Chapter 217 - Melted Magic and Hearts
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning~"
I wake up to Airi's voice.
Airi is beside me, looking my way.
But this isn't home; it's a hotel room.
I trace back yesterday's memories; I remember up until we took a bath together.
There is nothing beyond that.
Airi is smiling beamingly.
Did we do something?
I wonder if Airi will get angry if I tell her I don't remember anything?
As I stare at Airi without saying a word, she makes a grimace.
"From the looks of it, you don't remember anything, do you~"
She's figured it out.
"Sorry... I remember up until we got in the bath, but..."
"You were asleep after that."
"That's all?"
"Yep."
It seems we didn't do anything. In that sense, I feel bad for Airi.
"Sorry."
"I told you to stop apologizing when I haven't done anything."
Actually, I feel apologetic precisely because we didn't do anything.
"We didn't do anything... right?"
"Yep."
"And yet it was such a special night..."
"If that's the case, tonight is fine too, you know?"
"Yeah, I'll be careful."
"Oka~y, I'm looking forward to it."
Saying so, Airi gets out of bed and begins to change.
I begin to change as well.
After eating breakfast, we check out and return home.
While I'm relaxing in my room after eating lunch, Airi returns after finishing the housework.
"Toya-kun, what are you doing?"
What do you mean "what"—I'm just relaxing and reading a book.
"You have to train properly. You were told, right? By Sakura-san."
"It's okay to take one day off."
"No way! Come on, change, change!"
Having no choice, I change into training wear and leave the house with a windbreaker in my hand.
I drive to the sports park and go through my usual menu.
Perhaps my body has finally gotten used to it, as I complete it at a comfortable pace.
When training is finished, I return home and change into room wear...
Poke
"It's time to go out~"
"It's still too early."
"You'll miss the bus, you know? We can't go by car, right?"
That was right.
Hurried along, I change and leave the house.
I wait for the bus at the stop, and once I board, a sudden sleepiness hits me, as if I've finally settled down.
I sleep using Airi's shoulder as a pillow.
"This bus goes all the way to Tsurusaki, you know? Don't blame me if you overshoot your stop~"
Even Airi's voice doesn't reach me.
"You really are hopeless."
Entrusting myself to the comfort of Airi's shoulder and the moderate swaying of the bus, I slept pleasantly.
(2)
"Masashi—! Wake up—!!"
Woken by Mika, I look at the clock and it's only 10:00. This is way too early.
"Today's a day off, right? Let me sleep in."
Saying so, I dive back under the covers.
"I went through the trouble of making breakfast, so eat it!!"
Mika shakes my body. I guess I have no choice but to get up.
I eat the breakfast Mika made, get ready, and change. Now, how should I kill time?
Mika is fiddling with her smartphone the whole time.
Apparently, Mika is bad at tidying up.
I throw the scattered clothes into the washing machine, tidy up the snacks and such, and vacuum.
I sort the mountain of empty cans on the table, put them in a trash bag, tie it tight, and take it to the garbage collection point.
When I return to the room, Mika seems to have felt like doing housework too, as she was running the washing machine.
In the meantime, I'll just relax and watch some TV.
When the washing and drying are finished, Mika folds and puts away the laundry, ironing the things that need ironing.
Once she finishes ironing, Mika begins preparing lunch.
Today it's fried rice and ramen, apparently.
Mika's ramen is a cut above. She makes the soup using a dashi she made and preserved herself, boils store-bought noodles, and tops it with homemade fried rice and other ingredients to finish it.
When I finish eating, I help Mika tidy up.
After that, since there's free time during the day, Mika checks her SNS.
She mainly posts recipes for creative dishes she's made herself.
Other than that, it's just photos and impressions of food from restaurants she's visited.
Once those are finished, I finally become bored.
I can probably kill time if I'm walking. I leave the house.
As I walk outside, I see an unusual number of couples.
Right, today was Christmas Eve.
