Chapter 301 - Embracing a Frozen Heart
(1)
"Papa-san!!"
Airi rushed over to Airi's father lying in bed.
Airi's father sat up and hugged Airi.
His right arm was in a cast.
His right leg was also in a cast.
His head was also bandaged.
"It's our fault, isn't it? I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"
"...I'm fine. More importantly, you've grown up."
"Huh?"
"The last time you hugged me like that was when you were in elementary school, right?"
"Ah!"
Airi, embarrassed, hurriedly pulled away from her father.
"That's no good, Papa-san. If you say things that embarrass your daughter~"
"Hahaha... I was just happy. Getting injured every now and then isn't so bad."
"You idiot, Papa-san! I was really worried!"
What Airi said was true.
She had been crying all along, saying, "What if Papa-san dies?"
"Uncle, I'm sorry. It's our fault, isn't it?"
"I'm glad it was me who got hurt, not you kids. This is my job, after all. But you're different."
Airi's father's face turned serious.
"...But this is the kind of enemy we're dealing with. Be very careful."
"I understand."
I understood, but I couldn't figure out how to respond. Was "Strike before being struck!" the right answer?
After that, more of Airi's father's colleagues, detectives, arrived, so we left the hospital room.
"Well then, we mothers will be going home. Call us if anything happens."
"Katagiri-san~ Sorry for the trouble~"
"No no, Rie-san, don't overdo it."
"Oka~y"
My mother called me.
"Oh, you see, Rie-san was really shaken up. That's why we came along. You two keep her company, okay?"
"Got it."
My mother and the others left. Airi was now keeping Airi's mother company.
"It seems that her late grandfather told her not to come here until Airi-chan gives birth to a healthy grandchild."
"Well then, you'll have to live a long time."
"I can't wait that long~ Mommy too~"
"You can't be so timid~ Toya-kun, say something too."
What should I say?
"I've said Airi is already mine, but I haven't properly received her from her father yet. Until then..."
"That's right~. Papa-san dreams of that day too~"
"Katagiri-kun, a moment."
Miyuki-san was calling.
"Airi, I'm going for a bit. Take care of your mother."
"Okay."
I went to Miyuki-san.
"What's up?"
"I heard the results of the scene investigation. I hate to say it, but it's a good thing that Superintendent Tosaka was the one hit. If it had been an ordinary citizen, it might have been fatal."
"In other words?"
"Apparently, the vehicle rammed into Superintendent Tosaka while he was waiting at a pedestrian crossing for the light to change. He tried to dodge but couldn't, so he managed to brace himself for impact."
I see.
"So, do you have any leads on the culprit?"
Miyuki-san asked.
"I have a rough idea. It's probably related to the Knights of the Sun. They apparently stole the files."
"Is that okay?"
"Apparently, the files he had were copies intended for the Public Prosecutors Office."
"That's a relief then."
Miyuki-san started chewing gum.
"By the way, what do you plan to do from now on?"
"Huh?"
"'Strike back when struck' is Unity's way, isn't it?"
"I don't know where to direct my strike."
"Isn't it obvious? Against the Knights of the Sun?"
Just release the information quickly. That's what Miyuki-san says. But I think that's wrong.
"This time, I have a trump card that can only be used once. If the timing is off, its effect will diminish. I want to time it right. I've discussed this with Superintendent Tosaka."
"And that's December 25th?"
"That's what I think."
"So the days of enduring continue..."
Miyuki-san sighed.
"Well, if you get hurt but it's not fatal, I'll heal you."
"I'll be careful not to get hurt."
"Please do."
With that, Miyuki-san left. I returned to Airi.
"What did Miyuki-san say?"
"She told me to be careful."
"Yeah, that's right..."
Airi's expression was dark. Can't be helped...
"Airi. I'm going to head home soon. What about you?"
"Umm..."
"Toya-kun, Airi-chan is yours~. You don't need to worry about me~. Airi-chan left home with that resolve, didn't she~?"
"Uuh... that's true."
