Chapter 337 - The Future Begins to Move
(1)
"Well then, Toya-kun, take care. Don't eat too much ramen."
"Don't worry, Tosaka-senpai. I'll keep a close eye on him."
Airi and Sakura-san were having that kind of conversation.If only Airi weren't there, there'd be no problem!
"I'll call every night again."
"Okay!"
Saying that, we got on the bus and departed for Kurume.I was used to the scenery on the way to Kurume, so I got sleepy and dozed off.It seemed we made it in time for the opening ceremony.The same faces as last year were gathered.
"Hey! I heard you went wild in the Korea match."
It was Hoaki-kun.
"I'll win this year and ask Sakura-san out!"
Hoaki-kun was fired up.This year, we had a seed.If Hoaki-kun's team won, we'd face them in the second round.Sakura-san and the others passed by as if they thought it was ridiculous to even bother with him.
"What's this? Are you giving up the fight!? Dummy! Well, you're just gonna be on the bench anyway, right?"
That one word touched Sakura-san's raw nerve.
"You don't know anything about Tasuku! I haven't even given you guys a second thought from the start! Fine, I'll accept your challenge!"
"H-hey, Sakurako..."
Tasuku tried to calm her down, but Sakura-san's anger showed no sign of subsiding.
"You talk big for someone who doesn't know anything about us either. But you promised just now. Don't you regret it."
Trying to win Sakura-san's heart with that kind of aggressive exchange was fundamentally impossible, but of course, we couldn't afford to lose either way.We hadn't been practicing just to lose in the first round.We made that promise whose outcome was already clear and decided to observe their first match.Their offensive power had certainly increased.Hoaki-san's driving ability. Yakushiji-kun's dominance under the basket. Kadota-kun's three-pointers—all of them were outstanding.But Sakura-san saw through it. And she smiled fearlessly.We watched the other games too and then left the venue.Then we borrowed a hotel conference room for a meeting about tomorrow's game.Sakura-san was writing on the whiteboard and explaining.
"The opponent's weakness is the PG. If we just shut down the point guard, there's nothing to fear. Tomorrow, let's go with man-to-man. Katagiri-senpai, you'll mark the point guard, Yamada-san."
"What about the offense?"
Shinji said.
"Same as always. Attack from the outside, and when the defense spreads out, target the inside."
"What if they come at us man-to-man? Like today."
"That's exactly the development we want. It's impossible for them to stop Katagiri-senpai alone."
And they definitely won't leave me alone. Sakura-san said.
"Toma-senpai, just lead like always. I'm counting on your aggressive passes."
"Leave it to me."
"...That's what I think, but Coach, what do you think?"
"Sakura-san is right. We have the advantage of Katagiri-kun. But it's not a good strategy to allocate players just to stop him. If so, they'll target Toma-kun. Toma-kun, you have a way to deal with that, right?"
"I'm fine!"
"Just be your usual selves. You've definitely leveled up by the amount Katagiri-kun has grown. Everyone who has practiced with Katagiri-kun has definitely raised their level too. Have confidence."
When the coach said that, the meeting ended.We left the conference room and returned to our room.I was rooming with Tasuku.
"It's finally here... our battle to defend our consecutive championship."
"Yeah."
"We can't lose in the first round."
"Sakura-san is counting on it too."
It seemed a message had come from that Sakura-san.Tasuku was looking at the message and smiling.
"So even she gets nervous sometimes," he said, showing me his phone.
"Please definitely win. There are still a lot of things I want to do with you."
"Want to go on a date after the tournament? Is there anywhere you want to go, Sakurako?"
"Anywhere is fine as long as I'm with Tasuku."
"Want to go see a movie?"
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. And keep this a secret from Katagiri-senpai!"
"Too late."
"...You idiot, Tasuku!"
I guess I should call Airi too.
"I'm going to make a call," I said, and Tasuku waved in response.
I left the room. I called Airi.
"Hello~?"
"Airi, it's me."
"I know~ The game is from tomorrow, right? Do your best."
"Yeah. Anything new on your end?"
