Chapter 210 - It Can't Be Helped
(1)
Toya-kun's smartphone rings.
Toya-kun answers immediately; he's probably doing it so that I won't wake up.
"Hello, good morning."
Toya-kun exchanges a few words and hangs up.
I wake up and leave the room.
I make breakfast and go to call Toya-kun.
Toya-kun is fiddling with his smartphone and doesn't notice me.
"Toya-kun, breakfast is ready!"
I shouted.
Toya-kun finally notices and says "good morning" to me.
I silently begin to change my clothes.
During that time, Toya-kun is still operating his smartphone.
Is he playing a game?
No, that would be better.
He's probably exchanging messages.
The other person is surely Sakura-san.
Why do I know?
Because this has been continuing for the past few days.
"Toya-kun, I'm finished changing already."
"Ah, yeah. I'm coming now."
Saying that, the two of us leave the room.
Even during breakfast, he's fiddling with his smartphone.
"Toya. At least during meals, stay away from your smartphone!"
Maya-san scolds him, and Toya-kun finally lets go of the smartphone.
While I'm cleaning up after breakfast is finished, Toya-kun finishes getting ready and returns to his room.
I also finish getting ready and go to Toya-kun's room holding a mug.
Toya-kun is fiddling with his smartphone while watching TV.
I gently place the mug on the table and begin applying makeup.
Noticing the scent of coffee, Toya-kun begins to drink it.
When I sit next to him, Toya-kun shows me his smartphone.
Even though I don't want to see.
The old me would have looked with joy.
But if my words are binding Toya-kun's actions, then surely this time, it would result in binding Toya-kun's actions.
What Toya-kun showed me were videos of soccer and basketball super-plays that Sakura-san had sent.
"It's amazing, isn't it?"
Toya-kun says this, captivated.
As an amateur, I don't understand, but I think Toya-kun's plays are more amazing, you know?
Toya-kun's plays, which possessed both flashiness and precision.
I tried not to look at Toya-kun's smartphone too much.
If I am becoming a shackle to Toya-kun by censoring his smartphone, then it's better to stop.
"So, Airi, what color today?"
"...Blue."
I tried to convey my current feelings, but Toya-kun didn't notice and only said, "I guessed right. That's impressive."
"It's almost time."
Saying that, I take my bag and stand up.
Then, Toya-kun hugged me from behind.
"I don't know what happened, but Airi, are you okay?"
Toya-kun's words—I don't know if he's being dense or sharp.
"I'm okay. I'm fine."
I lied to myself.
I wasn't fine.
But I couldn't throw my current feelings at him.
Binding.
Those two characters were binding me.
However, my capacity was not as wide as I thought.
Eventually, the frustration exploded.
(2)
Airi's behavior has been strange since this morning.
Normally, I should at least get something like "I wonder what you're doing on your smartphone without telling your bride~?", but far from looking, there's even a sense that she dislikes looking.
Did something happen?
Did I mess something up?
During the morning classes, while thinking about such things and gazing at Airi's face, my eyes occasionally meet Airi's.
Airi does not try to avert her gaze from mine; they are eyes that seem to be appealing for something.
But why is it? Today, I can't read Airi's feelings well. Airi's feelings, which I usually understand clearly, look blurred, like they're out of focus.
Is Airi hiding something?
Airi was the one who said let's speak honestly, right?
I appeal to Airi with my eyes.
Whether she noticed that or not, Airi looked forward.
What's wrong, Airi?
I'll ask her after the second period ends.
Lunch break. At the school cafeteria.
I receive my bento and open the lid.
It looks delicious today too.
I take the chopsticks and eat the bento.
...Was Airi thinking about something? The taste is somehow different from usual.
"Was it not delicious?"
Airi's expression looks lonely.
"That's not it, it's delicious."
"Is that so~?"
"...Airi, did something happen?"
"Katagiri-senpai!"
Sakura-san came over today too.
Holding two bentos.
