Chapter 215 - Asaki Yumemishi
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning~"
I wake up to Airi's voice.
Perhaps it's the result of my daily training, but I don't get muscle pain as much as I used to.
It might be worth it that Airi helps me stretch before bed and gives me massages.
My diet has also changed since I started basketball.
The bookshelf is packed with books on physical condition management and dietary control.
Apparently, she also looks up various recipes using the internet.
When I change and go downstairs, breakfast is laid out.
Once I finish eating, I get ready and return to my room.
From then until the time I leave the house, we each spend our own time.
Occasionally, Airi gives off an aura of wanting attention, and in those moments, I tell her to come here and we frolic together.
I leave the house, head to the University, and attend classes.
During the lunch break, we all eat together.
Then, Sakura-san arrives.
"Katagiri-senpai!"
"Hey, Sakura-san."
"I brought a lunch box for you today as well."
"Thanks."
For some reason, Airi goes silent whenever Sakura-san comes.
Her face is smiling, but... something is strange about her.
I wonder what's wrong? Is it just my imagination?
While thinking about such things, I eat the lunch Sakura-san brought.
"So, Senpai, I found it. Your weakness."
"Weakness?"
"Yes, please look at this."
Sakura-san takes out a laptop and plays a video.
Everyone in Watanabe's group watches it.
It's nothing special, just a video of my usual practice scenes.
"Sakura, where is Toya's weakness in this? Isn't he just performing well?"
Kanna asks. Sakura-san answers with a look of pride.
"That is the weakness."
No one understood what she meant.
"Don't you notice? During games, he was shooting that much from the outside, yet despite having his position changed to Shooting Guard, he's penetrating as much as a Small Forward."
"Is that a bad thing?"
When Watanabe-kun asks Sakura-san, she nods.
"Katagiri-senpai is only just now attempting to strengthen his physical side. He still doesn't have enough stamina to continue contact play in the inside."
That's something I've been told since my soccer days.
"I really think Katagiri-senpai should aim to be able to play a full 40 minutes. To achieve that, a Senpai who excels in both offense and defense shouldn't recklessly waste stamina on contact play. Since you have such great vision, you should utilize those around you more. Even if you don't, the opponents will challenge you with double-teams and triple-teams anyway."
As Sakura-san speaks, everyone lets out voices of admiration, "Oh~."
"Even though the sport is different, as expected of someone with manager experience. Her perspective is different."
When Watanabe-kun praises her, she looks slightly embarrassed, saying it's not that much.
"Since Senpai can do no-look, no-motion passes, you should practice coordinating with those around you. Of course, it's important to make the opponent conscious of your shot first, though."
"I see."
"I'll suggest it to the coach tomorrow. Well then, please excuse me."
Saying so, Sakura-san clears away the lunch box I ate and leaves the university cafeteria.
"Sakura's quite something. She seems surprisingly capable," Kanna says.
"She really is a fan of Toya," Watanabe-kun says.
"Maybe Katagiri-kun is relying on her more than he lets on~" Hanayama-san asks.
"Well, I do rely on her," I answer.
But, I added that Airi is actually studying basketball rules and such too.
"Eh? Airi-chan was doing that?" Eguchi-san says.
Airi remained silent, looking down as if she lacked energy.
"Ah, it's about time."
When Takemoto-kun speaks, everyone begins to move.
I am left alone with Airi.
I pat Airi's shoulder.
"I rely on you. You're the only one who always gives me massages and things."
"...Yeah."
My assists are provided by Airi.
Because Airi is there behind me, I can leap forward.
So, it's fine just as it's been until now, Airi.
(2)
I was frustrated.
This was the first time I felt this way.
Was this the first time I was made to feel frustrated by another person?
Something that I, who understands Toya-kun better than anyone, failed to notice was pointed out by Sakura-san.
It can't be helped since it happened in the world of basketball, which I don't know.
But, that's not good enough.
If I'm going to become Toya-kun's wife, if Toya-kun is aiming for the world of basketball, I have to study along with him.
Thinking that, I bought various reference books and introductory books.
I watched Toya-kun's play constantly.
And yet, Sakura-san beat me to it.
I'm frustrated. I'm pathetic. I have to pull myself together more.
This day was also Toya-kun's practice day.
Just as he was told, Toya-kun is drawing the opponents to himself and passing to those around him.
I could only be amazed. I have no idea when he sent the pass. I have no clue when he is looking at the opponent.
Even while watching Toya-kun's practice content, I thought there were no bad points.
Break time.
"Here, Toya-kun. This is your drink."
"Ah, thank you, Airi."
"Katagiri-senpai, you can't!"
"Eh?"
"Hoe?"
Sakura-san cautions Toya-kun.
"Everyone is practicing their shots even during break time."