"Nothing. I was just chatting at Aoi Tori like always~"
"I see. Don't overdo the housework."
"Maya-san told me the same thing."
"Well, get some good rest."
"I'm coming to watch the finals again, you know. So you don't have to come back until then!"
"I've got another reason I can't lose now, right?"
"Huh?"
I told Airi about Sakura-san.
"Ugh... you shouldn't use an important woman as the object of a bet like that."
"You're right."
"Do your best tomorrow."
"Thank you."
"Well, I'll hang up now."
"Yeah, good night."
Saying that, I hung up.On my way back to the room, I knocked just in case.
"Oh, Toya. Come on in."
I entered the room.
"You don't have to be so formal every time."
"Just in case."
"What kind of game do you think it'll be tomorrow?"
"We'll beat them thoroughly. So thoroughly they can never say the same thing again."
"You talk big too."
Tasuku said that and laughed.
"That's just how much we've leveled up. Besides, we can't afford to struggle in the second round, right?"
"Well, I guess so."
"Well then, shall we get some sleep for tomorrow?"
"Yeah, let's."
Saying that, we fell asleep.I'll go all out in tomorrow's game. I swore it in my heart.
(2)
Cafe Aoi Tori.Today's Watanabe group included Nakajima-kun, Tosaka-san, Akira-chan, Emi-san, and Kuribayashi-kun.Kuribayashi-kun was happily talking with Kitamura-san.Kitamura-san was also talking with Kuribayashi-kun, albeit hesitantly.
"So, how about going to see a movie on your next day off? That detective one I mentioned before."
"My next day off is the day of Katagiri-senpai's game. We said we'd all go cheer for them on the day of the tournament finals."
"I see. Well then, want to go in my car? I want to talk, just the two of us."
"That's fine."
"Well then, what time should I come to pick you up?"
"Rather than asking me..."
Kitamura-san said that and looked at Tosaka-san's face.
"We plan to leave here at 8. The meeting point is the convenience store near the interchange."
"Then I should get to Kitamura-san's house around 7:30. Is it okay if I drop by that early in the morning?"
"That's fine. It won't take that long to get ready."
"Got it. But will Katagiri-senpai and the others make it to the finals?"
"It'll be fine~ Toya-kun and the others won last year, and they've gotten even stronger."
Tosaka-san answered with a smile.
"You seem happy."
Ichinose-san was watching enviously.Did Nakajima-kun do something again?He's not going to say he was driving around again, is he?
"How are things with Nakajima-kun?"
It's not my place to meddle in others' affairs, but I was curious, so I asked.
"He's changed. We've become very close."
Saying that, Nakajima-kun breathed a sigh of relief.
"How about worrying about yourself instead of others? You spent the whole holiday working part-time, didn't you?"
"Y-yeah, I guess so."
"Please cherish your wife more. When is your next day off?"
"I plan to go cheer for Katagiri-kun and the others."
"See, you're not thinking at all. How about going out somewhere, just the two of you?"
"Y-yeah, I guess so."
"Ichinose-san has a point, Sakai. I'll give you tomorrow off, so go have a nice, leisurely dinner or something."
Even the master joined in.
"That sounds good. Well then, I'll prepare the restaurant."
"Akira, if that's the case, I'll help you out. I know a good place. It's a Japanese restaurant with private rooms."
Akira-chan and Emi-san were talking.Am I the only one getting a strong feeling of dread?Ignoring my worries, Akira-chan made a phone call and made a reservation.
"I've booked the restaurant. Looking forward to it, Zen-kun."
Akira-chan seemed happy, which was probably a good thing.
"Yeah."
I smiled and brushed it off.
(3)
"It's me."
"Welcome home."
Saying that, the gate opened.It was about a three-minute walk to Sho-chan's garage.Yes, I had come to Sho-chan's house.When I got home today, Sho-chan was waiting.Sho-chan had come into the house and was talking with my mom.What's going on?Sho-chan noticed me and said.
"Oh, welcome back... You can stay in those clothes. Come to my house now."
Huh?