"Sakura-san, the bentos are..."
"If it's Senpai, two should be fine!"
Sakura-san holds out the bentos.
"More importantly, how was today's video?"
"Ah, it was very good."
"Basketball and soccer are good, but I heard Senpai can do tennis and golf too, so I'll collect those as well. I mean, couldn't you do track and field too?"
"I'm not that versatile."
"But while everyone is focused on Senpai's special ability, your physical abilities aren't normal either."
"...I'm going ahead."
"Ah, Airi, wait. There's something I want to ask..."
"There's nothing in particular, so it's fine."
Airi said that with a forced smile, tidied up the empty bento box, and stood up from the seat.
"So, Senpai, between basketball, soccer, and tennis, which one do you prefer?"
"...I have no intention of playing sports at this late stage."
"Wouldn't it be fine to just try it out! You might actually get hooked."
"Right now, I'm doing my best just to protect Airi..."
And that Airi is not here now.
I hurriedly try to look for Airi, but Sakura-san grabs my arm.
"Even women have times when they want to be alone."
When Sakura-san said that, I found myself strangely convinced.
"I guess that's true."
"That's right. And personally, I think tennis would suit Senpai because teammates and such don't matter. Ah, golf would be fine too."
"I don't know the rules of either very well."
"You can learn those quickly."
"...If I were to do it, maybe basketball."
"Senpai was amazing during that TV interview in high school. I still have it saved on DVD!"
This was the second mistake of the day.
(3)
Cafe Blue Bird.
When I came with the President after being called out by Niina-san, there were many students.
Upon asking, they were companions from a group chat that Niina-san is in.
"Thank you very much for coming today."
A somewhat large-framed man, Watanabe-kun, bows his head.
"No, I was interested since you said you were Niina-san's friends. Also, what business do you have with the President?"
"Rather than business with Harada-san, Manabe-kun said she's a wonderful woman, so I thought I'd like to meet her once."
The President looks at Manabe-kun.
Manabe-kun bows his head and says, "I'm sorry."
There is one man staring intently at me.
Apparently, he is called Katagiri Toya.
Even when our eyes meet, he doesn't avert his gaze and stares intently.
Then, as if he's reached a conclusion, he nods alone and shifts his gaze to Harada-san.
He's staring intently again.
And then, nodding again as if convinced, he looked at Watanabe-kun.
Seeing that, Watanabe-kun said something to another woman.
It's as if he's undergoing an interview.
"Were you Shiina-san? I'll convey the matter simply. We're going autumn leaf hunting next month, so if you'd like, why don't you come along?"
The woman, Sashihara Ai-san, asked bluntly.
"I don't particularly mind, but?"
"Then, please come along with Niina-san."
"Isn't Niina-san with Manabe-kun?"
"I want Manabe-kun to come with Harada-san."
Eh?
Come to think of it, Manabe-kun did say it. That it was a "mysterious matchmaking group."
So that's how it is...
They're trying to challenge us too. Interesting. I'll decide to go along with it.
"President, doesn't this seem interesting? Why not participate?"
"Eh, but..."
"Why not? Going along with the talk of young people might be a good change of pace."
"...I suppose so."
Now, let's see how they plan to set this up.
There's nothing for me to lose, only things to gain.
At that moment, the door bell rings—clink clink.
"Hello~. Oh? Are there new people today?"
A black-haired woman with short hair appeared.
(4)
As I thought, Shiina-san seems to like Niina-san. It's covered by the thin filter characteristic of adults, but there's no mistake.
Harada-san is trapped in the past and is in no position for a new love. First, someone who can remove that is necessary. I don't know if that's Manabe-kun or not, though.
I look at Watanabe-kun's face and give the OK sign.
When Watanabe-kun signals Sashihara-san, Sashihara-san brings up the topic.
Unexpectedly, the conversation progressed smoothly.
Even Harada-san, who I thought would probably be difficult, gave his consent after Shiina-san said a word.
