Chapter 331 - Blue Moon
"Toya-kun, it's morning."
"We're on a trip today, so I can skip my daily routine, right?"
"It opens at 9 AM! We'll run out of time for breakfast!"
It's not a good strategy to upset Airi even while on a trip.
When I wake up, I go to the washroom and wash my face.
"Hurry up and change so we can go to breakfast. Toya-kun, you want to eat plenty, right?"
Airi says.
If she's going to let me eat plenty, that might be an option.
After changing, I head out to eat breakfast.
Then Airi returns to the room and begins preparing.
In the pamphlet I received beforehand, Airi has put checkmarks.
These are the things she absolutely wants to see or ride.
I hammer those firmly into my head.
It'll probably be crowded because of the long weekend, and since it seems we can enter before the opening time, we leave the hotel a bit early.
The tickets were already prepared, so there was no need to buy them again.
Once inside, we wait for the opening time.
The opening time arrives.
"Airi, this way first."
"Mm."
Having hammered in the locations of the attractions Airi wants, we attack from the nearest spot.
It was fine at first, but as expected, wait times started to build up from the next one.
I enjoy that time as well, just the two of us.
Heh, that kind of fashion would look good if Airi wore it.
While I'm saying that and staring at another woman...
Poke
Being hit like that is a given.
"I have a child's physique anyway."
I've upset Airi.
"No, I was looking because I thought it would look good on Airi."
"Uuu... which person?"
"That person."
"I'm not that stylish~"
"That's not true, I'm sure it would suit Airi perfectly."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Thank you♪"
After that, I make sure to stop looking at other women too much.
That said, the wait times are boring, so I end up looking anyway.
Seeing me like that, Airi begins a machine-gun talk.
She talks to me as if to say, look only at me, pay more attention to me.
We decided to have lunch a bit early.
However, it seems many people think the same thing, so as expected, it's crowded.
Since it's impossible to go around everything in one day, I suggest to Airi, "Shall we make the second day a dreamland too?"
"The crowds will surely thin out once it becomes night."
We can go around the attractions again after watching the parade.
Airi says so.
"And we don't need time to buy souvenirs, right?"
Airi says this and laughs.
"But didn't you want a mug?"
"I've already factored in that amount of time."
Since Airi is saying it, it's probably fine.
After that, we go around the attractions Airi wants.
We also have dinner early and wait longingly for the parade time.
Airi also seems absorbed in taking videos.
The parade begins.
A glittering parade advances.
Airi is taking a video.
I was captivated by the parade.
When the parade ends, Airi goes around the attractions again.
We rode everything Airi wanted to ride.
All that's left is how to kill time until the closing time.
We ride the attractions Airi said she wanted to ride once more.
Shopping during the spare time.
I buy the mug Airi was aiming for.
And so, we enjoyed shopping until just before the closing time.
Returning to the hotel, I take a shower.
Apparently, tomorrow is an hour earlier.
I decided to sleep soundly today.
(2)
The day of Sakura's move.
Small items and clothes had been transported in advance.
All that's left is to move the large things.
Those from Watanabe's squad who were free came to help.
"Thank you everyone~"
Sakura gives her thanks.
"Don't worry about it. This is also part of the activities."
Watanabe says so.
After that, everyone ate the soba we had ordered for delivery, and then everyone went home.
Afterwards, I spend my time leisurely.
Sakura seems to be struggling with unpacking.
Unable to watch, I asked Sakura, "Shall I help?" but she said, "I can do it alone~" so I'm letting her do it alone.
Around evening, Sakura, who finished unpacking, asks, "What shall we do for dinner~?"
"Eating out today is fine, right? Sakura, you must be tired too."
"That's true~. I'll cook from tomorrow~"
After eating dinner with Sakura at a family restaurant, we return home.
While I'm taking a shower and drinking whiskey, Sakura was drinking chu-hi.
"I am inexperienced, but I look forward to your kindness."
Sakura says this and bows her head.
"Likewise, I look forward to it."
Saying so, I also bow my head.
