Chapter 288 - The Fool Mocks His Lover
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning~"
Today, I also greeted the usual morning.I woke up to Airi's voice, and entered my dreams with a kiss from Airi....
"Okay, time to get up!"
Suddenly, the futon was yanked off, and I woke from my dream.
"Once you're up, get ready~"
I spend the day being managed by Airi from the morning.Today's routine starts from the morning as well.After finishing my routine, I take a shower, and Airi prepares breakfast.After eating breakfast, I brush my teeth, shave, fix my bedhead, make coffee, take two mugs, and return to my room.While Airi is taking a shower, I look at the internet or watch TV.The local news has been covering one story all morning.A conflict between circles.The news, titled as such, was being covered extensively.A celebrity, labeled as a commentator, was spouting whatever they wanted.It's a situation that makes me, as a party involved, just give a wry smile.The reason they keep bringing it up is because I'm one of the participating members of one group, "Unity."The celebrities were saying whatever they wanted about that too.The internet news was much the same.
"They're at it again, huh~"
Airi came back.Airi is watching the news while drying her hair with a hairdryer.Around that time, I was thinking of a plan to get Airi out of the house.I can't let Airi stay home on a day off.That's what my parents told me.
"Once you start working, even if you want to spend time with her, you won't be able to. If you're hoping to get married, get close to her now while you can."
I think we're already close enough that I wonder how much closer we can get, but I've heard from Kimoto-senpai that you won't be able to go out and have fun.I've also heard that it becomes difficult to alleviate your wife's dissatisfaction because of that.If I let Airi's dissatisfaction pile up from now, it'll be a big problem.I have to somehow get her outside....It would have been nice if we could have gone on a trip like last year, but this year we didn't have time.On top of that, problems with Egoist and Urbanity are piling up.
"But because of that, Toya-kun is kind to me, so it's fine."
Airi suddenly invades my heart.When I notice, Airi has her head on my lap, rolling around.
"Is there anywhere you want to go today?"
"I wonder if it's really okay for us to just play around all the time?"
My parents are telling me to go out and play, though.
"We always go to the sea, so maybe the mountains for a change~"
"Got it, I'll look for a good place in the mountains."
"There's a good place~, the place Toya-kun took me last year."
"Is somewhere that close really okay?"
"So we'll take the long way~, a route like this..."
Airi leans forward and traces the map displayed on the laptop.No matter how many times I see it, I still can't help but notice.The breasts visible from Airi's chest...Airi notices my gaze too.
"Were you listening to me~?"
"Ah, yeah, I'm listening. It's this route, right?"
"Yep. That way, you can eat your favorite hamburger steak, right?"
As we're making plans for the day like that, my phone suddenly rings.Airi's phone is ringing too, so it's probably a contact from Unity.I look at my phone.
"Katagiri-kun, can we meet up for a bit this afternoon? There's someone I want you to meet."
It was from Ai-san.Someone she wants me to meet?
"Is it okay if Airi comes too?"
In times like this, Airi has to be with me....Besides, I can't leave Airi alone at home.
"It's fine. I don't want to cause any weird misunderstandings either."
"Is it that kind of person?"
"Oh, it's totally fine. The other person has a boyfriend too."
I wonder who it is?
"Did you tell Watanabe-kun?"
"Watanabe-kun and Miyuki-san both know."
Miyuki-san too?
"Got it, where should I go?"
"Is the family restaurant near Private University okay?"
"Got it. The family restaurant near Private University at noon."
"See you then~"
Airi was also watching the exchange of messages.
"I wonder who it is?"
Airi also tilts her head.Apparently, the topic hasn't come up in the girls' group either.For now, today's plans have changed.There's still time until noon near Private University.I killed time watching TV while cuddling with Airi.
(2)
When we arrived at the family restaurant near Private University before noon, the Kiritanis, the Watanabes, and two unfamiliar men and women were there.After everyone ordered, Ai-san started talking.
"First, let me introduce you two. The woman is Kudo Shizuku, and the man is Takeshita Takeshi. You should have been in the same class as them in first year of high school."
"Long time no see~"
"Yo."
Kudo-san is at Beppu University, and Takeshita-kun seems to be working. Did he get injured or something? He has a bandage wrapped around his head.
"So, what's the reason you called us?"
When I asked directly, Ai-san began to speak.
"These two are members of Urbanity."
