Chapter 303 - Towards a Dazzling Tomorrow
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun. It's morning!!"
I was engaging in a struggle with Airi since morning.
Airi trying to pull off the futon and me clinging to it.
My eyes are awake, but I want to sleep a little more.
If this continues, the struggle might go on until the futon is torn.
If the futon gets torn, I'm afraid our relationship might get torn too.
But still, I want to sleep a bit more.
What should I do?
I stop resisting.
"Eek!"
Because I let go of the futon, Airi loses her balance and lands on the floor with a thud.
"Ugh... That's mean so early in the morning, Toya-kun."
Ignoring Airi's cute protest, I hug her together with the futon and push her down to the floor.
"Hey, I have my daily routine today, you know!? And the floor is rough, painful, and cold, so I don't like it!"
"Then it's okay if it's the bed?"
"Huh? Ah, that's not what I meant..."
Ignoring Airi who is trying to say something, I carry her to the bed.
"Now there's no problem at all. I love you, Airi."
"Thank you, I love you too... wait, that's not it!"
I cover Airi's still protesting mouth with mine.
Eventually, Airi, who was resisting, stops resisting and accepts me.
"Ugh... couldn't we do this after I finish my daily routine?"
I pretend not to hear Airi's final resistance.
Then I sleep while hugging Airi.
"Ugh... Toya-kun, you liar!"
thump
"You said you'd put your feelings into it when you're with me!"
While we were exchanging such words, the time for jogging was gone.
There was no jogging that day, but Airi's mood wasn't very good either.
After breakfast, Airi brings mugs, and then we watch TV together.
Her mood isn't as bad as I thought?
In fact, Airi is pressing her body against mine.
If I try putting my arm around her waist, she presses even closer.
In times like this, it's faster for me to peer into Airi's heart than to ask her clumsily.
She's a little sulky, but also seems to be waiting for something, and a dazzling light is shining in there.
Ah, I see.
Having grasped Airi's intention, I drink my coffee for now, take her mug as well, and leave the room.
Airi's face looks lonely.
No doubt about it.
When I return to the room, Airi is sulking alone.
I sit next to such an Airi and pull her shoulder close.
The usual Airi is back.
Airi clings to my arm.
I pat Airi's head, and then we exchange a kiss.
All the strength leaves Airi's body, and she entrusts herself to me.
"No fair~. You have to do the thing first before having time like this!"
Saying that, she laughs.
It seems Airi is in a good mood.
I carry Airi princess-style and lay her on the bed.
Airi raises her upper body and starts taking off her clothes herself.
Watching Airi, she says, "Don't just stare blankly, Toya-kun, you have to undress too."
I say, "Got it," and start to undress, but then I hear a voice from the TV.
"Local securities company goes bankrupt."
So they did come for this day.
An announcement timed for when the stock exchange is on holiday.
But since rumors of the planned collapse were circulating the day before, it seemed to have little impact.
However, even if it's a local company, a securities firm is a securities firm. A bankruptcy will have considerable effects.
Due to the high volatility yesterday, some went bankrupt, some amassed huge debts and threw themselves onto train tracks. Various impacts were felt.
Banks other than the local bank also seemed to have taken considerable damage.
The local bank was unaffected, probably because things went according to the Sun Knights' plan.
The Christmas Eve that people had dreamed of was wrapped in the color of despair.
While watching such news, I thought that the Sun Knights still couldn't be left alone.
But the most important thing to think about now wasn't that.
thump
"Toya-kun, you were so mean today. Getting me in the mood and then putting me off again? I'll really cry, you know?"
"Ah, sorry, sorry."
I apologize to Airi, turn off the TV, and get into bed.
"I have an appointment at the beauty salon this afternoon, so come with me, Toya-kun."
"Again? Why?"
"Today is the Manabe couple's wedding!"
"Ah, right..."
I completely forgot.
"You really forget everything when you're absorbed in something... At least get absorbed in me too... Ah."
I'm always absorbed in Airi.
After spending time with Airi, we change and get ready to go out.
"Toya-kun, which do you think is better, the blue dress or the red one?"