Now, what should I talk about?
While I was thinking about that, Sakura-san arrived.
"Hello~. Oh? Are there new people today?"
Saying that, she approached me and held out a piece of paper.
"This is the Basketball Club application. They say starting with a trial is fine, but..."
"I don't remember saying I'd join yet, you know?"
"But you were curious, right? Then let's just try it. It's no good to dislike something without trying it."
Saying that, she took out a ballpoint pen and urged me to write.
"It's still too early."
"Strike while the iron is hot! Now, hurry, hurry."
I look at Airi's profile.
Airi remains looking down.
"W-we're in the middle of something right now!"
When I said that, Sakura-san looked at the three people sitting opposite.
"Ah, was it an important matter?"
"...Toya-kun is troubled. You should stop."
Airi muttered that.
"Eh?"
Sakura-san asked back.
"Toya-kun is troubled!"
Airi shouted.
"Is that so? Katagiri-senpai."
Sakura-san asks.
Why didn't I say "yeah"?
But I thought, maybe it's okay to try it just once?
That was today's third mistake.
"Toya-kun, do you want to join?"
"No, it's not exactly that, but...?"
"Are you worried about me?"
"Well, since Airi is here, I thought circle activities might be impossible...?"
This was the fourth mistake.
As expected, God wouldn't overlook a fourth time.
"You don't have to worry about me..."
"Airi?"
Airi stood up abruptly.
"I seem to be in the way, so I'll go home first. Well, see you tomorrow."
Saying that, Airi ran out of the shop.
"Wait, Airi!"
I hurriedly chase after Airi. When I grabbed Airi's hand, Airi turned around... she was crying.
"It's fine, you said you wanted to play basketball a long time ago. Do the things you like."
"Didn't we talk a long time ago about how pushing things like that isn't good?"
"That's true... sorry. Just forget it."
Saying that, Airi got into a car and drove away.
My head was in confusion.
Calm down, first it's Shiina-san and the others.
When I entered the shop, Shiina-san and the others had finished paying.
"I don't know what happened, but shouldn't you chase after your girlfriend?"
When Shiina-san said that, Harada-san also spoke.
"She's hurt, go after her. Well, contact me once the details are decided. You can just tell Manabe-kun."
Saying that, the two of them went home in Shiina-san's car.
"Hey, why are you just standing there? Hurry up and chase Airi."
"Even if you tell me to chase her..."
"I'll drive you home."
I got into Sakura-san's car and went home.
(5)
When I returned to Toya-kun's house, I packed my belongings.
As I thought, I am binding Toya-kun.
Because Airi is here...
That's how I was tying Toya-kun down, wasn't I.
It's fine now. Live as you like.
You don't have to worry about me.
For now, I prepare only what's necessary, leave a note, and leave the room.
When I returned home, Rie-chan was surprised to see my luggage.
She might have been seeing my crying face.
"Airi-chan, what happened?"
When Rie-chan said that, I clung to Rie-chan in tears.
I explain the circumstances to Rie-chan.
But, while Rie-chan had listened with a kind face at first, her expression gradually became stern. And then...
Slap.
A dry sound echoed in the entryway.
"I don't remember raising such a weak daughter!"
It might be the first time I've heard Rie-chan's shouting voice.
Am I the one in the wrong? I just set Toya-kun free.
"Did you hear that properly from Toya-kun? Did you hear that Airi-chan is binding Toya-kun?"
"That... I didn't hear it, but..."
But Toya-kun would absolutely never say such a thing.
"You've already entrusted yourself to Toya-kun! And yet, I don't remember raising a pathetic daughter who comes sobbing back to her parents' home just because of something said by another person! Go back right now!"
I stood frozen.
Rie-chan took my hand and opened the entryway door.
I was led as if being dragged toward Toya-kun's house.
An unfamiliar car is stopped at Toya-kun's house.
The ones who got out were Toya-kun and... Sakura-san.
