Chapter 231 - Dreams That Melt in the Morning
(1)
The day of the men's basketball victory party.
While Toya-kun and Mizushima-kun and the others were talking with the girls' basketball team, Kana, Sakura-san, and I were talking among the three of us.
"Um, there is something I would like to ask you two..."
Sakura-san started the conversation.
"Whaaat?"
When Kana and I said that, Sakura-san took a deep breath and asked her question.
"When you start dating a man, what should you do at first?"
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
Kana and I asked back. Sakura-san continued.
"Until now, I've spent all my time focused solely on club activities, so I've never had a boyfriend..."
"Isn't Mizushima-kun doing anything?"
"Occasionally he comes to my house and we talk about basketball... b-but he's definitely not doing anything strange."
I can tell just by looking at her.
"Does the Basketball Club have days off?"
"Sundays are off, except for independent practice."
"Then, why don't you try begging him this coming Sunday? Like, 'Take me somewhere'..."
"The thing is, I don't know where I should go..."
Sakura-san looked cute as she spoke while fidgeting.
"If it's your first time, how about a meal?"
"Eh?"
"Try inviting him casually. I'll tell you some recommended restaurants."
"But I can't drink alcohol."
"It doesn't have to be dinner; lunch would be fine, wouldn't it? Besides, is Mizushima-kun the type of person to force alcohol on a woman?"
"No, he's not like that."
"Then, a meal it is."
"A-and then..."
Is there still something else?
"I wonder what kind of clothes would be good?"
"Maybe it's not great if you look like you tried too hard."
"A slightly neat and clean feeling might be good."
"Also, too much exposure is a no-go."
Kana and I gave our opinions one after another.
Sakura-san took notes on them.
"Would something like a one-piece dress be okay?"
"Ah, and it might be good to throw a coat over it."
"I understand... and then..."
"Is there still more?"
Sakura-san fell silent. I wondered what happened?
"As expected, should I prepare for... nighttime things?"
I worried about that too.
"Is Mizushima-kun the type to get aggressive with that kind of thing?"
"Even when we're at my house together, we just talk, so I don't think so. But I wondered if it would be different if it's a date."
"Mizushima-kun seems serious, so probably not. Even if he pushes for it, I think he'll understand if you tell him you're not prepared."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah."
"I see..."
Sakura-san was taking notes again.
"May I ask just one last thing?"
"Whaaat?"
Kana had gone over to her husband.
Did it bother her that he was talking to a woman?
She took a seat next to Kimoto-senpai. I also took a seat next to Kimoto-senpai.
"Do people... kiss on a first date?"
"You haven't even kissed yet!"
"Senpai, your voice is too loud."
She wasn't joking; she was being serious.
How should I answer?
"...I waited a year."
"Eh?"
"This was back in second year of middle school, though."
"Is that so?"
"At Sakura-san's age, I think it would have been fine to do it on the very day you started dating, but..."
"But Tasuku didn't show any signs of wanting to."
"I bet Mizushima-kun is also a first-timer."
"Do you think so?"
"You're staying over at his house, right?"
"Yes..."
"Then, you have no choice but to be the one to push for it, Sakura-san."
"I'm scared of what I'll do if I'm rejected."
"Mizushima-kun was the one who confessed, right?"
"Well, yes."
"Then, this is where you show him your womanly side."
"...I understand."
It seemed Sakura-san's determination had hardened.
"Well, goodness should hurry. You should invite him this coming weekend."
"Yes. I have something to talk about this coming weekend..."
"What is it?"
"Could I and Katagiri-senpai stay somewhere and relax this coming weekend?"
"Eh?"
"Fatigue has been building up from constant practice since the end of the year. We'll do adjustments before the expedition, but I want to remove the fatigue before then."
"...Alright~"
"Please do."
I thought about it while drinking a lemon sour. Where would be good?
There was no need to even think about it.
When I returned home, I was stopped by Toya-kun's parents.
Two tickets were presented to me.
They were accommodation tickets for Kurokawa Onsen.
