Chapter 309 - In the Name of Love That Pours Unceasingly
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun. It's morning~"
Airi's usual voice is heard.
"Good morning, Airi."
I get up quickly and change clothes immediately.
That seemed to make Airi feel lonely. So I sit on the bed, hugging my knees for her.I chuckle softly and whisper in Airi's ear.
"You have the day off today, right? Let's get the things we need to do done quickly and relax."
Airi's downcast expression brightens.
"Okay."
Airi starts changing too and goes about her daily routine.Once the routine is done, Airi makes breakfast while I take a shower.After finishing breakfast, I wait for Airi to take her shower.When Airi comes out of the bath, I pour coffee and return to the room.We sit side by side, drinking coffee and watching TV.A week was about to pass since the simultaneous terrorist attacks.Those incidents were attributed to a unit calling itself the Nine-Tailed Fox, and our name, Unity, never appeared.The explosion at the Sakanoshi Port and the accident on the industrial road were buried by the news of the simultaneous terrorist attacks.Looking at the results, it might have been for the best.But there are those dissatisfied with that outcome.I thought they would act immediately, but the enemy remained hidden.They even slipped through Makoto's tracking net and escaped.If I wanted to smoke them out, I could.But since they haven't done anything, there's no reason for us to attack.To be precise, they were doing something.It seems they created a circle called "Stinger" and are doing the same things as Egoist and Urbanity.
The enemy has a hold on Urbanity's customers. It wouldn't be strange for them to go that far.What they're doing is the same as Urbanity.They're busy raising funds through dating circles, underground casinos, and black-market businesses.I've already handed over Urbanity's customer list to Airi's father.They're probably waiting for the timing of a mass arrest.We won't make a move.The Crimson Society has shown no movement at all either.Has the enemy run out of cards?Or are they just testing the waters?The days of staring each other down continued.But that's fine, if this peace continues. That's the best thing.For now, I'm thinking about what I have to do right now.Where to take Airi out?Then Airi had an answer ready for me.
"Hey, why don't we invite Makoto-kun and the others and go ice skating again?"
"I wonder if Makoto and the others are free?"
"I'll ask~"
Airi operates her phone.It was decided that me and Airi, the Tadas, the Watanabes, the Kiritanis, the Ishiharas, Kosei and Naru, the Kimotos, and Haruto and Shiratori-san would go.
"Should we meet at the convenience store by the IC again?"
When Watanabe-kun says that, everyone agrees.Airi is choosing clothes.I remember the clothes Airi has. ...Will it work?
"Airi, can I make a request?"
"Sure~"
"I'd like you to wear a red skirt and a black coat."
"Got it~"
Airi starts changing.Come to think of it, Airi never makes requests like that to me.I talk to Airi while she changes.
"Airi, isn't there anything you want me to wear?"
"There is~"
"For example?"
"You always do it for me, you know?"
If I buy clothes with Airi and just wear the outfits she picks, they naturally become the clothes Airi likes.I see.
"Hmm, from now on, you pick my clothes too, Toya-kun. Then I'll memorize them."
"Got it. Let's go shopping again before spring."
"Okay."
Airi is in a good mood since morning.We leave the house and head to the meeting place for everyone.Haruto and the others said they'd meet in Beppu.The ones who arrived first were the Ishiharas, Kosei and Naru, the Watanabes, and the Kimotos.Watanabe-kun is on the phone.In the meantime, I finish shopping at the convenience store.When I finish shopping and leave the convenience store, Watanabe-kun's call is also over.
"The Tadas and the Kiritanis said they'd head straight to Beppu from Miyakawauchi. Let's go ahead too."
When Watanabe-kun says that, we get on the expressway and head to Beppu.After getting off the expressway in Beppu, we go up the mountain.
"It's been a while. I wonder if I can still skate properly?"
"Your body remembers, so it'll be fine. You'll be able to skate right away."
"If Toya-kun says so, then it must be fine."
When we arrive at the skating rink, we rent skates and I put them on Airi.Next, I put on my own skates and put my shoes in the locker.As expected for a national holiday, it was crowded.
"Kosei! Don't let go of my hand, okay?"
"You won't get better if I don't let go."
