Chapter 293 - The Crimson Devil
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning."
I wake up to Airi's whisper, but I still don't want to let go of her warmth, so I don't move away from her.
"Ugh..."
Airi's troubled. This happens every morning. I wonder what she'll try today.
"If you don't get up, no breakfast."
That's a problem. I wonder if there's some way I can enjoy both Airi and breakfast.
"Good morning, Airi."
When I open my eyes and greet her, there's Airi's face, looking a little sulky.
"What a troublesome husband you are, every single morning!"
"I'm up now, so no skipping breakfast, right?"
"That's true, but...?"
That's a relief.I wrap both my arms around Airi's back and hug her.
"Hey! It's time for our morning routine! It's sunny today!"
"Just a little longer is fine..."
"No~ way!"
Thump
"You do that sort of thing after you've done what you need to do! Come on, get changed!"
I reluctantly get out of bed and start changing.Airi starts changing too.Then, once we leave the house, we do our morning routine.After finishing the routine, we go back home, take a shower, eat breakfast, and I make coffee for Airi and myself, then take it to the room.When Airi comes back from her shower, she starts getting dressed. Then she starts putting on her makeup.Meanwhile, I watch TV and check the news on my PC.Rumors are scary things; yesterday's incident is being rumored to be a conflict between Urbanity and Unity.Even if we crush the mass media, it seems we can't completely erase the rumors on the internet.Excessive retaliation by Unity.That's how it was being reported online.The messages say there's no need to worry about it since it's just internet rumors after all.When I shut down the PC and sit at the table to drink my coffee, Airi snuggles up next to me and drinks her café au lait.I finish my coffee, and Airi takes the mugs to the kitchen.It seems there's nothing to be done about the public broadcaster; the truth about yesterday's incident was being exposed after all.Sakai-kun and the others didn't leave any traces. More than anything, it was Death who did it.When Airi comes back, the program has switched to a standard morning show.It's not something we're interested in, since we don't really care about actors or celebrities.Airi grabs my arm and stares intently at my face.Our eyes meet, and I speak to her.
"What's wrong?"
Then Airi makes a groaning sound, "Ugh..."
"Won't you continue what we started this morning?"
"But you've already finished your makeup, right?"
"Usually, you'd pay attention to me halfway through."
Airi's selfishness is always cute.I give in to her request.Airi breaks into a smile, hugs me, and pushes me down.
"Didn't you say the floor was hard and uncomfortable?"
"That's true~. Let's go to the bed?"
"Didn't you say it was a pain because you'd have to redo your hair and makeup?"
"Even so, you used to do it for me, Toya-kun~"
When she says, "We have plenty of time today, so it's fine~," I reluctantly hold Airi.Airi looks enraptured, closes her eyes, and presses her face against my chest.Then my phone rings.Who could it be?When I try to reach for my phone, Airi doesn't let me go.
"Can't that wait until later! Pay attention to me now."
"It might be something urgent."
"Then they'd call!"
Oh dear...I give up on getting the phone and immerse myself in Airi's world.When the time comes, we both fix our clothes, Airi runs a brush through her hair, and checks herself in the mirror.We both grab our bags and leave the house.Due to yesterday's shooting incident, the police are patrolling regularly.I guess Mother can rest easy now?When we get to school, we attend classes.Emi-san's SPs are stationed at the classroom entrance.I think the SPs stuck at the classroom entrance look more suspicious.When classes are over, everyone gathers in the cafeteria.According to Kanna, the true identities of Death, Devil, Hermit, and Hierophant aren't posted online.No matter how much you search, they don't come up.If that's the case, then it's Emi-san's turn.
"We've figured out Dragon's true identity from Emperor's call logs, but we still can't find the main strike force."
"If that's the case, we have no choice but to lure them out..."
Watanabe-kun says.
"Lure them out, how?"
When I ask, Watanabe-kun shakes his head.
"The ones being targeted are Kosei, Naru, Kamenashi-kun, and Kishitani-san. The only thing I can think of is strengthening the security for those four and baiting the enemy."
"And Katagiri-kun is also being targeted."
Ishihara-kun says.
I organize the situation.I've grasped all the necessary cards. But precisely because I've grasped them, it's become hard to move. I don't know which card the opponent will discard.And I can't find the timing to play the crucial card. Is the situation disadvantageous for us?A way to restrain the reckless opponent's movements... after all, is there only one way?The problem is when to strike?As time passes, the situation only worsens. Then we have no choice but to take the initiative.That first move must be an effective blow that deals a fatal strike in one go.I have Makoto searching for that right now.But Makoto is doing it alongside his club activities, and Kosei also has school.