The Kiritanis and Watanabes seemed to have already heard. They weren't fazed at all.Airi and I were naturally shaken.
"Why did you join?"
Airi asked.
"I was recruited by a friend from university. I said I couldn't because I have a boyfriend, but they said it was fine if my boyfriend came too, so I thought it might be okay if my boyfriend was with me, and I just..."
Then, after joining Urbanity and learning about the circle's activities, the two tried to leave the circle.However, the executives threatened them, saying that if they wanted to leave, they would have to pay a large withdrawal fee or recruit at least two people before leaving.Two people each, so at least four in total.When Takeshita-kun yelled "Are you kidding me?!" he was beaten up and injured.They can't pay the withdrawal fee, so they have no choice but to bring in four other friends.That's when they set their sights on Ai.
"I heard Ai had a boyfriend... And Takeshi found the other couple."
Kudo-san spoke while trembling.
"So, we wanted to consult with you two. We were just looking into it, and I thought a sting operation might be a good idea if we want to know the inside story."
"There's absolutely no way that's okay! Unity isn't the kind of group that would just sit back and watch Ai get into danger!"
Airi flatly denied Ai-san's proposal.It's definitely too dangerous.
"So, what kind of circle is Urbanity?"
"They're doing things that are as illegal as possible. In a secret room where no one except those involved is allowed."
"A secret room? Where is it?"
"Even we don't know. We get blindfolded, put in a car, and taken there."
Isn't what they're doing completely shady? As expected, they're involved with the yakuza.
"How do you introduce people when you bring them in?"
"We meet at a designated café at a set date and time. An 'interview' is conducted there."
"I see..."
I finished one hamburger steak.One more left.
"Is the next meeting time decided? What about the place?"
"We're supposed to meet tomorrow. They told us to prepare either to pay the penalty or bring four people."
"Got it. What time and where should we go tomorrow?"
"At a café in Beppu at 9 PM..."
"Toya, you're not thinking...!?"
"Toya-kun!?"
"Thanks, I'll make the preparations. Kudo-san, you two just need to go to the shop without worrying about anything. Takeshita-kun, stop doing stupid things like dragging your friends into this."
"Yeah... but do you have a plan?"
"I should be thanking you guys. Things look like they'll go smoothly. Don't worry, I won't do anything to cause you trouble. Do those four people have to be couples?"
"For the two of us, we need at least two women."
"So we need two couples... Got it, thanks. If the situation changes, please contact me. Want to exchange contact info on our phones?"
I bumped phones with Kudo-san and exchanged contact information.
"I'll contact you too if I find out anything. Well, that's enough for today."
The two left the shop.
"Hey, Katagiri-kun, what are you thinking!? Are you going to put Airi in danger?"
"I can't agree with what you're saying either. You're telling Kiritani-san and the others not to go, but you're going yourselves. You've lost your mind."
Ai-san and Watanabe-kun objected, but I silently ate my hamburger steak.After finishing, I wiped my mouth with a paper napkin. Next up is the large fries...
Thump
"Toya-kun, stop just eating and explain it so everyone can understand!"
"Right. The other couple might be the Ishiharas or the Sakaies, if they're available."
"That's not an explanation!"
"Airi, you understand, don't you? What they're doing is clearly illegal."
"Huh?"
"No contract, no terms and conditions, no prior explanation. On top of that, there's not even any evidence that a contract was made. Yet they say 'pay the penalty fee'—I almost spat out my hamburger steak."
"...Now that you mention it, you're right."
Airi seemed convinced. But Ai-san said,
"Then why do you and Airi need to go? Can't you just ignore them?"
"I thought I'd help those two out. Is that not a good enough reason?"
"It's not. And I don't understand why you're involving Ishihara-kun and the others."
"I just wanted to borrow Ishihara-kun's soldiers."
"Ah, I see. I get it. You're going to catch the enemy's tail, huh."
Watanabe-kun seemed to understand.
"Right. I don't know if the enemy is on guard against Unity or not, but they haven't shown themselves in front of us. I was wondering what to do, and then a duck came strolling by with a scallion on its back. It would be a waste not to take advantage of this."
"Theoretically, you're right, but I don't think these guys are the type to listen to reason."
"So we'll drag them out by force. They've even set the time and place for us... Ah, that's right."
I sent a message to Makoto.
"Makoto, I have a favor to ask. Where are you now?"
"Yeah, I just finished practice. I'm at home."
"Can you come to the family restaurant right away with your laptop?"
