Chapter 305 - An Uneasy Heart
(1)
"Toya-kun, good morning~ It's morning~"
When I woke up to Airi calling me, it was only 7:30!?Isn't that way too early, no matter how you look at it?
"What's wrong? Today's New Year's Eve, you know?"
"Do you have to wake up early on New Year's Eve?"
"Well, there's a lot to clean up and it's a hassle, isn't it?"
"I'll do it later, so let me sleep a bit more."
"...Don't come crying to me when your food gets cold!"
It's not like I was lured by the food. Airi's mood was clearly getting worse.
"Sorry, sorry, I'm up now. It's fine."
"Ugh... You just got up because you were lured by the food again, didn't you?"
"Well, it's breakfast my cute wife made, so it'd be bad if it got cold, right?"
"So you don't care about my mood at all?"
Whoa, she went there. I didn't think of that.
"What do I have to do to fix your mood, Airi?"
"Kyaa!"
Airi screamed because I groped her chest.
"No fair~ I have to finish the cleaning by noon, you know."
"Why?"
"Did you forget? Today's going to be super busy from noon! I want to prepare the Osechi first."
"But it's at night, right? Are we going to the first shrine visit?"
"Will you take me?"
That show's the same pattern every year, and I'm getting tired of it. Is it also important to get back on Airi's good side?
"Is Shunih Shrine okay?"
"Mm♪"
"Well then, we'll have to go early."
"Right! So you're going to work hard again this year, Toya-kun!"
"Got it."
"Yay~ Toya-kun is a good boy today."
Airi patted my head.
Following Airi's instructions, I finished cleaning the ventilation fan, the water areas, the windows, and washing the car.Meanwhile, Airi washed the dishes, vacuumed, and wiped the floors.She apparently refrained from entering my parents' room, as expected.She thoroughly cleaned our room.When the cleaning was done, Airi started making lunch.By the time I finished washing the car, lunch was ready.After finishing lunch, we cleaned up and went shopping with Airi.We bought ingredients for Osechi, rice cakes, and a sacred Shimenawa rope, then went home.While Airi was making the Osechi, I borrowed the key to her house and cleaned it.Well, I just wiped down the water areas and window glass.When I entered Airi's room, there was almost nothing left.Just a bed, a desk, a chest of drawers, and such.I didn't look inside.Because Airi would get mad.I just wiped the flooring with a wet sheet.When I finished everything, I went home.Airi was still making the Osechi.
"Want me to help?"
"Good work, just relax in the room♪"
Airi, for some reason, doesn't like me being in the kitchen.Isn't that something we should do together?I asked Airi about it.
"I'm a full-time housewife, you know. I appreciate you sharing the chores, but leave the cooking to me."
I thought, "Airi, you're still a student, right?" but I didn't say it because I thought pressing her further would only trouble her.I went into the room and obediently played games.Around evening, I got bored of playing games and was lounging around reading a manga when Airi came back to the room.
"I'm done~"
"Good work."
"Take me shopping, I forgot to buy tonight's side dish."
"How about we eat out on New Year's Eve? You must be tired too, Airi."
"Okay~, then I'll get ready."
Airi said that and started changing.I guess I'll change too.We both changed, and I watched TV until Airi was ready.When Airi was ready, we headed to the bus stop.On the bus, Airi was fiddling with her smartphone.
"Hey hey, they're saying let's all eat dinner together~"
Airi suggested it, and I had no reason to refuse, so I said, "Sure."When we gathered at the station square, everyone except the Kimoto couple, the Tange couple, Shiina-san, Niina-san, and the Manabe couple was there.
"This feels like the second round of the year-end party."
Watanabe-kun said.The restaurant was apparently arranged by Watanabe-kun, so we went to an izakaya.Though there aren't many places that can accommodate this many people.Airi was having a lively conversation with Kanna and the others.I was gathered with Watanabe-kun, Kosei, Makoto, and Kamenashi-kun, the five of us talking.
"Any reaction from them since then?"
"No, nothing in particular?"
"It's creepy. They should have some kind of reaction."