Toya-kun tries to go into the house. If he doesn't go back first, he'll see the note.
Thinking that, I tried to step forward, but I stopped.
Sakura-san was hugging Toya-kun... and kissing him.
The luggage fell from my hand.
Whether they noticed that sound, the two of them look this way.
Toya-kun hurriedly comes toward me.
I can't take it anymore.
Do I still have to endure this, Rie-chan?
I tried to flee to my own home. But Rie-chan used her hands and wouldn't let go.
"Who is that girl~? Toya-kun~"
She's returned to her usual tone.
"A junior from university... and so..."
Toya-kun explains the circumstances while worrying about me.
"Toya-kun~ I'd like to talk tonight with the parents included, would that be alright~?"
"Ah, yes..."
I wonder what "talk" means?
Is it a cancellation of the engagement after all?
When I returned home with Rie-chan, she told me to sit in the living room.
"...Your head has cooled down a bit~"
"...No."
"Did you see it properly~? The sight of Toya-kun desperately explaining himself to me. That is the real Toya-kun~?"
When told by Rie-chan, I remembered the Toya-kun of the past. The desperate sight of Toya-kun when I said we would break up. But...
"But, he was kissing her in front of me, you know?"
"You're not the kind of Airi-chan who gets flustered over just a kiss, are you~? Airi-chan is wavering right now~ probably because you're too caught up in the word 'binding' and are putting a strange filter on Toya-kun."
...That might be it. I haven't looked at Toya-kun properly for the past few days. Toya-kun was properly caring for me.
I stand up from the sofa and try to leave, but Rie-chan stopped me.
"If I don't go back quickly, if Toya-kun sees the note..."
It'll be beyond recovery.
"It's fine~ Toya-kun has responsibility too~. You can just go back when it's night~. Ah! I have to call the Katagiri residence~"
I'm sorry, Toya-kun. I was the one who was wrong. So don't blame yourself, don't become self-destructive!
(6)
When I returned to the room, I was stunned.
I am returning to my parents' home. It was a short time, but thank you for taking care of me. Goodbye.
My mind went blank.
I don't know what to do.
I didn't know Airi had been so driven to despair.
I can't wait until night. I have to go pick up Airi right now.
"Isn't this enough already?"
When I turned around, Sakura-san, who seemed to have followed me, was standing there.
"You've become free now, right?"
"Go home... I have urgent business."
Saying that, as I tried to push Sakura-san aside and leave the room, Sakura-san clung to me from behind.
"You saw the note, right. It's already too late!"
"Even if it's too late, I have to go!"
"Please date me! I love Katagiri-senpai too!"
Why does the heart sway like this after a heartbreak?
I didn't know what to do with Sakura-san's sudden confession.
To such a me, Sakura-san kissed me and pushed me down onto the bed.
"I'll become your replacement."
Ah, maybe that's an option...
While I was thinking such things, someone entered the room.
"Toya! I just had a call from Tosaka-san... Toya! What are you doing!?"
Mother had come up.
"For now, get off the bed! And you! Please go home today."
"I'm Katagiri-senpai's new girlfriend starting today, though."
"For now, please go home today, it's hectic with family turmoil!"
"...I understand. Well then, Katagiri-senpai, see you tomorrow."
Saying that, Sakura-san left the room.
"...I heard the rough details from Tosaka-san. Come down for a bit, I want to hear your side of the story as well."
Saying that, I explain the circumstances to Mother in the living room.
I get slapped by Mother.
"You child, you were trying to lay hands on that girl while Airi-chan was here!?"
"Airi is already gone."
She's already gone back. I've lost something precious.
"...I hear Airi-chan is 【returning】 tonight bringing her parents. She said let's have a thorough talk among the six of us... I'll keep the matter with that girl hidden. Absolutely do not say it!"
Returning?
In any form is fine, I want her to return.
Then, next time, I'll never let her go.
A colorless wind was blowing inside my heart.