Chapter 321 - Flames of Love
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning~ Time to wake up~"
Airi said that and shook my body.
When I opened my eyes, Airi's smile filled my entire field of vision.
"Good morning, Airi."
"Good morning, Toya-kun."
After finishing our morning greetings, I got out of bed and started changing.
After changing, I left the house and began my daily routine.
Once my routine was done, I returned home, and while I was showering, Airi started preparing breakfast.
When I got out of the shower, I ate breakfast.
After finishing, I poured coffee into my mug and returned to my room.
While watching TV and drinking coffee, relaxing, Airi came back from her shower.
Airi was drying her hair while watching TV.
Golden Week was just around the corner in the world.
We were also going to have a training camp using the first three days.
Unusually, the sports segment had a special feature on basketball.
I wasn't called up for the Olympic representative's practice matches scheduled for the end of this month.
But I was called up for the Lee Sang-baek Cup next month.
The spring tournament was also scheduled for the week after that.
Since the start of this academic year, I had also been participating in Basketball Club activities to adjust.
The basketball special reported that I had been notified of being cut from the team.
Airi was watching it with an uneasy look.
"Is Toya-kun not needed anymore?"
"It's fine. I'm called up for the Lee Sang-baek Cup, so it's not like I'm being cut."
Saying that, I patted Airi's head.
Airi smiled and started drinking her café au lait.
After she finished drinking, she took it to the kitchen along with my mug.
In the midst of that, the phone rang.
I picked up my smartphone.
"Hello?"
"Oh, hello? Katagiri-kun? Were you watching TV?"
It was a staff member from the Japan National Team. By TV, they probably meant the special feature that was just on.
"I saw it."
"We'll definitely call you for the Olympic team, so please refrain from any rash actions!"
"Yes."
"You're surprisingly calm."
"I'm not that flustered since I've been called up for next month."
"Well, that's good. Should I prepare one ticket for you again?"
"Please do."
"Got it. Well, talk to you later."
The call ended there.
When I noticed, Airi had returned to the room.
"Who was the call from?"
"A staff member from the Japan National Team. They said they'll call me for the Olympics, so don't do anything rash."
"I see. That's good."
Airi was happy.
After that, I waited for Airi to finish her makeup, and we left the house.
When we arrived at the university, we headed straight to the gymnasium.
Then we changed in the locker room and did morning practice.
Since everyone comes at different times, it's mostly individual practice.
The ones who come every morning are me, Tasuku, Takatsuki-kun, Akai-kun, and Sakura-san.
Speaking of Takatsuki-kun, Sota apparently got severely scolded by Sakura-san and Murakawa-san.
He was doing a deep bow, apologizing profusely.
Airi was watching my practice from the second floor.
Occasionally, when our eyes met, Airi would smile and wave back.
"Getting all lovey-dovey from the morning."
When Tasuku said that, I replied.
"You should get along well with Sakura-san too, Tasuku. No need to hold back on our account."
"I'd love to do that more than anything, but Sakurako is..."
"Tasuku!! Saying weird things again. Please focus on practice!"
"...And that's how it is."
"I see."
Me and Tasuku were laughing.
As the time for the first period approached, we returned to the locker room.
After changing, everyone killed time as they pleased.
I killed time by looking at job postings or studying with Airi in the library.
At noon, everyone gathered at the cafeteria.
Ishihara and his wife, Sakai and his wife, and Watanabe-kun were already there.
"Is your schedule okay today?"
"It's fine, I cleared it in advance."
Today was the welcome party for Watanabe's group.
It was the first time seeing everyone since the cherry blossom viewing.
Chi-chan, Asakura-san, and Takatsuki-kun looked nervous.
"No need to be so stiff. They're all good people."
Watanabe-kun said that.
"By the way, are Kameari-kun and the others also becoming new members?"
I asked Watanabe-kun.
"Well, yeah. We have to welcome Kosei and Naru too."
Watanabe-kun laughed.
"Are you going to educate Kosei too?"
"No, well, probably not..."
"What are you saying? All new men are educated without discrimination!"
Emi-san said.
"So, that means Kameari-kun and the others are..."
"Of course."
"Well, this training camp is going to be tough."
Watanabe-kun was laughing.
"By the way, Toya. I forgot to ask this morning..."
Tasuku asked.
"What?"
"Is it true you got dropped from the Japan National Team?"
"What's that?"
"I haven't heard about that!"
When Tasuku said that, everyone got flustered.
"It's fine. I got a call this morning saying they'll definitely call me for the Olympics."
