Chapter 300 - White Love
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun~"
Even though it's December, Airi's voice is cheerful. I think it's a good thing that I can hear her cheerful voice all year round.
"Good morning, Airi."
When I stroked her hair and said it gently, Airi happily hugged me.
"I have to go do my daily routine."
Even though it doesn't snow, it's December. I put on my coat and prepare. After finishing my routine, I take a shower and eat breakfast. After breakfast, I make coffee and bring it up to my room.
After half a month, public gossip flows elsewhere, and the internet and TV are overflowing with news about figure skating and year-end events. Our Unity is also busy this month: the Manabe couple's wedding on Christmas Eve, a birthday party on the 25th, and a year-end party. Lately, I envy being busy with events like that. Because I've been living a dangerous life.
When Airi came back, she changed clothes and started putting on makeup. I look at Airi and think. We haven't done that in a while. Was Airi lonely after all?
"What's wrong, Toya-kun?"
She looked at me curiously. Should I test it out.
I beckoned to Airi.
"I'll go after I finish my makeup."
I said that and continued my makeup. While waiting for Airi to finish her makeup, I watch TV. Some reports are still pursuing the Urbanity matter. However, since they didn't crush the parent Sudo Group, it seems some pressure is being applied, and they didn't mention the Red Society at all.
Airi finished her makeup and sat next to me.
"Your café au lait will get cold."
Saying that, Airi starts drinking the café au lait. When she finished it, she clings to my arm.
"So, what is it~?"
"Ah, no. I was thinking we haven't been affectionate in the mornings lately."
"You were paying attention to me."
I didn't say I only just noticed.
"Well, yeah."
"Yay~, but it's okay today, you know? Because I'll be all cuddly later."
"Why?"
Airi's face turns stern.
"You didn't notice~? Today is your birthday, Toya-kun!"
"Oh..."
"Make sure you prepare for the overnight stay."
"So it's the usual course?"
"Yeah. Ah, but..."
Airi looked downcast.
"What's wrong?"
"Don't get depressed when you see the present, okay?"
"Why?"
"That's a secret."
I've never once been depressed by a gift from Airi, though.
"I'll look forward to it."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Yay~"
Seeing Airi happy makes me happy too. I play around with Airi until it's time for school. While playing around, I feel like playing a prank.
"It's almost time to go to school~"
I don't miss the moment Airi stands up. I quickly stick my face into her skirt, and I wrap my arm around her waist in case she loses her balance and falls.
"Kyaa!"
Airi pressed her skirt down with her hands and sat down on the spot in a split-leg position. My face is sandwiched between her thighs.
Today it was red. When Airi wears a black skirt, it's usually black or red. Well, I do see it when she changes. Don't you feel like doing it? If your girlfriend is wearing a skirt, you want to flip it up or peek.
"Ugh... you're a troublesome husband."
Poka
"Save that for when we get home!"
"Got it."
Because of such a silly reason, I missed the important news.
"Well, I'm off."
"Ah, yes. Have a safe trip."
"?"
Mother's behavior is strange.
"Did something happen?"
I asked Mother.
"Nothing at all. I was just worried you might be feeling down."
"Why?"
"Huh?"
"If you don't know, then it's fine. Well, take care."
Saying that, she saw us off.
"I wonder what happened to Maya-san?"
Airi was thinking hard in the car and fiddling with her smartphone.
"Ah!"
"What's wrong?"
"U-uh, nothing."
She's hiding something. It was that kind of smile. It's related to this morning's topic about Mother. I notice as I look at her phone. Mother has been acting strange since morning. Soon it'll be year-end... I see.
"I see, you weren't called up for the Japan national basketball team."
It was a complete wild guess.
"Yeah, she was disappointed... Wait, how do you know that?... Ah!"
Airi fell for it nicely. Well, I stirred up that much trouble. Can't be helped. Maybe I won't be able to join the national team until the heat dies down? I was prepared for that. Still, even if I was prepared, a shock is a shock. But I don't want to show that side of me in front of Airi.
"It can't be helped. Don't worry about it."
I patted Airi's head.
"Are you forcing yourself, Toya-kun?"
"I'm not forcing myself."
"I hope so..."
When we arrived at the parking lot, we got out of the car. I linked arms with Airi and walked. Passersby point at us and gossip. It's probably not because we're dating. It must be about the basketball matter or the Unity rumors. Without paying attention to that, we head to the classroom.
Even in the classroom, people whisper rumors. Airi seemed the same as always. But it seems she has her own thoughts too. She held my hand under the desk.