After that, we talked about various things and went to sleep.
A new life begins tomorrow.
(3)
I ended up coming again today.
The shopping mall near the license center.
He works at a shop there called Anarchy.
Since he took the first three days off for the Watanabe faction's training camp, he says he'll work the second half.
His livelihood depends on it, so it can't be helped.
But I am lonely.
That's why I visit him like this.
Thinking it would be a nuisance just to visit, I buy miscellaneous goods.
"Thank you as always."
The store manager says to me.
"And so, Haruto. Go take your break."
When they say that, I have a one-hour date with Haruto.
It's a short time, but it's fun.
"Thanks every day."
Haruto says.
"Am I not being a nuisance?"
"Not at all! You even buy things for us, so it's actually our fault."
Then it's fine.
The fun time passes in the blink of an eye.
"Well, it's about time for me."
"Good luck."
Saying so, I see him off.
On the way home, a message from him.
"Let's go play somewhere after the long weekend ends!"
"Roger that."
I'll interfere to an extent that doesn't hinder his life.
I decided that.
(4)
Clink-clank.
The door bell rings.
Ai-san has arrived.
She's talking with Akira-chan.
"Oh? Aren't you going out with your husband?"
"My husband is at his part-time job."
Ai-san says this and laughs.
"Is that guy coming every day?"
"It seems so."
By "that guy," she means Kuribayashi-kun.
Apparently, he's interested in Kitamura-san, and as Katagiri-kun told him, he's visiting every day.
He arrived today too.
"...Will your order be coffee?"
"Yeah, please."
"Understood."
Kitamura-san, you're in the service industry, so let's be a bit more friendly.
I understand that it's hard being stalked every day.
Though, even if I say stalked, he just drinks coffee and goes home.
He's an important customer who just drinks coffee and goes home every day.
Katagiri-kun, am I the only one who feels like this is having the opposite effect?
"You really keep at it..."
Akira-chan was talking to Kuribayashi-kun.
"Because that's the only thing I can do."
"If you do as Katagiri-kun says, it usually works out, but this time I feel like it's a bit impossible."
Just as Ai-san says.
She doesn't even notice you first.
She thinks you're just teasing her.
"I don't know what will change by doing this either. But as long as there are no other options, I have no choice but to do this."
"There are plenty of other good women for someone like you, right? If you tried them..."
When Ai-san says that, I saw Kitamura-san react with a twitch.
"Then it would be meaningless. It has to be her."
"Why?"
"Because she is the only woman I've been this interested in."
Kitamura-san listens intently to those words.
It seems those words resonated with Akira-chan too.
"Isn't that fine? Struggle as much as you like. It might look unsightly to those around you, but I think you're wonderful right now."
Kuribayashi-kun received words of praise from Akira-chan.
Clink-clank.
Customers entered.
Two men who looked like thugs.
"Welcome, is it for two people?"
Kitamura-san desperately puts on a business smile.
"Please come this way to the table seats."
She guides them to their seats in a businesslike tone.
"I heard there's something called the Watanabe squad in this shop. Do you know about it?"
Kitamura-san looks at Ai-san.
Ai-san shakes her head.
It seems she was able to grasp the intent.
"W-we are not aware of any such thing. What on earth are you talking about?"
She just performed the greatest acting she is capable of.
I wanted to applaud, but I held back.
"What the. Was it just a rumor after all. What a waste of time coming here."
"Please let us know when you have decided on your order."
"Two beers."
"Customer, please look at the menu before ordering."
We're a coffee shop. Not a bar.
"What's this, a rude clerk. Got a dull face too. Other shops are way more attentive."
I want to interrogate them on which coffee shop keeps beer, but for now, I'll watch the situation.
The master also seemed to sense the strange atmosphere and came out from the kitchen, but I tell the master I'll handle it and send him back to the kitchen.
"You're probably planning to attract customers by spreading some grand rumor, but it's meaningless in a shabby shop like this, right?"
"Even Stinger is more attentive. Watanabe squad? Hah, you make me laugh."
You shouldn't say things like that in front of these two.
