Chapter 330 - If Only I Could Convey It in Words
(1)
"Airi, hurry up!"
"The plane isn't going to fly away just because you're rushing~"
Why does it always end up being down to the wire like this?
I accidentally overslept because I was attending to Airi last night.
"Airi, why didn't you wake me up sooner?"
"I had the bus schedule under control."
Airi seems reliable, yet she has a carefree side.
She probably inherited that strongly from Airi's mother.
"Toya-kun, if you're sleepy, you can just sleep, okay? I'll wake you up♪"
Well, we're going all the way to the final stop, so it should be fine, right?
I decided to rely on Airi and get a little sleep.
"Toya-kun, we've arrived~"
I woke up to Airi's voice and hurried through the airport at a brisk pace.
Airplane procedures are a hassle in many ways.
And there's always time left over until departure.
Airi is messaging everyone on her smartphone.
It became boarding time. I let Airi know.
When I boarded the plane with Airi, she gave me the window seat.
"Toya-kun, you want to see the scenery, right?"
"You just want to cling to me, don't you, Airi?"
"Ehehe~"
What a handful of a bride.
"But you know~ I've been thinking about it since yesterday"
"What is it?"
"Isn't this a first? The two of us taking a plane for a 'trip'..."
Now that she mentions it, that's true.
We always traveled by car.
I just couldn't bring myself to drive all the way to Chiba.
"Buying the tickets early was the right call, wasn't it?"
"It was. It's packed with people."
Once the plane took off, Airi clung to me without hesitation.
"We can't see Mount Fuji from this side."
Eventually, once Airi had her fill of enjoyment, she started reading a book while listening to the cabin announcements.
I continued to look at the scenery indefinitely.
As I thought, the rattling vibration of the main wings is fun.
It's amazing that it flies with such thin sheets of iron.
Airi's reactions stopped.
I looked toward Airi.
Airi was asleep.
Airi couldn't sleep either, I guess.
There are no mid-way stops on a plane.
Should I sleep a bit more too?
Thinking that, I fell asleep.
After a while, a pop sound rang out, and Airi and I woke up.
Airi fastened her seatbelt.
The plane arrived at Haneda Airport.
After leaving Haneda Airport, we took a direct bus.
I considered the train, but just looking at the complicated Tokyo lines gave me a headache, so I went with the bus.
Once on the bus, I was captivated by the scenery again.
I really want to try driving through this scenery in my own car.
"Hmm, how about renting a car in Tokyo? I don't think there's any possibility of an accident if it's Toya-kun."
"They say accidents can be caused by yourself, or you can be caught up in someone else's, right?"
"That's true~. But if it's Toya-kun, it'll be fine."
I'm not exactly riding along with Airi's baseless confidence, but a rental car might be an option.
"I want to try a Tokyo drive with Toya-kun's driving too."
"If we go... maybe autumn?"
"Summer has the Olympics... but what about the graduation trip? Have you decided?"
"If I go with everyone from Watanabe-han, it'll require consultation, but..."
If possible, I want to go with just Airi.
"Yay! Have you decided on a place?"
"Yeah."
"Where?"
"Hokkaido. It wasn't Airi's idea, but I want to try circling Hokkaido in a rental car."
"That sounds great!"
Airi seemed keen.
When we arrived at the hotel, it happened to be check-in time.
I skipped both the Land of Dreams and the Sea of Dreams today.
After eating a light meal in the hotel lounge, we relaxed in the room until dinner.
(2)
"Well, I'm going in Yuma's car, so I'll be off."
"Yeah, be careful."
"I know, see ya. I'm counting on you."
After seeing Saki off, I immediately set to work.
Jacked it up and started with the undercarriage first.
The clutch plate is worn out.
Clutch plates wear out quickly in this kind of car.
Should I just use a standard clutch plate?
The brakes are worn too. Should these be replaced as well?
In that way, I inspected, tinkered with, and adjusted the parts one by one.
