Chapter 213 - In the Shifting Seasons
(1)
It was a November night.
A midnight hour of deep night mist.
"Airi, wake up."
"Fue..."
The clock pointed to midnight.
"What's wrong at this hour?"
"I'm heading out for a bit, so get ready."
"Where are we going?"
"The mountain."
"Are you going to push the car too hard again?"
"For some adjustments..."
Apparently, a one-make team of 4WD turbo cars was coming from Kumamoto.
They really keep coming one after another.
And so, the plan is to take countermeasures. Because of my promise not to do things sneakily behind Airi's back, I felt bad for waking her at this hour, but I did it anyway.
Airi slowly changed her clothes and said, "I'm ready~"
I took Airi and drove up the mountain.
Takemoto-kun and the others were already waiting there.
I had finished most of the settings during the day.
I performed the fine-tuning while driving with Takemoto-kun in the passenger seat.
After just a few runs, the fine-tuning was finished.
"Are you okay? With that car, wouldn't it be better to use mine?"
Nakajima-kun pointed to his own car.
But I declined.
"I'll be fine, the engines aren't that different."
The mechanisms were almost the same. I had Takemoto-kun fix the detailed parts.
For today, I went home with this.
When I got home, I turned on the TV. Naturally, it was a time slot where nothing was on. I turned on the game console.
Airi changed and fell asleep after getting into bed.
Knowing that I wouldn't be able to wake up in the morning if I slept at this hour, I spent the time killing time.
Time passed in a flash and morning came.
When the alarm rang, Airi woke up.
"Uuu... I'm sleepy."
"Sorry."
"It's okay, because Toya-kun is keeping his promise."
Saying that, she staggered out of the room.
I also interrupted my game and changed.
The sleepiness was intense.
When I went to the washroom to wash my face, I encountered Airi.
"Is Toya-kun sleepy too?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"You should have slept even for a little bit."
"I didn't want to trouble Airi in the morning."
"I'm not troubled at all."
After having breakfast, I returned to the room.
As I was staring at the TV, Airi brought me coffee.
Drinking it made me feel like I woke up a little.
"Toya-kun has time today, so wouldn't it be better to sleep a bit? I'll wake you up."
"Airi, you should be the one sleeping. I'll just sleep during class."
"That's not allowed."
Come to think of it, Sakura-san had been sending me videos, but the content had changed.
Until now, there were many videos of famous NBA players or domestic players of the same age, but she started sending videos of matches I appeared in.
She was filming, huh. Apparently, Airi hadn't noticed either.
"Senpai, you really can do it if you try. Let's do it."
Saying that, she tried to recruit me, but I wasn't in the mood for that right now.
Doing what you want to do when you want to do it is best.
Right now, I'm desperate to handle the countermeasures for the street racer team I was asked by the street racer.
As a test, I attempted a downhill in Hiyama-senpai's car.
There was an overwhelming difference compared to my own car.
Could I win with my usual method?
I had that anxiety.
"It's almost time~"
When Airi said that, I headed for the university.
There is one reason why I cannot lose.
Apparently, if the opponents win, they cut up the stickers of the losing side and paste them upside down as a substitute for kill marks.
If I lose, the street racer's face won't be saved. I felt no small amount of pressure.
Should I really throw away my pride and change the car?
"Are they that formidable of an opponent?"
Airi asked during class.
"I haven't actually done it, but I feel the difference in car performance."
"Toya-kun, you're too tense. You're just doing it because you were asked, so you don't have to feel it so heavily."
"But..."
"I'll ride in the passenger seat this time too. Because if Toya-kun is alone, you'll probably be reckless."
"I know."
After finishing the second period, I had a meeting including Takemoto-kun and the others.
"I've done as much as I could. All that's left is the final adjustment. The tire condition has also improved."
"Toya, are you really okay with your car? I can lend you mine, you know?"
"I think I'll probably be okay. I won't know until I try, though."
"Katagiri-senpai!"
Sakura-san arrived.
"There are a lot of people today, what's going on?"
"We were having a meeting,"
Takemoto-kun answered.
"A meeting? About what?"
Takemoto-kun explained the situation.
"You were doing something that dangerous? You absolutely mustn't!"
"Toya-kun's driving isn't dangerous, so it's okay."
"Accidents aren't only caused by yourself, you can be caught up in them too."
"Toya-kun drives predicting that as well, so it's fine."
"...I'm going to cheer you on. When are you doing it?"
"This coming Saturday."
"Please do your best. But please don't overdo it."
And then, as usual, she switched the topic to her own interests.
"Does Katagiri-senpai prefer the inside or the outside?"
"If I had to choose, I guess the outside."
There was no particular reason. I had confidence that I could make it regardless of where I shot from, so I just hated getting all mixed up by intentionally going inside.
Where did the confidence that I could make it from anywhere come from?
Because I can somehow tell the trajectory, right?
"In that case, that player really is the goal, isn't he? That player was amazing back then, and even now he's called the god of basketball."
Come to think of it, was that person's position SG?