Look, both of their expressions are changing.
And then she declared.
"Then go get plucked by that Stinger or whatever to your heart's content!"
"Only someone like Stinger would deal with thugs like you, right? You've just been abandoned by the god of matchmaking."
When Ai-san and Akira-chan say that, the man kicks the table.
Since the table is fixed to the floor, it doesn't flip over, but the glass of water placed on the table flips over, and she is drenched in water.
"Did you say something, sister!"
"You'll get hurt if you underestimate us!"
The two men stand up and shout at Akira-chan and the others.
It's a battle of words.
"Fine by me! Let's make it clear which one of us is going to get hurt!"
"You're dead wrong if you think you'll get away with just a scratch."
Ai-san and Akira-chan also stand up, and the four of them try to go outside.
"Wait! I cannot overlook violence against women!"
Kuribayashi-kun, worrying about Kitamura-san who had lost her nerve, shouts at the man's back.
It's fine, Kitamura-kun. Those two have out-of-spec strength.
"Stop trying to act cool!"
I grab the shoulder of the man who is about to punch.
I thought there wouldn't be scenes like this anymore.
"Ow! What the hell are you doing?"
"Customer, please refrain from causing a commotion inside the shop if possible."
Saying so, I drag the two of them and throw them outside.
"Damn it, remember this! I'll bring down the reputation of this shop!"
People of this sort occasionally come after hearing rumors of the Watanabe squad.
Mostly, they never come back.
The one who wants to remember is rather me.
Since I'm the savior of your lives.
After seeing the two depart, I return to the shop.
"Are you okay?"
Kuribayashi-kun and Ichinose-san check on Kitamura-san.
"I'm fine. This is nothing."
Your knees are shaking, Kitamura-san.
"This is the second time you've saved me, right. Uh... who were you again?"
Despite being members of the same Watanabe squad, this response. I truly sympathize with Kuribayashi-kun.
"Kuribayashi Junichi. I'm a member of the Watanabe squad too."
"I can't remember people's names. I'm sorry."
Saying so, she takes out a notebook she had in her chest pocket and writes down the name.
"Well then, Kuribayashi-san, thank you very much."
"It was nothing."
"Now, I have work to do."
Saying so, Kitamura-san puts the shards of the broken glass on a tray.
"Ow."
As expected, she cut her finger on a shard.
Ichinose-san applies a bandage she had.
I take over the cleaning.
I put only the large shards on the tray and clean the rest with a broom and dustpan.
I notice something strange about her.
Whether it came from fear, from cutting her finger, or from the frustration of being unable to do anything, I don't know, but she was shaking.
"Ichinose-san, please take Kitamura-san to the break room for a bit."
"Right. Come on, shall we?"
Saying so, Ichinose-san takes Kitamura-san and heads to the break room.
"You handled it admirably. You weren't wrong. You should live with more pride!"
Kuribayashi-kun says.
Whether she noticed those words or not, in a voice only I, passing by her, could understand, she said, "Thank you."
"Well, I'm going home too. See you tomorrow."
Saying so, Kuribayashi-kun left the shop.
"Good looks, full of justice, hot-blooded type. He's a flawless specimen, right? Why is he so fixated on Kitamura-san?"
"Do you need a reason to fall in love with someone?"
I answered Ai-san's words like that.
"It's something someone said before. There's no reason you have to love someone, but I think you don't need a reason to love someone either."
"In short, it was love at first sight, right?"
"Probably something like that, right?"
When Akira-chan says, I answer.
Kitamura-san changes and comes out with the owner.
"Sorry, but I'm letting Kitamura-san go home today. She seemed a bit shocked."
"Understood."
"Well, get home safely."
"I'm sorry for the trouble."
Saying so, Kitamura-san went home.
"It's about time my stupid husband comes home. I have to buy dinner and go back too."
"Well, I'm heading home today. Zen-kun, I'll be waiting with dinner."
Saying so, the two of them also went home.
In their place, Nakajima-kun arrived.
He's getting along happily with Ichinose-san.