"Sure, but... is it [work]?"
"Something like that."
"OK, I'll be there in 10 minutes."
When I put my phone away, Airi asked me.
"What are you planning to have Makoto-kun do?"
"Insurance in case the enemy gets suspicious and doesn't show up."
"Insurance?"
"Yeah."
Ten minutes later, Makoto arrived.
"So, what do you need me to do?"
I showed Makoto my phone.
"I want you to trace the access logs for this ID."
"That'll take me 10 minutes."
Makoto immediately started working.
"Was this your goal from the start when you asked Shizuku for her contact info!?"
Ai-san was surprised.
"It's a rare trace of Urbanity. I can't let it slip away."
"I found it! The Urbanity group!"
Makoto seemed to have captured it.
"Can you infect everyone with that 'Makoto-kun Special Virus'?"
"I'll finish it in 40 seconds!"
Everyone watched Makoto work.
"But man, Toya, you came up with that in such a short time."
Kiritani-kun was surprised.
"I was thinking of a plan from the moment Ai-san introduced them as being connected to Urbanity."
"Capture complete!"
He really did it in 40 seconds.
"So, what's next?"
"How does Makoto's virus spread?"
"It's a bit of a naughty one. It infects everyone who communicates with an infected person even once!"
That really is a naughty one.
"Got it, thanks. The Emperor should definitely be in there, so I want you to identify him."
"OK."
Next thing to do...Emi-san seems busy, so Akira-san will do.I called Akira-san.Meanwhile, Airi was explaining the situation to Makoto.
"What's up?"
"I have a favor to ask."
I explained the situation to Akira-san.
"Got it. So we're finally starting the attack."
"Yeah, I want to borrow some soldiers."
"Fine. I want to see Zen-kun's first battle too, so I'll cooperate. And you want to use my lawyer, right?"
"If you do that, things will go faster and it'll help a lot."
"Got it. The café in Beppu at 9 PM tomorrow."
"Yeah."
"Well, see you tomorrow then."
With that, the preparations were complete.All that's left is to wait for tomorrow.
(3)
I woke up to the roar of motorcycles. Everyone in the class was looking at the schoolyard from the windows.I also joined the crowd and looked. Motorcycles and cars with emblems I'd never seen before were driving around.They were shouting something loudly!
"Warlock and Pope!! Come out! We are Urbanity's special unit, 'Sword'!!"
I immediately ran to the next classroom.I ran into Naru in the hallway.
"Kosei! What is this!?"
"It seems they're demanding us."
We checked on the staff room.
"Damn it! Why can't I get through on the phone!"
"My smartphone's useless too!"
Naru and I checked our phones.They weren't connecting.The signal was out of range.Naru looked at me anxiously.I patted Naru on the shoulder.
"Don't worry. I've taken measures."
I connected a device disguised as a charging outlet to my phone.I connected to the internet using the electrical circuit.
"The school is under attack."
"I heard from Ishihara-kun. Hold out a little longer."
This isn't the time to be relieved.If they break in, it'll cause trouble for everyone.I have no choice.I went to the entrance and changed my shoes.Then Naru also changed her shoes.
"Naru, you should stay here. Your identity will be exposed."
"That goes for you too, doesn't it?"
"I can't let a beautiful lady like you get into danger."
"I can't send a brave knight to his death without a second thought."
Arguing like this will get us nowhere.
"...It's dangerous. I might not be able to protect you."
"We swore we'd always be together that night."
Saying that, Naru grabbed my arm.
"Well then, shall we go?"
Saying that, we went out to the schoolyard.The leader-like man looked at us.His eyes were glazed over, probably because of the can in his hand.
"Are you guys Warlock and Pope?"
"I threw away those names a long time ago."
"The Emperor said so, y'know. He said since we got new cards, you guys are 'used up'."
The man said that and got out of the car.He was wearing an anachronistic special attack uniform with a belly wrap around his stomach.The man threw away the can and pulled out a silver blade from something like a long stick.A Japanese sword, huh....
"Is it okay to swing that around? That's a violation of the Swords and Firearms Control Law, you know?"
"Who cares about that? You guys are gonna die here anyway."
Just as the man was about to swing at us, I shielded Naru.Then, kicking up dust, two cars cut in between me and the man.
"You two okay!?"
"Kids, hide. It's dangerous."
Kusunoki-kun and Hiyama-kun, as well as Shiratori-san and Kanzaki-san, were there.
