okay, because granting Airi's desires is my joy."
"Toya-kun."
Airi grabs my arm.
"I'm sorry for saying so many mean things and troubling you until now."
"It's okay, just do as Airi likes."
I only answer that. Just as Airi did for me.
It was an occurrence on an autumn night.
(4)
"Then, a toast to celebrate Tosaka-san's birthday and the marriage of the Tange couple!"
Watanabe-kun gives that greeting, and the feast begins.
"First, let's have a greeting from the Tange couple."
When Watanabe-kun says that, Tange-sensei stands up.
"Yes, I am grateful that such an occasion was arranged. Thank you. However, I have my position, so please make sure not to go too far."
"Th-thank you. I'm happy. Everyone, please be sure to come to the ceremony."
The two of them give their greetings.
"Tange-san, congratulations."
I brought beer to Tange-sensei.
"Thank you, Tosaka-san. Tosaka-san turned twenty, didn't you? Here, drink this."
Tange-sensei offered a return drink, but I refused.
"I'm sorry, I can't drink yet..."
"What! Airi! Even though it's a celebratory occasion, drink, drink!"
I explain the circumstances to everyone who says that.
"If those are the circumstances, it can't be helped."
When Watanabe-kun says that, everyone is convinced.
Toya-kun also brought alcohol to Tange-sensei.
Sakura-san hasn't come today.
Since it's a precious feast, we left those kinds of talks out.
Manabe-kun and Tange-sensei are talking.
"Airi, happy birthday!"
Kanna comes over to us.
"Thank you, Kanna."
"By the way, when are you two...?"
Huh?
"When are you getting married?"
When Kanna says that, everyone's gaze gathers.
"What, is that kind of talk coming up for Tosaka-san too?"
"No, Toya-kun says to wait a bit more, so not yet."
"Toya, don't stick to boring things and just get married. Are you thinking about Airi's feelings? I heard about the recruitment talk; Airi seemed really anxious."
"Kanna, I told you that talk was a secret from Toya-kun...!"
Toya-kun is listening to the conversation quietly.
And then he gave an answer.
"I feel like I'm already married to Airi, so it feels like it's too late for that now. If anything, after I've properly become independent."
"Even if it's just for form, make it happen for her. Just that alone would make Airi feel secure."
"Um... I'm really sufficiently happy right now."
Even though I say that, no one is convinced.
"Airi, just registering the marriage would make you feel secure. That you're no longer anyone else's, but mine alone. To-ya isn't the type to cheat, anyway."
"If you know he won't cheat, then I think it's fine as it is now. I don't want to restrain him any further..."
"What's wrong with restraining? Airi, you're being restrained too, right?"
Mika-san and Kanna press in relentlessly.
"I don't feel like I'm being restrained by Toya-kun."
"Doesn't that just mean Toya is leaving you to your own devices?"
"Yes, he lets me be free."
"Toya! Pay a bit more attention to Airi! Stop doing nothing but gaming!"
"I do. I play games together with Airi."
"Isn't that just making Airi endure it!?"
Ai also joined in.
"Our Eita is the same, but I think it's a bit much to accompany your own hobbies and ignore the things your girlfriend wants to do."
"I don't know what the things Airi wants to do are. If there were any, I'd want to do them together."
"The thing I want to do is be with Toya-kun, so it's fine."
"Hahaha, isn't that fine? Unless you say Toya and the others are fighting, they're getting along harmoniously."
Watanabe-kun said that.
"Masashi probably doesn't know, but Airi was worrying. Whether she's restraining him? Whether it would be better to let To-ya do more as he likes...?"
"I heard that talk at Blue Bird. But Toya clearly said it's different. Then there's no problem, right?"
When Mika-san says that, Watanabe-kun responds quietly.
"What does Airi-chan think? Have you never thought that you want to get married?"
Emi asked.
"Toya-kun listens to my selfishness. So I want to accept Toya-kun's selfishness too. Even if we don't rush, the goal is in sight."
When I say that, no one says anything anymore.
"Once everyone graduates, it'll be a marriage rush."
When Kanna says that, everyone laughs.
Amidst that, there is one woman sinking alone.
"Must be nice, I don't even have a partner yet."
Niina-san says that and drinks her drink.
"Niina-san, you shouldn't drink too much..."
Takemoto-kun says that, but Niina-san isn't listening.
"Mirai-chan, it's okay. I'm sure someone will appear."
"Umi-chan is fine. Because you were in mutual love from the start. Why am I no good? I wonder..."
Niina-san seems to be losing herself.
"Manabe, stop talking and go attend to Mirai."
When Mika-san says that, Manabe-kun answers.
"I probably can't respond to Niina-san's feelings for the rest of my life."
"Why can you say that so definitively?"
