Chapter 214 - Iroha ni Hoheto
(1)
November.
These days, I can feel the wind of early winter.
The mountains are beginning to turn the colors of autumn.
I like autumn.
It starts getting cold and the clothes get thicker, but it means I can sleep covered in a blanket.
I sleep wrapped in my blanket.
Lately, my muscle pain has been severe.
Despite that, Airi wakes me up without mercy.
"Toya-kun, it's morning~"
Saying that, she flips over my duvet with a shout of "Hup!"
"It's cold, Airi."
"Winter is almost here, isn't it~"
"I guess so—wait, that's not the point!"
"Come on, hurry up and change, change."
After finishing my classes and relaxing at home, I head back to the university and make my way to the gymnasium.
Practice had already begun.
Once I finish stretching, I join the practice.
That said, I have a separate menu.
I just run and run.
I aim to improve my basic physical strength.
When I finish, I receive a towel and a sports drink from Sakura-san, who also joined the Basketball Club as a manager.
After that, I join the general practice.
I was assigned to the shooting guard position.
Even though I'm joining the practice, once I'm in, the passes only go to me, so it doesn't really function as practice.
I only enter for a short while; most of my time is spent watching the overall movement to grasp the flow.
Occasionally, I join in to confirm my coordination with Kimoto-senpai.
"Senpai, you can give me the ball faster and at a higher position."
"Got it."
That's how practice proceeds.
Practice ends at 22:00.
When practice is over, we all go to the hot springs.
Practice isn't held every day.
There are designated days and times.
Within those, we choose the days that are convenient and go to practice.
While practicing, as expected, reporters and the like come for interviews. There were even TV interviews. There was an invitation to the Universiade.
After consulting with Airi, I decided to accept.
And so, I made it onto the national team—not for soccer, but for basketball.
The celebration party for that was held over the weekend.
"Congratulations, Toya!"
I don't know if it's something to be congratulated for, but for now, we toast.
"Has Toya finally gotten motivated?" Makoto says.
"What's the plan for Watanabe's group?" Kiritani-kun asks.
"I'll participate when I can," I reply.
I'm free until spring, after all.
I thought there would be games in winter, but apparently not.
Generally, major tournaments are held from April to the end of October.
Well, apparently I'll be called in for things like exhibition matches.
"I'll go cheer you on for the games I can make it to," Watanabe-kun says.
While everyone was reveling in the excitement, perhaps because my own spirits were high, I failed to notice Airi looking at me anxiously.
(2)
The following week, as planned. We all went out for autumn leaf viewing.
We headed toward our destination in Manabe-kun's car.
I sat in the passenger seat, and the Tange couple sat in the back seat.
Harada-san became unable to come due to an urgent work matter.
I don't know if I should be happy or sad about that.
Manabe-kun doesn't mention anything about it.
"Still, Satomi was unlucky. All that anticipation..."
Tange-sensei brings up the topic naturally.
"Actually, I said I'd stay behind too, but I was told, 'It's a rare treat, so you should go'..."
Manabe-kun says regretfully.
Before heading up Kyusuikei, we gather at a Convenience Store.
Katagiri-senpai's car arrived last.
Once everyone gathered and finished their break, we passed through Kyusuikei.
It seemed to be the peak of the autumn colors, and Umi-chan was captivated by the beautiful scenery.
"Umi, since we're here, shall we take some photos?"
When Tange-sensei says that, Umi-chan nods and takes photos with her smartphone.
The cars were in a traffic jam, so since there was time spent stopped, she could take them easily.
After a while, the cars reached the destination.
Yumezuri Bridge.
Apparently, you cross it in pairs.
Katagiri-senpai was crossing while taking Tosaka-senpai and Sakura-san with him.
I crossed the bridge following Manabe-kun.
It sways surprisingly much.
The bridge shook with the occasional gust of wind, and I instinctively grabbed Manabe-kun's arm.
"Are you okay? If you're scared, you can go back."
Manabe-kun says something mean.
We're already halfway across; is he telling me to go back alone?
The Tange couple were proceeding while taking photos.
I wonder if they'll make it their next painting subject?
Once we finished crossing, we had a group photo taken and then went back.
The bridge is made of reinforced concrete, so why does it sway so much?
When we finished crossing, everyone was gathered.
Before I knew it, Katagiri-senpai had bought soft-serve ice cream and was eating it.
"About what's next, is it okay if we do the same as last year?"
When Watanabe-senpai says this, everyone says "It's fine."
Everyone entered a restaurant at Kuju Kogen.
We sat divided across several tables.
The four of us sat together at one table.
Manabe-kun and the Tange couple were chatting amiably.
I alone remained silent.
Perhaps noticing this, Manabe-kun spoke to me.
"It's a shame about Shiina-san."
Did you think something would happen between Shiina-san and me?
