Chapter 284 - Today's Main Character is...
(1)
Good morning, Toya-kun. It's morning~
Today as well, I can hear Airi's energetic voice.
Good morning, Airi......
What's wrong? Oh no! Did you catch a cold......
No... I'm just sleepy.
You seem more lethargic than usual. ...Ah, that's right!
Airi seemed to have thought of something.
I bet she's thinking of something silly again.
......I hit the mark.
Airi is pressing her forehead against mine.
Hmm, no fever.
That's why I told you it's not a cold, right?
Besides, when our faces are this close, when her lips are this close... It makes you want to, you know.
We exchange a passionate kiss from the morning.
Yeah, you're the usual Toya-kun.
Wait, did you do that on purpose?
I put strength into my heavy body, sit up, and stretch.
Okay, once you're up, get changed and go jogging.
Got it......
I get changed as told and prepare for jogging.
And then I run the usual course for about an hour.
When I get home, I take a shower and eat breakfast.
While Airi is taking a shower, I make coffee and bring it to her.
Not forgetting to add milk and sugar to Airi's.
And then I search online.
Where should we go to have fun today?
Should I kill time on Twitter as usual?
The goal is to get Airi out of the house.
It's something my parents have been repeatedly telling me—to get Airi out of the house.
If Airi stays home on a day off, she starts doing housework.
That defeats the purpose of a day off.
We can't go too far either. The Asian Championship is coming up next week.
A place nearby to have fun... Hmm.
The answer was provided by Airi.
Toya-kun, take me to the shopping mall today.
Airi, who had come back from the shower, said that.
Is there something going on today?
It's rare for Airi to be the one to suggest going out.
But it's just as I wished.
Yeah, I thought I'd bring a present since today is Kanna's birthday.
A present?
Yeah, a red wine from her birth year. I thought Kanna might be happy with it. I could have had it delivered directly, but I thought I'd rather hand it over in person.
Ah, I see.
There's still time until the shopping mall opens.
Have you told Kanna?
I told her I'd be going to her house today.
Got it. Then today's plans are set.
I shut down my PC.
I drink coffee with Airi, get changed, and wait for Airi to get ready, and by then it will be just the right time.
I'm ready~. By the way, what are today's plans?
Pick up the wine at the shopping mall, go to Kanna's house, then go to a shopping mall near Kanna's house for lunch, and then maybe head to Saganoseki?
Saganoseki?
You've never been to the observatory before, right?
Can you see anything during the daytime?
Apparently you can. And it's perfect for a drive, right?
Got it~
After finishing explaining the plans, I leave the house with Airi.
First, we go to the shopping mall to pick up the wine.
I was surprised when I heard the price. Apparently there are even more expensive wines.
We head to Kanna's house with it.
When I ring the doorbell, Kanna comes out looking annoyed.
Makoto~ Did you forget something again~?
Airi covers my eyes.
I caught a glimpse for just a moment.
Kanna's indecent figure, wearing only the top of her pajamas and no bottoms.
Kanna! It's me! Toya-kun is here, so put something on your bottom!
When Kanna notices me, she hurriedly closes the door.
Wait a minute!
Kanna seems to be getting ready.
She's probably tidying up the room quickly, right?
You saw, didn't you, Toya-kun?
Airi glares at me.
Well, it's the first time I've seen a real woman in her underwear other than Airi, though.
Kanna really has slender and long legs.
I wonder if that's not enough for Makoto?
If I saw that every day, I'd think it's plenty.
You're thinking something weird again!
Poka
It's okay, Airi. For me, after all, Airi's a bit plump figure is...
Poka poka
Don't casually say things I'm sensitive about! Anyway, Kanna has a better figure!
Airi is sulking. I know exactly how to handle situations like this.
I only need Airi, so don't worry about it.
If I hug Airi from behind and whisper in her ear, her mood will improve.
......Uu
She's probably at a loss for words. That's the sound she makes at times like that.
......Really?
Of course.
Then I forgive you~♪
As I'm fooling around with Airi, Kanna has opened the door and is looking this way without me noticing.
You guys came here from the morning to show off your lovey-dovey stuff......
Kanna says that, exasperated.
Ta-da! Today is Kanna's birthday, right! I bought a celebration gift~
Saying that, she hands the wine to Kanna.
Thanks! Well, come on in for a bit.
When we're led to the 1LDK living room, Kanna says, "At least have some tea before you go."
What about Makoto-kun?
Ah, he went to club practice. Making someone take a day off work, what is he even doing.
I look around the room. So they live together here just the two of them. The living room has signs of daily life everywhere.
Seeing me looking at the room, Kanna laughs and says, "I haven't had much time to clean. Don't stare too much."
