Chapter 334 - Interview
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning! Time for your routine~!"
I was troubled over what to do.
If I wake up obediently, she looks lonely, but if I don't wake up, she sulks.
Should I just let her be clingy later after I've woken up?
But lately, I haven't been able to give her much attention because of morning practice.
I guess I have no choice but to deal with her at night?
"If you'll give me attention at night, then it's okay, you know?"
Airi is pressing her ear against my chest, listening intently.
If she can read my heart with that, Airi is amazing in a way.
"And, so, let's wake up and get dressed."
Since Airi says so, I obey obediently.
I can't find any reason to ruin the mood while Airi is actually in a good mood.
"I'm ready. Shall we go?"
"Yeah."
Saying that, we leave the house and begin the routine.
Once the routine is finished, I return home, take a shower, eat breakfast, brew coffee, and take it to my room.
I'm using the mug I bought at the Land of Dreams.
Airi is probably taking a shower right now.
The problem is what to do in the meantime.
Airi gets angry if I play games, so I have no choice but to browse the internet while watching TV.
No dangerous incidents have happened lately, so there's nothing in particular in the news.
Though there are plenty of things like politician corruption.
Other than that, is it scandals in the sumo world lately?
If you get assaulted by a person like that, of course it's going to hurt.
After looking through everything, I shut down the PC.
By then, Airi had returned.
Airi immediately begins drying her hair.
Once she finishes drying her hair, Airi sits next to me and drinks cafe au lait.
When she finishes her cafe au lait, she takes it to the kitchen along with my already empty mug.
When she returns, she begins applying makeup.
"I'm ready~"
When Airi says that, we leave the house and head for school.
Upon arriving at school, we head to the gymnasium.
Sa-kun and Takatsuki-kun had already started practicing.
Morning practice is mainly individual practice.
It's basically like independent training.
Everyone is fired up for the spring tournament at the end of the month.
Beyond just winning, the desire to actually play in the games is evident.
I can't afford to be careless either.
Airi watches us practice from the second floor.
When the time comes, everyone splits into those going to class and those killing time.
We were the former.
Since we had a class from the first period today, we head to the classroom.
When the second period ends, I go to look at the job postings before going to the school cafeteria.
I apply to a few companies and hand over the documents.
I make it so that I only need to fill in the reason for applying.
Some of the personnel managers in the local area are stiff-necked, and there are times when they'll reject you if the resume isn't handwritten.
I think the fact that people can't handle a PC these days is the real problem.
Then, when I go to the cafeteria, everyone is already gathered.
One person arrives late.
It's Kitamura-san, a woman wearing a jacket over a T-shirt and denim pants.
Apparently, she got lost on campus.
"You're always dressed the same, aren't you?"
Kana-san said.
"I am. Is there a problem?"
"Don't you wear a skirt once in a while?"
"I'm not interested in those things."
"But you're a university student, you could pay a bit more attention to your clothing..."
"I believe fashion is something one does for self-satisfaction, not something to be criticized by others."
"W-well, isn't it fine? Everyone is free to do as they please."
Airi steps in.
"I agree with Kitamura-san. Besides, it doesn't seem like she's not paying attention at all, right?"
Sakai-kun says.
"Zen-kun, what do you mean?"
Akira-san asks.
"Her T-shirt is a brand name one."
"Why are you so knowledgeable about such things?"
Akira-san's eyes are scary.
"Look closely. If you're a woman, you'll understand, right?"
"That's why I'm asking why Zen-kun is knowledgeable about women's clothes!"
"That's because I look at Akira-chan's clothes... and noticed she's wearing the same T-shirt."
Apparently, he checks Akira-san's clothing properly.
Hearing that, Akira-san's mood seemed to improve.
"By the way, Katagiri-kun, yours is today from 16:00, right? The interview."
Ishihara-kun says.
"Yeah, I'm planning to go immediately after school ends."
"I heard there's a written exam too."
"I drilled him thoroughly, so he'll be fine~"
Airi says proudly.
"That's a relief. I thought you might not have studied at all because of basketball and traveling."
Even I do at least enough studying to prepare for an exam.
"By the way, where is Kuribayashi-kun today?"
Kitamura-san asked.
"I wonder if he doesn't know this place? It seems no one told him. Do you have business with Kuribayashi-kun?"
I tried asking.
"No, nothing in particular... I was just curious."
Maybe one more push?
"You told him to come again, right? I'm sure he'll come."
I said.
"I suppose so..."
She answers listlessly, but those words leak relief.
"Toya-kun, it's almost time!"