Kosei seems used to it. He's teaching Naru well.The Ishiharas are skating normally. Apparently, they come every year.Watanabe-kun seems to be bad at it for the Watanabes. Mika-san is teaching him.Makoto was the same as always. If he leaves Kanna alone, she'll become prey for some strange old man again. I'll teach Kanna.But in Kanna's case, her outfit was, well, her outfit.Probably Makoto's taste. She came in a denim mini skirt. It's hard for me to teach too.Did Airi teach herself? She could even skate backwards, so she was having fun watching us.The Kimotos have been here before, so they're skating together nicely.Haruto and Shiratori-san seem to be doing well too.
"Kanna, first, about how to spread your feet..."
I should just concentrate on my ankles and the teaching, but Kanna's legs are slender and her ankles are beautiful.Actually, her skates are loose.Did that idiot Makoto not even put her skates on properly?
"Kanna, let's leave the rink for a bit. I need to retie your skates. This could cause an injury."
"Sorry about this. Well, Makoto is... you know..."
"Don't worry about it."
I take Kanna off the rink, sit her on a chair, and untie and retie her laces.
"Tell me if it's too tight. You okay?"
But if I even try to lift my gaze a little...
Thwack
See?
"Kanna, that's no good too. You must be cold in an outfit like that."
"I wish my husband was Toya..."
"Don't say things like 'I don't like it because it's cold.'"
"Well, I'm used to it now... and I wouldn't mind if Toya saw me."
If I were to react to those words...
Thwack
See?
"There, that's better. Now let's practice."
"Please."
After practicing for about an hour, she managed to skate forward somehow.
"Toya! How do I stop this thing!?"
"I told you just now, right? Make a 'V' shape with your feet..."
Grab
I catch Kanna's body.
"My bad, my bad."
Thwack
That's unfair.
"...You can skate that well now, so you should skate with Makoto-kun... Hey, where's Makoto-kun?"
Airi looks for Makoto.Not that she needs to look hard.See, he's in the middle of the rink, hitting on a woman his age.Airi silently takes Kanna's hand and goes to the center of the rink.
"Makoto-kun! A delivery for you!"
"T-Tosaka-san and Kanna!?"
"Quite the comfortable position you're in while your own wife is struggling!"
"What, he's married?"
"Let's go, let's go."
The woman he was hitting on leaves.I also go to the center of the rink.
"Kanna is having trouble skating, and what are you doing, Makoto-kun?"
"N-no, they asked me to teach them..."
"So other girls take priority over your own wife?"
"W-well, I thought it'd be fine since Toya was there."
"Aren't you getting hungry soon? Let's eat something."
I'll put Makoto in my debt.
"Yeah, the rink will be cleaned soon anyway, let's go."
"Ah! He's running away!"
"Well, shall we eat too?"
"Ugh..."
After that, I had a hot dog, ramen, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and...
Thwack
I'll let him off with this much.
"Man, Haruna, you're surprisingly good at skating."
"It's nothing compared to Haruto."
"No, but I'm super happy, you know, because..."
"'A place I wanted to go with my girlfriend'?"
"You knew that well."
"I kind of understand what Haruto's thinking."
Haruto and the others seem to be doing well.
"I told you to stop letting go of my hand so suddenly, Kosei!"
"You won't get better if we hold hands the whole time."
"I don't care if I don't get better!"
"Then there's no point in coming."
"Just being able to skate with Kosei is enough meaning."
"...I see."
Kosei and the others seem to be managing somehow too.
"Masashi, you're putting too much tension in your whole body. Relax more!"
"Easy for you to say..."
The Watanabes seem to be struggling.
The Kiritanis, Kimotos, and Ishiharas seemed to be skating without any problems.But if that's the case, the problem is...
"Why are you always like that! Wherever we go, you're hitting on other women!"
"W-well, it's a man's duty to accept when asked, right?"
"Oh? Then I'd like to know the reason you go so far as to get their phone numbers too."
"You've heard of after-follow-up, haven't you!? And I didn't ask for their numbers, we just exchanged LINE IDs!"
"It's the same thing, you idiot! Give me your phone right now."
We also look at Makoto's phone.And there they are, phone numbers of women we don't know, one after another...Makoto explains each one.How many managers does the soccer club have, Makoto?
Ai-san is surprised when she sees Makoto's phone.
"His home screen is normal..."
"Huh?"
"What?"
"Hwe?"
Makoto, Kanna, and Airi all have almost the same reaction.