"Toya-kun, please take care of Airi-chan~."
"Well then, I'll go. Contact me if anything happens. For sure~."
"The doctor said she's fine, so don't worry~. Come again tomorrow~."
Saying that, Airi's mother saw us off at the entrance.
"How was Airi's mother?"
I asked Airi.
"She seemed really shocked. She wasn't her usual self, Rie-chan."
"I see..."
"Hey? Toya-kun. Are we really the ones being targeted?"
"If the enemy is Takahashi Kenshin, then yes."
The man with a grudge against my father and Airi's father.
"What should we do?"
"We have no choice but to wait for the right time, and endure until then. That's what I think."
"Won't we involve everyone else?"
"We probably will."
Lying to reassure her at a time like this was pointless.
"We should have done this just the two of us..."
"Airi, 'if only' is a forbidden word at times like this."
"Huh?"
"If we had done this back then, if we had done that... there's no end to it. Instead, we should think about what we should do from now on."
"So you've been thinking about it, Toya-kun?"
"The enemy is impatient. They'll definitely show their hand. We need to firmly suppress them. We should do it the way we always have."
"What if they don't take the bait?"
In that case...
Airi stared at me intently.
"I'll prepare bait. I saw a trap for catching wild boar before. I'm thinking of doing it that way."
"Is there any bait?"
"Plenty."
"Like?"
I grinned.
"Toya-kun, you don't mean...!"
"Yes, I do."
"That's absolutely out of the question! If you're going to be the decoy, I'd rather do it myself!"
"I can't let my cute bride do that."
"I don't want to lose my precious husband."
"Then let's just wait relaxed for the time to come."
"...Uuh. It's frustrating to just take it, but you're right."
"For now, I'll talk to Watanabe-kun tomorrow. He said he has the day off tomorrow."
"So we're all gathering, then."
"Looks like it."
When I got home for now, dinner and my parents were waiting. We talked while eating. The topic was the Knights of the Sun. Come to think of it, my parents also work for the Allied Press? Mom was worried, Dad encouraged me. Dad said he couldn't openly support me due to his position, but he would cooperate.
"Are you fine with whatever happens to your son?"
"I don't remember raising a pathetic son who would run away!"
"Aren't you worried about Airi-chan?"
"Toya will protect her properly."
But Airi is stronger, though...
While talking like that, we wrapped things up and I returned to my room.
"Toya, don't worry about your father!"
Those were the words my father said as I entered my room. Back in my room, we took turns bathing, then relaxed drinking chuhai in the room. The messages on my phone were mainly about worrying over Airi's father and Airi. Airi was replying. When things settled down, we got into bed together to sleep.
"I'm glad Papa-san seems okay."
"Yeah, I'm glad."
"Yeah, you be careful too, Toya-kun."
"You too, Airi."
"Yeah..."
Airi seemed to want me to say something more. It's okay.
"I'll protect you, Airi... Don't worry."
"Thank you... but don't overdo it."
"I won't do anything to make you worry."
"Promise?"
"Yeah."
That night, I wrapped my arms around Airi protectively and fell asleep.
(2)
"I'm home."
"Welcome back, Zen-kun."
When I got home, my wife warmly welcomed me. A rare occurrence lately. Delicious-looking dishes were lined up on the table. I drank sake with those as snacks and talked with Akira-chan. The topic was Superintendent Tosaka being attacked. The files seemed to be decoys, but I got the feeling that... still. It feels like we've touched something we shouldn't have. At this rate, I feel like a dump truck might ram into our house too. After finishing the rare family time, we washed the dishes together. After that, we took turns showering and watched TV while drinking beer. The news was on. A police officer was run over. That news was being reported. They reported that alcohol was detected from the driver, but it's probably false reporting. Akira-chan was operating her smartphone. Probably talking to everyone in Unity? When the news ended and late-night shows started, we decided to sleep. There's a Unity gathering tomorrow. I also took a day off from my part-time job.
"We can't forgive the Knights of the Sun."