"You're the one who should be disappointed, Manabe-kun, that you aren't with Harada-san."
I had become confrontational.
"It can't be helped, it's work."
"Shiina-san is also work, so it can't be helped too."
"Shiina-san, why are you so angry?"
Tange-sensei, who knew nothing, said that.
"It has nothing to do with you, Tange-sensei!"
I was screaming.
Tange-sensei was bewildered.
"Shiina-san, calm down."
Manabe-kun says.
What am I angry about?
Because Manabe-kun mentioned Shiina-san.
Because he spoke of Shiina-san.
Just hearing the name Shiina-san makes my chest tight. It makes me irritated.
I dashed outside.
Outside, while looking at the horses, I thought alone.
I regretted myself for ruining a chance that had finally descended upon me.
"About Shiina-san?"
When I looked back, Katagiri-senpai was there.
Apparently, he can read other people's hearts.
I said nothing.
"You're angry because Manabe-kun mentioned Shiina-san. Right?"
He really is a person who reads hearts to the very end.
In that case, maybe I should ask this person for advice on what to do?
"I... what do you think I should do?"
Date Shiina-san. It was obvious he would say that. But the words that came from his mouth were different.
"You should act as you please until you are satisfied. However, you must not forget that just as you feel for him, he too has feelings that he cannot compromise. If you forget that, it's just harassment."
"..."
"He is also struggling with all his might. I can see the color of conflict. He is troubled regarding you as well. If that's the case, you know what you can do for him, right, Shiina-san?"
I couldn't stop my tears.
"It's okay, time will solve it."
Every single one of Katagiri-senpai's words pierced through me.
"Are you afraid of being hurt? Afraid of losing? Afraid of believing? That is exactly why I want to be a conversation partner for someone like you."
My tears stopped.
"It seems your heart is decided now? Then you should go forward with your head held high. Just as you feel."
Saying that, Katagiri-senpai smiled.
"Thank you very much, Katagiri-senpai."
Saying that, I returned to the shop.
(3)
Sakura-san must have been tired.
She is lying down and sleeping in the back seat.
Is Airi not tired?
She is talking to me, being slightly more affectionate than usual.
I respond to her with a smile.
The topic turned to my Universiade story.
"Are there things like training camps?"
"It seems there are."
"I see~"
"It seems there aren't any during the winter, so you don't need to worry. They'll make it so it doesn't interfere with classes."
"Yeah..."
Airi is smiling, but she still looks lonely.
Or does she have some other anxiety?
"Airi, you said we should speak our true feelings, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then, let me hear your true feelings."
"About what?"
"What are you anxious about right now?"
"..."
Airi doesn't answer.
That proves there is some anxiety.
"...I wondered if I should become a manager for the Basketball Club too. But I don't know anything about basketball, and besides..."
"Besides?"
"I thought that if Toya-kun became a representative for the Universiade, it wouldn't matter if I did."
"That's true."
"To tell you the truth. I'm anxious. I feel like Toya-kun might go far away. I feel like I want to lock Toya-kun in a birdcage."
A birdcage, huh...
"Airi, do you know about the homing instinct?"
"The thing where pigeons, migratory birds, dogs, and cats always return no matter how far they are?"
"Yeah. The place I return to... you know without me saying it, right?"
"...Yeah."
No matter how far I go, I will return to Airi, so don't worry.
"I'll be waiting forever," Airi says.
"Yeah."
If I get lost, I'll return. To the place I should return to.
There is a person there who will welcome me warmly.
My precious bride is waiting.
For now, let's go home.
(4)
When I got home, I took a bath.
I played games with Toya-kun, and then it was time for bed.
Toya-kun must have been tired today.
He fell asleep immediately.
Timing it with that, I was sending messages to Kanna.
"I have something I want to consult you about, is that okay?"
I wonder if Kanna has already fallen asleep too?
"Is the consultation about Toya?"
A reply came back immediately.
"Yeah. Kanna, how are you spending your time while Makoto-kun is away?"
"Eh?"
"Don't you feel lonely or pained?"
"Is this because Toya was chosen as a representative basketball player?"
"Yeah..."
"I'm fine. We have messages. He answers when I call."
"I see... You're fine with just that?"
Back during the general tournament, there was a couple walking arm-in-arm and it caused a huge uproar, right?
"You just gotta believe. I'll tell Toya from my end too. He's been close with Sakura lately."
That is the biggest problem. I can't keep up with the topics of those two. They're creating a world for just the two of them.
"Toya's fine! You've got an early start tomorrow, right? Get some sleep."
"Sorry for the late hour."
"Don't sweat it, see ya. Goodnight."
Though the flowers bloom in fragrance, they must scatter.
Who in this world shall remain unchanging?
This world is not eternal for anyone.
Those words pierce my chest.
Will the promise with Toya-kun continue forever?
Holding such anxiety, I fell asleep today.