Poke, poke.
Airi pokes my cheek with her index finger.She sandwiches my face between her palms and pulls it wide.
"Toya-kun, you had a difficult look on your face. Don't carry it all by yourself like that. Let's think about it together?"
Airi's words make me look around with a start.Everyone is looking at my face.
"Toya-senpai, we're with you! I'm sure it'll work out somehow!" Haruto says.
"Katagiri-kun, if there's anything we can do, just say the word. We'll manage somehow," Emi-san and Akira-san say.
"You can count on us too," Ishihara-kun says.
"Well, now that we've come this far, it's all in the same boat, right?" Sakai-kun says.
"So, Toya. What should we do first?"
When Watanabe-kun says this, I think for a bit and then answer.
"It's basic, but I want more information we're still missing. For now, information on Devil and Death, I guess?"
"OK. I'll definitely catch their tails for you."
Emi-san says that.It seems time is up.Everyone heads to their afternoon classes.
"Let's think about it by consulting everyone, okay? You don't have to do anything reckless by yourself, Toya-kun."
Airi says that.
"Yeah..."
But I can't afford to be so relaxed. The opponent's targets are expanding rapidly. That's proof they're investigating our information. I have to finish this as quickly as possible.
(2)
"Good work today~"
There are people who go home as soon as the scheduled time comes.But I don't think that's a bad thing.Forcing irresponsible feelings called a sense of responsibility is not good.You just need to give those people work that suits them.It's my job to discern that.But today seemed different.They come straight back to the office.Forgot something?It doesn't seem like it. A suspicious-looking stranger is standing behind them.The man raises his left hand. What he's holding is...
"Everyone, get down!"
At the same time I say that, I'm already diving under my desk.
Bang!
The plasterboard on the ceiling falls down in pieces.
"Don't make a sound! If anyone makes a sound, I'll finish this one off first!"
Some of the female employees are crying in fear.Shiina-kun is hiding under his desk, waiting for a chance to counterattack.Takumi and Niina-san are still at school.
"Come out, the woman named Manabe Satomi!"
The criminal is calling me out by name.A violent act related to Unity?I raise both hands and stand up.
"Come over here slowly, just like that!"
I approach the criminal as instructed.The criminal shoves the man he was holding aside and takes me hostage.
"Listen up! If you resist, I'll kill this one immediately. I won't allow anyone to approach me either!"
"Understood. First, how about you lower that hand?"
Shiina-kun says, raising both hands and standing up.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Just an ordinary employee. I want to hear your demands. You must have some kind of demand, right? Money?"
"Demands..."
The man grins.
"Bring Katagiri Toya here."
Katagiri-kun?As I thought, this man is one of those Urbanity guys.
(3)
School ends, and while I'm talking with Airi on Bluebird, my phone rings.It's a message call.It seems to be from Satomi-san, but...
"Hello?"
"Are you Katagiri Toya?"
An unfamiliar man.
"I am, but who are you?"
"If I say I'm Death of Urbanity, will you understand?"
I switch to speakerphone.
"I have one request. Come to Harada General Design within an hour! If you call the police, Manabe Satomi dies."
I glance at Akira-san and Emi-san.They are quickly sending messages.
"Understood. Is that all?"
"We'll talk about the rest here. You must come alone. Got it?"
"Got it. In return, don't lay a hand on the hostage."
"Don't give me orders!"
"A hostage is only valuable if they're unharmed. Don't you even understand that much?"
"If you mess with me, I'll really kill you!"
A bang sound is heard.Then a woman's scream is heard.
"That might be your true intention, but I wonder if your master will be happy if their guard dog runs wild on its own?"
"...Anyway, come within an hour! Alone!"
The call ends there.
"Are you going alone, Toya-kun?"
Airi asks, looking uneasy.
"If that's the criminal's demand, I have no choice."
I can't put Satomi-san in danger.Someone bursts through the door violently.It's Manabe-kun.
"I read the messages. Katagiri-senpai, don't do anything reckless!"
"Don't worry, I'll get Satomi-san out safely."
"Do you have a plan?"
"For that, you should ask Emi-san, not me."
Saying that, I look towards Emi-san.
"I've sent Nozomi there now. So, are you going to negotiate?"
"If I don't, Satomi-san will be in danger, right?"
"I could stop you by force, you know."
"Even so, I want information on the enemy."