"Maybe they're just too busy for that?"
I ate the food while listening to the four of them talk.The reason they can't make a move is probably something simple.
"Makoto, you didn't leave any traces that could be followed, right?"
"Of course, I set up several stepping stones in between, so there's absolutely no way my tracks can be followed."
"You destroyed their hard drives, right?"
"Yeah, once Mako-chan activates, they'll never be usable again."
"And its infectiousness is outstanding, right?"
"Yeah, whether it's wireless or whatever, there are countless infection routes."
"Then there's only one reason: they have no clues to counterattack."
When I said that, everyone was convinced.
"I see. So they can't pinpoint where to counterattack."
Kosei said.
"There's no way it's left in documents these days."
Watanabe-kun said.
"Still, it's strange. They should be using detectives to gather information. It would be impossible to delete it all by now."
When Kamenashi-kun said that, I answered.
"That's the opposite. Right now, the police are raiding them, so they can't leave any careless documents. That would become evidence."
"Doesn't that mean we're helping them, in a way?"
Kamenashi-kun said.Had we become complicit in their evidence concealment?But Makoto laughed.
"I told you. I already captured the data. I've already sent the data to Inspector Tosaka."
"I can clearly see how terrifying it is to make enemies of you guys."
Kamenashi-kun sighed.
"They sure knew what they were talking about when they said 'he who strikes first wins.'"
Watanabe-kun said.
"It was just a coincidence that the conditions were right. The enemy hasn't taken a stance yet, and the cards fell into our hands. I just thought the timing was right to use them."
"I see. That judgment is typical of you, Toya."
"That's not true."
"Hey~, you guys are having another gloomy conversation over there. Come join us over here!"
Mika-san and Kanna were calling.
"Alright, alright, we're coming now..."
Watanabe-kun said and stood up.We also moved to the table and joined the women's conversation.But there's something that bothers me.The physically isolated PC that Makoto mentioned before.That definitely exists.And I heard that Mako-chan is a manually activated virus.Could there be a PC that escaped Makoto's surveillance?The seeds of unease are endless.I need to be on guard.I didn't mention that.I didn't want to ruin the good mood.As long as I don't know when the enemy will counterattack, it would only stir up unnecessary anxiety.But I'll stay alert.For now, I'll be satisfied with the success of the operation.
"Oh, Toya-kun is making that difficult face again. That's no good~"
Airi said.
"Sorry, sorry, it's just..."
"What's 'just'?"
Kanna latched on.
"I was just thinking I should have prepared a hotel."
"Huh?"
"Since we've had some drinks, I was thinking I'd like to spend the night relaxing with Airi."
"T-Toya-kun, honestly... I'm fine with a love hotel."
"Is that so? Then let's do that."
"I'm happy you'd say that, Toya-kun, but..."
"Sorry, Toya. We've decided to party until morning tonight."
Kanna said.
"Is that so? Then I guess it can't be helped."
After finishing dinner, we went to a udon shop in Shunhi Town, ate udon, headed to Shunhi Shrine to pray, returned to the city, and partied at karaoke until morning.
(2)
"Umi, the soba is ready."
Shuji-chan was calling.I stopped working, washed my hands, and went to the dining room.Tsukimi soba was ready.We ate the soba together while watching TV.After finishing the soba, I went back to work.When I noticed, it was morning.Shuji-chan was sleeping.I was sleeping next to him too.At noon, Shuji-chan woke up.Then he woke me up and invited me, saying, "Want to go for our first shrine visit?"I hurriedly took a shower, changed clothes, and finished getting ready.We headed to a nearby shrine in Shuji-chan's car.A small but dignified shrine.I hope this year will be a happy one.That's what I prayed.But it's probably impossible.On the day of the year-end party, everyone made up their minds.The resolve to fight the enemy.There might have been some momentum from the occasion, but our feelings were united.As our comrades increase, so do the things we need to protect.How far will this spread?Unity is dragging all sorts of things into it.Like a gust of wind turning into a tornado, it's rapidly expanding its power.Even we, who joined with a light heart, got swept up in it.But without Unity, we wouldn't have been able to be together.I don't know if I can help Unity, but I'm also a member of Unity.I don't want to be a burden.Please, let everyone be safe.That was about all I could do, just pray.I just hope the person in front of me is safe.That's what I thought.Everyone probably feels the same way.Tada-senpai's attack seems to have been successful.It seems our information was also perfectly erased, and no harm has come to us.I suspected that our PCs might have been infected with the virus too, but Tada-senpai showed me a USB memory stick.