Kanna, don't you get celebrated by Makoto-kun?
Airi asks Kanna.
No, it seems he'll take me somewhere to eat when he gets back from club practice.
Is that so~? Could it be an overnight stay?
We'll just eat and come back.
Kanna said that, looking embarrassed.
Do you guys have plans after this?
We plan to eat at the shopping mall and then go for a drive.
Kanna, won't you come too?
When Airi asks, Kanna shakes her head.
I have a lot of things to do before Makoto comes back.
Kanna added, "And I'd feel bad interfering with you two," and replied.
I see~
Airi looks a bit disappointed.
How about the four of us go somewhere next time?
Sure~
The two of them get excited.
After that, the topics continued endlessly: how the newlywed life is, complaints about Makoto, dissatisfaction with me, etc.
During that time, I watch TV.
Shouldn't you get going soon? Won't it get crowded there?
Kanna says.
Ah, it's already that time.
Well then, have a good birthday.
Yeah, thanks.
Saying that, we leave Kanna's house.
After that, we eat lunch at the shopping mall and look around some shops.
Today, Airi just looked around the shops.
When I ask, "You're not buying anything?"
Airi replies, "Yeah, just window shopping with you, Toya-kun, is fun enough."
After that, we head towards Saganoseki and aim for the observatory.
At the observatory, you can see sunspots, solar prominences, Venus, stars, and more.
After enjoying the magnificent view from the observation deck, we go around the peninsula and return home.
Toya-kun, what are you doing after this?
Airi asks.
There's still time until dinner.
If I say we're going home, she might say, "Then let's buy ingredients for dinner on the way back~"
I wonder if there's somewhere else we can go.
However, Airi said something unusual.
If you have no plans, want to go to Usuki?
Usuki?
Does she want to eat rice crackers? Fugu is too expensive.
I saw online that they sell soft serve with unusual flavors.
If you say so, Airi, then let's go.
Yay~
I turn left at the traffic light and head towards Usuki.
(2)
I open the present Airi bought for me.
It's an aged wine.
I send a message to Airi: "I saw the present. Thanks!"
I get a reply: "Drink that and have fun with Makoto-kun tonight."
I eat a simple lunch and finish laundry, cleaning, and tidying up.
I dispose of clothes and underwear I think I don't need.
I bundle up the pointless magazines Makoto has collected with plastic string.
I check the garbage collection day.
It's about time for Makoto to come back. As I finish changing and getting ready, I hear the sound of the door opening with a click.
I'm home~
Ah, welcome back~
What, you're already ready?
Yeah, sorry to disappoint you.
......I'll skip the usual intimacy today.
Huh?
That's not the usual Makoto vibe.
Oh, this is a present. Happy birthday.
Ah, thanks.
When I open the box, there are knee-high socks inside.
See, it is the usual vibe after all!
They say it's good to wear them when sleeping or relaxing. They help with fatigue.
Makoto says that and laughs.
What's wrong? Makoto?
Did something happen? You're not yourself.
Nothing, really. Don't worry about it. Ah, can I take a shower?
Ah, yeah. Take your time. There's still time, right...
Yeah.
Saying that, Makoto enters the bathroom.
I'm looking at the pockets of the pants he took off.
Could it be that guy...?
But it doesn't seem to be that.
What happened, exactly?
I head to the city center with Makoto by train.
We enjoy dinner at the restaurant Makoto reserved.
Even while enjoying dinner, Makoto's behavior is still the same.
He's somehow distant.
After that, we bar-hop a few places and then go home on the last train.
When we get home, Makoto changes into loungewear and throws his clothes into the washing machine.
Usually he'd just toss them aside...
When he acts differently than usual, I feel uneasy for some reason.
Kanna, what's this?
He points to the wine Airi brought.
Ah, that's the birthday present Airi brought.
Huh, want to drink it right away?
Y-yeah, let's.
Am I overthinking?
I try changing into loungewear in front of Makoto.
Makoto doesn't even react.
Could it be he's tired of me?
I couldn't help but sense another woman's presence.
Makoto... Show me your phone.
What's with the sudden request?
Just show me!
I was shouting.
Makoto unlocks his phone and hands it to me.
Mostly contacts from Watanabe's team. Nothing particularly suspicious.
At this point, it's fastest to ask him directly.
Makoto, what are you hiding?
Huh?
You're hiding something from me, aren't you!
......I'm not trusted, am I.
Makoto says that and laughs.
Is it not that kind of thing? Something else?
I don't know what you're thinking, Makoto, but I'm your wife! I'm confident I can at least ease the worries you're carrying! Spit it out!
I may not be as big-hearted or big-chested as Airi, but I am still Makoto's wife.