"Toya must be tired from daily practice, so could you let him rest?"
"Yes!"
They came at a perfect time.
After receiving the tickets, I went to Toya-kun's room.
"Toya-kun, let's go to a hot spring next weekend."
"What's this all of a sudden?"
I explained the circumstances.
"I see... alright."
Yay.
"Well, it's already late today, so let's sleep?"
"Yeah."
Toya-kun said that and got into bed.
I turned off the lights and got into bed as well.
Toya-kun fell asleep immediately.
It's been a while since I could go out with Toya-kun.
I was so looking forward to that day that I couldn't sleep for a while.
(2)
On that day, Tasuku came to the house.
While watching game videos, I talked about various things with Tasuku.
Tasuku listened while drinking beer.
"They say you don't need two players of the same type. I think Tasuku's current playstyle is fine. Please concentrate on improving your shooting accuracy."
"I'll practice once my shoulder is healed."
"There will definitely be games where the senior is absent. Katagiri-senpai also has national team games. The possibility of Tasuku entering the starting lineup is not zero."
"In the end, I'm just a filler for Toya, huh."
Tasuku laughed as he said that.
"I also want to use a tactic of four 3-pointers, leaving Akai-senpai. Akai-senpai needs strengthening... but this is something that's impossible even against the girls' team. We have to find practice partners. It would be best if we could play against a university in Beppu or an APRU team."
"It might also be good to have them compete with a first-year center."
"I'm considering that too, of course. Also, because of Katagiri-senpai's existence, we must be being watched by powerhouse teams. I think next season will be tough. The local university is definitely leveling up. Have confidence."
"It would be good if we could move up to the 3rd division."
"That's true."
When it comes to basketball, the conversation gets heated. But once the basketball talk ends, the conversation inevitably stalls.
"By the way, Sakurako."
While I was thinking that, did Tasuku start talking?
"Do you have any plans for the next day off..."
"I don't have anything in particular... um, Senpai..."
"If you'd like, want to go out for a meal? And maybe see a movie while we're at it."
"...Is this a date?"
Why can he only say it this way?
He should just say it honestly and happily.
"Well, I guess it is."
"...Alright."
"Good, I thought you might reject me."
"I have no reason to reject you."
I'm dating Tasuku, after all. It would be stranger if nothing had happened until now.
"Then, it's settled. I'll head home soon. It would only trouble Sakurako if people misunderstood."
Misunderstood?
"Is there something that could be misunderstood? And would I be troubled if that happened?"
"I mean, if a man is hanging around a woman's apartment late at night when she lives alone..."
"Is that something to be troubled by?"
"...I didn't bring a change of clothes, so I'll do it next time."
Next time isn't good; it's no good to keep putting it off.
"Then, I'll go stay at Tasuku's house right now."
Saying that, I prepared a change of clothes and such.
"Hey now, why are you in such a rush?"
Tasuku said.
"I'm not in a rush. I just want to be with the person I love. That's all."
Saying that, I accompanied Tasuku to his house.
Tasuku's house is an apartment near the university.
After parking the car, I went up to Tasuku's place.
Tasuku's room was cleaned neatly, and AV equipment and a television were placed there.
Inside the rack, CDs centered around Western music were placed, and basketball DVDs were also lined up.
It was a room I had visited many times.
"I'm going to take a shower."
Tasuku said that and entered the bathroom.
After Tasuku showered, I showered too.
"Tasuku, you said we'd go see a movie, but what kind of movies do you like?"
"Don't laugh when I tell you."
"Is it the kind of movie one would laugh at?"
"Just normal Western movies. With great action."
"Ah, that kind?"
"Though it's not exactly the kind of movie you go to see on a date."
He asked if CG animation or something would be better.
"I'll leave it to Tasuku. You're the one who invited me."
"Got it."
"Then, let's go to sleep quickly."
Tasuku took a sleeping bag out of the storage.
"What are you doing?"
"What do you mean? Preparing to sleep..."
"We're university students already. Sleeping together is fine."
"Are you underestimating me?"
"If something happens, that's fine too."
