Chapter 257 - Let's Kiss Until We're Bored of It
(1)
"Alright, tonight's the last night! Everyone, enjoy yourselves to your heart's content!"
As Watanabe-kun spoke, the banquet began.
The training camp ends tomorrow.
It was a short three days.
Though a lot happened.
The biggest change was that Watanabe's group was reborn as Unity.
Only the name changed; what they do remains the same.
By appealing their existence, they want to stop the despicable actions of those called Egoists.
That was the sole purpose for creating it.
"Toya, it's the last night. Drink up!"
Watanabe-kun came over.
If anything, I'm more of the "I want to eat" type, though.
"No binge drinking or overeating for Toya-kun!"
Airi's surveillance is strict.
Even though Airi herself has had plenty to drink.
"Toya-senpai, do you have a moment?"
Haruto approached. I wondered what was wrong.
Haruto whispered in my ear.
"How should I build up the mood for a first kiss?"
Huh?
"Haruto, you still... haven't?"
"No, I've done it with friends, but I've never done it with a girlfriend."
"My personal experience isn't reliable, you know?"
"How was it with Tosaka-senpai?"
"Did she do it suddenly?"
"Eh?"
"She did it suddenly in front of my house."
"Seriously!?"
Haruto, your voice is too loud.
It seems it reached Airi as well.
"What are you talking about?"
Airi came over.
Since I didn't think it was something to hide, I told Airi.
"Haruto was asking how first kisses usually go."
"E-eh!? ...You told her?"
"Yeah, it's not something to hide, right?"
"U-ugh... I guess so."
It seems Airi also regrets the mistakes of her youth.
I could clearly see her face flushing red.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, right? I was happy about it back then."
Though my mind was a complete blank at the time.
"Back then, I was just desperate not to let Kanna take you."
"What? Did I do something?"
"I-it has nothing to do with Kanna!"
"But you were saying my name, weren't you?"
"Ah, were you just talking about your first kiss with Airi?"
Then Kanna spoke with a smirk.
"Airi, shall I tell you something good? My first kiss partner was also Toya."
"What!?"
"Kanna, are you serious!?"
Makoto bit onto the conversation.
"Yeah, I wanted to steal Toya from Airi. In the end, he didn't even notice, though."
"I thought it was normal in Tokyo."
"As if!? I was only thirteen back then!"
"I totally thought that night was the first time. ...I'm your first, right?"
Makoto, if you dig too deep, Kanna will get mad at you.
Or so I thought, but it seemed to be mere unfounded worry.
Kanna appeared to be already drunk.
She answered pleasantly.
"Toya was the first for a deep kiss. ...I tried to do it with — but he was the Toya of that time."
"...Thank goodness. Wait, Toya, you're unfair!"
I was forced into it, though.
"The first person I initiated a deep kiss with was Airi."
When I said that, Airi's sad expression returned to normal.
"But Haruto, why are you asking such a thing?"
"T-that's..."
"Haruto, what are you talking about?"
"Ah, no. It has nothing to do with you, Haruna."
"I heard from someone that you don't keep secrets from your girlfriend."
Shiratori-san had a drink in her hand.
"Well, that's true. Actually, Haruna asked me for a kiss last night."
"Ooh!"
The people around them stirred.
"So that's why you stepped away for a bit?"
Ai-san arrived.
"So what happened? Did you go all the way?"
"I-I can't do that with Haruna!"
"What do you mean you can't do it with me?"
Haruto, if you choose the wrong option, things will get bad, you know?
"It hasn't been long since Haruna and I started dating. After we get to know each other better..."
"I accepted the relationship after getting to know Haruto well. Now I want to learn what romance is."
"Dating isn't just about doing it!"
"So there are other good things, huh?"
"I'll be finding those from now on. Though if the mood gets high, I might just do it."
"D-does that mean Haruto is ready to do it?"
Emi-san asked.
"It's a man's grooming. I'm ready anytime."
"In that case, I'll prepare a special room for you tonight. It's soundproofed."
"T-tonight is no good. We haven't even kissed yet."
"Are you a middle schooler!? Do it right now!"
Kanna said.
"No, it's her first kiss in her life. I want to properly create the mood."
"He said he'll take her to the TV Tower observatory tomorrow night."
When Shiratori-san said that, everyone teased him with "Oohs."
I don't think it's something to be that formal about, though.
"In that sense, I can't give any advice."
"At most, I'd say just do it on a special day..."
Emi-san said.
"You don't make it an anniversary. The day you do it becomes the anniversary and becomes a memory. It's not good to be too obsessed with it."
"Is that how it is?"
"Isn't it the same for everyone? Well, if it's the first time, maybe the enthusiasm is different?"
Airi said.