"Who the hell are you guys?"
"There's no need for us to introduce ourselves."
Hiyama-kun answered.
"We were in the middle of a nice date, you know~. ...Are you ready for this!"
"I won't allow such crude behavior."
Kanzaki-san and Shiratori-san said.
"Doesn't matter! Kill all six of them!"
When the man said that, people started pouring out.
"Sakura, get in the car if things get dicey."
"You've got to be kidding me~. ...These small fries are nothing."
"Haruna, please stay in the car too!"
"...I'll watch your back."
"Got it."
Everyone seems ready.
"You bastards, finish this quickly."
When the man shouted, a large group rushed in.We paired up to prepare for the attack.The four of them easily took down the attacking men.Kusunoki-kun punched the men away one after another.Shiratori-san and Hiyama-kun accurately hit vital points.Kanzaki-san kicked down enemies trying to get behind Hiyama-kun.The fallen men piled up one after another.It was a moment of carelessness.I didn't notice the man with the Japanese sword approaching.By the time I noticed, it was too late.I instinctively stepped between Naru and the man.
"Go to hell!"
Just as the man was about to swing down the Japanese sword, Kusunoki-kun grabbed the man's wrist from behind.
"That was cool, Kosei."
"Kusunoki-kun!"
But an enemy from behind Kusunoki-kun swung a wooden sword at him.Shiratori-san blocked it.She jumped onto the man's arms, grabbed them, locked his elbow with her shoulder, and threw him over her back.It was an action unimaginable from the petite Shiratori-san.
"I've got Haruto's back."
The man with the Japanese sword turned around and attacked Kusunoki-kun.But when Kusunoki-kun kicked the man's wrist, he dropped the Japanese sword.I instinctively picked up the fallen Japanese sword.Kusunoki-kun rained down blows—punches, kicks, headbutts—on the man who had the Japanese sword.The final punch dug into the man's left cheek, and the man was sent flying!
"Before you pull out a weapon and bitch about it, try showing some conviction of your own!"
The man was unconscious before he even heard those words.Soon after, police officers came in.Had the communication been restored? Had someone called the police?Everyone there, including us, was almost taken away, but Emi-san, who arrived later, explained the situation, and we were released.
"That moment you jumped in was really cool. Are you hurt?"
Kusunoki-kun asked.
"I'm fine. More importantly, Naru won't stop crying. Even though it's all over."
I got nudged by Kanzaki-san.
"You can't do that~. Making a girl cry~."
I don't remember doing anything, though.
"You mustn't worry her."
Shiratori-san said.Worry?I looked at Naru.
"You can't be reckless. You're not a toy, you know? If Kosei disappeared, I'd be sad."
"...Sorry."
"It's fine. You're safe, after all."
I suddenly looked at my phone. The signal was back.Was that why the police were called?Just then, I heard a gunshot somewhere. What was that?
(4)
Bang!
It hit the man right between the eyes.The man's attention turned to me.The man was wearing glasses.How can he look through a scope with glasses on?
"As I thought, all snipers think the same. If you're targeting a middle school, this is the best spot."
"What's up, little boy? Uncle is working right now. Can you not bother me?"
"Unfortunately, interfering with that is the mission I received from Emi. Sorry."
"No need to apologize, little boy."
Just as the man was about to take something out from his pocket, I jumped into his space, pressed his right hand against his chest, and pushed him down.Making a move like that at such close range... amateur.While the man was confused by the unexpected event, I took the gun from his right hand, held it up above my head, and fired one shot.This should have reached my comrades who are probably fighting right now.
"You can't do that. You should at least use a silencer when doing this kind of job."
"You, are you from the underworld?"
"Don't misunderstand me. I'm just a university student. I'm busy enough as it is, so please don't increase my workload."
"There's no way a normal university student could do this!"
"What you're saying is perfectly valid. Ah, and I've already destroyed the signal jamming equipment. What were you planning by bringing out something like that?"
"How did you find this place?"
"So you're not going to answer my question. I'm in a hurry too, so I'll explain quickly. First, we've been tailing you since your first tail. Then today, you just happened to come here. Oh, and I've already called the police a while ago."
Ignoring the man who was saying something, I wiped my fingerprints off the pistol and slipped it back into the man's pocket.I should have worn gloves. I'm still an amateur.By the way, the man's hands are restrained with his own handcuffs.Police officers came running.After explaining the situation to the officers, the man was taken away.After seeing that off, I contacted Emi on my phone.