"With this, I can completely and cleanly remove it. A hacker leaves no trace, you know. I don't make unartistic viruses that just cause damage."
Tada-senpai said.Art, huh. Art comes in many forms.
"Well, shall we head home soon?"
"Yeah."
I welcome the new year with Shuji-chan.This year is my graduation year.My paintings are selling.I just need to paint.Shuji-chan tells me that.So I'll keep painting.I'll keep painting until the very end.Even if it rains, until a rainbow appears.
(3)
"Happy New Year."
I was exchanging greetings with Kazu-san.
"Please take care of me this year too."
I was exchanging greetings with Kazu-san.
"Well, shall we get going soon?"
"Yes."
I went to Shunih Shrine for my first visit of the year with Kazu-san.Last night, we spent a relaxing time at home.It's a rare kind of day.I'm busy with housework and school.Kazu-san is also busy with work.We were able to spend the nights together, but Kazu-san comes home late.So I spoiled Kazu-san a lot.Then I woke up in the afternoon, and here we are.
"As I thought, it was a bit late. It's a little crowded."
"Should we have left a bit earlier?"
"No, we have the first three days off anyway. Let's take it easy."
"Yes."
Kazu-san's eyes are probably unconsciously drawn to women in kimonos.They all have slender figures and beautiful napes.Maybe I should have worn a kimono too?But I didn't have time to get dressed.But I dressed up as much as I could today, you know?I wish he'd notice.When I looked at Kazu-san with those eyes, our eyes met.
"Oh, sorry. I was unconsciously staring."
I know, it's not something you get to see often.
"Kana wore a kimono for her Coming of Age ceremony last year, right?"
"Yes."
"It looked good on you."
"Want to see it again?"
"Huh?"
"Should I get someone to dress me in one tomorrow?"
"...They say memories are better left as memories."
"Does it not suit me now?"
I said it a little teasingly.
"Th-That's not true. I think it would suit you very well."
I just wanted to see Kazu-san flustered.
We finally got near the bell.We rang the bell, threw in an offering, and did two bows, two claps, and one bow.On the way back, we bought omikuji fortune slips and a traffic safety charm (T/N: a kotsu anzen).The contents of the omikuji weren't bad.When we got home, Kazu-san was drinking alcohol while watching TV.I started preparing dinner.When he noticed the smell drifting into the room, Kazu-san came to the kitchen and helped me set the table.
"Good work."
Hot sake was poured into my small cup.
"Good work."
I poured hot sake into Kazu-san's small cup.
"As expected, all of Kana's cooking is delicious."
"It's mostly pre-made stuff, you know?"
I teased him again.
"No, well... they say love is the best seasoning..."
Kazu-san was flustered.
"There's plenty, so eat a lot."
I smiled brightly and said to Kazu-san.
"Yeah, I'll eat it all."
We spent that night relaxing and watching TV too.
"You're going to the New Year's party on the 3rd, right?"
"Yeah, of course. I can't make the second party, though."
"I know."
"This year is Toya's final showdown, huh."
"Yeah, it is."
"I hope he can win."
"Mm."
"Kana... should we go to bed soon?"
"...Yes."
Then we went to the bedroom and got into bed.Kazu-san fell asleep quickly.I felt a little lonely.But seeing Kazu-san's sleeping face puts me at ease.And then I feel anxious.The war with the Sudo Group.This time, our opponent isn't a student; it's a full-fledged adult.Can we handle it?Please, let this peace last a little longer.Praying that, I also fell asleep.
(4)
"Good work, everyone~!"
With Chief Tomosaka's words, the year-end party began.