I explained that I was also called up for next month's tournament, and everyone calmed down.
"Good, I was worried that our actions might become a fatal blow for Toya-kun."
Emi-san said.
"However, they told me to refrain from rash actions."
"Is today's welcome party okay?"
"That kind of thing is nothing, right?"
I said that even the representatives drink, and everyone seemed convinced.
"Oh, it's about time. Well, I'll head off."
Those who had third period classes all hurried to the classroom.
We also stood up.
After finishing today's classes, we went home without stopping by the Blue Bird.
When we got home, we put down our bags and got ready to go out.
While waiting for Airi, she seemed to be done, so we left the house.
We took the bus to the city.
Rocking on the bus, we leisurely headed towards the city.
(2)
Me and Saki aligned our class schedules this year.
I thought we were together even at home, but since we often miss each other at home, we decided to spend time together when we can.
At lunch break, we went to the cafeteria.
I was eating the bento Saki made.
Manabe-kun was eating something he bought at the convenience store.
Today was the welcome party where we'd see everyone after a long time.
It was also the first day we'd meet the four new members.
Manabe-kun was going to stop by the office once to pick up Satomi-san.
After finishing classes, we went home to get ready... but before that, I did some maintenance on Saki's car.
It was something she'd been asking me to do for a while.
"Maintain my car once in a while too. Since you're good at it, I want to go for a drive in my car."
Since I happened to have time today, I drove it a bit and did some adjustments in my free time.
Since it was a foreign car, I was a bit hesitant, but Saki insisted, so I took the job.
I tinkered with it within the range that would pass inspection.
"There, I've done the basics for now. I'll adjust it more during the holidays."
"Aren't you working during the holidays?"
"I took all of them off for now. It's marked on the calendar, right?"
We marked holidays on the calendar so we could plan our schedules easily.
"Well, that's fine... Then I'll take a day off somewhere too. Want to go for a drive somewhere?"
"Okay."
I changed out of my work clothes and got ready to go out.
Saki waited for me to finish getting ready.
Once I was ready, we left the house and headed to the station.
It was three stations from University Front Station to the city.
Since the others were also meeting at the station, we waited at the ticket gate.
(3)
"Good work."
Saying that, I entered the office.
"Oh? Is it that time already?"
"No, my class ended, so I came early. If there's anything to help with..."
"Well then, how about helping me with this? I don't think I'll make it in time."
"Got it. The files go to the server?"
"Yes, please."
I sat down at my desk, started up my PC, and began working.
"Mirai. Are the drawings ready yet?"
"Just a little more."
"If we don't hurry, we won't make it to the welcome party."
"I know."
Mirai-san registered her marriage with Shiina-san.
The ceremony seems to be in October.
Mirai-san got a job at Harada General Design and is working hard as an apprentice now.
"Hehe~n. That means I'm your senior now! Manabe-kun."
Mirai-san said proudly.
"Mirai, just hurry up. I still have to check it!"
"Yeees."
"She's been like that ever since she joined. Shiina-kun."
Chief Tomosaka said.
"I guess it's a case of being strict with family."
Kondo-san said.
"Yamato-san, I'm done."
"OK, then. I'll finish the rest, so go get ready."
"Yeees."
"President, I'm done too."
"Oh? That was fast? Thank you. Well then, shall we get going?"
The end of the workday was long past.
"Well, sorry everyone. I'm heading home first."
"Yes, have fun."
"Later~"
"Good work, Takumi. Let's go."
"Yes."
We went home once to get ready, then took a taxi to the station.
(4)
"Oh?"
"Oh?"
By chance.
I ran into Kanzaki-san at the station ticket gate.
"Shiratori-san, are you also meeting your boyfriend here~?"
I silently nodded.
We weren't using the car tonight. We were told we'd be partying until morning anyway, so we'd move by train.
I'd only ridden the train a few times.
"I heard everyone's gathering tonight~. I'm looking forward to it~."
Kanzaki-san said.
I was looking forward to it too.
Because it had been a while since I'd seen Haruto.
It was also my first time meeting the new members.
"Sakura! Sorry to keep you waiting."
"You were working, right~. It can't be helped~."
Hiyama-san arrived.
Hiyama-san apparently also registers his marriage next month.
They're going to start living together then.
I heard the ceremony is scheduled for June this year.
"Haruna! Sorry to keep you waiting!"
Haruto arrived.
We talk on the phone every day, but hearing his real voice still makes me happy.
"Are the others not here yet?"
"Good evening~."
The Takemoto couple, Mizushima-san, Sakura-san, Nakajima-san, and Ichinose-san arrived.