Akira-chan showed such indignation. Her anger is understandable, though.
"Please don't do anything reckless."
How did a simple romance group turn into this? The beginning was the Egoist's machinations, though. I was just a poor student, but now I'm being treated as the "Reaper." I think this is a complete runaway. Our daily lives had changed so much that the word "peace" felt nostalgic. This time together felt so nostalgic that it had deviated from the genre of romance novels. Now is the time to enjoy this moment. The time to savor that peace. Even if it's hard now, if you keep believing, it will surely come true... Dreaming of the time when peace will flow again, we fell asleep.
(3)
Beep beep beep...
The alarm goes off. When I tried to turn off the alarm, my hand overlapped with Satomi's. It's only 8 AM... a bit early for a day off, but since we're awake, it can't be helped. Satomi starts preparing breakfast. I also get dressed and turn on the TV. The news topics had changed. Who the hosts for Kouhaku are, figure skaters changing, etc. It had shifted to mundane topics.
"Breakfast is ready."
Satomi said, so I sat at the table and ate.
"Finally, peace has returned."
Satomi said.
"Yes, finally... truly."
"But we can't enjoy it for long."
Satomi said sadly.
"I hear everyone in Unity intends to wipe them out root and branch..."
Maybe they don't need to go that far? I can't say I don't feel that way.
"But if we don't nip it in the bud here, our lives won't be guaranteed."
Satomi said flatly.
"Katagiri-kun also said it. There's no getting off midway."
"That's true, but..."
"That's your bad habit, Takumi. You always think negatively. If we can just get through this, things will work out. Can't you think that way?"
"Satomi, tell me. How much longer do we have to endure?"
"At the very least, we have this moment now because we endured until now, don't we?"
How many dangers did we face just to earn this moment... and it will disappear soon.
"You know, it takes a huge amount of time for people to realize even a single happiness. It took us nearly half a year to realize the happiness of the present. If you think of it the other way, we realized it in half a year. Can't you think of it that way?"
Satomi says it's better than going through life never noticing a tiny happiness.
"Besides, at least we'll reach a great happiness this month. Isn't that something to be happy about?"
"...I am happy."
"Then let's leave it at that?"
Satomi smiled as she said that. Then Satomi started on household chores. When the chores were done, she started working at home. I also helped with that. A peaceful time. How many sacrifices did we make to obtain this time? And how much danger will we risk again to obtain this time? If I could stop time in the world and gaze into Satomi's eyes, I'd want to take her to a distant place from which we could never return. On freezing nights, at least I want to meet her in my dreams. Even if I can only act clumsily. So that in my single-minded love, I won't lose to anyone. Even if I escape the noise, I don't want to be alone today. There's no point brooding over it.
"Satomi, want to head out early today?"
"Eh?"
"Want to go out from noon and watch a movie?"
"Is there a movie you want to see?"
"Yeah, there's a movie I'm interested in."
A war story about a powerless pianist surviving the battlefield and reclaiming everyday life. I heard the piano melodies are beautiful.
"I'd also like to do some shopping."
"Come to think of it, we haven't been on a proper date since we got married."
It seemed Satomi noticed.
"That's right."
"Alright. Then I'll stop working for today. I need to get ready."
Saying that, Satomi shut down her PC and started getting ready. I also started getting ready. Preparing to reclaim our daily lives.
(4)
I was watching a DVD with Kosei. I had assumed it was a children's anime. A story about struggling to become an adult while painfully realizing one's lack of experience. An anime whose theme song used as BGM is very famous. Are we like that too? Even if we struggle to become adults, our obvious lack of experience blocks us from becoming adults. Now is the time to solidify the foundations. I was watching while thinking such things. When the movie ended, Kosei lay down on the floor. We need to get ready soon. I prepare a change of clothes. I don't think much of changing clothes in front of Kosei anymore. Because we've been living in the same room all along.
"Kosei, hurry up. I want to stop by somewhere on the way."
"Stop by where?"
"Grandfather's house."
"Do you want me to ask for your hand in marriage?"