I wonder if Katagiri-kun predicted this would happen?
It's really becoming a place where anything goes, Katagiri-kun.
(5)
Amidst the sound of basketball shoes stepping on the floor, I was taking data as Sakura-senpai told me.
For now, I was entrusted with Takatsuki-kun's data.
Since it's impossible to do everyone at once, it's fine to take statistics one by one.
He's in a position entrusted with the area under the goal.
His height is taller than Akai-senpai's, but perhaps the physique is different, as he is inferior to Akai-senpai.
The biggest blow is that he cannot get into the rhythm of the local university, which centers on fast breaks using quick passing.
"At this rate, you're ten years too early to try and take a regular spot!"
Sakura-senpai scolds him.
Even he is working hard...
The whistle blows.
It's the signal for a break.
As I try to approach him to give him a towel and hydration, Sakura-san stops me.
"It's shooting practice for when you're struggling! There's no meaning if you drop it here."
Everyone is enduring the hardship and completing the shooting practice.
I was captivated by his desperate figure.
Practice ends.
But Sakura-san is relentless.
"Final running! If you want to receive Katagiri-senpai's passes, you won't be able to receive them unless you move two or three times more than today! It's a battle of stamina! If you drop out here, being a regular is a dream within a dream! Look at the seniors! They still have room to spare!"
If this kind of practice continues, people will quit one by one.
At this rate, when the seniors graduate next year, won't the regular quota be underfilled?
I posed that question to Sakura-senpai.
"That's a possibility... but then again, I can't let the seniors take it easy. That's the dilemma."
Sakura-senpai says and laughs.
In the future, the Basketball Club might once again have its existence threatened.
But, winning now is what's important.
A team of only Katagiri-senpai.
He can't let people think that.
So Sakura-senpai says.
Choose existence, or go grab glory?
This is likely the conclusion Sakura-senpai reached after agonizing over those options.
I waited for him to finish changing.
"Sorry for always making you wait."
"No, it's fine."
Because I'm just waiting of my own accord.
There is no reason.
That's what dating is, right?
It's just my own assumption.
So I throw my selfish feelings at him.
"Are you free this weekend?"
"It's technically an off day, but some seniors do independent practice, so..."
"Just the evening is fine."
"What's up?"
He asks.
I told him my desire.
"How about we have dinner together?"
He was surprised.
"...Is it okay?"
It's okay. Because...
"If I don't invite you, Takatsuki-kun won't invite me, will you?"
"Sorry! I've been absorbed in the club."
I know. So once in a while, be absorbed in me.
...Huh?
Is this love?
"So, what do you think? Will you go to dinner with me?"
"With pleasure! What do you want to eat?"
"I haven't decided anything in particular. I thought I'd reserve a shop that's open."
"Can I decide... I asked Katagiri-senpai for a recommended Italian restaurant."
"Understood. Then, let's go there."
"Tomorrow I'll pick you up for the club. Let's go straight there after the club ends!"
"Understood."
We reach the car.
"Well, then..."
"Yes, see you tomorrow."
Tonight is a blue moon.
The moon speaks again today.
So that we do not forget.
A mysterious night.
I am drawn to his body, which is sweating.
I look into his eyes.
And then I close my eyes as if I have realized something.
Tonight is a blue moon.
The moon speaks again today.
Telling the life entrusted to this body to shine strongly.
With the moonlight accompanying my heart, for our future, for the sake of the precious person.
So that his smile does not break.
(6)
"Iori, Takatsuki-kun is here~"
"Ye-es, I'm coming~"
I throw on a blouse, take my bag, and leave the room.
At the entrance, the usual Sho-chan was standing.
He came at the same time as yesterday.
I knew he wouldn't make an appointment, so I had prepared in advance.
"You were prepared today... shall we go?"
By the way, today's outfit is the one Sho-chan bought for me yesterday.
Did he not notice?
I'm a little lonely.
When I get in the passenger seat, Sho-chan drives the car.
"Where are we going today?"
"Flower Park."
"I-I think it'll be crowded today..."