"Then the only ones left from the train group are the Ozai group."
Saki-san said.
The Ozai group was just the Kiritani couple and the Tada couple.
"Sorry, sorry for keeping you waiting. We missed one train."
"Is everyone here yet?"
"Good thing we made it!"
"'Good thing' nothing! It's because you were dawdling that we missed the train!"
The Tada couple and the Kiritani couple arrived.
Now the train group was all here.
"Well, let's move to the meeting spot."
The meeting spot was in front of the station building, by the statue.
Everyone started moving.
(5)
"Chi-chan! Takatsuki-san came to pick you up."
Called by Mother, I left the house.
"Good evening. I came to pick you up."
"Why don't you come in for a bit and have a chat?"
"Mother, there's no time for that."
"Oh? That's a shame."
"I'll call you another day."
Would such a day ever come?
I asked myself as I put on my shoes and left the house.
We decided to go to the station in his car.
Since that day, he had stopped speeding.
Apparently, his goal was to be like Katagiri-san.
"I want to be able to drive like that person."
As a passenger, that was reassuring.
"I wonder what kind of people will come."
"He said there are all kinds of people."
"I'm looking forward to it~."
The car was in traffic. Was it because of the season that there were many cars heading to the city at this time?
He seemed serious about aiming for Katagiri-san's driving.
He adjusted his speed to match the flow of traffic.
If someone cut in recklessly, he didn't get upset and let them go.
We still couldn't remove our novice driver marks.
There were cars that tailgated us, but we didn't mind.
"Your driving really has changed."
"You can tell? I'm happy to hear that."
He seemed genuinely pleased.
All the parking lots around the station were full.
Plus, his car couldn't fit in a multi-story parking lot.
We parked in a lot a bit further away and walked.
I thought about suggesting he change his car, but...
Looking at the couples walking in the city, maybe walking like this wasn't so bad.
Since I'd told my parents we were dating, this much should be fine.
I took his hand and we walked hand in hand.
...I still didn't quite understand.
Would the time come when I would understand?
I noticed his hand was sweaty.
He was nervous.
"Relax a bit more."
When I said that, he said, "I know."
His nervousness was contagious.
When I looked at him, his movements were stiff.
"Is this your first time dating a woman too, Takatsuki-san?"
"No, it's not that..."
Then what was it?
When he gets so nervous, it rubs off on me.
My walking became stiff too, and my brother, who had arrived at the meeting spot first, laughed at us.
Was I embarrassed? Shy?
I wasn't sure.
I just knew my face was getting hot.
(6)
"Going in our uniforms is probably not a good idea."
"Yeah."
We decided to go home and change first.
I changed first and played on my smartphone while waiting for Naru to get ready.
When Naru was ready, we got into the shuttle car.
"I'll pick you up at 10 PM. Is that alright?"
"Yeah, please do."
After telling the driver that, we relaxed in the car until we arrived at the station front.
"It's peaceful..."
Naru said.
"...You'll get used to it eventually."
I said.
Naru probably still had some unease.
She was probably bewildered by the sudden peace.
It was my duty to dispel that.
"I'm glad I met them."
Naru said.
"Yeah, I'm grateful to the Egoists for that much."
Those who touch Watanabe's group don't get away unscathed.
Happiness always comes back to them.
Kameari-kun and the others were probably savoring that peace right now.
"But there's one most important thing we mustn't forget."
Naru said.
"And what's that?"
"The one who chose this path was Kosei."
Naru said that and smiled.
Naru's smile, created by my hands.
Then I would strive to ensure Naru's smile never fades.
"Naru, I think you know this, but..."
"Yeah, I won't talk about this in front of everyone. I just wanted to tell you, Kosei. My feelings... my gratitude."
Naru said that and gazed at the scenery reflected in the window.
The face reflected in that window glass was smiling.
We got out of the car in front of the station.
When we went to the statue, the promised meeting spot, people from Watanabe's group were waiting.
"Kosei, Naru! Long time no see! Have you been well!?"
"Yes, I'm relieved to see everyone is as energetic as ever."
"Long time no see, you haven't changed."
And so, we chatted while waiting for those who hadn't arrived yet.
(7)
"Who might you be?"
"Oh, I'm Iori Asakura."
"What is your business?"
"I was supposed to meet Shota-san, but he didn't show up at the appointed time, so I got worried and came."
"Ah, for Shota-sama. Please wait a moment."
After a while, the gate opened.
"Please come in."
I went through the gate, and it closed automatically.
After walking for about five minutes, I finally saw the mansion.