"Is Kiritani-kun's not normal?"
I think that's a line you shouldn't cross, Airi.
"Eita... give me your phone."
"I-I can't show it to you in a place like this."
"Just give it to me!"
When Eita takes out his phone, he shows the home screen.Seeing it, we were speechless.This is terrible...
"What's wrong with the home screen?"
Kiritani-kun puts his phone away.
"Well, then it's fine to show it to people, right?"
"It's not something you show people, is it?"
"Have you ever thought about how I felt when I went to get it because you said you forgot your phone!? The store clerk wouldn't even make eye contact with me!"
"That was just a coincidence!?"
"W-well, shall we skate again? Our stomachs are full."
I say.
"Yeah. Kanna, have fun with Makoto-kun from now on."
"Yeah, sorry for borrowing Toya."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it. Let's go, Toya-kun?"
"Yeah."
We skated until around evening and got tired, so we decided to go home.
"What do you want to do on the way back? Want to stop by a family restaurant?"
"We're not in a hurry, so it's fine with us. What about everyone else?"
"We're not in a hurry either, so it's fine!"
"Then let's stop by a family restaurant in Beppu on the way home?"
The family restaurant in Beppu was crowded.Well, it is Coming-of-Age Day. That makes sense.
"By the way, about the Crimson Society, it seems they've created a new circle."
"...Stinger, right."
"Yeah, yeah, that one. They're doing the same things as Urbanity, but the scale seems bigger."
I listen to Kosei and Shiratori-san's conversation.
"If we don't make a move, they won't either. There's nothing happening right now, after all."
I say.
"That's true, but..."
Pop!
Something pops under the table at the next table.A flower pops out of a small box, and a piece of paper flutters down.Shiratori-san picks it up.
"Always watching you."
Makoto starts operating his laptop.In times like this, it's probably best to leave Makoto alone for now.
"What do you think this means?"
Shiratori-san asks me.
"It's probably not a love confession."
"Does it mean we're being watched right now?"
Haruto says while looking around.
"Don't look around too much."
Watanabe-kun warns him, but I say, "Leave him be," and eat my hamburger steak.
"Toya, but it means the surveillance is aimed at us, right?"
"This guy... he was there during the busjacking too."
Makoto says. Everyone looks at Makoto's laptop at once.A man with asymmetrical bangs, permed hair, and sunglasses.He's definitely the man captured on the bus camera during the busjacking.How do I know? Is 'because Makoto is here' not a reason?The person sitting next to him also looked like the bus driver.Which means he's from the Nine-Tailed Fox side.
"What are they plotting this time?"
Watanabe-kun says.
"What'll we do, Commander?"
Kosei says.
"Makoto, your phone is safe, right?"
When I ask Makoto, he replies, "No problem."I operate my phone.
Meet at the Tourist Port at 21:00.
Everyone sees it and nods.
"Well, we'll go home once for now."
"Should we go home too?"
When I say that, Watanabe-kun also says.
"We'll kill some time somewhere."
"Be careful."
I call out to Haruto.And with that, everyone dispersed.
"Are we really going home once?"
"We still have time."
I drive while looking in the rearview mirror.When Airi notices and tries to look back, I shout, "Don't look!"Airi seems startled.
"I-I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry for suddenly yelling."
It's okay, the tail isn't after us, I explain to Airi, and she calms down.
"Then who was the message for?"
Who knows.If they're not following us, there's only one thing to do.I make a U-turn and head for the Tourist Port.
"Aren't we going home?"
"I couldn't be bothered to go home."
"...Will it be settled by tomorrow?"
"That's the plan."
When we arrive at the Tourist Port, I park in the parking lot of a nearby pachinko parlor.
"Airi, you should get some sleep while you can."
"So we're waiting until night?"
"Yeah."
But Airi doesn't sleep.
"It's been a while since we've driven together at night."
"Yeah, we haven't had time for a drive lately."
"Let's go for a drive once the incident is settled."
"Yeah."
While talking with Airi like that, I was sending messages to Makoto and the others.It looks like it's going to be another long night.
(2)
Jingle jangle
Akira-chan came in.
"Oh? You guys..."
Currently in the store are the staff, Akira-chan, Nakajima-kun, Kameari-kun, Morizono-san, Misawa-kun, Kishitani-san... and a suspicious man in a black suit of unknown origin.