"What? Are you dissatisfied?"
"I just thought Sho-chan might hate crowded places."
"I do hate them, it's boring and the slow driving is irritating."
Then, why?
"Do you intend to make me bored, Iori?"
"I-it's not like that..."
Does that mean he'll keep me company?
As expected, there was a traffic jam before Flower Park.
The inside of the car falls silent, and an awkward atmosphere begins to drift.
"Why did you think of going to Flower Park today?"
"No particular reason."
Because it came up when I was looking for date spots on a search site.
This is a date.
I was a little happy.
"Wow, it's beautiful."
The scenery of the flower fields visible from the window was beautiful.
"If you can see it from the outside, isn't there no need to go inside?"
"But it says it's even more beautiful once you go inside."
"I have no interest in flowers."
Then, why did you choose this place today?
When we finally enter, he says "I'm hungry," so we decided to have lunch.
We ate Genghis Khan.
I could barely eat one serving, but Sho-chan polished off the rest.
I stopped Sho-chan, who said "Let's go home already," and went around taking photos of various flowers.
There was a bench surrounded by flowers. Apparently, photography is free.
"Sho-chan, let's take one together."
"Who's going to take it for us?"
I've prepared for just such a thing.
I take out the selfie stick that was in my bag and set up the smartphone.
"Aren't we sticking too close?"
"It's fine, isn't it? Come on, Sho-chan, smile."
Snap
After checking if it was taken properly, I pull Sho-chan to a shop that handles herbs.
"Sho-chan, what kind of scent do you like?"
"They're all not that different. Besides, doesn't it smell like toilet air freshener?"
Are all men like that?
After looking around at various flowers and shops, it was time to go home.
"There's time to eat something on the way back, right?"
"Yeah, that's fine."
Though I haven't prepared for staying overnight.
We arrived at a ramen shop with a large sign that said "Extra noodles 50 yen!!".
Well, just being able to eat dinner together is enough.
"Ah, I'm tired."
"Thanks for the driving."
"...Thanks."
Sho-chan said, looking away.
Can even Sho-chan get embarrassed?
While slurping ramen, Sho-chan says.
"Where are we going tomorrow?"
"Eh?"
Are you taking me somewhere tomorrow too?
"I'm free, so let's go somewhere."
I was just a companion to kill time...
I feel empty.
"If you're my girlfriend, it's fine to be a companion to kill time, right?"
I wonder what Sho-chan's definition of a girlfriend is?
"Iori, is there anywhere you want to go?"
Will he listen to my wishes?
That said, there aren't that many date spots in the local area.
I said whatever came to mind.
"How about... an aquarium?"
"If Iori likes it, then that's fine."
After finishing the ramen, he drops me off at home.
"Thank you for today too."
"I'll come again tomorrow at the same time."
"Yeah."
Silence flows again.
I thought I'd see him off as he leaves, but he doesn't leave easily.
What's wrong?
He looks at me, and then scratches his head.
And then, words spilled from Sho-chan's mouth.
"Thanks for wearing the clothes I bought yesterday today. They suit you."
You noticed finally.
"Thank you too, Sho-chan."
"Well, see ya."
Is he embarrassed? He drove away immediately.
I look at the moon.
Tonight is a blue moon.
The moon tells the life to shine strongly.
If we forget the present that existed atop the loneliness, for whose sake would it be, it spoke.
(7)
It was the first time I had been intimidated by a man.
Am I getting caught up in trouble?
I don't like that.
Looking back now, I could think that, but it wasn't like that at the time.
I was shaken.
He saved me again.
I was flustered and forgot his name.
This time, I wrote it firmly in my memo.
Kuribayashi Junichi.
I thought he was a brave person.
His face is probably a high-evaluation face too.
His personality seems serious, sincere, and courageous.
He was a man who seemed to have no flaws.
"How about a guy like him?"
Katagiri-senpai said it, but it's a level that is utterly impossible for me.
Despite how I look, I intend to look at myself objectively.
I know that as a woman, I'm at the lowest tier.
But I don't think of doing anything about it now.