"It's okay."
I squeezed her hand back.
And then class began.
After the second period, everyone gathered in the cafeteria. Before everyone gathered, I checked the news on my phone.
Katagiri not selected for Japan national team.
There was news like that. When I read the article, it seems the association judged that since I'm involved in an incident, they can't involve other players. So once it's clear that the commotion is over, I'll be called again, right? In fact, I've received messages from Masato and Kazuto.
"Make sure to settle it by the Olympics! Your strength is absolutely necessary for the Olympics."
As I replied to each, everyone came.
"Toya, I'm sorry!"
Watanabe-kun bowed his head.
"I don't mind, so it's fine. I said it on TV, right? Between Unity and basketball, if I had to choose, it's Unity."
"But..."
My phone rang. It was from the staff member. I took the call a little away from everyone.
"Hello? Yes?"
"Did you see the news? Are you okay now?"
"I'm okay, I just saw the news."
"The coach and staff are all working hard for your return. Don't give up."
"I understand. I'm fine."
"Your power is indispensable to win at the Olympics. We'll make sure to keep a seat ready for you!"
"Yes."
"Well, see you."
"Thank you for going out of your way."
"No, I'm relieved you're calm. Well, see you later."
And the call ended. When I returned to everyone, they asked.
"How was it?"
"Ah, it was from the national team staff. They said, 'We'll keep a seat ready for you at the Olympics.'"
"I see, that's good," Kanna said.
"Toya, don't worry about the promise. You've already seen the top of the world again. No one will complain, even if you don't make the team..."
When Watanabe-kun said that, I shook my head.
"I'm the one who set the conditions. I won't be satisfied."
"Don't say it like that! Then I won't know how to cheer you on!"
Sakura-san said.
"No matter what Sakurako says, it won't change. This guy always sticks to his own will," Tasuku said.
"I hesitate to bring this up at a time like this, but..."
Emi-san came over with documents.
"Already done?"
"That thing?"
"Yes, the evidence is mostly put together, so I brought it. Katagiri-kun, are you okay with sticking your neck into this?"
"Once Unity's name comes out, people will know I'm involved anyway."
I laughed and replied that.
"Then I'll explain briefly. Internally, bankruptcy has been decided, and headhunting and transfers of personal assets have already begun."
"D-Day is December 24th?"
When I asked, Emi-san nodded.
"The problem is the countermeasures... As expected, it's impossible to rebuild a securities company."
Watanabe-kun was troubled.
"It seems stopping the bankruptcy is impossible..."
I said that while searching for a certain person's name.
"There it is. Largest shareholder, Takahashi Kenshin."
I caught the Hermit's tail. I returned the documents to Emi-san.
"Keep this document safe. Make its security as tight as Makoto's server."
"Makoto-kun's server machine is one thing, but our hidden room uses a system so strong that no spy from any country can infiltrate it. No problem."
"Toya, did you come up with a way to stop the plan?"
Watanabe-kun said.
"I told you, right? The bankruptcy can't be stopped."
"Then there's no point in keeping the documents, is there?"
"We can't stop the bankruptcy, but it becomes material to cut off its lifeline."
"You're going to say we should file a complaint, but it's useless. You shouldn't underestimate the power of the Sun Knights."
Kamenashi-kun said.
"Before, Sakura-san said, 'If the local authorities won't work, just use others.'"
"As Katagiri-kun probably knows, with the vertical division structure, it's not easy to reach into another jurisdiction."
"That's not what I mean. Did you forget? The National Police Agency is backing us."
"You don't mean!"
"It's the power that Airi's dad gave us. There's no reason not to use it."
"And it'll be Vice Minister Isou's turn again."
"Their aim is probably not just short selling. They're also targeting the guarantee deposits using national taxes. If the government moves, naturally..."
"Local administration won't even be a factor..."
"All that's left is to make sure our actions aren't detected."
When I said that, everyone got excited.
"But in the end, the victims won't be saved, will they?"
Ishihara-kun said.
"In this case, it can't be said that the victims are without fault. Basically, it's self-responsibility."
Watanabe-kun said.
"Things won't turn out as you worry, Ishihara-kun. Basically, the users' funds are separate from the securities company's operating funds."
"But unrealized gains and losses are self-responsibility, though," I added to explain. Ishihara-kun seemed relieved.
"But temporary panic will be unavoidable, I suppose."
Emi-san said.
"They're probably planning to take advantage of the chaos to escape, but..."
Akira-san said.