When Airi says that, we head to the classroom.
After finishing classes, we return home.
Then, I change into a recruit suit, tidy my hair, and put on a tie.
Airi performs a check.
"Look, your tie is crooked again."
"Ah, thanks."
"You're hopeless without me."
"Well, I'm heading out for a bit."
"Yeah, I'm going out for a bit too."
"Where are you going?"
"Blue Bird. It seems Emi and Akira are coming too."
"I see. Be careful not to have any accidents."
"Yeah."
And so, I went to challenge the first interview of my life.
(2)
Eguchi Trading Company, head office building.
The day of the interview.
The ones applying from the local university were me and Ishihara-kun.
I think the written exam went well.
The problem is the interview.
Even though it's a fixed race, I'm still nervous.
Noticing this, Ishihara-kun lightly pats my back.
Then he whispers.
"You don't have to be that nervous since it's practically decided."
The first one called was Ishihara-kun.
I felt like I was sending a comrade to the battlefield.
The interview lasted about 15 minutes.
That time felt long.
Eventually, the door opens and Ishihara-kun comes out.
Then he looks at me and smiles.
"It really was a fixed race."
Saying that, he eases my tension.
"Next, Katagiri-san, please."
My turn comes.
"Katagiri-kun, relax."
With those words at my back, I enter the interview room.
"I am Toya Katagiri from the local university. Excuse me."
"Please, have a seat."
There are five interviewers in total.
Among them was Emi-san's mother.
"My daughter is always in your care, isn't she?"
Emi-san's mother started the conversation.
"First, regarding the reason you applied to our company... it's a commonplace answer."
I feel like I've been shot down right from the start.
"Your grades aren't bad; you've earned sufficient credits. With this, you could graduate even if you spent your time playing, right?"
"I can't be relieved yet since my graduation thesis isn't finished."
"No, you mustn't make negative statements."
I received another warning from Emi-san's mother.
"Don't be nervous. You're taking an interview at another company tomorrow, right? Think of our place as a rehearsal and relax."
Does that mean I'm not being hired?
"First, how much do you know about our company?"
"Regarding your company..."
I was able to explain it well.
"Good. That's a passing grade."
I finally received a seal of approval.
"You're famous for basketball, but are you not considering a path in that direction?"
"Yes, basketball ends at university. That is how I think."
"Why is that?"
"Once I achieve my goal. After that, I feel like I'd just be doing it out of inertia... I want to lead a normal life."
"That's quite a decisive choice."
The interviewer looks at the documents.
"Yes, grades and conduct are no problem. Except for being a bit mischievous during the third year."
The man to the right of Emi-san's mother said.
"Do you regret those actions?"
"They were actions I took to protect my comrades. I do not regret them."
"You should say that you've reflected on it there. It's not an action to be praised. Personally, I evaluate it as a brilliant command, though."
In that manner, the interview continued while I received guidance on how to interview.
"You've written that your special skills are basketball and soccer, but how long did you play soccer?"
"I played when I was in elementary school, and one match each in middle and high school."
"One match?"
I explain the circumstances of how I played soccer.
"You didn't like it very much, did you? But you shouldn't give that answer. You'll be thought of as someone without cooperativeness."
I get shot down again.
"Your hobbies?"
"The internet, games, driving, and traveling."
"You have quite a few hobbies."
"Yes."
"It might be better to just list driving and traveling there."
I received advice.
"All that's left is to graduate this year."
Emi-san's mother said.
"I think he's a fine young man with no problems, but what do the rest of you think?"
"Conduct is not bad. He still has written that he's on the Japan national team for basketball. I'd almost like to support him."
"That's true, I think his grades are sufficient to get by here."
"A brave command taken to protect comrades. A masterstroke of leadership."
"Personally, I want him to continue basketball, but let's respect the individual's will."
"But, if you can't win a gold medal, you'll continue basketball, won't you?"
When the last interviewer asked, I answered, "I am thinking of nothing but winning a gold medal."
"You seem to have quite a bit of confidence."
"Because I trust my comrades."
"Trusting your comrades, huh. A good answer."
"Fine, first, do your best with basketball. I'm rooting for you; I'll keep a seat ready for you."
"Thank you very much."
"Well then, that is all for the interview. Thank you for today."
"Thank you very much. Excuse me."
Saying that, I bowed and left the room.
Ishihara-kun was waiting outside.
"How was it?"
"The recklessness from the third year was pointed out."
I answer with a laugh, thinking that I really did go too far with that.
"I was told that too."
Ishihara-kun also says and laughs.