Saying so, Sakura-san pointed to the members remaining on the court practicing shots.
"Everyone is desperate to take a regular spot. Complacency is forbidden!"
"But Toya-kun's shots almost always go in even without shot practice,"
When I countered, Sakura-san showed the tablet she held in her hand.
"I've turned Senpai's shot success rate into data. Don't you notice?"
I don't understand it at all. No matter where I look, it's nearly perfect. Toya-kun doesn't seem to understand either.
Sakura-san speaks with pride.
"It's 100%, but Katagiri-senpai's three-pointers from 0 degrees are extremely few. Especially from the left side. It's probably because they go in no matter where he shoots from, but anyone who notices this data will drive him into the corner. And the more tired you are, the more you must not skip shot practice."
Sakura-san's theory was correct.
"Now that you understand, Senpai, please start your shot practice quickly!"
Being told that, Toya-kun returns to practice.
Sakura-san looks at me.
"Tosaka-senpai, weren't you studying basketball too? What were you looking at in Katagiri-senpai!? I think the things that should be cautioned must be cautioned. Just spoiling him won't be for Katagiri-senpai's sake!"
I couldn't say anything back.
Sakura-san turned on her heel and headed toward Toya-kun.
"Don't shoot leisurely, shoot with your usual super-quick motion. It looks like you're just playing around!"
Being told that, Toya-kun changes his way of shooting as he's told.
What should I do? Would it be better if I weren't here...?
After that, I could only watch Toya-kun practice while receiving advice from Sakura-san.
(3)
Sakura-san is amazing.
She analyzes calmly and gives precise instructions.
To the point where I wonder what the coach is doing.
Though she was almost exclusively giving instructions only to me.
Sakura-san bluntly points out flaws that even the coach doesn't notice.
"Don't pass leisurely to match the opponent, pass with enough momentum to make the receiver run! Kimoto-senpai too! How can you be like that as the Point Guard, Kimoto-senpai!?"
Kimoto-senpai was smiling wryly.
Sakura-san gives instructions to the point where I wonder when this became a hot-blooded basketball story.
Coach... is this okay?
Sakura-san's thorough guidance eventually extended to the other members as well.
"Your elbows are too open. You can't shoot a stable shot like that!"
Some resisted, but Kimoto-senpai calmed them down.
With my entry, it can be said that the skill level of the local University Basketball Club has risen.
Still, Sakura-san's guidance, which could be called excessive, continues.
"You must not learn to take the easy way out; the time to work hard is precisely when it's painful!"
The reason it doesn't turn into a fight is that Sakura-san's guidance isn't just a whip.
"You must properly stretch and do icing after practice."
Saying so, Sakura-san helps the members stretch.
"Sakura-san is amazing..."
Airi praised Sakura-san while helping me stretch.
"Senpai is fine because Tosaka-senpai is here. I've prepared towels for everyone. It gets cold at night, so please handle your sweat properly."
Saying so, Sakura-san distributes towels.
Before I knew it, Sakura-san came to be adored by everyone.
If there was something they didn't understand, they asked Sakura-san and sought her advice.
Sakura-san gives advice to each person while showing her tablet.
Seriously, what is the coach doing.
I also received advice from Sakura-san.
"It might be because Katagiri-senpai is right-handed, but both your passes and drives always start from the right. It might be better to consciously use the left as well. As for shots, Senpai can shoot with the left too. An ambidextrous three-point shooter is nothing but a threat."
After that, I also practiced three-pointers with my left hand.
Sakura-san's advice extended even to tactics.
She told me that if the opponent shoots, I should run toward the enemy camp without hesitation.
Apparently, she aims for a fast break, accepting some points conceded.
"Katagiri-senpai, please just be conscious of becoming free. If you become free, you can shoot from anywhere."
For the DF, she proposed a Box-and-One in the Zone.
"If it's Katagiri-senpai, you'll definitely crush the Point Guard. And by having Senpai at the lead, it will be easier to connect to a fast break."
Everyone listened to Sakura-san's proposal.
Everyone trusted Sakura-san.
I trusted her too.
That's why I forgot.
The existence of Airi, who had been supporting me from the shadows.
"Thanks to Sakura-san, everyone is playing vividly. With this, I can retire without any lingering concerns."
When Kimoto-senpai says that, Sakura-san smiles.
"Before that, we have to select the regulars from the third-years."
"That was there."
Kimoto-senpai also smiles.
"The problem is the Point Guard, right? If we let Katagiri-senpai do it, the scoring power will decrease."
"I'll leave it to Sakura-san, you have someone in mind, right?"
"Yes, I've been watching the practice properly."
"As expected," Kimoto-senpai says.
"It's about time, shall we go home?"
When the captain speaks, everyone begins preparing to leave.