I go to the station building.
We play at the amusement facility.
Mika mostly does crane games.
I play shooting games.
The horror-themed ones.
Mika is strong against horror.
The two of us play together.
As we do, time passes.
For the record, a movie is not an option, because Mika falls asleep immediately.
Apparently, movies are better watched relaxing at home.
"Is everyone coming today?"
"Yeah, that's the plan. Though it seems there's a little +α."
"I see. Could Toya drink now too?"
"Yeah, he's had his birthday."
"Then we can go at it without holding back."
"Go easy on him a little."
"I know, I know."
Saying so, we headed to the reserved restaurant a bit ahead of the others.
(3)
When I woke up in the morning, I was holding Niina-san's hand.
Niina-san is sleeping, making soft, peaceful breathing sounds.
I gently release her hand and leave the room.
I encountered Niina-san's father.
"Oh! Young man. You didn't do anything to Mirai yesterday, did you?"
It's a very menacing voice.
"I didn't. She's been fast asleep until now."
"Breakfast is ready! Could you wake Mirai up for me? She gets really angry if I go in."
Since I was told that, I returned to the room and Niina-san was awake.
"Ah, Shiina-san."
"I heard breakfast is ready. Let's eat for now, shall we?"
"Y-yes."
After having breakfast, I smoke a cigarette outside and wait for Niina-san to get ready.
When Niina-san comes down, I say, "Well then, I'll borrow Niina-san for a bit," and put her in the car.
Once Niina-san is in the car, I ask her, "Where do you want to go?"
Niina-san says, "I don't have anywhere in particular I want to go, but we're meeting in town at 18:00, so..."
Watanabe's group, huh...
"Then, you're free to go anywhere until then, right?"
"E-eh, well, yes..."
We came to a restaurant near the airport.
"U-um..."
"Eat whatever you like."
After she orders, I order as well.
"Is this... a date?"
"No, I'm just taking care of a girl I can't leave alone."
"I thought so..."
She has an expression where I can't tell if she's relieved or lonely.
On the way back, we watched planes taking off and landing from a small park.
"Are things going well with Manabe?"
I hear the story of what happened between Niina-san and Manabe.
I see, the suspension bridge effect.
It seems things didn't work out with Manabe-kun, though.
Is it about time?
No, it's better to wait until her heart breaks further.
After that, I'll heal her slowly.
That's all it is.
It's not a difficult thing.
Apparently, there's a gathering with Watanabe's group or whatever today. I'll drop her off in town.
I let her off in front of the station.
"Well, see you next time."
"Um, Shiina-san."
"What is it?"
"Why are you so kind to me?"
Isn't that obvious?
"Because I like you."
"Eh...?"
"Well, see you...?"
Saying so, I drive off.
What am I saying to a girl younger than me?
It wasn't supposed to be like this.
There was a version of me that couldn't remain calm.
She is drawing that out of me.
What on earth am I doing?
I give a bitter smile to myself.
I felt a sense of "I've gone and done it" that I couldn't shake off.
(4)
"Oh?"
"Huh?"
"My?"
"Hello."
The first words of the four of us, respectively.
Akira-chan and I had headed into town from noon, thinking it would be a waste not to.
Then, inside the shopping district, we encountered Eguchi-san and Ishihara-kun.
"It's been a while, are you doing well?"
"Pretty much, how about you?"
That was the conversation Akira-chan and Eguchi-san were having.
Eguchi-san's mood seems to be at its absolute best.
Akira-chan's mood is also at its absolute best.
I tried asking Ishihara-kun.
"Did something happen...?"
"Well, yeah..."
I vaguely guessed it.
The reason is probably the same as mine, right?
As proof, look, they're showing each other the ring fingers of their left hands.
"...Did you do it?"
"Would it be more correct to say it was done to me?"
As I thought, it's the same.
"It's not great to talk while standing, so why don't we go into a nearby coffee shop?"