Kanna... Let's sit down and calm down first.
Makoto says that, so I sit down.
Makoto pours wine into my wine glass.
I pour wine into Makoto's wine glass.
Happy birthday. Cheers.
This kind of cheers isn't making me happy.
Without noticing my feelings, Makoto starts explaining.
First, what you're thinking. Affairs, prostitution. Nothing like that at all!
I nod silently.
Next, what you're thinking: worries, complaints, dissatisfaction—none of that either.
Then what is it?
Well, I guess it's gratitude.
Gratitude?
Yeah, you've always thought only of a guy like me. And you even married me. I truly respect and thank such a woman.
That's...
I'm the same. I'm grateful to Makoto, who supports me, so weak and fragile.
So I thought I'd let you rest for today. I thought I'd let you relax. I just wanted to love the natural you without making weird demands. But it seems it backfired.
Makoto says that and laughs.
But that's not it, Makoto.
Don't overthink it! I like the usual you! I love the Makoto who shows his true self. Don't put on airs in front of me at least. Just be your usual self.
I like the usual you.
I see......
Makoto says that and downs his wine.
I pour him another.
This wine is pretty good. You drink too, Kanna. You haven't had a sip since earlier.
It's a birthday present after all, right? Makoto laughs.
I drink the wine. It really is delicious.
I'm no good. Unlike Toya, I can't get through to Kanna properly.
I told you to stop comparing yourself to Toya.
I'm not as cute as Airi either.
Well then, it's your birthday, Kanna. Let me hear one wish! What do you want me to do?
Anything?
Yeah, anything?
Then just one.
Sure!
Stay with me until morning tonight!
I already took tomorrow off with that in mind.
Well then, let's finish this wine first.
Yeah, let's.
We talk until the wine runs out.
About all sorts of things.
We speak honestly about what we feel and think.
The conversation never ended.
The wine ran out first.
There was still beer, right?
I grab Makoto's arm as he stands up.
That's not necessary.
Huh?
Let's go to the bedroom.
Saying that, we go to the bedroom and lie down on the bed.
Kanna, I should tell you, but guys can't perform when they're drunk... shit! Forget I said that.
I was laughing.
As expected, you have to be like that, Makoto.
I hug Makoto.
Makoto, the promise is still valid, right?
It's until morning.
Don't fall asleep before me.
Kanna?
I'm going to be clingy with you until morning, so don't go to sleep first.
......Got it.
Makoto really stayed with me until I fell asleep.
I spent a peaceful time in Makoto's arms, in his warm arms.
(3)
Hey? You were...
Ah, isn't that Mizushima-senpai?
I happened to run into Haruto at the aquarium.
What's up, Mizushima-senpai?
I'm on a date. You too?
Because it was a place I wanted to go with my girlfriend!
Saying that, Haruto smiles cheerfully.
I see... Men all think the same thing, huh.
Did you also want to come here with your girlfriend, senpai?
Haruto asks.
It's not exactly that. But I promised, so.
Then you did want to come, after all?
I guess that's how Haruto would think.
I just couldn't think of a date course. I probably can't see it that way.
Haruto, don't interrupt their date.
Haruna says that, and he says, "You're right, see you later~" and goes ahead.
During that time, Sakurako didn't say a word.
He's already gone, you know?
I tap Sakurako's shoulder.
Don't you think about things like meeting an acquaintance and feeling awkward!? I can't believe you two!
It's fine, the other was a couple too.
It's not like we ran into an ex-girlfriend or anything.
Sorry, I'm not used to this... Tasuku probably is used to it.
I'm not that used to it either.
After the tournament, let's go to the aquarium.
I was finally fulfilling that promise now.
Of course, Sakurako is a woman too.
After all, when you come to a place like an aquarium, you want to get excited.
She probably didn't want to be seen like that.
The sight of her playing with her boyfriend.
This aquarium has a feature where you can touch live animals directly.
But it seems it didn't please Sakurako.
It's gross, so no!
There are also dolphin shows, walrus shows, and seal shows.
After watching those, we eat at a restaurant.
We talk about our thoughts on the aquarium, but it seems Sakurako can't erase Toya's presence from her mind.
It's finally here. The Asian Championship starts next week.
Yeah.
I heard the Universiade team is going as is, so they'll surely win. If they don't win, there's no talk of the Olympics.
Yeah.
Who do you think is the strongest opponent, Tasuku? I think China.
Well, it's their home turf.
......Sorry, I got to talking about basketball again.
More accurately, it's about Toya, right?
I say that and laugh.
Y-yes. What am I doing, talking about another man during a date.
Give me a break, if you go into self-loathing on your own and end up crying, it'll ruin our date.
S-sorry.