"I will absolutely not allow that!!"
When Airi said that, the three of them placed their hands on top of each other's.
"When do we carry it out?"
"I'd like to take it easy this year, you know?"
When Emi-san said that, I answered.
"You say take it easy, but if things go wrong, hundreds of lives are at stake!"
"That's just a tiny fraction. If you insist, then December 25th."
"You're going to do it after the fact?"
"I think it's the perfect timing for a counterattack."
To be safer, we should consult Airi's dad before that. When I said that, everyone was convinced.
"In that case, I'll leave this file with Airi-chan."
Saying that, she handed the file to Airi. Airi carefully put the file in her bag.
"Toya-kun, before the overnight stay today, let's go to my dad's place?"
Airi seems uneasy about having the file.
"Yeah."
The police station, not a place I want to visit often.
"Since we're here, why don't we all go?"
Emi-san said.
"Should we invite Ai and the others too?"
Airi said that while contacting everyone. Going are me, Airi, Kanna, Ai-san, the Ishiharas, the Sakaikis, the Watanabes, Shiratori-san, and Haruto — 12 people. It's almost time. Everyone packs up and returns to class.
(2)
I received a sudden summons. Gather at the local central police station at 4 PM. Is something dangerous happening again? Anticipation and anxiety. The anxiety is because something dangerous is about to happen. The anticipation is because I can see Haruto. Haruto is busy with his part-time job. But when I said I was going to the local area, he said, "I'll take today off." Joy. Haruto always thinks about me.
I arrived at the local central police station around 3:30 PM. As I waited for everyone, they gathered one after another. But even before that, suspicious vehicles could be seen. Reconnaissance? Surveillance? Tail? Probably all are correct. It was just as Katagiri-san and the others were getting out of the car and heading for the entrance. Men poured out of their cars one after another. Total about 20. Double our number.
"Toya, how many can you handle?"
"There are 5 men, so about 4 per person?"
"It's okay. We're here."
"I thought something like this would happen, sigh."
Ishihara-san and Sakai-san said.
"What do you want?"
"How about you hand over that file quietly?"
"So that's it, huh?"
Emi gave a fearless smile.
"You guys, get into the police station first!!"
"And Katagiri-kun!?"
When Emi-san said that, Katagiri-san laughed softly.
"I can't leave all the fighting to Ishihara-kun and Sakai-kun."
"Toya-kun, be careful not to get hurt."
Airi-san was worried that even if you can return to the national team, it would be meaningless if you're injured.
"I know."
Even while saying that, he barely dodged a bat swung down at Katagiri-san. When you think about it, it was an obvious feat. The ability to dominate an area and sense presences, the speed to read an opponent's actions, and the agility of movement. It's obvious what happens if you apply that to combat. He could probably even dodge bullets.
Then the men surrounded Katagiri-san. Are they going to beat him all at once? But they're forgetting something crucial.
"Hey hey, are you forgetting we're here?"
"We're not letting Katagiri-senpai do it all alone!"
"...I think you need a bit more ability to read the battlefield."
Before the men could turn around, Watanabe-san and the others had already knocked them out. By the time the fallen men formed a pile, police officers rushed out of the station and subdued them. A young detective came over.
"Are you the ones Superintendent Tosaka mentioned? Come this way."
The detective guided us, and we headed to the third floor.
(3)
In the conference room, we met Airi's dad.
"...I've heard the gist from my daughter. Can you show it to me right away?"
I handed the file to Airi's dad.
"...I see. This is indeed a big deal."
Everyone's faces brightened. But I still had a worry.
"Where did you get such information?"
The young detective pressed.
We have to explain that.
"If we don't know the source, we can't trust it. It could be considered a rumor spreading on your part."
"...I said I would conduct the investigation, didn't I?"
Airi's dad said to the young detective.
"That's true, but..."
"So we just need to hand this over to the National Police Agency?"
Airi's dad said.
"Superintendent Tosaka, are you saying we should believe this!?"
The young detective said to Airi's dad.
"...We're currently interrogating the guys who were causing trouble outside. If we ask them, the credibility of this file will probably become clear."
"Then why not just hand it over to the Second Investigation Division?"
"Are you saying that after seeing the badges on these kids' chests?"
On our chests were badges with the Order of the Rising Sun and 'JSS' written on them, given by Airi's dad.
"This is..."
"That's right. We have no obligation to report upwards. They can act on their own judgment."
"That file is based on an internal whistleblower. It's definitely not a forgery. Every organization has young people full of a sense of justice. Isn't that right?"