"What's with the suddenness?"
"My mom really wants to meet you. Leave your stuff in your room."
Not understanding what was happening, I went back to my room, put down my things, and looked in the mirror.If he'd told me beforehand, I would have at least gone to the beauty salon.I'm not wearing much makeup, is that okay?
"Iori! Hurry up!"
Why is he in such a rush?I wondered.When we got to the garage, we walked to the main house.When the door opened, a caretaker was preparing slippers.
"Is Mom here?"
"She's getting ready now."
"I see. Well then, I'll be in my room getting ready, so tell me when she's done."
"Very well."
"Iori, let's go. You remember the inside of the house, right? It hasn't changed much."
"O-okay."
When I entered Sho-chan's room, I was surprised by how tidy it was.
"Have a seat."
Saying that, Sho-chan turned on the TV.Sho-chan sat down next to me and laughed while watching TV.
"Hey, Sho-chan?"
"What?"
"What did I come to Sho-chan's house for?"
"Isn't it obvious? For a meal."
"Huh?"
"Mom said she wants to welcome my first girlfriend with a home-cooked meal."
Maybe I should have changed clothes after all?I thought, looking at my white shirt and beige flared skirt.
"You don't need to be so formal, you know? It's not like we came to report our marriage."
Marriage...Those two heavy words weighed down on me.
"Sho-chan, do you think about the future?"
"I think I'll take over my dad's business."
"That's not what I meant..."
"Oh, about marriage? I haven't even thought about it yet."
"...I see."
A complex feeling, both relieved and disappointed.
"Would it have been better if I said I was thinking about it?"
"Huh?"
"I thought saying that would put extra pressure on you, so I didn't."
Does that mean... he is thinking about it?
"See, your expression is getting stiff again. That's why I didn't say anything."
"Sho-chan, I want you to answer honestly. Are you thinking about it?"
"I can't put it into words well, but I'm at the peak of happiness right now. I can't explain it well. But do you think there's someone who wouldn't think about it in that situation?"
"What about you, Sho-chan?"
"You're dense. Figure it out."
"I do get it. But I want to hear it directly from Sho-chan's mouth."
"What are you in such a hurry for? I invited you to my house, didn't I? Read between the lines."
"Don't run away!!"
I shouted.
"...If Iori chooses me, then I hope for it. That's the truth. I'm not saying I want an answer right now. We're both students, so I think you can take your time thinking about it."
I was speechless.I never expected such a surprise.Before I knew it, I was crying.
"I hated this because I knew it would turn out like this. But it's too late now. Iori, want to go pick out a ring next time?"
"...Yes."
I accepted Sho-chan.Sho-chan was overjoyed.In his joy, he hugged me and said, "I love you."
"I love you too, Sho-chan."
Just then, Sho-chan's phone rang.Sho-chan answered the phone with "Hello?"
"Oh, Mom? Yeah, okay."
Sho-chan said and hung up.
"She's ready. Dad's home too, she says. Let's go."
Sho-chan said that and held out his hand.
"Yes."
I took his hand and stood up. We headed to the dining room.
Countless dishes were laid out on the large table.We couldn't possibly eat it all.We toasted with juice, and Sho-chan's parents with champagne.
"But I never thought Iori-chan would become his girlfriend."
"She's not my girlfriend?"
Everyone's attention focused on Sho-chan's words.Sho-chan said while eating.
"Because she just became my fiancée."
The expressions on Sho-chan's parents' faces changed completely.My father is an ordinary electrician.The difference in status was a big wall between Sho-chan and me.A lover and marriage are different matters.I was nervous.
"What do you think, Iori-chan?"
For me, he was an unattainable existence.But Sho-chan gathered his courage and confessed his feelings to me.Now it was my turn.
"I accepted it. Sho-chan's proposal..."
Then Sho-chan's father shouted.
"Then why aren't you happier!?"
Huh?
"There's nothing more auspicious than this! Shota found someone to marry! Shota, who couldn't even get a girlfriend!"
"Oh, is it okay to be happy?"
Sho-chan's mother said.