Tasuku seemed to give in and got into the same bed.
Oh no, I'm getting nervous.
But Tasuku fell asleep immediately.
I also fell asleep while enjoying Tasuku's sleeping face.
(3)
"Yo."
Saying that, as I entered the court, Toya was practicing shots.
"Katagiri-senpai, your form is getting too relaxed. Please shoot properly."
Sakurako gave Toya a critique.
"It's rare for you two to arrive together. Did you stay at one of each other's houses?"
Toya's intuition is sharp sometimes.
Since it wasn't something to hide, I spoke honestly.
"Sakurako said she wanted to stay over."
I didn't lie.
"In times like this, shouldn't you say Tasuku let you stay over, even if it's a lie?"
"So you're not denying the fact that you stayed over?"
Toya said that and laughed.
"Is that story from earlier for real!"
Sota came over.
"Toma-senpai, stop saying unnecessary things and hurry up and stretch so we can start practice!"
"I got it."
Toma continued talking while stretching.
"So, how far did you go? Did you at least kiss?"
"I have no obligation to answer."
"Which means you did."
"We didn't; we just talked about basketball and planned the date and then slept."
I answered in her stead.
"Slept, as in the same bed? And you did nothing? Senpai, could it be that you're..."
"Sota, don't pry into unnecessary things."
It seemed Kyota had also arrived.
Everyone else entered one after another.
The morning was mainly individual practice. From the afternoon, there was joint practice with the girls' team.
During that time, I was free, but today I had Toya to kill time with.
"Tasuku. When's the date?"
The one who spoke to me was Toya.
"I thought Toya was the type who didn't pry into such things."
"Well, just watching is boring."
"It's on the weekend day off. You guys are staying overnight too, right?"
I had heard it from Sakurako.
Toya nodded.
"Sorry, it's something Sakurako suggested. Saying 'Let Katagiri-senpai rest.'"
I see, Toya laughed.
"I heard Sakura-san's first time on a date, so be gentle with her."
"I don't need you to tell me that."
Come to think of it, she did say she never had a boyfriend.
"I'm glad things seem to be going well."
"It'd be strange to say it's thanks to the injury, though."
When I said that, Toya laughed.
"You two! Don't just stand there staring blankly, properly imagine how you would move if it were you!"
I was scolded by Sakurako.
"What are you two talking about?"
"Mostly basketball. ...How about you guys?"
"We watch TV, play games, and do various things."
"I see... I get it."
"I occasionally take her on dates too. She's happy when I help her pick out things while shopping."
"I'll use that as a reference."
I wonder what kind of TV Sakurako likes? Maybe I'll ask her next time.
When practice ended, I went to the orthopedic clinic accompanying Sakurako.
"Yes, it's almost completely healed. It's okay to do light practice."
I got permission from the doctor.
"To what extent is 'light'?"
"Let's see, it's still better to avoid games. If something happens, you'll be back to square one."
"Is individual practice okay?"
"If you feel any discomfort in your shoulder, come back to the hospital."
"Thank you very much."
Sakurako gave her thanks, and we left the examination room.
"Thanks, now I can practice with all my might."
"Not yet! You mustn't let your guard down until it's fully healed!"
Don't be so strict.
"Hey, Sakurako. I'm in 'off' status now, right?"
"Yes? What is it?"
"What kind of TV do you watch, Sakurako?"
Is it sports after all?
"I watch various things, though I'm just watching, but mostly soccer matches?"
She added that we have a cable subscription.
"Isn't it painful watching soccer matches and such?"
Did I ask something unnecessary?
But Sakurako answered calmly.
"It was painful at first. But I've gotten used to it. There are amazing players. Ah, recently I've been watching the NBA too."
Does it always end up being about basketball?
"I'm sorry, I'm lacking in topics."
"No, I just asked because I was curious."
"Do you think I'm a boring woman?"
"No way."
"Then it's fine..."
"Don't worry about boring things."
"Yes."
And so we arrived at my house.
"I'll come pick you up at 9 tomorrow."
"Got it."