Same old Kosei.
"If you want to say it, I won't stop you."
I've learned a little how to handle that kind of Kosei.
"I haven't even proposed to you yet, you know?"
"Then do it now."
"What's with you? Influenced by the movie?"
So even Kosei can be surprised.
"What if I am?"
Kosei is troubled.
"Tell me your ring size."
Eh?
"An engagement ring... I can't buy it, can I?"
So that's it?
"I've never measured it either, so I don't know. Want to pick one together?"
"If my fair lady says so, I'm honored."
"I'm already a has-been. But if you'll still follow me..."
"I'll accompany you anywhere."
We asked Shinjo-san and stopped by Grandfather's house.
"You came."
Grandfather welcomed us. It's not as grand a house as before, but he lives in an ordinary house.
"Any contact from Gozen?"
"No, it stopped completely after that. Gozen probably has more pressing matters. I've lost my value as a decoy."
Adding, "Thanks to your efforts."
"Then contact from the Takahashi family?"
"I received a large settlement and nothing since. I've been watching the news. It seems it's started again, hasn't it?"
"The Midwinter Deal."
When I said those words, Grandfather's tone changed.
"So it's come to that stage."
"We'll stop them. We won't let them have their way."
"Hmm... That should be the finishing blow. Go all out."
"That's the plan."
"By the way, how are things with Kosei?"
"Kosei apparently has something to say about that."
I was being a little mean.
"Oh? What is this greeting about, Kosei?"
It was meant to be a simple prank on Kosei. But Kosei didn't seem to take it that way. Kosei was smiling.
"Actually, today I plan to go buy rings with Naru."
"Oh?"
"If Naru will accept the ring. I want to be with Naru."
It's impossible legally, but he wants to be together. Kosei said that.
"So you want to marry in the future. I can take it that way, correct?"
When Grandfather asked back, Kosei nodded.
"I'll have to live a bit longer."
Grandfather said that and laughed.
"Well then, we have plans."
Saying that to Grandfather, I stood up smoothly.
"Come again."
With that, we left the house.
"Well then, shall we go buy the rings quickly? Before my fair lady changes her mind."
Kosei said that and laughed. Before going to the gathering place, the izakaya, we stopped by a jewelry store and bought rings. They're cheap, but they have meaning. It's been a while since we had such a normal day. Since we had time until the gathering, we went on a casual city date.
(5)
"Is everyone here?"
In response to Watanabe-kun's question, everyone raised their glasses.
"Thanks for gathering today. We've become a large group, but let's have fun."
"Ooh!"
"There are two things I want to take care of before everyone gets drunk."
Two?
"First is the incident of Superintendent Tosaka's accident."
Everyone buzzes.
"The public calls it an accident, but it's not an accident. It's a serious crime. Miyuki-sensei can prove it."
"I obtained information from the police. The perpetrator rammed into Superintendent Tosaka. There's no doubt. And from the way he was injured, it can only be considered intentional."
I calm Airi down.
"If they hit us, we hit back! Payback times two! You know who the enemy is, right!? Let's go crash into them!"
When Mika-san said that, everyone got excited.
"That would just be a gang war. This time, we have a finishing blow. That's why the enemy panicked and did something this dangerous. Please endure for now."
When Watanabe-kun calmed everyone down, I stood up and said.
"The problem is the timing of its use. If we get the timing wrong, they'll escape again and we'll be back to square one. That's why I consulted with Superintendent Tosaka. This time, we'll definitely finish them off."
"But that's assuming the enemy will fall into the trap, right? Now that they're aware, isn't it pointless?"
When Emi-san said that, I replied.
"They have no choice but to fall into it. They've already played their last card. If they flee now, only they will suffer losses. And they'll suffer fatal losses."
"What do you mean?"
"You know that, don't you, Emi-san? It was in the documents."
"Ah!?"
"Yes, the majority shareholder is Takahashi Kenshin. They're on a sinking ship. There's no longer any chance to escape."
"I see... So they'll be frantically trying to recover the documents until then?"