"You four look well."
"Yes, nothing happened this week."
"That's good to hear."
"Thank you very much."
Kameari-kun's group of four and Akira-chan are talking.Ichinose-san is looking at them with an expression of disbelief.What happened to your usual customer service smile?
"Actually, Honoka has been even more on edge and irritable since the commotion the other day."
Nakajima-kun says.It can't be helped; it's a normal reaction for a woman.But isn't it your job as her boyfriend to soothe that irritation? Aren't you good at that kind of thing?After that, Ichinose-san watches the five of them, including Akira-chan, talking with a sullen look.
"Ichinose-san, smile, smile."
When I say that, Ichinose-san glares at me.
"Sakai-kun is fine, isn't he! Even if those four were enemies, you could easily handle them!"
That's not something you say to a customer.See, the four of them have fallen silent.
"Everyone's acting strange! It's weird to keep inviting enemies in one after another!"
As a customer service worker, I think Ichinose-san's attitude is a problem, but what do you think?Just then, the man in the black suit stands up. He pays his bill and leaves.
"I'm sorry for suddenly yelling."
Ichinose-san responds with a bright smile.Then she sits at the table the man was at and notices he left his suitcase behind.
"Sir! You forgot your..."
Just as Ichinose-san is about to pick it up, the alarm bells in my heart ring at full force.
"Don't touch it!!"
I yelled so loudly it even surprised myself. It seems I startled Ichinose-san.The man fled from the store. I leave chasing the man to Akira-chan's soldiers and deal with the suspicious object.
"S-shouldn't we call the police..."
Ichinose-san says, but I say, "Everyone please step back," and gently place the suspicious object on the table.When I carefully open the case, there's a device inside that looks exactly like a time bomb you'd see on TV.
"Makiko, call the police!"
The master instructs the owner.I take a bag from my locker and face the time bomb again.There's no counter-cooling system attached.Then the disposal is simple.I take a spray can out of the bag and spray it.The clock stops.Why do criminals of this type always insist on attaching a clock?Leaving that question aside. I remove the explosives and the detonator.
"It's safe now."
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief.We wait for the police to arrive and collect it.
"So this store became a target too..."
Ichinose-san's eyes are welling up.Nakajima-kun. This is your cue.As expected, he seemed to understand that.Nakajima-kun soothes Ichinose-san.
A message comes in on my phone.
Meet at the Tourist Port at 21:00.
It seems Akira-chan received it too.Is it finally starting to move?When my shift ends, Akira-chan is waiting.I put Akira-chan in the car and head for the Tourist Port.
"I wonder what's going to happen?"
"Beats me~"
But most of them should have gone ice skating.It's reasonable to assume something happened in Beppu.
"Sorry, I'm always working part-time and can't take you out to have fun."
"It's fine, I don't get bored because of it. Don't worry about it."
Am I the only one who feels the way of killing boredom is fundamentally wrong?
(3)
"Well then, cheers!"
Today is the celebration for Keisuke and the others' Coming-of-Age ceremony.Those in Unity who celebrated their Coming-of-Age today are Keisuke, the Takemotos, Manabe-kun, Umi-chan, Sakura, Niina-san, and Sakura-san.Among them, Niina-san apparently received a marriage proposal.They're going to register their marriage on graduation day.The wedding ceremony is scheduled for October this year.Unity is a dangerous place, but having celebrations like this is also part of Unity.Everyone was genuinely celebrating for Niina-san and her partner.Today, we gathered with all of Unity's peers and held a banquet.But the topic of conversation inevitably turned dark.
About Unity's recent actions.
Even though everyone is prepared, there still seem to be parts they can't accept.Even though it has nothing to do with them...
"Things like that are playing right into their hands... Their goal is obvious, right?"
Hiyama-kun says.
"I agree with Haruki~. Their goal is the division of Unity~."
Sakura-san says.
"May I say something too?"
Takemoto-kun says.
"Basically, I also think everyone's safety is the most important thing. But that's already impossible. At the very least, everyone here has been affected."
Everyone falls silent.
"Someone once said that fighting fear is also a battle. If that's the case, I'll fight alongside everyone. There's not much I can do, but..."
"Can we drop this gloomy talk for today? This is supposed to be a celebration."
Saki-san says.