Saying so, we entered a coffee shop.
"...So, Emi proposed to you?"
"Yes, she said, 'Don't you want to know the size of the ring finger on my left hand?'..."
"And then?"
"Isshy looked bewildered, so I gave him the final push by saying, 'I want to say I'm home and welcome back every day,' and he finally seemed to realize."
"I'm so envious."
I feel a sense of composure in those words from Akira-chan.
"So, did something good happen to Akira?"
Eguchi-san is asking Akira-chan.
"Same for me."
Akira-chan had a smile on her face the whole time.
I whispered softly to Ishihara-kun.
"It's tough, isn't it."
Ishihara-kun also whispered softly to me.
"Sakai-kun... it's tough for you too, right?"
Yes, it's very tough. I've made myself ready to spend every cent I've saved up until now.
Three months of my salary flew away.
When I gave that to her, she nodded with satisfaction.
"Thank you, Zen-kun. I will definitely make you happy."
Normally I think the person saying that should be the other way around, but oh well.
The things she can do for me, while I'm still a student, are limited.
If she's satisfied with that, then that's fine.
I think it's important to give it form before the magic melts, before the heart cools down.
There is still time.
The sun has set.
The illuminations are lit.
We killed time while looking at them.
"We have time, so how about a pre-party?"
When Eguchi-san asked Akira-chan, Akira-chan nodded.
"Then, with mutual blessings."
We entered a Chinese restaurant in the shopping district.
After both ordering drinks and food, we made a toast.
Eguchi-san's and Akira-chan's smartphones wouldn't stop ringing.
It seems they reported it to everyone.
The two of them reply with "Thank you."
Checking the time, we headed toward the restaurant that was the meeting place.
(5)
I was woken up by Miyuki shortly after noon.
"Since we're at it, how about some lunch?"
Because Miyuki said so, I changed and went outside.
After having lunch at a random shop, we strolled through the city.
When we went to the station building, a movie I wanted to see was playing.
After confirming with Miyuki, we went to see it.
A story about a protagonist who intends to be rejected by a woman whose way of refusing dates is harsh, but is bewildered when he gets an OK.
The original work is unfinished, but it was summarized well.
"Keisuke, you were interested in something like this."
After the movie finished, we talked at a cafe.
"Are you disillusioned?"
"No, I was just surprised. By Keisuke's unexpected hobby."
"By the way... is it okay?"
"Is it okay?" refers to Miyuki's place of employment.
Miyuki decided to work at our general hospital.
Inevitably, the successor to the Takashina family will be gone.
"The one who succeeds doesn't have to be a relative, and on the family register, I'll become part of the Nishimatsu family anyway."
"...That was right."
"Is it really okay for you, Keisuke? With me..."
"Don't ask that now."
"There isn't much time, let's go submit them quickly."
Saying so, we headed to the city hall to submit the marriage registration.
Perhaps because it was the special day of Christmas Eve, it was somewhat crowded.
"I look forward to being in your care from now on."
Miyuki bows her head.
"I look forward to being in yours as well."
After that, we headed to the meeting place.
(6)
"Umi, if you don't hurry, we'll be late."
"Wait, just a little more."
Umi was drawing until the very last minute.
And when the time came, she began to get ready.
Taking a shower, changing, and putting on makeup.
Then, she headed to town by bus.
While being swayed by the bus, Umi slept.
When we arrived in front of the station, I woke Umi up.
And when she got off the bus, she was moved by the illuminations.
Even though it's the same decorations every year.
"Because these are the first illuminations I'm seeing after marrying Shuji-chan."
It seems a special filter is applied within Umi.
"The moon is beautiful too."
Ah, it's already the time when the moon is out.
"By the way, Shuji-chan?"
"What is it?"
"Looking at the moon makes me want to eat tsukimi udon, doesn't it..."
"...We won't be able to eat it at the Christmas party."
"It's okay."
"Then, shall we eat a little bit first?"