I also change in the locker room, and when I leave the locker room, Sakura-san was waiting.
"Katagiri-senpai, today is your birthday, right? This is a present."
A medium-sized box that Sakura-san handed me.
"What's inside?"
"That's a secret. Let it be a pleasure for after you go home."
"Thanks."
I look happy.
Well then, go home... huh? Where's Airi?
"I'm here."
Turning around, Airi was standing there.
"If you were here, you could have called out to me."
"I thought it would be bad to interfere."
"?
"Are you finished? Let's go home."
"Ah, right. Well then, Sakura-san, see you."
"Yes, see you next week."
Once in the car, I immediately tear open the wrapping.
They were brand new basketball shoes.
A new model.
I place those in the back seat and return home.
When I return home, Airi hands me a large box.
"A birthday present from me."
The present from Airi was a jacket.
"Change into this."
I put it on as Airi told me.
"Well, shall we go?"
"Where to?"
"Tower Hotel. I've taken a room."
Saying so, we headed to the Tower Hotel in my car.
Apparently, she had made a reservation at the restaurant on the top floor.
I come every year, but this year is different.
Yes, today is my 20th birthday.
I take a glass with Airi and toast.
"Happy birthday, Toya-kun."
The taste of the first alcohol I ever drank was delicious.
Next, I'm asked what wine to have.
"I'll leave it to you,"
When Airi says that, the staff member leaves.
"Finally, my long-awaited dream has come true. Drinking alcohol for the first time here with Toya-kun."
Airi's smile, which I haven't seen in a long time.
I feel like I've seen Airi's face for the first time in a while.
Then, what had I been looking at until now?
Sakura-san. I had been looking at Sakura-san the whole time.
What was Airi thinking during that time? What was she considering?
"Airi..."
"Ah, the wine is here."
Red wine is poured into the wine glasses.
Airi takes a sip of it.
"It's kind of sour, isn't it?"
Airi says and laughs.
I'm sorry... I'll let you be as spoiled as you want later.
When the meal ends and we leave the restaurant, I hug Airi.
Airi brushes me off.
"No~. We're going to one more place today."
Saying so, I leave the restaurant with Airi, stop a taxi, and head to the entertainment district.
When the taxi stops in front of a shop, Airi enters.
In a shop with a slightly classical feel, we order cocktails.
I ordered a Martini, and Airi ordered a Manhattan.
With complex emotions, I can't really tell the taste.
Airi said, "It's delicious, isn't it?"
I also matched her, saying "It is, isn't it."
The first alcohol is a sad alcohol.
When we leave the shop, she says, "I think I've gotten a bit drunk, so shall we walk to the hotel?" and links arms with me and starts walking.
Without forgetting to stop by a Convenience Store on the way back to buy Chu-hi and snacks.
Forgetting a sad night by getting drunk. That might be an option. But why stay at a hotel?
Simply because we can't move?
But if so, wouldn't it have been better to come by taxi?
In the first place, Airi's feeling of celebrating for me.
I entrust a sliver of hope.
When we return to the room, Airi dives onto the bed.
I loom over such an Airi.
"Toya-kun, what's wrong?"
What should I say?
I try to peek into Airi's heart. Is it because of the drunkenness that it feels so warm?
"Shall we take a bath together?"
Even I think it's a quite clumsy line.
"Geez, Toya-kun, are you already drunk? It's still early."
The clock is 22:00. It's not late, is it?
"Well, since we're going to drink from now on, shall we go in first?"
Airi says so and begins to take off her clothes. I also began to strip.
"Wow, Toya-kun, you've become quite muscular. Amazing."
While saying so, Airi washes my body.
I also wash Airi's body.
The two of us play in the jacuzzi.
When we leave the bath, we sit on the bed, drinking Chu-hi and eating snacks, enjoying ourselves.
My head has become a bit fluffy.
There's a slight sleepiness.
"Airi, I'm sorry! I was thinking about Sakura-san the whole time! I didn't think about how Airi felt about me at all. But I like Airi the most. I love you. Until now. And from now on."
"If I'm the most, does that mean there was a second?"
"Ah..."
Pop
"Today is Toya-kun's birthday, and we were able to drink alcohol for the first time, and I'm feeling a bit tipsy, so I'll forgive you."
"Airi..."
"And Rie-chan would get angry at me again."
"Airi-mama?"
"Yeah, Rie-chan told me before, 'Have enough capacity to forgive a cheating that doesn't involve physical relations. However, if it's serious, you can come back home immediately.'"
I see...
"It's a rare celebration, so I want to drink happy alcohol. Toya-kun, you feel the same, right?"
"That's true."
"Then, once more, cheers!"
"Cheers."
Clinking cans, I drink with Airi.