"Well, see you tomorrow."
Saying that, Sakurako went home.
What clothes should I wear tomorrow?
I was rummaging through the closet.
(4)
Clink clink.
"Welcome."
Oh, isn't that Nakajima-kun?
Did he come to see Ichinose-san?
"Your order?"
"The usual."
Nakajima-kun sat next to Akira-chan.
An awkward atmosphere flowed between Ichinose-san and Nakajima-kun.
I felt like escaping into the kitchen.
The one who broke the silence was Nakajima-kun.
"How have you been lately?"
"Normal."
"When's your next day off?"
"I haven't put any in until the day of the wedding."
"And after that?"
"Still undecided."
"Then, could we go out somewhere on the Sunday of the following week?"
"Go out to where?"
"Is there anywhere you want to go?"
"Hmm..."
Sorry, Nakajima-kun.
The reason Ichinose-san has no days off is because of me.
I've been taking many days off for wedding preparations and such, and I'm putting the burden on Ichinose-san for that.
Once the wedding is over, I'll work, so please go and have fun.
"Zen-kun. The ceremony is fine, but have you decided on a place for the honeymoon?"
"No, I haven't decided."
"Then, I'll decide."
Is this okay? Was this a good thing?
While harboring such doubts, I watched Akira-chan looking at a site on her smartphone.
(5)
I arrived at Tasuku's apartment at exactly 9 o'clock.
Should I have come earlier?
I called Tasuku.
"I've arrived~"
"Yeah, I'll be down in a second."
Tasuku came down immediately.
Once Tasuku sat in the passenger seat, I moved the car.
We made it to the screening time with plenty of room to spare.
After buying only juice, we immediately entered the theater.
While watching the trailers, I was thinking, I want to see that one next~.
And then the movie started.
I was captivated by the movie. I was so absorbed that I forgot Tasuku was sitting next to me.
But I was surprised by something sudden.
Tasuku's hand was touching my hand.
I looked at Tasuku's face.
Tasuku was watching the movie.
Is it normal for the heart to pound this much just from hands touching?
When the movie ended, I bought a pamphlet.
During that time, we held hands the whole time.
"What shall we do now?"
"For starters, I'm starving. Let's eat something."
We went to an omurice shop.
While eating omurice, we shared our impressions of the movie.
"What kind of movies do you like, Sakurako?"
"Mysteries or romance, I suppose."
I don't know because I haven't come to see movies very often. Ah...
"That one they showed in the trailer earlier looked interesting."
"I see, then shall we go see that one next time?"
Tasuku casually decided the next date.
But I can't wait that long.
After eating lunch, Tasuku suggested we kill time by shopping.
"Before that, there was something I wanted to try."
"What's that?"
We went to the game center and took purikura.
I've come with friends, but this is my first time with a boyfriend.
By the way, it seemed to be Tasuku's first time in his life.
While asking Tasuku's preference, we decided on the frame and such.
After that, we just had to take the photos according to the announcements.
When we stepped out of the machine, we got the purikura, cut it at the place where the scissors were, and I gave half to Tasuku.
After that, we bought books, looked around at miscellaneous goods, looked at clothes...
We stopped at a shop selling accessories.
Tasuku left the station building and headed toward the shopping district.
It was a shop selling silver accessories.
There, he bought two bracelets.
"As a commemoration of our first date."
Tasuku's face as he said it looked embarrassed.
We ate dinner.
The topic of dinner was, as expected, basketball.
The 4th years are leaving.
The PG is fine; Kira-senpai is there.
The problem is the SF.
We considered the option of converting Katagiri-senpai to SF and having Tasuku enter as SG.
But I also thought, wouldn't it be okay for Tasuku to enter as SF?
Either way, we have to consider the situation of Katagiri-senpai's absence.
"I guess the only way is to strengthen Yuki?"
Tasuku concluded.
"Don't you want to be in the starting lineup, Tasuku?"
"As if I wouldn't. But when Toya is absent, I'm the one who goes in, right? Even if I can't reach Toya's level, I have to improve my shooting accuracy."