"Emi, my mission here is done."
"Good work. It seemed easier than I thought?"
"Well, the last mission was harsh."
"That's true. I'll make you something as a reward today. You haven't been eating properly, have you? What do you want?"
"I'd like some meat. Hold the potato salad."
"If you're a picky eater, you won't grow tall. Today it's minestrone."
"Fine."
"Well, I'll come pick you up."
"Roger."
Ah, I haven't taken a bath recently, so I can't hug Emi.I gave a wry smile to myself.
(5)
It was 9 PM.As me and Airi, Kudo-san and Takeshita-san, and the Sakaes were eating, a group of men appeared.Six of them, huh.
"Have a seat."
I urged the men to sit down while eating the omurice in front of me.The man ignored me and spoke to Kudo-san and the others.
"Hey, did these guys..."
Kudo-san nodded silently.
"You heard the story from her, right? Stop eating and come with us."
"I have a question about that matter. Can we talk first?"
"Talk?"
"Yeah, yeah, talk."
The men laughed.
"What did you hear?"
"I only heard that you wanted me to join the circle because you'd introduce me. What kind of circle is it, anyway?"
"It's a matchmaking circle. It's popular now, right?"
"Ah, so that's the kind of circle it was. Sorry, but can we talk about that kind of thing somewhere my girlfriend isn't?"
Thump
"I'm not his girlfriend. I'm his fiancée. And what do you mean it's okay if I'm not there?"
"Ah, sorry. Look, it's like this, so sorry, but can we drop this topic?"
"Shizuku!!"
"That's not what I heard..."
"I was just told by you to join the circle. I'm just refusing that now."
"That's true, but..."
Kudo-san's face was crumpling as if she was about to cry.
"Shizuku and Takeshi, come here!"
Saying that, they tried to take the two away, but I stopped them.
"What are you planning to do with them?"
"That's none of your business anymore."
"Katagiri-kun, you have a bad habit! Stop playing dumb!"
Akira-san said that. Akira-san glared at the men.
"If you're thinking of harming those two, I won't stay silent!"
"Harming them!?"
The man glared back at Akira-san.
"The jig is up! You guys are trying to increase your members by making false accusations against these two, aren't you?"
"False accusations... Don't say stupid things. We have a proper contract with them."
"Well then, may I take a look at that contract?"
Sakai-kun said.
"We don't have one, but we made a promise with these two. A verbal promise is still a promise, right?"
"Kudo-san, was it? When you made that contract, did you receive a proper explanation?"
"No... I was just told to join because it was a fun circle."
"When was that?"
"I don't think it's even been a week yet."
"Then it's within the cooling-off period. Can't we just let this matter drop peacefully?"
When Sakai-kun said that, the man grabbed him by the collar.
"Ah, you just used violence, didn't you? Well then, I'll have to take appropriate measures too."
Sakai-kun said that and punched the man in the temple.The man fainted on the spot.Seeing that, the other men tried to pull out weapons from their pockets, but before they could, they were surrounded by the soldiers around them.Didn't the men notice?When they were threatening us.When he grabbed Sakai-kun's collar. Didn't they find it strange that no one screamed?Yes, all the customers were Akira-san's soldiers.The men dropped their weapons on the floor and raised their hands.
"Feel like taking a seat now?"
When Akira-san said that, the men sat down obediently.
"Well, like I said, this contract can be considered void, you know?"
"...And you think we can just go home after this?"
"I don't think that."
"Then what do you want us to do?"
"If you accept our conditions, I'll guarantee your safety."
When Sakai-kun said that, the men consulted among themselves.
"Babbling on won't change the situation. Make up your minds already!"
Akira-san was half-threatening them.And the men gave in to the threat.
"Fine. What are your conditions?"
"Don't contact Kudo-san and the others from now on, and tell us every single one of your party venues. That's all."
"How can you guarantee our safety?"
"I have an unused villa. If you stay there, they won't be able to touch you easily. There are soldiers crawling all around the place."
"...Fine. I guess I have no choice but to trust you."
"Before that, there's something we need to do. Everyone, take out your smartphones."
When Akira-san said that, the men took out their phones.
"I'm confiscating all of these. After that, we'll do a body search in the car."
"...Fine."
Saying that, the men were taken away by the soldiers.
"We'll cover the repair costs for the shop," Akira-san said, writing an arbitrary amount on a check and handing it to the shop owner.