There, I rang the intercom again.
"I'm Asakura. I've come to see Shota-san."
"Please wait a moment."
About ten minutes later, Sho-chan came out.
"What's the big idea, you could have come earlier!"
"You were the one who chose the meeting spot, Sho-chan."
"But that doesn't mean you have to make me wait over thirty minutes!"
"I-I'm sorry."
"If we don't hurry, we won't make it. Get in."
Saying that, we went to the station front, the meeting spot, in his car.
"What were you doing?"
"I came home from school and was sleeping."
"And when I called your phone, you didn't answer?"
"It was annoying, so I just had it on vibrate."
"'Annoying'..."
It was your girlfriend calling, you know? You could have answered...
"What? What about it?"
He didn't seem to care.
At that moment, my phone rang.
A message came in.
I glanced at Sho-chan.
He seemed focused on driving.
I quickly checked the message.
"What are you doing!? You're past the appointed time!"
"I-I'm sorry. Please start without me. The place..."
"The place is the yakitori shop in front of the station. It's reserved under Watanabe's name."
"Understood, I'm really sorry."
I typed that and put my phone in my bag.
"From Watanabe's group?"
It seemed he had noticed.
"I-I'm sorry."
"It's fine. What did they say?"
"'Aren't you here yet?'..."
"I wish they'd made it closer!"
"But there are people coming from Beppu too..."
"That doesn't matter! This is our welcome party, right!"
"I-I don't think you should say that."
"Why?"
"Everyone gathered for us. They took time out of their valuable schedules."
"I'm taking time out of my valuable schedule too!"
You were just sleeping, weren't you?
"I can't watch the show that's on tonight!"
"You can just record it."
"I didn't even have time to set the recording!"
"That's because you were sleeping, Sho-chan..."
"Are you saying it's my fault!?"
"Whose fault else would it be?"
"Ah, I'm getting irritated!!"
"Here, have a candy and calm down. Driving while irritated causes accidents."
"I told you before, I don't get into accidents!"
While having such an argument, we parked the car in the parking lot, walked, and entered the shop.
"I heard there's a reservation under the name Watanabe..."
"Oh, please take the elevator to the third floor."
As instructed, I went up to the third floor, and everyone was waiting.
"You're a newbie and you're late!!"
The blonde woman sitting next to Watanabe-senpai yelled at us.
"Now, now, Mika, calm down. We can at least hear the reason."
Watanabe-senpai told us to explain the reason.
Sho-chan said.
"I was late because Iori was dawdling!"
"Is that so? Asakura-san?"
"...Yes."
I love him, so it can't be helped. I have to put up with this much...
"Is that really true?"
Huh?
There stood Tosaka-senpai and Katagiri-senpai, both with stern expressions.
(8)
"Is that really true?"
I pressed Asakura-san for an answer.
Because her face was saying it wasn't.
"It's just as Sho-chan said..."
Asakura-san looked like she was about to cry.
"Iori, kindness and spoiling are different. I don't think accepting someone's flaws is wrong, but you have to say 'no' to what's not okay."
Airi said that.
"Let's hear the explanation, Asakura-san."
Watanabe-kun said.
"So, like I just said, Iori..."
"You shut up!!"
Mika-san silenced Kisaragi-kun with a shout.
"You're Iori, right? Don't be scared, just say it. It's not fun or anything if you're just scared and going along with it. You have to become a relationship where you can say what you want to say."
Mika-san said to Asakura-san.
Asakura-san looked like she was about to cry, but when Airi said a single word, "Do your best," she finally opened her mouth.
"He didn't show up at the appointed time, so I went to pick him up at his house, and he was sleeping..."
Everyone was dumbfounded by Asakura-san's words.
"This seems like it'll need quite a bit of education at the training camp."
Emi-san said.
"Shifting the blame onto his girlfriend when it's his own fault is the worst." Insults flew from the women.
Airi said.
"Don't you think you could at least have some gratitude towards your girlfriend who says she loves someone like you?"
Pressed by the women's momentum, Kisaragi-kun reluctantly said, "I'm sorry," in a somewhat sulky tone.
Saying it like that will only make the women angrier, Kisaragi-kun.
"What kind of attitude is that!? Do you really get it!?"
Mika-san yelled.
"Now, now, just sit down, both of you. We know the reason now, and time is a waste. Let's just get started."
Watanabe-kun said.
"So, anyway, let's start with a toast."
And so, the banquet began amidst the tense atmosphere.
"First, let's start with everyone introducing themselves."