"Your accuracy is already sufficient. Now it's about shot selection."
"I see..."
"...I'm sorry. Even though it's a precious date, we're talking about nothing but basketball."
"I'm enjoying this, so it's fine, don't worry about it."
After finishing dinner, we went home.
The date was over in a flash.
It was fun.
Because it was fun, it was lonely when it was time to part.
Still, as time passed, we arrived at Tasuku's house.
"Thanks for today."
As he said that, I grabbed the arm of Tasuku, who had unbuckled his seatbelt and was trying to get out of the car.
Tasuku was thinking about something.
And then that face approached right in front of me...
Our first kiss.
"See ya."
Saying that, Tasuku got out of the car.
Whether Tasuku returned to his room first or I drove the car away first.
I was worrying about something trivial.
Tasuku waved his hand and returned to his room.
Seeing that, I also drove the car away.
When I got home, I had a message notification.
It was from Tasuku.
"Sorry for the suddenness earlier."
I replied immediately.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it."
That's a lie; I was incredibly shaken.
"Let's go somewhere again, okay?"
The promise for the next date was already about to be decided.
"Where are you taking me next time?"
"How about an aquarium?"
"That sounds good."
"Then, maybe on another day off."
"Yes."
"Well, goodnight."
"Please take proper care of your shoulder. Goodnight."
Do I need mental preparation for the next date?
While thinking about such things, I found it hard to fall asleep.
(6)
"Phew~"
Toya-kun let out a breath as he dove onto the bed.
Eating lots of feasts and relaxing at the hot spring.
We were able to refresh a lot today.
I handed a chu-hi to Toya-kun.
"Oh, thanks."
Toya-kun took a sip.
"This is irresistible."
It is!
After that, I gave Toya-kun a massage while watching TV.
He's become muscular enough to rival Makoto-kun.
Though his body is still slender.
When the massage ended, I moved away from Toya-kun.
And I drank the remaining chu-hi.
We watched TV until past midnight.
Once it passed midnight, we naturally turned off the TV.
And after turning off the lights, the two of us got into the futon.
I wonder if we'll just fall asleep like this?
While I was thinking that, Toya-kun suddenly hugged me.
He must be thinking of me a lot.
He hugged me with all his might.
Feelings that couldn't be put into words were packed in there.
But...
"It hurts, Toya-kun."
Toya-kun's strength had increased.
"S-sorry."
Toya-kun moved away from me.
I hugged Toya-kun.
"Toya-kun has become strong too."
Toya-kun smiled broadly and scooped me up.
A princess carry.
"I've gained enough strength to do at least this much."
Toya-kun put me down and hovered over me.
"We're not just going to sleep like this, right?"
"...Yeah."
When morning came, Toya-kun had changed and was trying to go somewhere.
"Where are you going?"
"I thought I'd go for a bit of jogging; I just woke up naturally."
"No!"
Something Sakura-san had told me.
"Please let him rest properly."
I told Toya-kun that.
"You won't even let me practice properly; if I don't do at least some independent training, my body will get sluggish, right?"
"Sakura-san said it's okay because adjustments will be needed from around after the wedding."
"I see."
Then I'll sleep a bit more, Toya-kun said and got back into the futon.
Poof
"You wake me up and then you go back to sleep yourself?"
"...Then what should I do?"
I hugged Toya-kun.
"Let me be spoiled just a little longer~"
I buried my face in Toya-kun's thickened chest.
"It's almost time for food, so just a little bit."
The kindness of not saying no.
After eating, we went home.
On the way back, we climbed the mountain and went through the Iida Highlands.
Eating lunch along the way.
Once we returned home, Toya-kun fell asleep.
Did I tire him out with the driving?
In the meantime, I'll make him a delicious dinner.
I prepared dinner with Maya-san.
And then I woke Toya-kun up and we ate dinner.
After that, he took a bath and we spent time relaxing in the room.
When the time came, he fell asleep again.
I slept while hugging Toya-kun.
I spent a time of dreams that would melt when morning came.