I'll draw out as much information as possible. I say with a smile.When I head to the scene, people who heard the gunshots have already reported it, even though we didn't.The police squad with shields is being commanded by Airi's father.Airi's father spots me and approaches.
"...The criminal wants to negotiate with Toya-kun."
"I came with that intention."
"...Do you have a chance of winning?"
"I don't know, since I don't even know what the enemy wants."
"I don't want to see my daughter's husband in a situation like this..."
"It's our fight."
"Dad! Stop Toya-kun!"
Airi says.
"Airi, there's no need to worry."
"This time it's not a knife, you know? It's a gun! Toya-kun will die!"
Airi says that and starts crying, clinging to me.I soothe her.
"Trust me."
"Ugh..."
When Airi's hands let go, I pat her head.
"Well then, I'm off."
"...Be careful."
"Run away immediately if it gets dangerous, okay?"
Seen off by Airi and her father, I enter the building.When I go up to the second floor, a man is holding Satomi-san hostage at the entrance.The man notices me, turns around, and says, "Get inside."
"I kept my promise. Let Satomi-san go."
"The deal is from here."
Saying that, Death grins.
"...Let's hear your demands."
"The release of Emperor and Empress, Pope and High Priestess."
"Isn't that a bit greedy?"
"What did you say?"
"You're asking us to give up four cards for your one card. That's normally impossible."
"Do you want something to happen to this woman!?"
"Is that okay? Throwing away the trump card you finally got your hands on?"
"You're the one who doesn't get it, aren't you?"
Saying that, the man fires his gun.A female employee screams.
"There are plenty of hostages."
"How much do you know about Unity?"
"What?"
"If we're hit, we hit back. And we pay back double. There's something you're forgetting."
"What do you mean?"
"You probably think Satomi-san is your trump card, but aren't you forgetting that she's your lifeline?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"If you shoot Satomi-san, we'll have a just cause. We'll be free to dispose of you however we want."
"What did you say!?"
"Keep your gun trained and look towards the window."
You should be able to see Ishihara-kun holding a sniper rifle.
"...Do you understand the situation now?"
"Damn it all!!"
The man pressed the gun against Satomi-san's temple, just as he was about to pull the trigger.Without mercy, Ishihara-kun snipes and hits the man's hand.Then, Shiina-san, who had been closing in from behind, tackles the man.As he tries to pick up the dropped gun, I kick it away.Looking down at the man pinned down by Shiina-san, I declare.
"The tables have turned now."
But the man still seems to have some composure.
"What are you planning to do now?"
"Hand you over to the police."
"That would be meaningless."
"It's the duty of a good citizen, isn't it?"
"You don't seem to understand anything. We don't make the kind of blunders that get us caught by the police."
It didn't take long to understand the meaning of his words.A chill runs down my spine.It seems someone else besides Ishihara-kun was lurking.
"Everyone get down! Death too!!"
But Death is pinned down by Shiina-san and can't even stand.Should I be prepared to lose an arm!?But just as I try to move, a police squad that arrived later grabs me.
"You can't go! It's dangerous, right!?"
"The one in danger is that man!"
While we were having this exchange, it happened.A single bullet pierces Death's neck.
"Death!"
I shake off the officer's restraint and rush to Death.I knew it was too late, but I instructed the officer to call an ambulance.Part of the police squad lines up shields between me and the window.Death makes a wheezing sound as he breathes.
"Never thought I'd be worried about my safety by an enemy... You're a good guy."
"Don't talk! An ambulance will be here soon."
"If you screw up, you get erased. It's an unwritten rule of Death."
"How many more of you Deaths are there?"
"Hehehe, those bewitched by the Devil will have the scythe of Death aiming for their necks any number of times."
So it won't stop unless we suppress the Devil?
"Who is the Devil!?"
"That is..."
Death breathes his last there.
"Death! Hang in there, Death!"
I shout desperately, but Death will never answer again.If you fail, you get erased. Is that also part of Death's job?Or was it the Devil's doing?I couldn't hear the answer to that either.The police begin cleaning up.Death's remains are removed, and I, Satomi-san, and Shiina-san also give our statements.The negotiation ended in failure.More than that, the shock of witnessing a human death for the first time was overwhelming.Human death.It comes suddenly. Toya-kun and I are no exception.My body trembles.
The scythe of Death will aim for my neck any number of times.
Any number of times, huh...I have to suppress that guy called the Devil.Fear and anger are mixed together, and my head is in a whirl.I can't leave that being called the Devil unchecked.I'll definitely catch his tail!I resolved.