"Well, everyone worked really hard right up to the end of this year."
The Manabe couple is on their honeymoon.They're apparently spending New Year's in Hawaii.I'm envious, like they're celebrities.
"Niina-san, do you think you'll be able to graduate?"
Chief Tomosaka asked.
"It's fine, my graduation project will be finished soon."
"That's good to hear. You know, it's called Unity, right? Everyone seems to be having a tough time. We were all worried, wondering if Niina-san was okay."
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine, it's not your fault. You're old enough to take responsibility for your own actions."
"Niina-san is fine because I'm watching over her, Chief Tomosaka."
Shiina-san said.
"When are you going to propose to Niina-san, Shiina-kun?"
"I already did, you know?"
Huh?I don't remember hearing that?
"Did you get an answer?"
"Come to think of it, not yet."
So I really don't remember.
"Um... I don't recall being told."
When I said that, Tomosaka-san pressed Shiina-san.
"Huh? Didn't I say it? 'Let's think about it after Niina-san graduates'?"
"That was a proposal!?"
"So I haven't heard the answer yet... I'd be fine if you told me now."
"Niina-san, I know it's not my place to say, but he's a reliable prospect! You won't regret investing in him!"
Chief Tomosaka said.
"Well then, I have a condition."
When I said that, Shiina-san tilted his head.
"What is it?"
"I'm not asking you to prepare a ring right now. But at least, a proper word or something..."
When I said that, Shiina-san scratched his head with a "well, well" gesture.
"I really wanted to give it to you at that place, though."
That place? Ah, the observatory...Shiina-san took a box out of his bag and held it out to me.
"Let's get married after you graduate. I'll make you happy for the rest of your life."
"I refuse."
"Huh?"
The surroundings buzzed.
"N-Niina-san. Like I said before, Shiina-san is a good guy."
"I know."
He has good features, he's attentive to details, he listens to any selfish request I make, sometimes I get swept up by him but it's fun, and if I ever get into trouble, he'd surely come to save me right away. That's why...
"You'd probably sacrifice yourself to protect me in the future. But I don't want that. I don't want to see Shiina-san hurt because of me. Promise me we'll be happy together."
That's my wish. I don't want to see Shiina-san worn out for my sake.
"Got it. Let's be happy together."
For the first time, I kissed him in front of others.Amidst the unending applause of congratulations, we were surrounded by warm people and immersed in a happy feeling.
"That's a separate issue!! Go home."
"Dad, please listen properly."
On the way home, I stopped by my house and talked to my father.As expected, my father didn't approve of my marriage to Shiina-san.
"What do I have to do to get your permission for the marriage?"
"Step outside!! If you beat me in a fight, I'll allow it!"
"Well, that's a problem... but alright, I understand."
"Hey, Dad!"
"Mirai, shut up!"
Then my father and Shiina-san went outside.The date had already passed into the new year.I have to stop this from becoming a police matter right at the start of the year.When I tried to stop my father, my mother held me back.
"Mom!?"
"Just be quiet and watch."
My mother was watching with a smile.My father swung at Shiina-san.Shiina-san didn't flinch.My father stopped his fist just before it hit Shiina-san's left cheek.
"...Why didn't you resist?"
"It would have been fine if you hit me, you know? I can't fully understand the feeling of having your daughter taken by another man. But I can at least sympathize. This is about all I can do for a father who cares so much for his daughter. There's no way I could raise my hand against you."
When Shiina-san said that, my father lowered his fist.
"I can't raise my hand against my daughter's precious husband. Instead, make sure you make her happy."
"Thank you very much."
"Dad!"
I hugged my father.
"You found a good man. Congratulations, Mirai. Mom! Bring out the top-shelf sake. This is a happy occasion right at the start of the new year! Shiina-san, you're drinking with me tonight."
"It's an honor."
Our new year got off to a good start.I hope this year will be a good one, with no one getting hurt.