"Of course it is! Our Shota is this clumsy and has no redeeming qualities, but... I'm counting on you!"
"Ah, but my family is..."
"Shota. Have you gone to greet Iori-chan's family?"
"I talked to Iori's mom earlier."
"What did she say?"
"She said, 'Please take care of our Iori.'"
"Well then, there's no problem, is there? What are you worried about, Iori-chan?"
"My family is poor, and a national public university was my only option... There's a difference in status between Sho-chan and me..."
"Differences in status are nonsense. Dignity comes later. Iori-chan will be fine. I guarantee it."
Was I overthinking it?When the abruptly started party ended, Sho-chan saw me home.
"She's an important bride candidate. Don't mess up!"
"Iori-chan, come play again. You're always welcome."
Sho-chan's parents said that.
"Were you surprised by how sudden it was?"
I nodded silently.
"Now it's my turn."
Sho-chan said that, stopped the car in front of my house, and went inside.
My father was standing at the entrance.
"I heard from your mother. Shota-kun, come out front."
My father's intimidating presence was a stance that absolutely would not allow refusal.But I had to stop him.
"Dad, stop being violent with Sho-chan!"
"Iori, just watch quietly."
My mother held me back.Sho-chan and my father faced each other.I watched them with my mother.My father swung a punch.Sho-chan braced himself.My father's fist touched Sho-chan's arm.
"She's my pride and joy. Please, make her happy."
It was the first time I saw my father cry that day.Sho-chan was flustered.
"Good for you. Congratulations, Iori."
It was the moment a distant future was promised.
(4)
Haruto took the day off for me today.Today we went to see a movie.A fantasy CG movie.Was it to Haruto's taste?Or did he choose it for me?It was clear he had struggled with it in his own way.However, he was snoring and sleeping.I draped my cardigan over him.When the movie ended and the lights came on, he woke up.
"It was... interesting, wasn't it?"
"Yes, it was interesting."
Your sleeping face was...We had dinner at the station building and then returned to Beppu.Is this it for today?
A groundless fear.
He drove right through Beppu and headed all the way to Kunisaki.The loud BGM was as noisy as ever.But that's just who he is. I'll accept it.I was laughing to myself.
Anraku.
Peaceful enjoyment.What I gain from being by his side.The car drove around Kunisaki and came back.He was talking in a voice loud enough to rival the volume.I quietly listened only to his voice.
"Haruna, are you bored being with me?"
"Huh?"
"No, you've been quiet for a while. I thought I might have messed up again."
That's not it.
"Just being with Haruto puts me at ease. So I let my guard down and was just quietly listening."
You don't have to worry.
"I like hearing Haruto talk. So I was just listening to your voice."
I'm right here.
"Just being able to be by Haruto's side makes me happy. So I don't need anything more than that."
"I'm super happy to have you say that."
"I'm happy too."
A wish.
I want this to last forever.This small happiness.Like a car running quietly.Let's go where we want to go when we can.Just wishing won't make it come true.The courage to take one step forward.The Watanabe group gave me that.They'll probably keep spreading happiness from now on.No one can stop them.That night, Haruto went home without anything else happening.It was a little lonely, but it couldn't be helped.There will surely be a chance.The next day came.I took the bus to school.Bumping along through the mountains.When I saw the school building, I suddenly realized.I took a picture of the school building reflected in the window.I sent it to Haruto.
"It's my school," I added in the message.
"That's amazing! As expected of APRU!"
I laughed to myself seeing his reply.I'll pile up these small joys and build peaceful days.
(5)
Pre-game practice.The crowd cheered at the opponent team's flashy plays.We deliberately didn't watch.I thought about responding with flashy plays of our own, but I didn't do that either.We quietly continued our shooting practice.When practice was over, we gathered around the coach.
"No matter what happens, believe in your own play. You are not the kind of people to stumble here."
"Don't lose sight of your own play. If possible, I want you to protect me."
When Sakura-san said that, everyone laughed.
"Well then, shall we win this match to protect our precious manager?"