And we spent a night that became an anniversary.
(4)
Dawn broke.
Toya-kun is still sleeping.
"It's breakfast~"
"...I'm good for today~"
He had a drink. Maybe a hangover~. But...
"It's worse for your body if you don't eat breakfast, you know?"
"...I understand."
After eating breakfast, Toya-kun seemed to feel a bit better.
"Airi, yesterday was really..."
"Toya-kun's bad habit is grumbling about things that have already passed like that. You apologized yesterday, so it's fine. I mean...
"?"
He's really dense.
"I'm not that angry, you know?"
"Eh?"
"Toya-kun's dribbling posture is optimal for driving, but some might argue that you can't see the whole picture. But Toya-kun has been like that since soccer, right? You just somehow sense the positional relationship between allies and enemies."
"?"
"...Which means Sakura-san wouldn't understand. It's advice I can give because I've been watching you for a long time."
"Airi?"
I'm studying too. And I'm the only one who knows Toya-kun the best.
"Toya-kun just needs to look forward. Trust me... I'll always be watching your back."
"...That's true. It's only Airi."
Saying so, Toya-kun smiles.
"Well, shall we go home soon?"
"Right?"
Packing our things, I returned home with Toya-kun.
(5)
Because I'm watching your back.
Airi said so and smiled.
Airi was always like that.
Whenever I was lost, Airi always pushed my back.
When Airi is lost, I support her.
Telling her she doesn't need to worry.
We live supporting each other.
If so, there's nothing to worry about.
I just proceed along the path I once decided.
We arrived home.
"Airi, we're here."
"Yes~"
When we return home, Father and the others are waiting.
"Don't go out tonight."
Huh?
"This moment has finally come, let's drink with Father and the others."
"I just drank yesterday, though."
"Tosaka-san's parents also wish to drink with Toya. Strike while the iron is hot."
Aren't they just using it as an excuse because they want to drink and make a fuss?
"I understand," I only announce that and enter the room with Airi.
Looking around the room, Airi is studying hard.
From the dietary habits of athletes to the methods of care.
And Airi is putting it into practice.
It seems she has also grasped the rules of basketball.
Airi's selfishness might be excessive.
But I think that's fine.
Because she accepted my selfishness.
While spending time leisurely in the room, Airi was reading a manga.
That's rare.
Eventually, Airi spoke up.
"Let's go to Hatanaka's outdoor court."
"Do you want to play basketball?"
"A little."
I go to the basketball court in the park with Airi.
"First, it's from the layup shot."
"Ah, I know that. I saw it in a manga."
Saying so, she approaches the goal while dribbling, leaps, and brilliantly decides a layup.
"Is this okay?"
"Yeah..."
I knew Airi's athletic ability was good, but to think she would learn from manga.
"Airi is versatile."
"Ehehe~"
"Then, do you want to try a 1ON1 with me?"
"...Will you go easy on me?"
"Of course."
I left the first attack to Airi.
I think I shouldn't be conscious of it, but I inevitably do.
I couldn't perform contact play against Airi.
Still, perhaps because she was nervous, she missed the layup, and I instinctively became focused and leaped for the rebound. In doing so, I contacted Airi's body and Airi fell.
"Sorry, are you hurt?"
"No, I'm fine."
The sun began to set.
"Shall we go home soon?"
"Yeah."
When we return home as we say, there is a feast.
The six of us toast with canned beer.
"...Katagiri-san, how is it drinking with your son?"
"There is a sense of happiness. How about you, Tosaka-san?"
"...The same. After that, my role is to see Airi in her bridal attire."
"Toya-kun~ I'll turn a blind eye to cheating~, though physical relations are out of the question, if you become serious, I'll bring Airi back to our house."
"Yes."
"Then, drink away. I heard from Airi-chan that Toya-kun is strong~. A little bit should be fine."
As we are drinking, a stop is called by Airi.
"Don't let him drink too much. He has to rest slowly tomorrow."
That is appreciated.
I spend time in the room with Airi.
I play games, and Airi finishes her bookkeeping. She is searching for something on the internet.
It's content like an introductory guide to basketball.
Even though there's no need to worry that much.
I dim the lights,
And enter the bed.
"Aren't you tired?"
Airi asks.
"I'm fine. I have to make up for yesterday's portion."
Saying so, Airi enters the bed.
"Then, shall I let you make up for it?"
Saying so, Airi hugs me.
From now on, I'll look only at Airi.
I'll stop looking at other women.
No matter how much I might come to like other people, I have the irreplaceable existence called Airi.
Crossing the deep mountains of the world.
Seeing a shallow dream, without being intoxicated.
A secret story from Airi.
A story of a fleeting dream held slightly.
I'll keep that tucked away in my heart forever.
December passes by in the blink of an eye.