When Emi-san said that, Airi's dad grinned.
"Very well. I'll start preparations ahead of D-Day. I'll work to make sure things move according to your schedule."
"Thank you very much."
Everyone stood and bowed.
"Well, I'll take my leave. I've definitely accepted this."
Saying that, Airi's dad and the others left the room. We also followed and left the police station.
"So this badge was that effective, huh."
Ishihara-kun said, looking at the badge on his chest.
"JSS... I wonder if it stands for Japan Secret Service. Japan has finally gotten moving."
Emi-san said.
"But isn't the Secret Service just bodyguards?"
"The American Secret Service is special. For example, they can arrest people for violent crimes without an arrest warrant."
"I feel like we're being dragged into something big."
Sakai-kun said. That's understandable. But...
"No getting off midway."
I muttered.
"Well, we're going home. You guys enjoy the birthday."
"We'll also eat something tasty since Haruna came, then head home."
"I'm off to work now! See ya, Toya."
Everyone went home their separate ways.
"Toya-kun, shall we go too?"
Airi said.
"Yeah."
I took Airi and headed to the hotel. The time spent whispering love with Airi like this, and the time of commotion like earlier. Sometimes I can't tell which is real. Both are real. Will this dual life continue forever? Unity's activities expand endlessly.
(4)
Today is Toya-kun's birthday. I enjoyed the meal at our favorite restaurant while drinking our favorite wine. I savored a time different from everyday. Wearing different clothes and a different hairstyle than usual. Toya-kun said it suits me. That one word makes me happy. Ah, today is Toya-kun's birthday. I have to make Toya-kun happy. I wonder if Toya-kun will be pleased? This year's present is a handmade knit cap. Toya-kun was happy. Even if that's a lie, it's fine. Because your smile is the best reward for me. No good, Toya-kun. Wearing a hat in the restaurant is bad manners. You're really happy, huh. After dinner, we went to the downtown area. We drank cocktails at our usual bar. Good work. We haven't relaxed in a while, have we? Huh? You thought so too, Toya-kun? Me too. After all, peace is the best for Unity.
"Probably just a brief rest, though."
Don't say that. I wish it could stay like this forever. I wish time would stop. I wish only the two of us had our own time.
"Will only we grow old?"
Toya-kun laughed and said that. Ugh... Toya-kun is mean. If you say that, I'll sulk. Toya-kun hurried to apologize. Today is special. I'll forgive anything.
We left the bar and returned to the hotel. Back at the hotel, I take a shower and drink the chuhai we bought at the convenience store. Alcohol is fine, but get drunk on me too. Like the endless starlight. I'll wrap Toya-kun in my heart full of love now. Like the endless star life, even if I want to give up, my love will never change. So that this happiness now doesn't someday disappear like snow. Because I love you... hold me. God, please watch over us. I will treasure this love forever because I decided to live for Toya-kun.
The next morning, I woke up to the alarm. Toya-kun is still sleeping. But it's time for Toya-kun's favorite breakfast.
"Toya-kun, it's morning time."
Toya-kun quickly got up and changed clothes. I hugged him.
"I want to cuddle more," I said.
But Toya-kun is mean. He said, "After breakfast!" Ugh...
After breakfast, Toya-kun let me cuddle. I cuddled with Toya-kun until just before checkout time. Then after checkout, we went home. Time to be pulled back to reality.
"Shall we take it easy when we get home today?"
Really?
"And Airi, you're not allowed to do housework."
Isn't it that you'll let me do it?
"I'll let you cuddle a lot."
Yay~.
But reality is always cruel... When we returned home, Maya-san and the others had left a note.
Nishimatsu Clinic. Room *. Superintendent Tosaka is in critical condition.
Dad!? My body trembled. He was so energetic until yesterday.
Toya-kun made a phone call on behalf of my trembling self.
"Dad? It's me... Yeah, I understand."
Toya-kun finished the call and said to me.
"Airi, let's go to the hospital? It's okay, Dad says it's critical but not life-threatening."
"Is Dad alive?"
"He seems to have regained consciousness too... but..."
But?
"Dad says the file was taken."
That means...
"No doubt it's the Sun Knights. It was a hit and run, and they haven't been caught yet."
"But if the file is taken..."
"Dad said that's not a problem either. He said the one taken was a copied dummy file. The real one has already been sent to the National Police Agency."
"Then that's a relief."
"So let's go to the hospital? They'll let us hear the details."
"Yeah."
Truly, reality was cruel.