"Well, let's pull out."
When Sakai-san said that, everyone pulled out.We were having a meeting at the usual family restaurant.Ishihara-kun's achievements, Haruto and the others' achievements, Kosei's courageous actions.It was the result of everyone's hard work.
"What do we do now? Raid the party venue?"
"I'll leave that to the police."
"The Sudo Group has connections with the police. The Fourth Investigation Division is no exception."
Akira-san said.
"Let's do it flashy like always!"
Mika-san said.Watanabe-kun scolded Mika-san. But I decided to go along with it.
"That might be good."
Everyone's eyes were on me.
"That would involve innocent people."
"Right, so let's target a venue that isn't having a party."
That alone should be enough to instill fear in the enemy.
"What about the media? Even we can't suppress a building explosion."
"...If you think about why the enemy is hiding their facilities, the answer naturally comes."
Kosei said.
"Kosei's right. The enemy will try to cover it up. There's nothing to worry about."
"...When do we do it?"
"Let's see how the enemy reacts first. They say you shouldn't show your trump card too early."
"...Got it. Let's go with that plan."
"We'll put heavy security on Kosei and the others. It seems Kosei has unfavorable information about the Emperor."
When Emi-san said that, Kosei made a solemn face and said one thing.
"Kotone Aster. That's the keyword."
"Is it some kind of password?"
"If my backdoor code is still active."
"Alright, let's look into it!"
"Kosei, be careful. They called themselves Sword, which means..."
"There are three more units... That's right."
"Yeah, that's what it means."
"Got it, I'll be careful. Everyone, be careful too."
"Yeah, I know..."
"Well, it's getting late, let's head home."
Saying that, everyone left the shop.
(7)
"Ugh..."
Airi was groaning.What's wrong?
"What's the matter?"
I asked Airi.
"Even though I know it was an act, I felt sick thinking that Toya-kun was interested in that kind of circle."
Ah, so that's it.
"You're going to be a narrow-minded wife, huh. Sorry."
Airi was feeling down.
"Sorry for making you feel bad."
I replied to Airi and stroked her head with my left hand.
"No, it's my fault. I'm making you worry unnecessarily."
"I'm happy that you worry about me. But that will never happen, so don't worry."
"Yeah! I believe you."
I saw Airi's smile.There might be people who mock us as a lovey-dovey couple.But no matter how much they provoke us, it's useless.Because our bond isn't so weak that it would be shaken by such provocations.We've caught the enemy's tail.All that's left is to drag them out and suppress the main body.Suppress the main body, then the head.But what's in the file "Kotone Aster" that Kosei holds?That was also a concern, but... thinking about it now won't help.When we got home, we entered the entrance.Then, I felt something like killing intent.I didn't even have time to push Airi away at the entrance.
"Airi, over here!!"
I grabbed Airi. As I fell towards the garden, three gunshots rang out.They all hit the door. The man tried to escape on his motorcycle, but Airi's dad must have been lying in wait, and he knocked the man off his bike with a lariat.Airi's dad subdued the man on the spot and contacted the station.Soon after, a patrol car arrived.Airi's dad explained the situation to the officer, who restrained the man, put him in the patrol car, and left.After that, another patrol car came, inspected the door that had been shot, and we were also questioned.After all that was over, I received a harsh scolding from Airi's dad.
"If you're going to play with fire, you need to be careful, or you'll get badly burned someday," he said.
When I got home, my dad also warned me.When I returned to my room, I contacted Unity.
"The enemy has finally shown their true colors," Watanabe-kun said.
"Everyone, be careful," I said, and everyone replied, "I know."
"Is Tosaka-san okay?" Watanabe-kun asked.
Airi is clinging to me right now, trembling.
"She's managing..." I replied.
"Take good care of her."
"I know."
"Everyone, be careful too. Don't forget who the enemy is!" Watanabe-kun emphasized.
Everyone replied, "Got it."
After the exchange ended, I put my arm around Airi's shoulders.She's still trembling. It can't be helped; she was shot at.
"Don't worry, I'm here."
"I'm worried that Toya-kun will get reckless and get hurt!"
Airi seemed to be worried about me.
"Like Naru-chan said, I'd be sad if Toya-kun disappeared. Don't leave me alone."
"I know."
But I care about Airi just as much.Probably, everyone feels the same.Urbanity was targeting us, as if mocking us.