(5)
When we got home, we were exhausted and went straight to sleep.We woke up a little past 2:00 PM.Airi is taking a shower now.I was in the room eating a mikan while watching the annual TV program.When Airi came back, she said, "Ah, this is on again this year," and naturally sat down close to me.The sweet scent from her hair drifted over, tempting me.While fighting the temptation, we cuddled, with Airi saying housework is off for today, tempting me even more.When the program ended, it was evening.At this hour, my appetite overcomes my lust.We haven't even had lunch.When I told Airi that...
"Hehe~. I've been feeling a bit peckish too. I'll go grill some rice cakes."
She said that and left the room.A breaking news bulletin came on.Apparently, a female college student who had all her clothes, bankbook, and wallet taken from her around the end of the year and was left naked in an apartment had been rescued.The location was a residential area in Beppu.Her smartphone was also taken, so she couldn't be contacted. When she still hadn't come home by the end of the year, her worried parents called, but couldn't get through, so they reported it to the police. With the landlord present, they forced their way in with a spare key and she was taken into protective custody.The woman was apparently crying and screaming, and the neighbors also reported it.They're going to hear the details from now on.What a dangerous incident right at the start of the year.
"Toya-kun, sorry to keep you waiting~"
Airi came back with grilled rice cakes.Both Airi and I like eating them with soy sauce and sugar.Just then, my smartphone rang.An incoming message.
"The woman in that incident is one of the Urbanity members."
It was a message from Kamenashi-kun.Everyone was in an uproar.That incident wasn't the only one.Several others apparently occurred in other regions.The common point was that they were all women from Urbanity.
"Is this retaliation?"
Watanabe-kun said.
"Maybe it's a warning?"
Kosei said.
"Hey! I thought you deleted the list!"
Ai-san said.
"I intended to, but either there was a leak or it was kept on an isolated PC."
Makoto said, but another reason that fits is that the list of all members was compiled in a file.Regardless of whether they would do something so dangerous, the fact is that they possess the roster of Urbanity.When that fact surfaced, our position of advantage was reversed.We're in a state where we don't know when, who, or where we'll be attacked.Even Emi-san and Akira-san's abilities alone can't protect everyone.
"Toya-kun..."
"Airi... it's almost dinner time. Could you make some ozoni? Anything is fine."
"This is no time for that."
"I'll have four rice cakes."
"...We just ate a little while ago."
Airi seemed to understand my intention, smiled brightly, and left the room.Meanwhile, the situation continued to develop.
"Mako-chan has been eliminated! No way!? It shouldn't be possible to delete it without using the file I have!?"
Makoto was saying. It wasn't particularly surprising. If Makoto could make it, someone else could too.There's probably someone with that kind of skill on the other side.
"Hey, what's going to happen to us!?"
The women were frightened. I have to do something about this situation...I called Makoto.
"Toya, I'm sorry! It was my carelessness!"
"No, more importantly, is your server okay, Makoto?"
"That's fine. Should I delete the site?"
"If they've already started moving, it's too late. It might be better to let them think we haven't noticed."
"Got it."
"Makoto, don't do anything careless that leaves traces. You should assume the same routes are being monitored."
"I know!"
"Calm down. The enemy has the Urbanity list. That's all we know for sure. We don't know anything else. This isn't a situation to panic over."
"If they have the Urbanity list, don't they have our list too!?"
They probably do. It's better to assume they do. So what do we do...?
"Do you have a handle on all the infected terminals?"
"That, I'm sure of. I have them properly saved."
Then that's their next target.
"Makoto, just make sure to guard the server properly. I'll tell Kosei too."
"Got it."
"Could you tell Kanna to calm down, that it's not time to panic yet?"
"In that case, wouldn't it be better for you to tell everyone directly? All the women are scared."
"Okay, I'll hang up for now."
"Yeah."
After hanging up, I sent a message to the Unity group chat: "Let's calm down. It's not time to panic yet."Even so, I couldn't suppress everyone's agitation!I need to think of some effective measure.
"Toya-kun, I brought the ozoni~ Want to eat in the room~?"
"No, I'll eat in the dining room. I'm coming now."