He's amazing, steadily achieving his dreams.
......Yeah.
That's why she's lonely, I guess. Because his dream coming true means he'll quit basketball.
But even so, I can't stop his dream now.
Since he says he'll quit with his own resolve, no one can stop him.
He's apparently decided on his job preference too.
I know, it's a local bank, right.
Doesn't that mean he'll continue basketball after all?
Yeah.
Sakurako, do you want him to shine as a national representative? Or as a pro? Or do you just want him to not abandon basketball? Which is it?
That's...
I don't know much about soccer, but he gave up soccer and started basketball. Weren't you happy about that?
You're right.
Still, I suppose she can't forgive him for running away from the chance to become a representative or pro.
But from my perspective, I think it's cool. If he really achieved that.
Have you thought about your future, Tasuku?
Me? I... well, I guess it's the corporate basketball path.
He added that he's not cut out to be a pro.
I think you have talent too.
Sakurako takes out a tablet from her bag.
People might not notice because Katagiri-senpai stands out, but your shooting percentage is also extremely high in accuracy. You're the next biggest threat after Katagiri-senpai.
I was listening to Sakurako's words with a smirk.
Sakurako looked puzzled at me, but then she seemed to realize what she was doing.
She hurriedly puts away the tablet.
I'm sorry, I'm not used to this.
No need to apologize. I'm actually having a good time.
W-what are we doing after this?
Well, first let's look at souvenirs... Want to go see the monkey mountain? It's on the way.
Yes!
Sakurako buys a large dolphin plushie as a souvenir.
So that's the kind of thing she likes.
She's a normal woman at heart.
We look around the monkey mountain.
There are literally monkeys. Their groups change depending on the time.
What's amazing is that each monkey has a name and the keepers remember them.
I was amazed listening to the explanation.
After seeing everything, we return to the local area.
What are we doing after this?
......Would you like to come to my house?
Huh?
You were going to eat dinner anyway, right? I told you before, I'll manage your meals.
It seems she'll cook for me.
Can we stop by my place first?
Why?
I need a change of clothes, right?
Sakurako seemed to take a moment to understand.
Tasuku! I didn't call you over with that intention!
You didn't? That's too bad.
......Tasuku, you idiot!
After that, I was treated to Sakurako's home cooking at her house. We watched basketball DVDs until late at night and then stayed the night.
(4)
Hey? Which one did you like, Toya-kun?
Soy sauce.
I knew it.
Wait, so Airi too?
Yeah.
We, who came to Usuki with Airi, ate soft serve, bought Usuki rice crackers, and then saw Usuki Castle before going home.
I thought we'd drop into some shop on the way back for dinner.
Airi, is there anything you want to eat?
Hmm...
Airi is thinking.
And she seems to have decided.
Sushi~
......Conveyor belt sushi is okay?
Yeah.
She's excited, saying there's dessert too.
From here, the nearest place would be there.
But is it okay? You haven't eaten what you wanted today.
Today is Airi's day, so it's fine.
Huh?
It's Airi's maintenance day, right?
Ah.
Airi seems convinced.
But she's deep in thought.
She's looking down, not energetic.
I can tell she wants to say something.
What's wrong?
You won't laugh?
Is it something to laugh about?
I nod for now.
You said it's my maintenance day, right?
I did.
Will you maintain me properly and carefully?
It took me a moment to understand.
So that's why "don't laugh."
Sure, I'll look at you thoroughly.
Ugh, that sounds kind of lewd.
It's your imagination.
After that, we eat conveyor belt sushi and go home, then I take a bath first.
Since it's Airi's maintenance day, she should go first.
When I get out of the bath, Airi takes my place.
I was watching TV.
It's exactly the local news.
Some suspicious news comes on.
Assault on a woman at a karaoke place. Arrest.
Ah, I guess there are plenty of those types.
The news said the perpetrator used a microphone cable to tie the victim up.
They still do it even though there are cameras in the rooms.
That was the extent of my understanding.
But for some reason, I felt strangely concerned.
The reason was the method.
I thought it was just a mixer, but it turned out to be a hookup circle.
Hookup circle.
That phrase bothered me no matter what.
Could it be... nah.
Airi comes back.
I hurriedly change the channel.
What's wrong?
No, nothing.
Really? Ah, I brought this. Ta-da.
What Airi brought was two cans of chuhai.
We drink them and get in a good mood.
Well, it's early, but let's start.
......Yeah.
I get into bed first, and she comes in after and hugs me.
The uneasy feeling from before had vanished.
It's finally here. The Asian Championship.
Yeah, I've arranged your ticket too, Airi.
Yay. I'll cheer as hard as I can.
Then I have to do my best, right?
Yeah.
The second major challenge awaits.