Airi asks while coordinating her outfit.
By the way, I'm wearing my usual suit.
"Either is fine" is absolutely forbidden. Even if it's just a whim, I choose the one I like.
"Red, maybe?"
"I knew you'd say that, Toya-kun. Okay, I'll go with this one."
Saying that, Airi starts changing.
She'll have her makeup done at the beauty salon.
We eat lunch out, go to the beauty salon at the appointed time, and I also get my hair styled.
Then we go home, get dropped off at the wedding venue by our parents, and chat with everyone.
Kosei and the others, as well as Kameari-kun and his group, also came.
"Is it really okay for us to be invited?"
Kameari-kun and the others say.
"We're already comrades. It's important to celebrate our comrades together," Watanabe-kun says.
"Thank you very much."
Kameari-kun bows.
"This is a celebration. Don't do anything that would ruin it!"
Mika-san says.
Airi is talking with the Unity members.
I talk with Watanabe-kun, Makoto, and Kosei, the four of us.
"As expected, just as planned."
Probably about this morning's news?
"What, tomorrow we'll celebrate as a victory party too. If it goes as planned."
Watanabe-kun says and laughs.
"I hear the Hermit has been hospitalized."
Kosei says. But...
"Is now really the time for that?"
When I say that, the three look at me.
"Watanabe-kun said it too, right? Today is the day to celebrate the departure of our comrades. Let's save the gloomy talk for another time."
Yes, today is the day to bless our comrade's dazzling tomorrow.
The day the sun visits the night for fun.
Even in the endless battle, tonight let's light a flame as a sign of truce.
(2)
"President, congratulations."
Tomosaka-san said to me.
"Thank you. Next will be your turn, Tomosaka-san."
"I'll be single for life. I don't have a partner."
"Is that so?"
There's a girl raising her hand next to you, you know?
"By the way, did you think it was okay not to call those kids today?"
Those kids probably mean the Unity members.
"It's fine. They said they'll celebrate with me tomorrow."
I reply.
"Watanabe-senpai said to enjoy ourselves with family today..."
When Takumi said that, Tomosaka-san seemed convinced.
Today's after-party was with my family and Takumi's family besides Unity.
Still, Niina-san, who works at the same company, and the Tange couple came.
"Satomi, congratulations."
Shuji-kun blessed me.
"Next will be your turn."
When I said that, Shuji-kun looked shy next to his cute bride standing beside him.
"Unity is having a wedding boom. I didn't expect to be invited this often."
"Right. I suppose Shiina-kun and the others will be next soon, right?"
"We'll think about it after Niina-san graduates."
"Hey, Shiina-san!!"
Niina-san looks embarrassed.
After the after-party ends, we go home.
When we get home, Takumi throws off his suit and dives onto the bed.
"...Please don't leave your laundry lying around."
"Ah, yeah, sorry. I let my guard down."
Takumi hurriedly puts away his suit.
"If you're going to sleep, take a bath first."
Saying that, I change clothes, sit at the desk, and start working.
Takumi places his hand over mine as I operate the mouse.
"Didn't I say today is a day off?"
"But the New Year's honeymoon is coming up, and there are tasks I'd like to finish early—"
"I'll help starting tomorrow."
"But you have your own tasks to clear, right?"
"Almost everything is done by yesterday. I have leeway until the end of the year."
"That's quite fast."
"I think Shiina-san was considerate and adjusted the workload."
"I see."
"Anyway, starting tomorrow there'll be sleepless days again, right? Let's at least rest today."
Saying that, Takumi shuts down my computer.
I give in.
After taking a shower, we drink champagne.
Then we both get into bed and spend our first night together.
(3)
Now, Nishimatsu Clinic was harboring a dangerous patient.
Takahashi Kenshin—this time the real Kenshin.
I contacted Unity about that.
Katagiri-kun just said, "Understood."
Naturally, nothing was wrong with him, and the attending physician role was passed to me.
It's the usual job of checking on his health once a day.
On the door of the private room, there's a "No Visitors" sign.
When I open the door, Kenshin is shouting loudly.
"If you get too excited, it will be bad for your health," the nurse says.