Like a shell sleeping at the bottom of the sea, I want to be left alone.
From my perspective, a boyfriend is like a Johnny's idol on the other side of the screen.
Something that can never be reached.
I don't think I can get one.
I don't even think of trying to get one.
Today too, I stopped by the convenience store on the way home, bought food, and returned.
I turn on the TV.
The voices of comedians echo emptily.
The smartphone continues to be empty.
I look back on today's events.
I thought I was strong.
But I froze up at just one angry shout from a man.
The words of the man who saved me.
I touched his kindness.
When you touch kindness, you know a weakness that seems to bleed.
When you admit you're weak, you want to be spoiled, but who should I be spoiled by?
Precisely because no one is that strong.
O soul that cares for the person next to you now...
I can see the moon from the window.
Tonight is a blue moon.
O moon, if we are wandering and seeking some kind of meaning, what meaning would there be?
How long must I continue to wander borrowing this form?
The moon speaks again today.
So that we do not forget everything...
I wonder if he will come again tomorrow.
Even if he comes, what will there be?
I want to be left alone so that I don't get hurt.
It's enough for me to just look at him reflected beyond the TV.
I ask for nothing more.
(8)
When I wake up in the morning, I wake up Toya-kun.
He seemed a bit half-asleep, but he woke up immediately.
After eating breakfast, we head for the dreamland.
Because it seems it's better to go before the opening time.
As expected, partly due to the long weekend, the crowd is amazing.
During the wait time, Toya-kun was looking at other women again.
I acted sulky.
Toya-kun made an excuse.
"I thought those clothes would suit Airi."
I look at that person.
A woman much more adult than me.
They wouldn't suit me...
Still, Toya-kun says they would.
I looked at that person.
I observed her well.
I decided that when I return home, I'll go buy something similar.
After that, since Toya-kun's eyes kept going to other women, I talked to him incessantly.
As if to say, if you have time to be absorbed in other people, be absorbed in me.
Toya-kun seemed to have memorized the attractions I had checked beforehand.
"At this rate, we can't go around everything. Shall we make tomorrow a dreamland too?" he asked.
"The crowds will thin out once it becomes night."
"But there's a parade at night, right?"
"It's fine even after the parade."
Toya-kun was convinced.
And then we ate dinner, watched the parade, went around the attractions, and looked for a shop with Toya-kun.
It seems he remembered properly.
The mug I found on the internet.
I'll welcome a new morning with Toya-kun using this mug.
Returning to the hotel, I take a shower and look at my smartphone.
It seems there was a stir on the blue bird.
"Did Toya-kun calculate that far?"
"No way."
Toya-kun says and laughs.
"Did we take a step forward with this?"
"I wonder, I feel like something fundamental hasn't been resolved yet."
Toya-kun's "I feel like" is usually correct, so it can't be ignored.
I asked him in reverse.
"What do you think should happen, Toya-kun?"
"Let's see... maybe it's fine if we heat it up?"
Huh?
"Shellfish open their mouths when heated, right?"
I don't understand the meaning.
"I heard that's because the adductor muscle suddenly contracts and detaches from the shell."
"...Does that mean detaching Kitamura-san's adductor muscle?"
"That's right."
"And the method?"
We can't exactly heat her up, right?
"It would be good if there were some material to loosen the tension. I don't know everything about Kitamura-san either."
"I see."
While saying that, I was looking at the map of the Sea of Dreams.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm checking the places we'll go tomorrow."
"Y-you're going that much!?"
"Is it bad?"
I look at Toya-kun with upturned eyes.
Toya-kun usually accepts this.
"What a troublesome bride."
Ehehe~.
"The opening time is early, so shall we sleep early?"
"Yeah."
Toya-kun looks outside the window.
"Airi, come look."
"What is it?"
Toya-kun points to the sky.
"Wow..."
A blue moon.
Let's talk before today ends.
With the moonlight illuminating those cheeks accompanying my heart.
For our future.
For those who love each other.
So that someone's smile today does not break.
I hope those two can also remain smiling.