"What now?"
"Let's go to Blue Bird. It seems everyone is waiting."
"Let's do that."
And so, we headed to Blue Bird.
(3)
When we arrived at Blue Bird, Akira, Emi, Sakai-kun, Honoka, Nakajima-kun, Kuribayashi-kun, and Kitamura-san were there.
Kitamura-san's response to Kuribayashi-kun is distant.
Is she perhaps bewildered by the sudden confession?
"The usual, if that's alright?"
"Yes."
Saying that, I sit at the counter.
"Katagiri-kun had an interview today too, right?"
Emi says.
"Yeah, I was incredibly nervous."
"There's no need to be nervous. It's practically a fixed race, since it's almost decided."
Emi says and laughs.
"If Emi's place doesn't work out, I can hire you at mine."
Akira says.
"No way, I have no intention of handing over talent like Katagiri-kun."
Emi answers, though in truth she wants to hire him for real.
"I heard the real deal is tomorrow?"
"Yeah, it seems tough with interviews back-to-back."
"I hope you pass."
"I hope so too~"
"If it were Katagiri-kun, I'd feel reassured if he came to work for me."
Sakai-kun says.
Sakai-kun suddenly became a president, after all. It must be tough.
"I can't understand it. Why would someone do something that throws away a promised future?"
Kitamura-san says.
"We feel the same way. More than anyone, Airi-chan must think so. Right, Airi-chan?"
Emi says.
"That's true~ but it's a will he decided for himself."
Even if the victory and defeat were decided by a fixed race, there is no winner who deserves applause.
Toya-kun probably thinks so.
"That's right, there's no meaning in a fixed race; only those who struggle as much as they can and seize it have true value. Right, Kuribayashi-kun?"
When Emi says that, Kuribayashi-kun answers with a "Eh?"
"You are also struggling to obtain something you might never get in your entire life. There is no one in the Watanabe group who would despise that as unsightly."
Because they are people who struggled and obtained it, that's why they cherish it. That's what Emi says.
"Kitamura-san? The same can be said for you, you know?"
"Me...?"
"You think that falling in love with someone is a waste. But in truth, it's different; you've given up even before dating. Thinking that it's impossible for you."
Kitamura-san says nothing.
"But in truth, you think in your heart. That it might be something of great value, right?"
"I am fundamentally uninterested. I have never been interested. I don't even understand the meaning of having interest."
"Is that really true?"
"Yes."
"I see..."
Emi says and laughs.
Clink clink
Toya-kun and Ishihara-kun returned.
"Welcome back, Nozomi."
"Welcome back, Toya-kun, how was it?"
"I was so nervous I was hopeless."
But he laughed, saying he received advice.
"Then, tomorrow's real thing will be fine."
I encouraged him with all my might.
"Even if I fail, it's fine; I've decided to think that way."
"That's right, Katagiri-kun. If it doesn't work out, you can just work at Zen-kun's company."
Akira says.
"Well, I'm heading home soon."
"Oh? So early?"
When Kuribayashi-kun says that, Akira says something.
"I'm doing at least a part-time job."
Kuribayashi-kun says and laughs.
"Part-time... what are you doing?"
"I'm a convenience store clerk."
Kuribayashi-kun answers Kitamura-san with a smile, saying the hourly wage is good for late night.
"Please don't overdo it."
"Thanks, I'll come again tomorrow."
Saying that, Kuribayashi-kun left the shop.
"He's a good guy."
Toya-kun said.
"He's not my boyfriend yet."
"Is that so? But you accepted the confession, right?"
"I rejected it..."
"For someone who did, you seem to be hesitating."
"I'm not that capable of juggling school life, a part-time job, and a relationship."
"Have you ever had a boyfriend?"
"No."
"What a waste, I'll volunteer—"
Ugh...
Thwack
"I told you to stop hitting on people in front of your wife!"
He really is someone I can't take my eyes off of!
"Well, it's still too early to reach a final conclusion, right? It hasn't even been a week since they met, has it?"
Toya-kun says.
"I think spending any more time would be a waste of time."
"You think so?"
Toya-kun said and laughed.
Toya-kun seems to have grasped some confirmation.
I'll ask him later.
(4)
I was on the train going home.
It's late at night, so hardly anyone is on board.
Some students are sitting on the floor talking.
Wearing short skirts, wouldn't things be visible like that?
Even as a woman, I thought so.
But others shouldn't criticize another person's fashion.
That was my judgment.
I was searching for the meaning of the words Katagiri-senpai said.
"You think so?"