"Do you have any complaints about your body?"
"Just in a bad mood."
Quite a different image from the Kenshin who was the body double.
"Well, if anything comes up, feel free to call me anytime."
"You! ...Stay for a bit."
He called out to me.
I tell the nurse to go back first and listen to what Kenshin has to say.
"...Am I going to be like this forever?"
"Your condition is fine. If you want to be discharged, you can—"
"That's not what I'm saying!"
Kenshin yelled.
"You're a member of Unity too, aren't you? You understand what I mean, right?"
Ah, so that's what he means.
Even in that sense, my answer doesn't change.
"Your condition is fine. I'd almost want to give your room to another patient."
I added a little sarcasm.
"If I had a place to go, I'd be discharged immediately!"
"You have plenty of places to go, don't you?"
Like prison.
"With this, my chance of getting an award is ruined! Don't think you'll get off scot-free either!"
Kenshin glares at me.
I don't know what the world thinks, but to me, he's just a slightly healthy old man.
Not worth my time.
"Think what you want about us... but to me, you're a patient under my care, nothing more and nothing less."
"Are you saying a geezer like me isn't worth talking to?"
"I don't like to mix personal feelings into my work."
Because it interferes with my job.
"Well, if you were to fall ill, I would concentrate on your treatment. That's my current mission."
Pride that must never be forgotten, no matter the situation.
"Hmph, I'll just have you replaced with someone else!"
"...Is that all you wanted to say? I'm not that free either."
"How infuriating... Get out of my sight!"
As long as he's saying such spiteful things, he's probably fine, right?
I left the room.
"Excuse me, are you the doctor in charge of Takahashi Kenshin?"
I was stopped by someone who looked like a reporter and a detective.
"That's right, what is it?"
"It says no visitors, but I hear he's actually not sick at all."
"Takahashi Kenshin is not allowed to meet anyone other than family."
"And why is that?"
"I have no obligation to answer that. It's as I said in the press conference."
"You know the truth, don't you!? That Takahashi Kenshin is perfectly fine!"
"That's enough!"
I shouted.
"No matter what you say, this is a hospital. And Takahashi Kenshin is a patient. And I am a doctor. I have a duty to protect my patients!"
"That's just a sophism. You and the hospital were bribed, weren't you!? I can investigate the darkness of this hospital."
"If that's your job, feel free. But I'm not a fool who would abandon my duties for money. Whatever happens, I'll just fulfill my responsibilities."
"Are you saying we're hyenas after money?"
"You don't look that noble to me. Now, that's enough, isn't it?"
"Wait, I'm with the police. When is he likely to be discharged?"
"I said so at the press conference too. I explained that the situation still does not allow for an optimistic outlook."
"I am merely a public servant exercising justice. I want to fulfill that duty."
Justice? Don't make me laugh.
Everyone has their own sense of justice. That's why they fight.
But this is a hospital.
Neither justice nor evil matters. It's a place to save those who suffer.
Personal feelings shouldn't interfere with that.
Whether someone is a surgeon like me or not.
Because the tip of my finger can decide the life of a patient.
"I understand your duty. But I will simply carry out mine."
Saying that, I leave the cleanup to the staff and return to my examination room.
At the end of my shift, I finish work and go home.
I soothe my fatigue in the bath. Then change.
When Keisuke is ready, we take a taxi to the city.
Keisuke, perhaps out of consideration for me, has stopped touching on the content of my work.
He just occasionally listens to my complaints.
And today, I voice my grievances.
"Miyuki, you have it tough every day."
How healing those words are.
"Well, this is just work."
Yes, just work.
I just do it calmly.
I just fulfill the role given to me.
For that, I'll do my utmost.
That is our battle.
Tonight, our battle ends.
We celebrate by eating, drinking, singing, and dancing with friends.
Forget all the unpleasant things. A one-night-only event.
When that night ends, the daily battle begins again.
(4)
"Okay, everyone, before we party tonight, I have something to report."
Watanabe-kun says.
"All of Takahashi Kenshin's misconduct has been exposed. This is the end for Takahashi Kenshin."