"But Senpai's playstyle is exactly like that person. Well, from what I saw in that match, Senpai seems like he could handle anything."
"I don't have the height and my build isn't great, so Center or PF is impossible."
"Well, Senpai doesn't need to force himself to go inside."
While dealing with Sakura-san in that manner, I was secretly holding Airi's hand.
Because just by doing this, Airi's heart is calmed.
"It seems like there's another match at the end of the year."
"The end of the year is busy for us, so it's impossible."
"Why is that?"
"Because there's cohabitation practice."
As for cohabitation practice, since both parents would be returning to their hometowns and the parents wouldn't be there, the two of us would have to handle all the housework.
I couldn't just leave everything to Airi and only do basketball.
"I see... that's a shame."
"More importantly, Sakura-san, aren't you going autumn leaf hunting at the end of this month?"
"It seems like I'd just be in the way even if I went."
"I don't think you'd be in the way."
Saying that, I looked at everyone's faces; there didn't seem to be... any particular problem.
"Then, if Katagiri-senpai goes, I'll go."
"Yeah, that's for the best."
"Well, my business is finished, so I'll be going now."
"Then, see you tomorrow."
"Yes, see you tomorrow."
Saying that, Sakura-san left the shop.
"Is this okay, Katagiri-kun? Saying things like that. It seems like you're making her expect things even though Katagiri-kun has no intention."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about Sakura-san!"
Ichinose-san raised her voice a notch.
"Don't you feel bad for Tosaka-san?"
I looked at Airi's face; Airi was nodding as if to say it was okay.
"If it's Airi, it's okay."
"That attitude of resting on your laurels upon that trust, I cannot overlook it."
Shimizu-san glared at me.
"That's not true, I've thought about Airi properly."
When I countered, Airi also said, "It's okay."
"There's no way Toya-kun would cheat. He's always thinking about me. Even last night..."
Airi spoke of the incident from last night.
"Isn't that just Katagiri-kun making Airi go along with it?"
"I'm the one who made that promise. Toya-kun is just keeping the promise..."
"Airi. Believing and spoiling are different things."
"It's okay... I promised Toya-kun."
Airi seemed lacking in confidence, but I suppose it's my role to make her feel confident.
The strength in the hand holding Airi's hand increased.
(2)
Niina-san is away for work.
Am I relieved?
Then, why am I sad right now?
I think while helping around the house.
Suddenly, I imagine it.
Me, left all alone while Manabe-kun and Harada-san walk together happily.
I see, being all alone is lonely.
Niina-san had removed that loneliness.
And that Niina-san is gone.
The helping is finished and I return to my room.
The clock had passed 22:00.
I wonder if work is finished already?
Suddenly, I was calling Niina-san.
Why didn't I call Manabe-kun?
He answered on the third ring.
"Yes, this is Niina."
Niina-san's tone in work mode?
Something is different from usual.
"Ah, this is Niina."
"Ah, Niina-san? Hold on a moment."
I hear the sound of him going outside the room.
He was still in the middle of work.
"Um, were you in the middle of work?"
"Yeah, things are a bit hectic."
"Then, I'll make it tomorrow."
"It's fine, I'm staying overnight today anyway. There's no need to rush."
Niina-san said that and laughed.
Today too...?
"Are you always staying overnight?"
"Yeah, various chores have piled up."
"Um, I'll just make it next time after all."
"It's okay, I told you, right? Call me whenever."
"But..."
"So, what happened?"
"Nothing in particular. I just wanted to hear Niina-san's voice."
"..."
It really was just that.
"Then, I'll call again. I'm sorry for today."
"Give my regards to Manabe-kun and the others."
"Yes, Niina-san, please be careful too."
The call ended.
While still gripping the smartphone, I was crying.
Why am I crying?
I'm crying because I'm lonely.
Why am I lonely?
I didn't want to know the answer to that.
(3)
A sudden call from Niina-san.
She wanted to hear my voice.
Did something happen?
What happened with Manabe-kun?
Or was she simply lonely?
Either way, Niina-san is seeking me.
I don't have to do anything.
Niina-san will surely seek me out on her own.
Just giving a slightly kind voice to her when she's completely worn down.
With that, everything is decided.
I went outside and smoked a cigarette.
And yet, why am I so restless.
With her right now, I could make any girl fall for me.
It doesn't even have to be me.
Is that why I'm impatient?
Work is going smoothly.
The client wants completion by Christmas.
Whether I like it or not, I can go home by Christmas.
There are less than two months left, I just have to wait.
Looking at Manabe-kun, it's like looking at my old self, and it becomes embarrassing.
Memories of youth.
He said his admiration was me.
It's ticklish.
Manabe-kun is still unable to take action now.
He should just go for it decisively.
It's too late afterwards.
He said he would go when the time comes.
Then, when is that time?
It's now!
There are times I want to say that and push his back.
But I have no time to pay attention to other people's love affairs.
When I can't even manage my own love affair.
Love affair?
Am I in love?
...I'll admit that I am.
Adults have an adult way of loving.
When I go back, I'll do something for Niina-san.
No matter how much she wants to cry, I'll listen to her.