(4)
My spine froze.I reflexively rolled to the side and looked behind me.I see a muzzle flash.The enemy was aiming a gun from the building next door.The target was inside Harada General Design.Are Katagiri-kun and the others safe?But for now, more than that, I need to secure my own safety.I dive into the shadow of the building and hide.
"Come on out, 'Hedgehog'! Let's play together!"
Hedgehog?Is he talking about me?
"If you won't come out, I'll come to you!"
Saying that, the man jumps to the building I'm in and aims his gun.Rather than aiming, he's twirling two revolvers around and doing tricks.That in itself makes it hard to grasp the timing of his shots and find a chance to jump out.
"You really are a Hedgehog, huh!? You're well-defended."
The man approaches me while continuing his tricks.
"Stylized beauty and functional beauty... Don't you want to test which is more beautiful?"
The man's movements have a lot of wasted motion. ...Does he want to test which of us is superior?I don't particularly need to accept that challenge, but if I stay here, I'll get taken out eventually anyway.I don't like moving first, though.I jump out from behind the building, and the enemy immediately aims and fires at me.After confirming twelve shots, I dive into the enemy's space.It was a miscalculation.It was a Peacemaker, a revolver with a mechanism to remove the cylinder with a single switch and replace the entire cylinder.But once I've jumped in, hesitation is not allowed.By the time the reload is finished, I'm standing in the enemy's space. I knock aside one gun with my own and quickly dodge the other.As long as I grasp the timing of the shots and the direction of the muzzle, dodging is easy.Using the momentum of the dodge, I spin around behind him and strike his neck with the grip of my gun.I point my gun at him as he falls.It seems the blow was shallow.The enemy kicks me in the back.The enemy points both guns at me as I stagger.I lean back to dodge the bullets but fall to the ground.The enemy pins me down and points his gun at me, while I point my gun under his chin.It seemed like a stalemate would continue. But it ended quickly.
"That's enough!"
A large number of police squads and Superintendent Tosaka appear suddenly.
"Can't you not interfere? The fun part is just starting, you know!"
The enemy says, but Superintendent Tosaka pays him no mind.
"If you come closer, I'll really shoot!"
It was the moment the enemy's attention shifted to Superintendent Tosaka.I raise both my legs, hook them under the enemy's armpits, and sit up.The positions are reversed.Before the enemy can make his next move, I point my gun at his forehead.
"It's unfortunate, but the game is over."
"Can you shoot, little boy?"
"If I need to shoot, I will."
While this is happening, both the enemy and I are subdued.
"Oh, that kid is fine. Let him go."
Superintendent Tosaka says.
"But this kid is in possession of a handgun..."
"It's a 'model gun.' Right?"
It seems best to go along with this.I nod.
"But he even had a sniper rifle ready."
"No fingerprints were lifted... There's no problem... I'll take responsibility."
"If you say so, Superintendent Tosaka."
I am released.
But the enemy pulls out two hidden handguns and shoots the subduing officer in the leg.Once freed, the enemy climbs over the rooftop railing. And shouts.
"You're interesting! Hedgehog! You're my next target! My name is 'Azrael.' Remember it well."
Saying that, he jumps off the building.I and Superintendent Tosaka immediately look down at the spot where he jumped.Then, wearing a wingsuit, he glides down to the ground and starts fighting the officers.Azrael runs wild, taking advantage of the officers' disadvantage of not being able to involve civilians.After setting several patrol cars on fire, he seems to have made a clean getaway.So I've caught the attention of someone like that again.As I sigh, Superintendent Tosaka says.
"I'd like to hear your side of the story, just in case."
"Yes."
"Knowing you, you'll probably have a good lawyer. Don't worry. The questioning will be done under me."
"Yes."
I inform Emi about this via my phone.
"Don't worry. More importantly, are you okay, Nozomi?"
"Worry about Katagiri-kun more than me."
"For a wife, there's nothing more worrying than her husband, you know?"
"Yeah, I guess so. I'm fine. I'm okay."
"Got it. I'll come pick you up later then."
"OK."
After finishing the exchange, I get into a patrol car with Superintendent Tosaka.Emi's lawyer arrives quickly, and I am released.
"Nozomi!"
When I leave the police station, Emi is waiting.
"Emi."
"Are you hurt anywhere? I heard the enemy was quite a tough opponent."