When Watanabe-kun says that, everyone gets excited.
"IRIS's information has also been disclosed. The Sudo Group and the Sun Knights will be unable to act for a while!"
When Watanabe-kun says that, everyone gets even more excited.
Listening to Watanabe-kun, I was eating some food.
thump
"You're jumping the gun, Toya-kun! We haven't even toasted yet!"
Airi scolded me.
"This is our complete victory! Everyone, go wild! Also, congratulations to the Manabe couple on their marriage! Please say a few words."
Watanabe-kun hands the microphone to Satomi-san.
"Everyone, thank you for arranging this gathering. Keep up the good work, everyone. Now, let's toast to the future of Unity."
The feast began.
Watanabe-kun comes over to me.
What's up?
"Toya, can I have a moment at the after-party?"
"Huh? Sure, but?"
Did something happen?
"No, there's something I'm concerned about..."
"Concerned about?"
"Yeah, something very concerning."
"Well, okay?"
I didn't know what it was yet.
"Kosei! You can't just eat meat!"
"I'm eating pilaf too."
"You can't be picky!"
Saying that, Naru piles food onto Kosei's plate.
There's a stage, and karaoke is set up.
Unity's "Diva" Kanna displays her beautiful voice.
Not to be outdone, Ai-san and Airi add songs.
"Toya-kun, won't you sing too?"
When Airi says that, she puts in a duet song.
I can sing most of the songs I sing with Airi.
In other words, I hardly know any songs that I don't sing with Airi.
When I occasionally choose one, I seem to mess up the selection and get booed by everyone.
But today seems different.
"Katagiri-senpai, please sing that song."
Saying that, Manabe-kun hands over an acoustic guitar.
He tunes the acoustic guitar and begins to sing.
I want to express great joy and a little loneliness in tearful words.
As long as you bathe in the world's dazzling tomorrow light and go forward without looking back.
Even if blown by the wind or beaten by the rain, don't turn your back on the love you believed in.
When I finish singing, applause erupts from everyone.
"Thank you, Katagiri-senpai."
"It was nothing."
When the first party ended, the Manabe couple left. They apparently have overtime work at home today.
Even married life is tough.
"But they said they're going to Hawaii for New Year's."
Airi says.
Then, for the after-party karaoke, Kosei and Naru didn't come.
They probably went straight home.
When everyone is together, Watanabe-kun says.
"I didn't say this earlier because it was a celebration, but there's one thing on my mind."
"What is it?"
Sakai-kun asks.
"Toya knows."
Huh?
"Toya, are you still hiding things at this stage!?"
"What Toya said was mostly right. No more secrets from everyone."
Kanna and Makoto say.
"...It's not over yet. I have a feeling."
"Eh?"
Airi asks back.
"But you said Dad investigated the Sudo Group and the Sun Knights, right? Isn't our role already finished?"
"Yes, we exposed everything. We stirred up a hornet's nest. It wouldn't be strange if there's some reaction. I have that feeling."
Probably a reaction in the name of retaliation.
"That's easy! We've managed so far, right? Right, everyone?"
When Mika-san says that, everyone gets excited, saying "That's right, that's right."
But... this next enemy feels different.
"The Death group. Even Ishihara-kun and the others had trouble with them. Can we handle such opponents?"
"Well..."
"It might be difficult. I don't like saying this, but they're monsters."
Sakai-kun says.
Can we face opponents that even Sakai-kun calls monsters?
"...This is information I learned through work, so I'd like to keep it off the record."
Miyuki-san says.
"Takahashi Kenshin said it. He said, 'Don't think it's over.' ..."
So he did have a trump card...
"We need countermeasures too. That's what it is, right?"
Emi-san says.
"Right, we might need a means to counter them."
Not some makeshift self-defense, but something more effective.
"Got it. I'll prepare. I'll also raise the skill level of our SP."
Emi-san says.
"Emi-san, do you understand what you're saying? We need to gain strength comparable to Ishihara-kun in a short time!"
"I know. I've been thinking about it. Does everyone have time during winter break?"
Winter break is only two weeks, you know?