I put down my smartphone and went downstairs.I thought while eating the ozoni.The one who needs to calm down is me.How should I handle this?Waiting to see what the enemy does is too dangerous.Should I strike first, or counter their move?Think. What can I do?Think about the enemy's moves. Put myself in their shoes.First of all, why did they go after such a minor player?If they were going to target someone, it should be someone more central...
"Ugh... Was it not very good?"
"Huh?"
"You had a really serious look on your face..."
"Of course not. Your ozoni is the best of anyone's, Airi."
"Thank you♪... But I guess that means you're facing another difficult problem, right?"
Airi looked at me anxiously.
"It's fine. It's not time to panic."
I patted Airi's head.
"But why would they target someone nobody knows?"
Airi said.It's probably a message.Saying the information you deleted is still alive.Why would they do that?What would happen if they did that?First, we'd probably be desperate to take away their cards.If so, the first to move would be Makoto...Is the target Makoto!?It's too early to judge that.
"Airi, thanks for the meal!"
"O-Okay. What's wrong, why are you in a hurry?"
"Sorry, I need to make a call."
When I got back to my room, first... Kosei.
"Hello?"
"Kosei! Were you able to trace Makoto's tracks during the Egoist incident?"
"Wizard probably tracked him down? But Wizard covered it up? Does that have anything to do with this incident?"
"Thanks, I need to confirm with Kamenashi-kun next!"
"Yeah, okay. Let's discuss it again at the New Year's party the day after tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you!"
I heard that Wizard found it. It seems they were able to trace it to the private university server. From there, they probably narrowed it down to a few people attending that private university.I called Kamenashi-kun.
"Did the Urbanity list include the list of all Unity members? That's right, isn't it?"
"Yeah, no doubt about it."
"But I couldn't figure out who was infiltrating the server."
"Yeah, the tracks were conveniently erased. If they tried to infiltrate Unity's server, they'd get a Trojan horse as a present."
So the foothold is with the three from the private university.That also explains why they left Makoto alone.Everything fits. This kidnapping incident is a trap.The enemy couldn't figure out that Makoto was the hacker infiltrating them.So they targeted Ai-san... Kiritani-kun's wife.But this time, they're dangling the fact that the file remains to lure us out.Makoto's actions were predicted from the start.I have to warn Makoto!I call Makoto. Makoto doesn't answer. Did something happen!?Airi, who had finished cleaning up, came back.
"Who are you calling~?"
"I'm calling Makoto right now..."
Someone answered the phone.
"Is that you, Makoto!? It's me..."
"Toya!! Makoto is... Makoto is..."
Kanna's presence was unusual. Was I too late!?
"Katagiri-kun. It's me, Akira..."
Akira-san!?
"I was worried because Katagiri-kun's message seemed strange, so I came with Zen-kun. And then..."
The worst possible situation.
"...An ambulance?"
"I've arranged for one along with the police now. They've subdued the attacker."
"Is Makoto okay!?"
"...It looks like he was hit hard on the head with a blunt object. It seems his life isn't in danger. They're taking him to Nishimatsu Clinic. Please come too if you can, Katagiri-kun."
"Got it."
I hung up.
"Hey? What happened to Makoto-kun?"
Airi asked.
"Let's go to Nishimatsu Clinic."
"You want to go to the hospital? Did Makoto-kun get hurt!? What about Kanna!?"
I hugged Airi.
"Kanna is fine. Calm down."
"...What's going to happen to us?"
"It'll be okay... Calm down."
I calmed Airi down, got her ready to go out, and we went to Nishimatsu Clinic.Our short period of rest was over, and of all times, right on New Year's Day, we were hit.It was my misjudgment.As I tried to get into the car, suppressing my irritation, Airi stopped me.
"I'll drive tonight."
"But you're shaken up, Airi."
"Seeing you so irritated calmed me down, strangely enough. Now I have to stay calm and watch over you."
We headed to Nishimatsu Clinic with Airi driving.As we sped through the still quiet night town, I thought about countermeasures.If it were me, who would I target next?The answer was simple.Calm down. I can see the enemy's cards.So, how do I respond?I checked the cards in my hand while thinking about the countermeasures.