If you call him a tough opponent, he was a tough opponent.A dangerous man who enjoys life-and-death struggles like a game.I can't leave him unchecked.If possible, I'd like to finish him off with my own hands.I was even thinking such things.Have I also stepped into the same world as them?I kept that hidden from Emi.
"Hedgehog, huh... Your name has spread in a bad way, you know."
Emi says.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Are you scared? Do you regret it?"
"If this becomes the power to protect everyone, I'll gladly accept it."
"You've become strong, Nozomi. In many ways... There's no reason for you to be servile anymore."
"Thank you. I'm a bit tired... I'll rest a little."
Saying that, I lean my body against Emi's and fall asleep.I sleep quietly in the cradle where I am allowed my only respite.
(5)
The Empress, who seems to be enjoying herself, and the Emperor, who can't hide his bewilderment.Are they worried about me? It's not like I'm at an age to be embarrassed about it now.
"Well then, I'll take my leave so you two can relax."
"Yes!"
"I'm sorry..."
After greeting the two, I leave the hospital room.Two SPs are stationed at the hospital room.They are sturdy warriors.
"Miyuki-sensei..."
I hear a voice calling me.I also handle pediatrics.It seems there's a chronic shortage of staff.She was also a patient under my care.
"What's wrong...?"
Her usual cheerful smile is nowhere to be seen; her expression is tense.Pushing her wheelchair is a long-haired man with red hair.He's wearing a white suit, a black shirt, and a red tie.Who is he?Guarding him are three men in black suits.I can see one of them is pressing something against the girl in the wheelchair.When I realize what that something is, I determine they are people from Urbanity.
"That girl has nothing to do with this. Let her go immediately!"
The red-haired man gives a fearless smile.
"Whether she has anything to do with it or not depends on the deal from here on."
"A deal?"
"Will you take Emperor and Empress, or will you take her life? Which will it be?"
If I resist, her life is forfeit.The red-haired man's expression tells me so.I guide them to the Empress's hospital room.The SPs guarding the front of the room notice immediately but, understanding the situation, can't make a move.Just as I'm about to let them into the room, a scream is heard from the man who was pressing the gun against the girl, simultaneously with a crack sound.The man drops his gun, and the man who dislocated his shoulder kicks it away.
"Oh dear, I come here because Akira-chan asked me to, and this is what I find."
Sakai-kun says, restraining the man's hand.Another man points a gun at Sakai-kun.
"A foolish sense of justice will be your ruin, you know?"
The red-haired man says that and gives the order.The other two men pull out guns from their coats and point them at Sakai-kun.They fire without warning.The hospital is thrown into chaos.But Sakai-kun, who should have been shot, dodges by doing a backflip.As they try to fire a second shot, the two SPs hit them with stun guns.Only one remains, the red-haired man himself.The red-haired man pulls the wheelchair with one hand while pointing a gun at the girl's temple with the other.
"You don't already think you've won, do you?"
The red-haired man says that and slides the wheelchair towards me.He aims a gun behind it and fires.Noticing this movement, an SP jumps between the girl in the wheelchair and the red-haired man to protect her.This is, after all, a hospital.Forgetting myself in anger, I charge at the red-haired man.The red-haired man fires at me.I jump towards the left wall, kick off it, and leap forward to the opposite side.My white coat flutters, I twist my body, land behind the man, and spin around.By the time the man turns around and points his gun, Sakai-kun is gripping his hand.
"That's not a suitable thing to point at a lady. You're a gentleman too, aren't you?"
By the time Sakai-kun says that, the remaining SP tries to subdue the red-haired man.But the red-haired man discards his gun, shakes off Sakai-kun's hand, slips past the SP, and escapes.As we try to pursue him, the man points a hidden gun at us.I stop Sakai-kun and the SP from pursuing.
"This is a hospital. I don't want to do anything that would increase the number of injured people."
When I say that, the two seem convinced.
"Is the SP who was shot okay?"
That was my concern.But after a while, he gets up groggily, revealing that he was wearing body armor under his suit.
"I'm sorry, I missed the chance to catch their tail."
I apologize to the three while soothing the crying girl in the wheelchair.
"This is a hospital. Your judgment was correct. Let's make the remaining three men talk."
The SP says.
"There's no need for that. I've got a firm hold on their tail."
Sakai-kun says that and pulls out a smartphone.
"Well, is it an occupational hazard? Or a special skill I picked up during training? Well, I have absolutely no intention of taking up that kind of profession, though."
It seems he pickpocketed it from the red-haired man when he made contact.