So...
I'm begging you, don't cry in front of any man other than me...
That was my wish.
(4)
"Our condition is one: to compete with that blue RU4 over there. After that, you're free. We'll fight until we're satisfied... if you lose, we're taking the sticker."
A man wearing a white bandana said that.
"Understood..."
Just in case, I had also adjusted Hiyama-senpai's car.
When I stepped forward, the bandana man said this.
"Your skill seems good. But the car is out of the question. I'll teach you that no matter how good your skill is, it's useless if the car is no good. It's more of a lesson than a competition."
Why are people of this type so overconfident, I wonder.
"By the way, who's sitting in the passenger seat?"
The man seemed to have noticed Airi sitting in the passenger seat.
"She's my girlfriend, though?"
The man laughed through his nose.
"I've been underestimated. To think you're in a drive mood with your girlfriend."
I don't want to lose to this man.
Without saying anything, I climbed into the driver's seat.
It seems a white Lancer Evolution is the opponent.
"Toya-kun, are you okay?"
Airi looked at me worriedly.
"Airi, hold on tight."
I'll breathe life into you.
The countdown begins.
"GO!"
I stomp on the accelerator with all my might.
The car starts abruptly.
The opponent's car ended up chasing from behind.
Is it not accelerating properly?
I was slightly bewildered by a development different from before, but it didn't take long to realize that I was apparently being underestimated.
Unaware that this carelessness would be fatal.
I enter the first corner.
In the corner, this side is slightly faster.
If I'm faster in the corner, there's a chance of winning.
For a while, a stalemate continues.
A situation where they stick close on the straights and I pull away in the corners.
That also didn't last long.
Ahead is a section where cat's eyes are embedded.
Changing lanes in the corner is impossible.
If I take the inside, the opponent will slow down.
Because there is no flexibility in line-taking, it becomes a low-speed corner.
This is the deciding point.
If you have a soul... answer me.
I plunge in at high speed, stomp on the brakes with all my might, and enter a drift state.
Hold on!!
It seems it was true that the tire condition was good.
The tires exit the corner without crossing the center line.
Continuous hairpins follow.
If I enter the inside, the gap widens, and even on the outside, I dash like a bullet while maintaining the edge of the shoulder.
By the time the cat's eye section ended, I had a certain amount of a lead, but I was caught up all at once on the straight.
However, the corners are faster on this side.
Additionally, I felt no will from the opponent to move into the opposing lane. The same flow continued.
The opponent was only slightly more advantageous on the straights, and although it wasn't a turbo, perhaps due to the benefit of VTEC, it wasn't enough to overturn the gap made in the corners.
The match was decided in the first run.
"I can't believe it, for Kohei to lose..."
Such words were heard from the opponent's team.
"You were blessed by the course..."
The man with the white bandana said.
Didn't he challenge me knowing that?
Isn't it pathetic for an excuse?
"I thought you'd challenge me knowing that? It's not even a good sore loser's excuse."
The man didn't say anything back.
Leaving such a man behind, I returned to everyone.
"Good work."
The street racer senior patted my shoulder.
"Well, shall we all begin?"
Everyone from the Watanabe Group who had come for me shook the carbonated drinks in their hands.
And when they popped the pull-tabs with a pshhh, the liquid inside splashed.
We all splashed each other.
"Senpai, you're amazing!"
Sakura-san praised me.
Meanwhile, Takemoto-kun was returning the settings to normal.
"Just join our team."
When the street racer senior said that, I shook my head.
"No way! Senpai is going to play basketball."
No, I haven't decided yet...
Airi was watching such a me from afar.
(5)
"Hey, Toya-kun."
Airi spoke to me after I had returned home and taken a bath.
"I don't know if it's okay for me to say this, but..."
"What is it?"
"Toya-kun, how about playing basketball?"
Eh?
"What's this all of a sudden..."
"It's the same when you're driving the car, but I want to see Toya-kun's lively face. Of course, I'm not saying don't do the Watanabe Group activities. But Toya-kun's smiling face is wonderful."
"But, Airi..."
"I'll be fine. I'll watch the practice. I'll go cheer you on at the matches too."
It's rare for Airi to suggest something.
"What's this change of heart? Let's talk honestly."
"Yeah, I want to be with Toya-kun. Toya-kun is trying to meet that request. I want Toya-kun to be smiling too."
"If that's the case, just being with Airi..."
"I thought I'd always be with Toya-kun. But when Toya-kun starts working, there might be times we're apart. No, we will be apart. So I want to get used to it now. Don't say you're lonely."
"Is Airi okay?"
"I have to be okay. Since I said I believe in Toya-kun, I have to get used to at least that much."
Airi's determination seems firm.
"If Airi goes that far, I'll do it. You said I don't have to attend every practice, too."
"Yeah."
Airi took a piece of paper out of her bag.
"Here, this."
It was an application for club membership. She had prepared it. I wrote in it.
"Is it really okay?"
Airi hugged me.
"We'll always be together."
I gently hugged Airi back.
"I know."
It was a night with a beautiful autumn moon.