"But the documents have already been delivered to the National Police Agency. I confirmed with Superintendent Tosaka today."
"They fell into the trap... That's what it is."
"That's right."
"What does that mean!"
"It's like the end of a game of Sevens."
When Mika-san said that, I answered.
"If they play that card, the opponent will win. But they have no other cards to play. They're making a last-ditch effort because they have no cards left."
When I said that, everyone understood.
"So all we have to do is watch from now on!?"
"That's how it is."
"Then let's celebrate in advance today! Right, everyone!"
When Mika-san said that, everyone got excited.
"There's one more report."
Watanabe-kun said. Right, he said there were two things.
"Kosei, Naru, come forward."
When Kosei and Naru came forward, everyone buzzed. Something was off. Kosei was nervous. Naru was... embarrassed.
"Kosei, whenever you're ready!"
When Watanabe-kun said that, Kosei made up his mind and spoke.
"Naru. I want to mark the same time as you."
Saying that, he presented a ring.
I spit out my drink. Because they're still middle schoolers!?
"Yes... Please take care of me."
When Naru said that, everyone cheered.
"Tonight, we're letting loose! Let's all celebrate grandly!"
Kanna said.
"Kosei, this is a celebration! Drink!"
"Don't encourage a minor to drink!"
When Mika-san said that, Watanabe-kun scolded her.
"Kosei-san, that's so cool! I'm moved!!"
Haruto was clapping.
"Haruto, when will you propose to me?"
Shiratori-san asked Haruto.
"W-well, I still don't have the confidence to make Haruna happy..."
Well, at 19, it's impossible.
"I don't need that kind of confidence? I'm already happy enough."
"Same with Toya, but when a woman says she wants it, a man should say it!!"
"That's right, Haruto! Just go with the flow and say it!"
When Shiratori-san said that, Kanna and Mika-san both egged Haruto on.
"Well, Haruto has his own thoughts, right? Let him be."
The one who threw him a lifeline was Watanabe-kun.
"Masashi! A woman says she wants to marry you, but you say wait. Isn't that wrong as a man?"
"It might have been fine for us, but Haruto is probably worried about whether he can support Shiratori-san on his own. Isn't that right, Haruto?"
When Watanabe-kun said that, Haruto nodded silently.
"But there are ways around that, like both working! In fact, all the married couples in Unity do that, don't they!?"
"He probably also doesn't want to put Shiratori-san through unnecessary hardship. So, Shiratori-san, can you give him a little more time? There's no need to rush into marriage."
"That's true. But, Haruto. Don't make me wait too long, okay?"
"O-of course! Once I'm independent as a man, I'll definitely propose!"
"...Thank you."
Haruto, you just said something amazing. That's practically half a proposal, you know? There are people who would go wild with just that, thinking "I'm his bride~."
"Congratulations, Shiratori-san."
When Airi clapped, everyone clapped.
Shiratori-san thanked everyone, while Haruto didn't grasp the situation. Tonight, the party raged on.
"Amazing, isn't it, Unity?"
Airi clung to my right arm as I sat in the back seat of a taxi.
"Yeah... amazing."
In many ways. I said while stroking Airi's head.
"They truly spread happiness to all sorts of places, and everyone unites. That expansion knows no bounds."
I think Airi is right. But where is this heading? It's not like our previous life is guaranteed. More problems could arise. There are still unresolved issues. Yet Unity swallows everything around it like a tornado and expands its power. Still, Unity will probably scatter happiness around. There's no getting off midway. But it's an endless journey with no visible destination. A journey of knocking on doors one by one and peeking into invisible worlds. Fragments of dreams are born in the corners of this ever-changing city. And even now, I will probably continue forward tomorrow with a faint light in my heart, just as I am. Always, a voice calling for tomorrow flows in my heart. It's painful, tender, and makes my heart ache. Beyond the sunlit slope, there will surely be new encounters. When that happens, I'll smile and take you beyond the rainbow. Our destination is an endlessly pure world.