"Yeah, Saki's right."
Everyone was about to raise their mugs for a toast when...
Boom!
The building shakes violently.Was the explosion in the toilet?
Brrrring...
The fire alarm goes off.
Takemoto-kun and Keisuke head straight for the toilet.
Fortunately, no one was in the toilet.Takemoto-kun uses a fire extinguisher placed nearby to fight the initial fire.The fire was quickly extinguished.Takemoto-kun, who handled the initial firefighting, is being questioned by the police and firefighters.It seems Saki-san noticed something then.
"Yuma, there's something on your shoulder."
When Takemoto-kun takes it off and looks at it, his expression changes.
"What was written on it?"
I try to snatch it from Takemoto-kun's hand.
Always watching you.
"It's just a prank."
Takemoto-kun takes it back from me and submits it to the police as evidence.
Just a prank?
It's dangerous to think that way in the current situation.Because three similar incidents have occurred in quick succession.Watanabe-kun and the others are moving now to find out who's behind it.I check the time.It was past 21:30.No contact. I wonder what's happening?
"Judging by your expression, Miyuki-san, you seem to know something about the situation?"
Shiina-san asks.It's dangerous to say unnecessary things to this person.
"There's nothing special. Maybe it's your imagination?"
"Yeah, it's nothing major..."
Keisuke messed up.
"We'll decide whether it's major or not. Tell us what you know."
Shiina-san says.When I return to my seat, I explain.About what happened today, that there were three explosive device incidents.That Katagiri-kun and the others seem to be under surveillance.And that they are currently making contact with the other party.
Everyone listened quietly, but when I finished, they started making a fuss.
"Why did you keep something like that a secret?"
Sakura-san says first.
"Because... we didn't want to make you all anxious?"
I look at Shiina-san's face. Shiina-san looks at me and laughs.
"Unbelievable. Doesn't that mean we're not trusted!?"
"Like Saki-san says, you kept it a secret from us... and if something happened to us, you'd just say sorry and that would be it?"
Saki-san and Manabe-kun say.
"That's a pretty selfish argument~"
Sakura-san says.
"'We don't want to get involved~. But we don't want you to hide things from us~.' ...That's just rubbernecking."
That's not it. It's my fault for not explaining things in order.
"We're involved because we're in Unity. But you won't tell us the information Unity has. That's absolutely wrong!"
It's only natural for Manabe-kun to be angry.
"How long have you guys even been in Unity? Why don't you trust your comrades a little?"
Hiyama-kun says.
"Right now, you guys are just like the old ladies next door who come to gawk out of curiosity, just like Sakura said."
"I think so too. We should trust our seniors."
"Takemoto, aren't you frustrated? We're just being used."
"Our seniors wouldn't think like that!"
The argument continues. Tange-sensei and Satomi-san are talking.
"Well, this is a bit awkward, but I think they're acting with you guys in mind. The proof is that they have bodyguards, right?"
Tange-sensei says.
"It's better to calm down. Everyone, let's talk things over calmly once. We can't get anywhere unless we hear why things turned out this way."
Satomi-san says.
"I'll explain the reason... It's not that complicated."
"Miyuki-senpai, you know?"
"Yes. Otherwise, I wouldn't be this calm, right?"
"Could you tell us the reason?"
Manabe-kun asks, so I answer.
"Do you know that Akira-san was kidnapped?"
"I confirmed it in the logs."
"Do you know that her phone was taken then?"
"I know that too."
"Then, do you know that only a few members went to rescue Akira-san? That the other members were standing by as a separate unit?"
"I don't know that."
"What did you think when you found out?"
"That's..."
"'Why didn't you take us along?'... That's what you thought, right?"
Manabe-kun didn't reply.
"Unity is on the verge of splitting apart right now. Katagiri-kun is more aware of that than anyone. And he judged that it's better not to fan the flames of anxiety with pointless pranks. To deceive the enemy, you must first deceive your allies. He was just putting that into practice."
"What we should be doing isn't criticizing them. But that doesn't mean we should just be yes-men either. We should be thinking about how we can contribute to Unity."
Hiyama-kun says.
"What we can do... that is..."
"It's not something to overthink. It's maintaining the status quo. We just need to keep doing Unity's original activities. The rest, they'll handle it."
When Takemoto-kun says that, Hiyama-kun replies.