Once I lowered the jack, I did a test drive while getting lunch.
With this, it should be fine even if Saki drives.
After eating lunch, I took the car to the SS.
I gave it a car wash.
When the car wash was finished, I brought it back home and started tinkering with the engine this time.
I applied the tune that Katagiri-kun had mentioned.
I intentionally lowered the horsepower and other basic specs.
Around the time I finished everything, I did another test drive while shopping for dinner.
Yeah, it's become quite comfortable to ride.
As a finishing touch, I applied wax and was done.
Now I just have to wait for Saki to return.
As soon as Saki returned, she said she wanted a test ride immediately.
I was the one driving.
The car drove toward Beppu.
We had a meal at a restaurant in Beppu as we were.
"Amazing, Yuma, it's completely changed."
"I tinkered with it quite a bit."
"You even washed it; didn't you have no time to rest?"
"I'll rest plenty during the remaining holidays."
"The last day is no good, though. Because you're going for a drive with me."
"I know, I know."
And so, after we returned home, we took showers.
Then we killed time aimlessly and slept when we got sleepy.
What should I do tomorrow?
Maybe I'll clean the room?
It's quite a mess.
Surprisingly, there were things left to do.
(3)
"Iori. You have a guest."
"Who~?"
"Kisaragi-kun. Can I let him in the room?"
"Wa-wait a minute!?"
I hurriedly changed clothes.
Sho-chan came to visit my house.
How long has it been?
While thinking about that, I hurriedly changed clothes.
"It's okay~"
I had replied while checking my bedhead at the dressing table.
Knock knock
He knocked.
"C-come in~"
Sho-chan came in.
"What, I wondered how messy it was, but it's unexpectedly normal? What were you doing?"
"I was changing."
I couldn't meet him in loungewear, obviously.
Actually, I didn't want to let him into the house.
Because my house is small compared to Sho-chan's house.
"By the way, what brings you here today? So suddenly."
"Is it bad if a boyfriend comes to visit?"
In Sho-chan's mind, I am his girlfriend.
I was a little moved.
But he could have at least made an appointment...
"But we have nothing here, you know?"
Nothing but the TV...
"I know, that's why let's go out and play, okay?"
"Alright, then wait outside. I'll get ready."
"Got it. Hurry up, okay? Iori, you've been slow with that kind of thing since way back."
"Yeah..."
Then I washed my face, brushed my teeth, chose clothes, put on makeup...
I was ready.
I told Sho-chan, who was waiting in the living room, that I was ready.
"You still take forever."
Even so, this was me rushing.
"If Sho-chan had called me, I would have prepared in advance."
"What? You want to say it's my fault?"
"I-it's not like that..."
But doesn't one normally make an appointment?
"Well, let's go."
"Yeah."
I climbed into Sho-chan's car, which was parked in front of the house.
"Where are we going?"
I asked while fastening my seatbelt.
"The shopping mall. You said you wanted to go shopping, right?"
"...Yeah!"
He remembered.
That alone made me happy.
Then, I enjoyed window shopping with Sho-chan at the shopping mall.
"...Wait a moment."
Saying that, Sho-chan entered a store. I wondered what happened.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go?"
Sho-chan led the way, carrying a large paper bag.
We ate lunch.
After that, we went to see a movie.
"There was a movie you wanted to see, right?"
It was a theatrical version of a tokusatsu work.
When the movie ended, we killed time drinking coffee at a coffee shop.
After that, we went to a bookstore again.
Should I pay more attention to fashion...
I bought a fashion magazine.
After that, we went to a variety store... we also stopped by a shop called Anarchy.
Things from this shop are probably impossible for me... While thinking that, I ran into Kusunoki-senpai.
"Oh? Isn't that Iori and Shota? Are you on a date today?"
"We are, so?"
Sho-chan answered.
"That's nice. I intend to attend to Haruna for about a day too."