"But the mindset of wanting to produce the situation is admirable."
Emi-san said.
"How was it for everyone?"
When Shiratori-san asked, Ai-san said nonchalantly.
"I think I went all the way to sex shortly after we started dating."
"Ai-chan, you did!?"
Emi-san was surprised.
"I did it on a light whim. Of course, the first partner was that idiot husband over there."
"What what, did you call me?"
Kiritani-kun arrived.
"It has nothing to do with you, Eita."
"I see, it has nothing to do with me."
Saying that, Eita went to get meat.
I want to go get some too.
However, Airi is gripping my arm tightly.
"Come to think of it, Haruto said he'd already had his first experience, right?"
I asked Haruto.
"That's right. I did it on a light whim."
"Isn't that kind of vibe fine?"
"...She's my first girlfriend in my life. I want to cherish her."
"Was the partner you did it with not your girlfriend?"
"I thought so, but it seems it was different."
My assessment wasn't wrong.
Looking like a playboy, but devoted.
He was exactly as those words described.
"A mental preparation is necessary, but don't make it all about your own satisfaction."
Airi said.
"True, there's a risk of just needlessly fueling Haruna's anxiety."
Kanna said.
Is that how it is?
The women are chatting excitedly.
It seems my turn is over.
While I have the chance...
Grip
Airi's arm did not let me go.
"Where are you going, Toya-kun?"
"I ran out of alcohol. I thought I'd go get some."
"Is that all?"
"Look, they say drinking on an empty stomach is bad, right? I thought I'd get some food too..."
"Then there's no problem, right? I'll come along. I ran out of alcohol too."
"Airi, drinking too much isn't good."
"I know that perfectly well~."
Drinks, meat, rice balls, yakisoba, and...
Poke
I knew it would end up like this.
(2)
When the BBQ ended, everyone cleaned up together, took baths, and drank in their rooms.
It seems the logo design is already finished.
They showed it to me and Watanabe-kun.
White text on a blue gradient background.
It had a refreshing feel to it.
I thought it was fine.
Watanabe-kun seemed to feel the same.
The web design was also splendid.
The content is sparse, but well, that's how it is at the start, right?
"Alright, we'll build based on this."
When Makoto said that, Watanabe-kun gave the go-ahead.
"Is it really okay, Toya?"
"I'm not exactly keen on it, though."
"I thought so."
"Which means Watanabe-kun is too."
"Well... the number of people wanting to join will probably increase from here. Honestly, I wonder if increasing it any further is a good idea."
"Once rumors spread, it can't be helped. If people start abusing it, it's even more unavoidable."
"Sorry to interrupt while you're busy, but do you have a moment?"
Ai-san arrived.
"What's wrong?"
"No, information just came in immediately."
It's only been a day since yesterday. Isn't that too fast?
"The one who made it is a guy called Koki Kamenashi, someone from our engineering department. His family runs a construction company."
There are a lot of those types. I wonder if rich people are all similar.
"Is that the one from Kamenashi Industries?"
"Akira, you know them?"
"I think they were a scaffolding subcontractor for us. What should we do? Should we crush the whole family?"
She's saying some dangerous things.
"For now, let's see how the opponent moves. We haven't launched anything yet. There's no need to play our trump card suddenly."
Watanabe-kun said.
"What kind of person is the opponent?"
"I haven't met him yet so I don't know, but he's quite a playboy. In a different sense than Haruto. He seems to like playing with women."
Are rich people all like that?
"What should we do? Try to make contact?"
"No, it's better to pretend we don't know. As I said, the other side hasn't launched anything. They don't even know our true identity. They probably don't even realize we know about them, right? We should utilize that advantage."
"Understood. For now, I've put out the word today."
"I've been spreading the word to my buddies too,"
Haruto said.
"Everyone wanted to join Unity, so I had a hard time turning them down."
Well, that's probably how it would go.
"I guess the first stage of the plan is cleared for now, Toya?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
"Yeah, from here it depends on the opponent's move, right?"
"The bait is set. Now it's a matter of dealing with whatever comes."
"I'll wait for Makoto's web production to finish."
Actually, I had a vague prediction of the opponent's move.
I was thinking of countermeasures for it.
"Now, it's the last night! Let's drink to the end!"
When Mika-san said that, everyone got excited.
The banquet continued until late at night.
(3)
"Congratulations, Manabe-kun."
I was being congratulated by Shiina-san and Niina-san.
"Thank you."
I replied, but I felt somewhat conflicted.
I hadn't expected to be congratulated by Niina-san.
"Are you still thinking about Niina-san even at this stage?"
It was completely obvious to Shiina-san.
"Just so you know, Niina-san is mine. It's not something for Manabe-kun to comment on."
"...Can Shiina-san make Niina-san happy?"