When Shinji said that, he let out a roar.Everyone took their positions.The jump ball was tossed.The ball was controlled by the opponent's center, as expected.The ball was received by the opponent's PG.I marked him.As I thought, the point guard wasn't that great.He tried various feints, but I didn't feel like he would break through at all.My left hand caught the ball on his high dribble.The offense and defense switched.My dribble, instantly reaching top speed, slipped through the opponent's defenses and invaded their court.I could feel them chasing after me.I brake-checked and released a three-pointer.We scored first.Play resumed.I completely cut off the passing lane to the PG.Then they sent the ball to the center.The center charged in with a dribble and slammed in a spectacular dunk.
"Everyone, stay calm! Settle down!"
As if responding to Sakura-san's expectations, Local University launched a fast break.As soon as I received the ball, I shot a three-pointer.The offense and defense switched.The core of the opponent's attack seemed to be the center.It was tough for Kyota alone to hold him.Shinji went to help.Then a pass got through to the open Hoaki-kun.Hoaki-kun's dunk went in.Everyone was calm. It's okay, Sakura-san.The momentum was on our side.This seesaw game continuing was our ideal game development.If we kept trading three-pointers and dunks, the point difference would naturally widen.It wasn't that they didn't notice that.But Sota was completely blocking Kadota-kun's three-pointers.
"You don't actually think you can shoot with a play like that, do you?"
Sota provoked Kadota-kun.When Kadota-kun, taking the bait, shot, Shinji, who was waiting behind him, leaped and blocked the shot.Sota picked up the loose ball and passed it to me; I shot a three-pointer without hesitation.Just as the momentum was about to completely shift, the first quarter ended.
"We almost had the momentum on our side."
Yuki muttered.
"Everyone, you've been perfect so far. Keep it up and don't let your guard down."
"It's a good flow. Let's keep going like this."
When the coach and Sakura-san said that, everyone nodded.
"Thanks to Toya, there's no problem with stamina."
Sota said.
"How about you, Katagiri-senpai?"
"The opponent is what they are. They're making it easy for me."
"Senpai, you can't let your guard down!"
"I know."
The second quarter started, and the opponent made their move immediately.A man I didn't recognize, number 13, came in for Kadota-kun.Number 13 seemed to be marking me.A defense that cut in between Sota and me....I see.Our tactics changed.A tactic where everyone starts running at once to create an open opponent.So that I wouldn't have to participate in the offense.A tactic proposed by Coach Higashiyama.From there, it became a seesaw game.No, it was still slightly tilted in our favor.No one could stop the fast break after my steal.Additionally, Yakushiji-kun, who was fighting hard on both offense and defense, seemed to be feeling it in his legs.Rebounding, dunking, and sprinting with a huge body over 2 meters tall—the strain on his legs and back was immense.Our Takatsuki-kun is currently struggling with that.The gap didn't shrink; it gradually widened.And in the third quarter, the game tilted heavily.It was when Yakushiji-kun tried to jump for a rebound.Yakushiji-kun couldn't jump, his knees buckled, and he collapsed.That wasn't all; number 13's stamina depletion was also already visible.It couldn't be helped. Covering both me and Sota meant constantly moving around while watching both of us. It drained both concentration and stamina.Beppu University pulled number 13 and put Kadota-kun back in.But the point difference had grown too wide to be fixed by just one three-point shooter.And in the fourth quarter, Coach Higashiyama made a move.He pulled me and Kyota and put in Tasuku and Takatsuki-kun.The match was decided at that point.Tasuku and the others defended without letting the lead we had built up shrink.It ended in a crushing victory for Local University.The Beppu University team sat down on the spot, too exhausted to even feel regret.Sota and the others still seemed to have energy left.
"First win, huh."
Shinji said.
"You did well. You saw how much you've leveled up in this game, right?"
Coach Higashiyama said.
"Everyone, as expected! But this isn't the end, you know."
"Of course! It still feels like we haven't burned everything out."
When Sakura-san said that, Sota replied.
"Sorry we didn't let you burn out."
"Whoa!"
When Sota turned around, Hoaki-kun was behind him.