"I'm glad there were no injuries."
Sakai-kun says.Emperor and Empress ask what happened, so I explain the situation.
"That person is probably the Devil."
The Empress says.The Crimson Devil, huh...
"It seems we're not safe just because we're in the hospital. Rather, it causes trouble for other people. Maybe we should move locations."
"No! Sonozono-san's injuries haven't healed yet. I won't abandon a patient."
"Well then, shall we have them move to a villa once the Empress's injuries have healed?"
That seems like a reasonable line of thought.
"Understood."
When I say that, everyone returns to their original positions.Speaking of which...
"Sakai-kun, what did you come here for? Is it okay to leave Akira-san?"
"I was sent by that Akira-chan. Besides, Akira-chan still has tons of SPs around her."
Sakai-kun says that and laughs.They really want to take our cards, no matter what.I wonder if they have something very inconvenient on their hands?Sakai-kun is contacting Tada-kun.
"Well then, I'll be going. Something came up. Take care."
Saying that, Sakai-kun left.I can't forgive a devilish man who would take a patient hostage.I pick up a piece of gum and chew it.For now, I'm waiting for information from Tada-kun.I organized the situation while suppressing the rising anger.
(6)
Toya-kun was strange that day.I kind of understand the reason.I heard the gist of it from Dad.Toya-kun is acting cheerful, but it's okay to be yourself in front of me, you know?Spoil me like you always do.I want to hear Toya-kun's true feelings.At a time like this, I, as his wife, have to support him...The change came quickly.A rare steak dripping with blood.Normally, Toya-kun would eat it with pleasure, but today of all days, he said he had no appetite.As I thought, he's in shock...What can I do for Toya-kun?
Thump
"That's no good! It's rude to the food! You have to eat properly!"
Saying that, I press the meat against Toya-kun's mouth.Toya-kun, who was reluctant, finally gives in and puts it in his mouth.
"Is it good?"
"Yeah, it's good."
He's probably trying to be considerate of me in his own way. He pats my head.
"You two really get along well."
"I guess you'd call them a devoted couple."
Toya-kun's father and Maya-san said that and laughed.After Toya-kun ate dinner and took a bath, he watched TV.I also took a bath, then returned to Toya-kun's room and dried my hair.He was watching the news.It was about today's incident.The shooting incident at Harada General Design.It wasn't on the news, but it seems there was also an attack at Nishimatsu Clinic.At that time, Sakai-kun apparently stole a phone from a man believed to be the Devil.It was immediately handed over to Makoto-kun, and its contents were analyzed.Now we have a grasp of the enemy's hand.All that's left is to attack.But Toya-kun is not in the state for that right now.He's staring blankly at the TV.
"This operation was a failure..."
Toya-kun says.Why? We finally caught the enemy's tail, didn't we?
"It was my judgment error. I didn't think the enemy would go that far."
"..."
"If I had acted just one step sooner..."
Slap
I slapped Toya-kun.And then I clung to him, crying.
"Delete what you were just thinking right now! Right now!!"
"Airi?"
"I think a person's death is a serious thing. I understand that Toya-kun regrets letting him die so easily. But if Toya-kun died, I would definitely feel the same way. I'd wonder why I let you go. I'd think I should have stopped you, even if I had to cling to you."
"Airi..."
"Everyone's life is precious, it's an irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind thing. But Toya-kun is so consumed by regret and guilt that you're forgetting something crucial. Toya-kun's life is just as precious, you know?"
If Toya-kun died, a lot of people would be sad.But that's the same for everyone.So you forget.You mustn't say things like 'even at the cost of my own life' so easily.Please survive for my sake too.I pleaded desperately.Whether it had an effect or not, Toya-kun accepted it.
"Sorry, you're right, Airi. The will to live no matter what happens..."
"That's right."
Something that must never be forgotten. It is an absolute and unchanging truth, a will that no one can bend.
"Airi... I have a request."
"Wha~t?"
"Can I be spoiled just for tonight?"
"No."
"Huh?"
"Just for tonight is absolutely no good. You can be spoiled whenever you want to be spoiled, Toya-kun."
"I understand."
Toya-kun's expression had returned to his usual smile.I hug him.That's when I noticed something strange about Toya-kun.Toya-kun's body is trembling.Was he scared after all?No, it's different. He still can't shake it off, after all. The mistake he made.Usually, I'm the one who gets spoiled by Toya-kun.But just for today, I'll let Toya-kun be spoiled.It was a beautiful night with a full moon.