"I'll make the effort. Aren't you also determined to make the President happy?"
"That's true, but..."
"No one knows what happiness is except oneself. Isn't the person who can sense that the one who can make them happy?"
"...I suppose so."
"In the end, you chose the President. All I can do is care for Niina-san, who still hasn't recovered."
"Is it okay to leave it to you?"
"I'll put in at least that much effort for my own girlfriend."
I hope that's the case.
"Manabe-kun, don't worry about me and just think about the President."
Niina-san said.
"Are you okay, Niina-san?"
"I'm okay because Shiina-san is here."
"I see..."
Was I relieved?
Rather, there was something lonely about it.
You cannot obtain two things at the same time.
I had chosen Satomi from the start.
Then, it's wrong to leave lingering feelings for Niina-san.
"You be happy too."
I spoke to Niina-san.
"Thank you,"
Niina-san replied.
"Well then, shall we toast to celebrate the two of you tonight?"
Clink
I clinked the cans and drank the beer.
"One isn't enough, is it? I'll go get some more."
Niina-san said that and went to get drinks.
"Despite how she looks, she still seems to have lingering feelings,"
Shiina-san muttered softly.
"Dealing with that is Shiina-san's role, right?"
"You make it sound so easy."
Shiina-san said and laughed.
"I invited her to the company thinking that if she witnessed your happiness, she'd be able to give up, but..."
As I thought, that was the intention.
"It seems it had the opposite effect. She doesn't know how to settle things regarding you."
"Couldn't it be settled in one word?"
"Meaning?"
"Tell her to stop thinking about me. Then Shiina-san can just make her forget."
"I have a different opinion, though."
A different opinion?
"A time will come when she can laugh at it as a memory. I believe that. I told Niina-san I'd put in as much effort as needed for that."
A time will come when she can laugh at it as a memory... huh.
When that time comes, will they be able to obtain a friendship that transcends romantic feelings?
"We'll know when the time comes,"
Shiina-san said.
Niina-san returned with the drinks.
After that, the three of us stayed up late drinking.
(4)
The next morning, after eating breakfast, everyone began cleaning and tidying up.
They would disband around noon today.
It was a time that felt long yet short.
"Next is Toya's victory party."
"No way! The spring tournament is the following week!"
"Then it's fine after that, right? Miyuki's wedding is also coming up, June will be hectic!"
Sakura-san and Mika-san were having that exchange.
The men were cleaning the rooms and handling the trash. The women were tidying up.
When that finished, it concluded with a greeting from Watanabe-san.
"Alright, good work for these four days, everyone. Go home, rest well, and let's do our best again! According to the schedule, we have Toya's victory party and a wedding celebration for the Nishimatsu couple. There's also the matter of Toya. Please refrain from rash actions!"
When Watanabe-san said that, everyone left.
I won't be seeing them for a while again.
It's lonely.
However, I was called by Shinjo-san.
"You two aren't finished yet."
"Eh?"
"Huh?"
Haruto's and my reactions were mostly the same.
"Didn't you hear? You two still have the practice of a date remaining in Yufuin."
We're doing that too?
No matter how much of a novice Haruto is, he can do that much himself.
"We don't need to go that far, I've already dated Haruto."
"Don't worry, I'm just watching your actions from the shadows. I won't interfere."
To determine if manners have been properly acquired.
That's what it is.
"Act as you wish for two or three hours. I'll be watching secretly."
After that, we headed to Yufuin in Haruto's car.
We ate lunch, enjoyed the trick art...
We debated whether we were dog people or cat people, and both of us were dog people.
We went to a dog shop and bought matching keychains.
We also rode a rickshaw.
We toured the town of Yufuin.
"Yes, no problem. Pass! Well then, enjoy yourselves as a couple tonight."
Shinjo-san, who I didn't know where he was watching from, said that and left.
After that, we ate ramen at a famous ramen shop in Beppu.
We also went up the tower.
The night view was beautiful.
After that, we looked at the sea at the tourist port.
And then... we headed for the TV Tower.
A quiet night. A night view spreading across the horizon.
The stars were beautiful, and we were illuminated by the moonlight.
Though we were also illuminated by the lights of other cars.
We went outside and looked at the scenery.
"Aren't you cold?"
"I'm okay."
Because I'm wearing a jacket.
He's unusually quiet today.
Is he nervous?
How can I put him at ease?
The fact that I was even thinking about such things was surprising to me, but just standing here wouldn't solve anything.
I took his hand.
He squeezed back.
It seems he's gotten used to holding hands.
Isn't there a better way to act spoiled?
I let go of his hand.
He looked at me.
It's okay, I didn't abandon you.
I grabbed his arm.
Like the couples around us were doing.
This is as far as I can go, okay?