"Do you have something to say?"
Sakura-san's cold remark.
"Nothing... Total defeat. Make that dummy Sakurako-chan happy."
"I have no obligation to be told that by you. Tasuku is already making me happy."
"I see."
Hoaki-kun left without lifting his bowed head.On the way back to the locker room, we met the women's basketball team.
"That's amazing, pushing Beppu University from Kyushu Division 1 that far."
"Looks like it'll be a double championship again this year!"
The women's basketball team was getting excited.Sota, Kyohei, Shinji, and the others were talking.
"Everyone, it's not over yet. We need to go back to the hotel and review today's game and plan for tomorrow."
"Shouldn't we watch the game first before that?"
When Sakura-san said that, Shinji spoke.
"Everyone, rest as much as possible to conserve your strength for the finals. You're not the kind of team that loses in the third round or the quarterfinals!"
Sakura-san said she would record the opponent's game with a digital camera, so we should rest as much as possible.Well, I'll take her up on that offer.Everyone returned to the hotel.After dinner, a strategy meeting was held in the conference room.We checked the footage Sakura-san had recorded on the TV.We confirmed each other's movements and coordination.Then we received advice from the coach.
"You are last year's champions. Have that confidence. And be aware that you are being scouted by everyone around you. Especially Katagiri-kun, assume there is no team that will let you run free."
But there probably isn't a team that can stop Katagiri-kun anyway, the coach added.That night, while Tasuku was receiving a massage from Sakura-san, I left the room and called Airi.
"Hello, Toya-kun?"
"Airi? We won today."
"Yeah, it was on the news. Sorry, I forgot to send you a congratulations message."
"Those words are a bit early."
"Huh?"
"I'll take those words when we win the championship."
In person.
"Yeah, okay~"
"How are things there?"
"Nothing new~ Oh... there was one thing."
"What is it?"
"It seems Kisaragi-kun proposed to Iori."
No way...
"That's great news."
"Right~?"
"Airi, I'm sorry? I still can't say it..."
"Let's not apologize for that."
"Okay."
"Well, I'm definitely coming to watch on Sunday. You're not allowed to come home."
"Airi, don't you cheat on me either."
"Ugh... Don't you trust your wife?"
"I just wanted to tease you a little."
"Well, see you later."
"Yeah, good night."
I hung up and returned to the room. I guess I should knock at least.I knocked on the door.
"Huh!? Katagiri-senpai!?"
Sakura-san was flustered.
"Toya, wait a sec!"
"Yeah, sure."
What's going on?
"Okay, you can come in now."
When I entered the room, I immediately understood what was going on.Sakura-san, blushing and fidgeting, was a rare sight.And the lipstick mark on Tasuku's shirt.
"...So even Sakura-san wears lipstick. I never noticed."
"Wh-what are you talking about!? Katagiri-senpai!"
"You're sharp in weird places."
"Well, yeah."
"Well, I'll go back now. Tasuku, don't let Katagiri-senpai put weird ideas in your head!"
Saying that, Sakura-san hurriedly fled the room.
"Knocking was definitely the right call."
"I've been neglecting her lately because of practice. This is the backlash, I guess?"
"That's your responsibility, Tasuku."
"Yeah. I'll invite her on a date somewhere after the tournament."
I think I'll take Airi somewhere after the tournament too.I've been neglecting her lately as well.
"Tomorrow's game looks like it'll be fine."
"Yeah."
"Who do you think will survive to the finals?"
"There might be a dark horse this year too, but..."
If I had to guess, Kumamoto Institute of Technology?I thought so watching the game earlier.They have a three-point shooter.Most importantly, their ace, number 4, shoots three-pointers.Should we suppress the point guard or the ace?It depends on the coach's decisions.I can't show Airi a disgraceful game.
"Well, shall we get some sleep soon? Before the demon manager gets angry."
"Yeah."
I fell asleep.No matter who comes, we won't lose.I have the confidence to say that about this team.This is the final spring tournament, whether we laugh or cry. I will definitely win.I swore firmly.