"So in the end, you're telling us to just take it lying down?"
When Manabe-kun says that, Shiina-san pats him on the shoulder.
"Either way, we can't counterattack. So it's better to leave it to them obediently."
"...You're right."
Manabe-kun doesn't seem convinced, but he seems to understand.
"Shall we change venues? Let's go all out today."
Saki-san says.
"Yeah~. Let's cut out the gloomy talk~."
Sakura-san agrees.All the while, I'm waiting for a message from Watanabe-kun on my phone.Because it's thanks to them that we can even argue like this.They will surely teach me.The meaning of kindness.
(4)
We gathered at 21:00 as planned.And we were exchanging messages during that time too.The ones being followed were the Ishiharas.They were probably thinking of crushing our next trump card.When one of those vehicles enters the Tourist Port parking lot, it blocks the exit.When Ishihara-kun gets out of his car, he approaches the vehicle with a gun.
"Raise your hands and get out slowly."
Two men get out.From their characteristics, one is probably the busjacking driver, and the other is the man with the laptop.
"Don't try anything, or I'll shoot!"
When Ishihara-kun warns them, Watanabe-kun and Haruto try to capture the two.Just then, a whistling sound of wind is heard.Ishihara-kun realizes what that sound is.
"Emi!! Get away from the car!!"
Emi-san doesn't understand what's going on.Taking advantage of the moment she turns around, the big man lands a roundhouse kick on Watanabe-kun.Watanabe-kun falls. Ishihara-kun hastily fires, but the man gets in the car and avoids it.The man with the laptop escapes from the stunned Haruto and gets into the car.The man uses the car to try and escape.I can't worry about that now.I have to deal with what was dropped on Ishihara-kun's car, the source of the wind sound.Ishihara-kun! Sorry!!I press the button on my wristband, transform, jump onto the roof of Ishihara-kun's car, and leap upwards.Then I kick the dropped object towards the sea.It explodes violently where it was kicked.After landing once, I jump again, even higher, going above Birdman.I drive my elbow into Birdman's back.Birdman falls.I land and approach Birdman.I grab the staggering Birdman's arm and twist it behind his back to capture him.But the next moment, I leap away from the spot.A car drifts and charges into where I was standing.The driver opens the window and fires at me.I dodge it.Meanwhile, Birdman jumps into the man's car, and the door closes.The car destroys the entrance gate and escapes.
"Katagiri-kun! My car!"
Saying that, Ishihara-kun gets into the back seat.I get into the driver's seat of Ishihara-kun's car and start the engine.
I'll breathe life into you!
"Emi-san, seatbelt!"
We start pursuing at full speed.Makoto is manipulating the traffic lights for us, but the enemy is just running red lights.I ask Makoto to turn all the lights green, and they switch.Can I catch up with this car!?I overtake car after car, closing in on the target vehicle.The car doesn't get on the expressway but enters a mountain road.It's uphill. That might be a bit disadvantageous.The enemy is a good driver too.I can't keep up with them in the corners like usual.
"Sorry, I'll trade this in for a car with more horsepower."
"You still have a loan to pay off, don't you!?"
"And I need to get the bodywork done too."
"Both of you, stop joking and chase them seriously!"
When Emi-san says that, Ishihara-kun's car accelerates as if it's woken up.Ah, right, this car has VTEC too, doesn't it?No matter how good a driver he is, a 4WD truck has its limits, right?I managed to catch up when we got higher up the mountain.
"Katagiri-kun, if you get too close..."
"I know, I just need to pass him, right!"
If I know the enemy driver is good...!!I use the slipstream to get close to the 4WD truck.The moment the enemy driver turns his arm towards me and points his gun...
If you have a soul, answer me!!
I swing the car into the opposite lane and accelerate.I pass him while the slipstream effect is still active.Once I'm in front of him, Ishihara-kun mercilessly fires bullets into the windshield.They probably have bulletproof glass at least. But with a cracked windshield, visibility is limited.But that didn't seem to matter to him.The big man smashes the cracked glass with his left arm to secure his vision.The man fires his gun at the rear wheel of Ishihara-kun's car.He got the tire.The car, its behavior compromised by the blowout, spins.I'm barely able to control the spin.The enemy speeds past us as if mocking us.It's frustrating, but that's it for tonight.I call Makoto and the others and ask them to come pick us up.