We went to an udon shop inside the station and ate tsukimi udon.
When we finished eating, we started walking toward the restaurant that was the meeting place.
Umi took photos occasionally.
When we arrived in front of the shop, there was a well-built man.
"Ah, Watanabe-kun."
He seems to be a member of Watanabe's group.
"Hey, Tange-san. You're early; the preparations for the shop are already done, so just sit wherever."
"Oka~y, shall we go? Shuji-chan."
Saying so, Umi took my hand and entered the shop.
(7)
"They're slow~"
I'm meeting Nakajima-kun in front of the station.
Freezing under the cold sky.
Even though I send messages, there's no reply.
What is he doing?
"Ah, Honoka, sorry to keep you waiting."
"You're late, Nakajima-kun."
It's cruel to make a woman wait.
"I got a bit delayed while getting ready."
"We have to go now or we won't make it."
Saying so, Nakajima-kun grabs my arm as I try to go ahead.
"This is a present."
He gave me a slender box.
"Thank you. Ah, me too."
Saying so, I hand over a present.
"Thank you," he says as he receives it and stuffs it into his bag.
"Well, shall we go soon?"
Saying so, I start walking toward the shop with him. While gazing at the illuminations, we walk arm in arm.
When we arrive at the shop, Watanabe-kun is waiting.
"Some people are already here. Just sit wherever."
Saying so, when I go inside the shop, there are the Tange-san couple, Nishimatsu-kun, and Takashina-san... wait, did Takashina-san change to Nishimatsu-san?
A message had been posted in the girls' group chat earlier.
"Congratulations, Miyuki-san. But is your living situation okay?"
"I'll be working from next year, so supporting Keisuke alone is fine."
"Is that so~"
There are many couples in Watanabe's group who reach the goal.
It seems Ishihara-kun and Sakai-kun also proposed today.
I feel like only we are being left behind.
But there's no point in panicking.
Let's go at our own pace.
The members of Watanabe's group arrive one after another.
"I'm late~"
The one who arrived saying so was Sakura-san.
Sakura-san sits at the edge.
"Huh? Where are Katagiri-senpai and the others?"
Sakura-san is looking for Katagiri-kun.
"It seems they haven't come yet."
When someone says so, she says, "I see~"
Now all that's left is to wait for Katagiri-kun and the others.
(8)
When we got off the bus, the illuminations were beautiful.
Airi is frolicking, taking photos.
And so, we head toward our destination.
When we arrive in front of the shop, Watanabe-kun is waiting.
"You're late, Toya."
I'm scolded by Watanabe-kun.
"Are we the last?"
"No, Eita and the others, and Makoto-kun and the others aren't here yet."
When we enter the shop, a voice is heard: "Katagiri-senpai!"
It's Sakura-san.
"Over here, over here," she beckons.
We sat at the edge.
Anyway, once the party starts, it'll become a chaotic mess, so anywhere is fine.
"What would the guests like to drink?"
"Oolong-hai for me."
"Highball for me."
It seems everyone had already ordered drinks.
With the drinks in front of us, we waited with anticipation.
Finally, Makoto and Kanna, Kiritani-kun and Sashihara-san arrive.
"You're late, Kanna,"
Airi says, to which she replies, "The train wasn't running."
Kiritani-kun and Sashihara-san apparently had a different reason.
"Eita bought this for me."
Saying so, Sashihara-san happily shows the ring finger of her left hand.
A ring with a diamond set in platinum...
"Ai is too?"
The "too" refers to the fact that there are apparently several couples who decided to propose or register their marriage during this Christmas season.
Airi said it with envy.
"I absolutely thought Airi and the others would be first, though."
When Kanna says so, Airi gives the reason, "Toya-kun is cautious."
"Alright, everyone's here."
Watanabe-kun comes in and checks the seats.
"Well, shall we get started? The Christmas party & year-end party."
Saying so, the banquet began.