I couldn't reply with "Yes."
Do I have lingering feelings for him?
Impossible, a handsome guy like that.
I'd surely be played with and then tossed aside.
He is a person unsuitable for me.
At the point where I'm saying he's unsuitable, am I longing for him?
Am I harboring interest in him?
I immediately discarded that thought.
Even if I dated him anyway...
I imagined myself becoming miserable.
When I get off the train, I transfer.
I pass through a residential area.
What I look at is the cliff side.
As if turning my eyes away from the bright lights of the residential area.
I harbor a longing for such lights.
I am turning my eyes away from that longing.
Is it the same regarding Kuribayashi-kun?
Am I just deciding that it's impossible for me for the rest of my life?
Let's go toward the future while laughing.
Am I able to laugh?
How can I laugh?
It's hard to think that making a boyfriend is the answer.
Wouldn't it just be repeating painful things?
That's what I thought.
Today, I stopped by a family restaurant.
I don't think anything of entering alone.
I happen to see a couple.
Two people eating happily.
I harbored a longing for those two.
Longing?
Am I currently thinking that those two are enviable?
After finishing the meal, I leave the family restaurant.
When I return home, I take a bath and watch TV.
An ordinary day.
I felt a sense of emptiness in such a day.
I feel unpleasant.
I was looking at the Watanabe group chat.
Everyone seems happy.
Let's have a girls' gathering this weekend for the first time in a while!
Mika-senpai had said.
Everyone was keen.
What will I do?
"What about Misato?"
Kanna-senpai said in one word.
I agonized.
Regret comes too late.
If so, let's try taking a step forward.
"I'll go."
"Then let's gather in front of the station at 18:00 this weekend."
What should I do from now on?
I think I'll try asking.
I want someone to set up a signpost for my path.
No, the answer has already come out.
Maybe I just want someone to give me a nudge forward.
I long for the moonlight.
Because it hides the ugly parts.
I hate the sunlight.
Because I hate exposing everything.
But in truth, I might be longing for the light.
Maybe the time has come to flutter from the evening twilight toward the dawn light.
(5)
"Uwah, that looks painful!"
The scene Airi says that and looks away from is a scene of torturing prisoners.
"Uugh... they do such cruel things."
While saying that, she endures and continues watching the screen.
I turn off the power of the game console.
"Are you stopping already?"
I'm fine with it, you know? Airi says.
"I want to do it thoroughly. Let's play this today?"
Saying that, I take out the laptop.
"Yeah!"
We play games while watching TV.
"Hey, Toya-kun?"
"What is it?"
"Why does Kitamura-san reject love to that extent?"
The partner is Kuribayashi-kun, right? I don't understand the reason for rejecting him, you know?
Airi says.
"Then, if Airi dates Kuribayashi-kun..."
Thwack
"Toya-kun is the best for me! Toya-kun, you're cruel."
"That's what I mean. It's not good to push things on others."
"Does Kitamura-san have someone she likes?"
"She doesn't. In the first place, she has no interest in things like love."
"For someone who does, it seems Toya-kun grasped something, though?"
Airi is sharp.
"The confession to Kitamura-san probably succeeded, you know."
"Eh? But she said she rejected him."
"Do you remember when it was Haruto?"
"The one about smashing the wall with a hammer?"
"Exactly."
"Did Kuribayashi-kun smash that for Kitamura-san?"
"I think he at least put a crack in it."
"Why can you say that? She rejected him, right?"
Airi says that he might have been repelled.
I answer with a laugh.
"Airi, do you remember today's exchange?"
"Well, a little?"
"She said, 'I'm not dating yet'..."
"Ah!?"
Airi seems to have noticed something.
And I, satisfied with that answer, gave a nod.
"Now, someone just has to give her a nudge forward."
Then I tell Airi that Mika-san created that opportunity.
"So we just have to do it at the girls' gathering, right?"
"Yeah, she'll probably come to consult with someone, so when that happens, we can all give her a nudge forward."
"Got it~ leave it to me!"
Airi pats her own chest.
But in truth, she must have noticed.
She just wants someone to give her a nudge forward.
She wants a pretext.
A pretext like "I can't help it, so I'll date him."
After that, I think it depends on Kuribayashi-kun, but
If it's Kuribayashi-kun, he'll be fine.
The moon is beautiful tonight as well.
Illuminated by a gentle light.
She noticed her own weakness.
No one is strong.
That's why people seek the person they want by their side right now.
It's enough if there's a feeling of consideration for that person.
The moon speaks again today.
So as not to forget that.