"Ishihara-kun, sorry about your car."
"I wonder if insurance will cover it?"
"I wonder what happens when you have an accident after being shot at?"
"Katagiri-kun, you should be prepared to get a speeding ticket too."
"Yeah."
We laughed together.Emi-san watched us in amazement.Airi and the others come to pick us up.The tow truck we arranged also arrives.Ishihara-kun and the others are apparently going home on that.We also decided to call it a day and go home.We were so close.
"So even Toya-kun can lose in a car."
Airi says that and laughs.As if I could dodge bullets in a car.
"I'll have to help cover some of the repair costs for Ishihara-kun's car."
"Emi said not to worry about that~."
"I see..."
"More importantly, it's a big deal~."
She says it's a big deal, but Airi sounds carefree. I wonder what happened?
"Check the Unity group chat when you get home."
Unity's?I wonder what happened?When I get home, I take a bath, and while Airi is in the bath, I look at the chat....I see.A crisis of division.
"Katagiri-senpai, please explain."
After that, Watanabe-kun and the others tried to calm them down, but it didn't seem to be settling.It really is a big deal.
"If you're going to complain, get out of Unity!!"
Mika-san is angry.Watanabe-kun seems to be trying to calm her down.
"Let's all get together once. I want to explain things properly."
Watanabe-kun says that.I need to do something on my end too.
"Ugh... you've got that difficult expression on your face again."
Saying that, Airi's face was smiling.
"Here."
I drink the chuhai that Airi hands me.
"So? Does it look like it'll work out?"
"I'm thinking about it..."
"I see..."
I look at Airi's face as she worries with me.I send what I'm thinking as a message.
"If the name of love that pours unceasingly could be called a bond."
Airi looks puzzled.The reactions are mostly "?" too.I ignore it and type the rest.
"You will surely come to know the meaning of kindness that words could never convey."
The emotions that well up, I don't even know where they come from, but they are gentle feelings that words alone cannot explain.To call such feelings 'eternity,' we are still too young and too immature. But still, if I could call this feeling that now.Trust, hope, courage, friendship, love.It doesn't matter what feeling it is. If you have even a shred of that feeling, I want you to stay in Unity.That's what I convey.Everyone seems to have calmed down for now.They each have their own thoughts, I suppose.
"...I understand. If that's the case, I have my own reasons too. I'll stay."
When Manabe-kun, who was the leader of the opposition, said that, everyone seemed to accept it.
"Good work."
Really, I was tired until the very end today.Just then, a phone call comes in.It's an unknown number.
"Hello?"
"It's me. You know who Jackal is, right?"
Jackal!? How did he get this number?
"You'd know if you looked at that woman's phone, right?"
So that's how it is.
"Whoa, don't bother trying to trace this number! It's a prepaid phone."
"What do you want?"
"That was impressive today!? You almost got me!"
"Sarcasm?"
"That's not why I called! It's just that I'm a pro too. It's humiliating to struggle against a kid."
"And?"
"I'll accept your challenge again soon! Next time, I'm coming at you for real."
So he wasn't serious today.Is that what he wants to say?
"Well, see you around."
Is that the end of the call?
"Who was it?"
"Jackal?"
"Huh?"
Airi's face looks anxious.
"What did he say?"
"He said he won't hold back next time."
"Was he holding back today?"
"Seems like it."
"That's frustrating."
"Yeah."
Airi is troubled.Then she says with a smile.
"In my book, Toya-kun won today."
Huh?
"I mean, you took down Birdman-san, and you were winning the car chase too. If your tire hadn't burst, you would have caught him, right?"
"Airi, 'if onlys' are just excuses."
"If you say that, then he's making excuses too, saying he wasn't serious."
"Well, I guess so."
"So Toya-kun wins."
Airi says that and clings to my arm.
"Thank you."
I pat Airi's head.
"Hehe~"
Looking at Airi's smile makes me forget any bad feelings.
"Well, you must be exhausted from today, so let's go to bed early?"
"Yeah."
When I get into bed with Airi, I turn off the lights.And then we fall asleep.Thinking about various things, thinking about what's to come. I quietly fall asleep.I also need to think about the unaccounted-for members of the Nine-Tailed Fox.And what is the point of releasing Sora Takahashi now?I also needed to find out the truth behind that.