When Watanabe-kun said that, everyone began introducing themselves one by one.
It was the two of them's turn.
"I'm Shota Kisaragi, a first-year at Private University."
"I'm Iori Asakura, a first-year at the local university. I apologize for the trouble I've caused everyone."
Asakura-san said that and bowed deeply.
"Isn't it strange that there's no apology from Shota?"
When Kanna said that, things flared up again.
Watanabe-kun tried to calm things down.
But the women's anger showed no sign of subsiding.
Airi seemed angry too.
Each of their partners tried to calm the women down, but...
"Are you taking Kisaragi-kun's side, Toya-kun!?"
And so the direction of anger turned towards me.
"Kisaragi-kun must understand by now too!"
"If he understood, he wouldn't be acting like that!"
What should I do about this~.
I looked at everyone's faces. The men all seemed at a loss.
"Haruto, Shiratori, switch seats for a bit. Shota, Iori, come over here!"
As instructed, they switched seats, and Kisaragi-kun was subjected to a concentrated barrage from Ai-san, Mika-san, and Kanna.
At that moment, Chi-chan let out a word.
"Why is everyone so angry? Isn't it a simple problem if they just break up?"
It was the words everyone had been holding back.
Because this was a group that tried to bind ties no matter what.
But today, it seemed that wasn't going to work.
"That's right, Iori! I'll introduce you to a better man. Dump this guy!"
"He's so bad he makes Katagiri-kun seem decent! Find a replacement man!"
"This guy really pisses me off. I won't be satisfied until I punch his lights out!"
"I agree with Kanna on this. Let's beat him to a pulp behind this shop."
Ai-san, Emi-san, Kanna, and Mika-san all started saying things.
If Kanna and Mika-san put him in a bag, he might die if things go wrong, you know?
"That's no good!" Makoto and Watanabe-kun stopped them.
"That's not true!!"
Thump!
The one who slammed her mug on the table and said that was Asakura-san!
"Sho-chan might be like this, but he has good points! He has kind points! Everyone, stop saying such mean things!!"
Asakura-san said that and started crying.
Everyone fell silent.
Maybe he finally felt he was in the wrong, Kisaragi-kun tried to calm Asakura-san down.
But there was no sign of her calming down.
"I've always loved him! Because I love Sho-chan! I don't want anyone but Sho-chan!"
Her character had changed.
I glanced at the frothy mug on the table.
So she'd drunk it without noticing.
"Iori, let's go home today. I'll take you. I was wrong. I love you too."
"No! Why won't everyone understand! Sho-chan is kind at heart!"
"I get it. Thank you for saying that. I'm happy, so..."
"I'm only Sho-chan's! Sho-chan, don't go anywhere!"
"I'm not going anywhere. Come on, let's go home. I'm sorry for the trouble, everyone."
Saying that, the two of them left.
"Well, shall we all start drinking again?"
Watanabe-kun said.
"Did I say something bad?"
Chi-chan was troubled.
"No, what Chi-chan said was perfectly logical. It's just that once a flame of love is lit, it's hard to put out."
Makoto explained to Chi-chan.
"It's a world I still don't understand."
"You'll understand someday."
Everyone returned to normal.
Amidst that, I was thinking alone.
Had Airi felt the same way back in middle school?
Pat
"You were just thinking something stupid, weren't you, Toya-kun."
"Huh?"
"You were thinking something stupid like 'Airi who always watched over my useless self' or something, weren't you."
I really can't hide anything from Airi.
"Boo, so wrong. Toya-kun. It's punishment game time."
"R-right here!?"
"Is there a problem with doing it here?"
Airi was smiling happily.
"I was curious about that too. I couldn't help but wonder what kind of face you'd make doing the punishment game."
"I'm curious too. Katagiri-kun, just get it over with."
Kanna and Ai-san said.
"Well then, are you really sure about here, Airi?"
"Yep♪"
"Alright, I'll say it then..."
It was just a task of repeating a six-word message ten times.
Airi listened quietly, but her face was flushed, probably from embarrassment.
Everyone listened quietly.
By the time I finished saying it ten times, there were whistles and cheers.
"Toya-senpai, that was seriously cool!"
"Haruto... will you do the same for me?"
"R-right now, I'd like a little leeway."
"Embarrassed in front of everyone?"
"Haruna would probably be embarrassed too."
"I'm fine with it."
So Haruna-san had been drinking too.
Haruto had it tough.
"I'll say it as many times as you want, Kanna!"
"You might be fine with it, but I'm not, so stop it!"
The women pestered their respective partners.
The night banquet had just begun.