"Are all your holidays spent at your part-time job?"
I asked.
"That's right, I took the first half off, so the second half is part-time work."
"Haruto..."
When I looked back, Shiratori-senpai was waiting.
"Haruna! You came, didn't you?"
"I'm free... are you busy?"
"Haruto! It's not break time yet, is it? Go eat some dinner."
Someone who seemed to be the manager said.
"Then the four of us will eat dinner."
Then the four of us had dinner and killed time for about an hour before Kusunoki-senpai returned to the store?
"Well, see you all later."
"...I'm coming tomorrow too."
Shiratori-senpai said that and left.
It seemed she intended to come throughout his part-time job.
So Kusunoki-senpai had said.
"Shall we head home soon too?"
"Yeah."
Sho-chan drove me home.
As I got out of the car, a paper bag was handed to me.
"I'll give you this. You looked like you wanted it."
He was watching that far.
"I'm coming to visit at the same time tomorrow, so make sure you're properly prepared next time."
Saying that, Sho-chan went home.
I went home, took a bath, returned to my room, and checked the contents of the paper bag.
It was indeed the blouse and skirt I had wanted.
Maybe I'll wear these tomorrow?
While thinking such things, I spent the night.
(4)
"Mirai, where do I put this?"
"Ah, in that room..."
Everyone from Watanabe-han came to help with the move.
Though by "everyone," I mean only the people who had free time.
Most people are busy with club activities or part-time jobs.
When I said I was sorry for them coming despite being busy.
"This is also part of the activity. Don't worry about it," Watanabe-senpai said.
"In exchange, please help me tomorrow~" Sakura-san said.
When the move was finished, I ordered moving soba for delivery and served it to everyone.
After finishing that, everyone went home.
Once everyone left, I began unpacking alone.
"Shall I help?"
Yamato-san said that, but since I felt bad, I said I would do it alone.
Around the time the unpacking was mostly finished, Yamato-san said, "Shall we go eat dinner soon?"
"I can cook on my days off, you know?"
"Ah, you must be tired from the move today, so it's fine."
Yamato-san declined, saying that.
At a nearby family restaurant, I made a decision.
"I'll attend a cooking class on the weekends."
Yamato-san was flustered.
"W-what happened all of a sudden?"
"Eating out every day really feels bad. I want to at least make breakfast for you."
"If that's the case, I'll make it."
"I'm a housewife starting today too. I want to at least serve you home-cooked meals."
I want to let my husband eat home-cooked meals.
"I understand, but there are days when I have to work on holidays. Don't push yourself."
"Yes!"
I'll overcome my weaknesses one by one.
It was a day I swore that in my heart.
(5)
He was here today too.
When I ordered coffee, he just stared at me alone.
Is he a stalker after all?
I've been targeted by a troublesome man.
However, he is also a customer from the important Watanabe-han.
I cannot neglect him.
When I closed the shop, I changed clothes and looked outside the store.
No one was there.
Relieved, I went home.
On the way back, I bought a meal at a convenience store and went home.
Maybe I'll eat out once in a while?
When I got home, I looked at my smartphone.
The chat log of Watanabe-han is incredible today too.
It seems Mirai-senpai moved.
Tomorrow is Sakura-senpai's move.
It has nothing to do with me, as I have a part-time job.
After finishing my meal, I cleaned up and took a bath.
Then I drank coffee milk after the bath and turned on the TV.
During that time, the Watanabe-han chat continued.
Looking at the Watanabe-han chat makes me feel unpleasant.
Among everyone who are couples, I am the only one all alone.
But I didn't think I wanted to leave.
What do the people in couples think about as they live?
Were there parts that made me think about that?
I was interested in love.
Being interested and having a desire are different.
I don't need a boyfriend.
The effort spent for the sake of a date is bothersome.
It's a pain to constantly read the other person's expression.
Without understanding these feelings of mine, the women of Watanabe-han give me various directions.