"Because I have someone I feel the same way about."
"That's obviously impossible!"
When Manabe-kun answers, Niina-san screams.
"I don't think it's good to decide that another person's love is impossible. You'd hate it if you were denied, right?"
Takashina-senpai said that.
"You'd hate it too, right? Being told by others that it's impossible. I think you should support them. Whether they don't give up on their feelings, or give up and look for another man is their freedom."
Then Watanabe-kun said.
"Shall we do that kind of talk at the after-party? Right now is a celebratory occasion."
When he says that, everyone changes the subject.
(5)
The Tange couple went home.
The after-party was held at a nearby izakaya.
"Well then, shall we start talking about Niina-san?"
Watanabe-senpai says.
"Mirai, Takashina-senpai said that, but I think it would be better if you got together with Shiina-san."
Sashihara-senpai said.
"Who is Shiina-san?"
When Watanabe-senpai asks, Manabe-kun answers.
"A person from my part-time job. You know, they were there during the fireworks festival."
"Ah, the person who took Niina-san away. Are you that close?"
"That person is no good."
Manabe-kun said clearly.
"Why is that?"
When Watanabe-senpai asks, Manabe-kun answers.
"That person is a powerhouse who, when asked by a woman 'Which is more important, work or me?', answered 'Work,' and threw a smartphone containing the contact information of over 100 women into the sea. They are too much for Niina-san to handle."
"That's... amazing."
"Right, even if you dealt with a man like that..."
"Don't decide for me! Shiina-san has good points too."
They're very kind to me.
"That's the hook. You're not a high schooler anymore, so realize it already."
"Then, Manabe-kun, you deal with me!"
"I told you that's impossible earlier, right?"
"Then don't butt in with unnecessary comments!"
Wait... ? Am I something wrong?
"What, it's not something to worry about."
While eating mizutaki, Katagiri-senpai is laughing.
"Watanabe-kun, the answer seems to have come out, so shouldn't we change the subject?"
"I agree with Katagiri-kun. That would be far more constructive."
Sashihara-senpai also joined in.
"Please wait a moment. As I said before, Shiina-san is..."
"That's something we won't know unless we actually talk. Sashihara-san, can you do something about it?"
"In this case, I think it would be faster to ask Niina-san..."
"Should I just call Shiina-san?"
"Yes, any excuse will do, right? If you call, they'll probably come, right?"
"In that case, couldn't we use last year's method?"
Shimizu-senpai said. I wonder what last year's method is?
"Before that, we have to do some research once."
Sashihara-senpai says.
"While we're at it, we have to do something about Manabe-kun's side too, right? How is it from Manabe-kun's perspective? Regarding that person called Harada-san."
"I've finally just overcome one difficult hurdle."
"I see... can't we call that person over too?"
"That person doesn't go outside much..."
"Wouldn't it be possible if we made Shiina-san an ally?"
"...Hmm, then the future direction is decided."
When Watanabe-senpai says that, everyone nods.
Where are my feelings heading?
(6)
"What do you think, Toya-kun?"
I was asking Toya-kun.
"Hmm? About Niina-san?"
I nod.
"I see, probably she knows it within herself, right? That her feelings are directed toward that person called Shiina-san."
"Is that so?"
"Do you know about imprinting?"
"Eh?"
If I recall, it was the phenomenon where a chick believes the first object it sees when it hatches is its parent, right?
Does that have something to do with this?
"I think she believes that her first love is something that lasts forever. Because of that, she's oblivious to other people's romantic feelings."
"...Then, is Toya-kun certain that the person called Shiina-san likes Niina-san?"
"I won't know until I meet them, though."
"I see."
The car arrived home, we took baths, and I watch TV with Toya-kun.
Late-night programs were on, but since we had cable TV installed, Toya-kun was watching anime.
"I wonder how it is with Manabe-kun?"
"At the very least, I think Manabe-kun is devoted to that person called Harada-san. I don't think he'll yield to Niina-san."
Toya-kun's statement was very cold.
Even just a little, he could have let Niina-san have some hope.
"Giving half-hearted hope only leads to disappointment, right?"
Toya-kun said that, though.
"By the way, Toya-kun..."
"What is it?"
"It's really okay, right?"
"What is?"
"I'm not restraining you, Toya-kun, right?"
"I told you, right? I think a husband and wife are connected to some extent and their freedom is taken away. But I think that's not restraint, but a bond. There are times when I think I'm becoming a shackle for Airi too."
I see...
"There's no need to worry. Just do as Airi likes. I'll do at least enough to go along with it. Since I'm being allowed to be free, too."
Toya-kun said that and gazed at the anime.
Granting my desires is Toya-kun's joy...
I'm truly happy.
I pray that this happiness continues forever.