"I'll prepare gear for everyone. Prepare during winter break. That shouldn't be a problem."
Provided there's a guarantee that the enemy won't attack during winter break.
Well, considering the time the enemy would need to deal with the police, we might be able to prepare in that time?
But I'm still uneasy.
"What if we all do a training camp during winter break?"
"A training camp?"
"Yeah, training to handle real combat!"
Even if it's makeshift, it might be good to do some training to respond?
"Two full weeks might not be possible. Everyone has lives to lead."
"If we can't preempt, then we go for the preemptive before the preemptive..."
I mutter to myself.
"You mean we attack first?"
"Since we might not be able to withstand their attack, I thought that might be an option."
I reply to Airi.
"It doesn't seem like a enemy we can handle just by being careful..."
Watanabe-kun says.
"But still, we can't do anything if we can't get a clue about the enemy."
Makoto says.
"That's where Makoto and Kameari-kun come in."
"Huh?"
"Me?"
It's not that we have no clues at all. I say that I want them to find clues from the three elements: "Death," "Sun Knights," and "Local Patriots."
"Understood. I'll do what I can."
"I know something about Death."
Kameari-kun says.
"Can you tell us? Just what you know is fine?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"It's a group of nine professional mercenaries. You could call them experts in that field."
"And you're saying we should go up against that?"
Kana-san says.
"Among them, Viper is the strongest. A professional among professionals who has participated in and succeeded in numerous secret missions in the past..."
"He's the one..."
Ishihara-kun seems to know him.
I asked Kameari-kun about each of their characteristics. Also heard experiences from Sakai-kun and Ishihara-kun.
"It's an impossible task for amateurs."
Emi-san says.
"Half-baked combat techniques won't work. They're that kind of opponent."
Ishihara-kun says.
"Then what are we supposed to do!?"
Kanna shouts.
"That's why I had him talk in front of everyone. Toya seemed to be thinking alone. Toya, no more secrets from now on. This is a matter of everyone's lives."
"...I understand."
Watanabe-kun might be right.
Indeed, from here on, it involves danger for everyone.
But I didn't want to unnecessarily stir up anxiety.
"From here on, a battle with no room for jokes might await. Let's all stay sharp. What, if we get through this, we'll find a way out. Let's do our best."
Watanabe-kun says.
Rather, it feels like the real deal starts now.
"For now, I'll take charge of strengthening everyone. Join if you can, even for just one day. I'm not asking you to show up on New Year's."
"Well, that's fine then... But everyone has part-time jobs."
The Sakai couple discusses.
We'll also need to start job hunting soon.
"Just those who can do it is fine. The more people who can fight, the better."
When Akira-san says that, Emi-san also speaks.
"Then I'll be in charge of equipment. I'll prepare gear for everyone."
"I'll search for information. If there are search keywords, I can narrow it down a bit. Koki, what's the name of that mercenary group?"
"'Nine-tailed Fox'..."
"OK. Leave it to me!"
"Ah, I'm counting on you."
"I'll participate in the training! As long as it's between my part-time jobs!"
Haruto seems motivated.
One after another, everyone makes suggestions.
When the ideas are exhausted, Watanabe-kun says.
"Well then, shall we get to the main subject?"
"Main subject?"
Everyone asks back.
"Surely you don't think we're going home without partying after coming this far?"
Watanabe-kun grins.
"If that's the case, it's Unity's signature song! Right! Everyone!!"
When Mika-san says that, everyone starts getting lively.
"Then I'll go first!"
Ai-san gets a terminal.
It's no use just talking about gloomy things.
A dazzling tomorrow for this world.
Delivering that is my role...
I want to show a beautiful world.
Let's take them to a place where things that make you cry or hurt cannot reach.
The party continued until morning.
When we left the karaoke place in the morning, a dazzling light shone in.
It felt like a light penetrating the dark clouds that awaited ahead.
"Let's go home?"
Airi takes my hand.
We have a place to return to.
Let's find what we can do so that we can return to that place someday.
For now, it's about going home and deciding how to spend the daily life that starts today.
Our peace continues for just a little while longer.