"Wouldn't a hairstyle like this suit you?"
"Wouldn't clothes like this suit you?"
"Current trendy makeup is like this. Misato, your natural looks aren't that bad, so."
I don't understand the meaning of spending money on such things.
Why is there a need to spend money to flirt with men?
Amidst that, only Katagiri-senpai says different things.
"From Kitamura-san's house, that ramen shop over there is delicious, right?"
"You should try the ramen shop in front of the station. It's delicious."
"The steak house inside the station building is quite delicious and reasonable."
He only talks about food.
I'm more interested in that.
I was noting those down.
I'll try going there after the long holiday ends.
Katagiri-senpai, who brought up such topics, was being criticized, but he spoke without flinching.
In a sense, he might have courage.
However, Katagiri-senpai is a person of caution who instigated Kuribayashi-san toward me.
The conversation is interesting, but I couldn't let my guard down.
He's plotting something.
I felt that.
But it felt like something harmless, or rather, something that would grant me happiness.
In a sense, I was expecting it.
If you can do something to me, then try it.
Though there were parts where I wanted to be left alone.
His words and actions seemed extremely attractive.
It's almost time.
I got into bed and lay down.
It seems Katagiri-senpai and the others are currently on a trip.
It seems they have an early start tomorrow.
They're already asleep.
I decided to fall asleep too.
I wonder if he'll be here again tomorrow?
While thinking such things.
(6)
"Uuu..."
Airi was troubled.
"What's wrong?"
I asked because the conversation probably wouldn't continue if I didn't.
"Toya-kun is trying to get close to Kitamura-san by talking about food."
I didn't exactly say it with that intention, though.
"I'm wondering if Toya-kun will be taken by Kitamura-san."
I laughed it off.
"That's absolutely not happening."
"Why?"
"Did you forget our goal?"
To get Kitamura-san and Kuribayashi-kun together.
"For all that, Toya-kun, you're talking quite friendly with Kitamura-san."
"Should I say I'm giving hints?"
"Hoe?"
"Steak alone. Ramen alone. Doesn't that feel like a high threshold for a woman?"
"Now that you mention it, that's true. But how is that a hint?"
"That food is the best way to lure her. And not a fancy restaurant, but a delicious and cheap shop."
"Are you making Kuribayashi-kun invite her?"
"That's how we're talking in the boys' group, you know?"
I showed Airi the log of the boys' group.
"Now it's just a matter of timing. Once her vigilance has eased, he just has to invite her."
The rest is a matter of his skill.
I told Airi that.
"How would Toya-kun attack?"
"I'd just keep eating around."
"Hoe?"
"Then she'll surely develop a little interest in me through the food. The rest is timing."
"Uuu..."
Plop
"What's wrong?"
"Toya-kun, you do want to get close to Kitamura-san after all!"
"I don't. I have Airi, don't I?"
"If it were Kitamura-san, she'd let Toya-kun eat as much as he wants!"
It seems Airi is in a bad mood.
"Airi, it's still today, you know?"
"Hoe?"
"The promise... I still remember it."
It seemed to take a little time for Airi to understand the meaning.
"Even if you try to win me over with such tactics, it won't work!"
Despite that, Airi got into bed.
I got into bed too.
"We have to make sure we don't oversleep tomorrow, right?"
"That's true... Hey, Toya-kun?"
"What is it?"
"In your mind, do you have a winning strategy?"
"I don't know yet. Things are still fresh."
"I see."
A change appeared in her heart.
Now I just have to watch over that change.
It's better not to stimulate her clumsily. Because she'll shut herself in her shell again.
More than that, attending to Airi's mood is more important right now.
"Airi, is there a course you want to go around tomorrow?"
"Listen, we're going around for the whole day tomorrow, right?"
"That's the plan."
"Then~"
Airi let her thoughts wander to the Land of Dreams she had yet to see.
I peeked into Airi's dream.