Do your best.
Did that wish get through? He gazed at my face.
I looked into his eyes too.
Eventually, our faces drew closer, and lips touched lips.
His tongue wanted to enter my mouth.
I was bewildered, but I accepted it.
The stage for the two of us, me and him, was lit up by the moonlit night.
That time felt long.
It would be fine to stay like this.
Just as I thought that, he pulled away.
It's lonely.
When I looked at him with those eyes, he did it once more.
This time for a slightly longer duration.
We returned to the car.
We talked inside the car.
"Today was the best day."
"Why?"
"I was able to conquer four places I wanted to go with my girlfriend all at once. And..."
"And?"
"I properly received Haruna's first kiss."
"I see."
A curt response. Why can I only say it like this?
"I'm happy you granted my wish. I want to grant Haruna's wishes too."
"Really?"
"Seriously."
"Then, I wonder if I'll have you grant one?"
"What is it?"
"I want you to stay with me until the 'end' or whatever."
"Eh!?"
He was surprised.
Finally, I was able to smile.
"I'll go at Haruto's pace. But I want Haruto to take me to the 'end' or whatever."
"...Roger that."
After that, Haruto dropped me off at home and went back to his own house.
When I got home, I organized my luggage.
While doing the laundry, I took a shower, turned on the TV alone, and looked at my smartphone.
Everyone still seems to be excited.
I left a message in the girls' group chat.
"I kissed Haruto."
Many "Congratulations" messages flowed in.
"Well then, Haruna needs to get ready next too."
Kanna-san said.
Ready for what?
I asked.
She told me various things.
I even have to coordinate the date and time.
I thought it was difficult. Because I don't know when he will want me.
If I refuse, will he never invite me again?
"If it's Haruto, he'll sense it. Don't worry."
Kanna-san said.
I hope so.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"Haruna, if you're there, come out."
It's Father's voice.
For now, I open the door.
"Get ready now. We're going to Hiyama-san's house."
"Isn't there no need to rush so much? It's already late at night."
Above all, I have no plans to be with Hiyama-san.
"Just get ready!"
Why is he in such a hurry?
Since it would be a nuisance to the neighbors, I quickly changed and got into Father's car.
"Make sure you apologize with all your heart!"
What am I supposed to apologize for?
Did Unity not function?
It was the opposite. Unity functioned perfectly.
"It is late today, so please leave. The master's health is also not good."
Father was turned away at the gate.
Even so, Father desperately tried to get a meeting. But the gate never opened.
Father gave up and went home.
"Why were you in such a hurry?"
I asked Father.
"It has nothing to do with Haruna!"
As I thought, Father looked panicked.
It seems Unity thoroughly gouged Father's body.
Come to think of it, I was told to go to Father's company together tomorrow.
I wonder if Haruto remembers?
When I got home, I sent a message to Haruto.
"I've got my suit ready too."
I wanted to ask what he was doing about that head, but I deliberately didn't.
And he had already executed the solution to that.
(5)
Until Airi returned from the bath, I touched my smartphone while watching TV.
I was looking at the message logs of the Watanabe group, now Unity.
There were messages that caught my interest.
The fact that Haruto kissed Haruna.
The fact that Shiratori-san sought a meeting at Hiyama-senpai's house but was rejected.
Has the jab launched by Emi-san already paid off?
And when I saw the image Haruto posted in the boys' group, I sprayed out my drink.
He's gone completely bald.
"I'm meeting Haruna's parents tomorrow, so I thought that head would be bad, so I took the plunge."
He had left that message.
"What's wrong, Toya-kun, why are you so flustered?"
Airi returned.
"Do you want to see too, Airi?"
"Was there something funny?"
I showed Airi the image of Haruto.
"...He really took the plunge."
Airi said that and began drying her hair with the dryer.
When Airi finished drying her hair, she headed to the kitchen to get drinks.
Then, she brought two, including mine, and began to drink.
The two of us played with our smartphones while watching TV.
Airi opened her laptop as usual and began keeping the books.
Since it was Sunday night, it was a time where playing games wouldn't make sense, so we watched a movie.
Today was an anime about a summer war.
The two of us watched it.
When the anime ended, we turned off the TV and dimmed the lights.
"It'll be tough again from tomorrow."
"Yeah."
"I'll have to manage Toya-kun's physical condition properly too."
"I'm counting on you."
"Hey, Toya-kun."
"What is it?"
"Let's kiss."
What's with this sudden request?
"Looking at Shiratori-san's messages suddenly made me want to."
"Is just a kiss enough?"
I said it a bit meanly.
"Uugh... tonight, this is enough. Tomorrow will be tough. In exchange, do it until I say it's enough."
"I get it."
I'll kiss Airi until she's bored of it.