Chapter 338 - The Joy of One's Desires
（１）
I wake up to the sound of the alarm.
Today is Sunday.
The day I go to cheer for Toya-kun.
Even after winning his first match by a landslide, Toya-kun continued his rapid advance and reached the finals.
Now, I just have to keep my promise.
I'll tell Toya-kun properly. "Congratulations on the victory."
After eating breakfast and getting ready, I was watching television in the living room with Toya-kun's parents.
They're showing a program about health or something.
Toya-kun probably wouldn't do it even if I told him to.
If he were to do it, he'd have to start with dietary restrictions first.
While I'm thinking about such things, the doorbell rings.
"Airi-chan, your friend is here."
"Coming~"
"Well then, please cheer on our behalf too."
"I understand."
The one who came to pick me up was Ishihara-kun.
"Good morning. Was the timing okay?"
"It's fine."
The little gentleman guides me to the car.
Next to me were Kosei-kun and Naru-chan.
"Is it the first time for both of you to see a basketball game?"
Both of them nodded.
"It's exciting. Toya-kun's play is amazing!"
"I know because it was on the news."
"Watching it on TV and seeing it live are completely different~"
While I'm wondering how to convey Toya-kun's greatness to the two of them, we arrive at the meeting place.
"Tosaka-san, please ride in my car. Five people in Ishihara-kun's car would be tight, right?"
I move to Watanabe-kun's car.
"Alright, we're heading to the Kurume IC. Message me if you need the toilet or have an emergency."
When Watanabe-kun says that, everyone starts moving with Watanabe-kun's car in the lead.
"I'm looking forward to it,"
Mika-san says.
"I agree."
"Did that guy Toya say anything yesterday?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"He was in his usual mood. He said things like 'I'm going to eat Kurume ramen once the tournament is over,' so I got angry and told him to take it seriously!"
"That sounds like him,"
Watanabe-kun says, laughing.
After a while, I can hear Mika-san's breathing as she sleeps.
"Sorry, she's always like this when she's in the passenger seat."
"I see."
"But he's producing incredible results, that guy Toya. Doesn't it feel like he's on a roll to sweep all the individual awards?"
"He is."
The individual awards include MVP, leading scorer, assist leader, 3-point leader, and rebound leader.
The only one he might not get is rebound leader.
Even so, with that height, Toya-kun has the power to forcibly drive in shots that his teammates missed.
Toya-kun is truly running wild in every direction.
Naturally, it was also covered in the news.
But I think that, considering his future, he himself probably doesn't want to be featured too much.
"Is he going to be okay? I feel like he's reached a situation where he can't just quit even if he says he will."
"Even so, Toya-kun will surely quit out of sheer stubbornness."
"Well, that's a conversation for after he wins a medal at the Olympics. I think I've done enough already,"
Watanabe-kun says. I also think that since he's worked this hard, it would be fine to let him quit.
But since it's something he brought up himself, he'll surely see it through.
"Tosaka-san, have you decided on your future?"
"Eh?"
"I've heard you're going to be Toya's wife, but I wondered if there's anything else you want to do."
"If we can't live on Toya-kun's earnings alone, I intend to work. But if that's not the case, I think I'll stay at home."
Because I absolutely hate the idea of a life where we're passing each other by.
"I feel the same way. The reason I want to earn a stable income is because I don't want to put Mika through unnecessary hardship."
"I see."
"However, if Mika wants to continue her current job, I think that should be respected. I wonder if Toya feels the same way?"
"What do you mean?"
"I thought that if Tosaka-san has something she wants to do, he probably wants to let her do it."
"He lets me do what I want to do."
"Oh?"
"Taking care of Toya-kun."
Toya-kun can survive on his own. But because of that, he'll end up pouring his energy into unnecessary things. If that's the case, I want to support Toya-kun's future. That is my wish.
"Let me tell you as a senior who has married. You'll struggle... staying home alone all the time."
"I'll be fine because Kana and others are there."
"I see."
"The one who has it hard is Ai, right? Kiritani-kun is guaranteed to repeat a year."
"That's true."
While we're having that conversation, we arrive at the intended IC.
After exiting the highway, we stop the cars at a nearby convenience store and wait for everyone to arrive.
"Everyone's here! Alright, let's go."
With that, we all head to the venue.
After parking and going into the venue, the third-place deciding match is being played.
It's approaching the end. Next is the women's basketball finals.
We secured seats and were watching the match.
Then, the men's basketball team arrived in a crowd.
"Toya-kun~"
I called out to Toya-kun.
"Airi? You came early again."
Toya-kun seemed relaxed.
"Don't you need to do pre-game practice or something?"
"I've already done some light adjustments. I thought I'd at least cheer for the women's finals."
"I've saved seats."
"Thank you."
Toya-kun sat next to me.
"Does it look like the women's team can win?"
"I think there's no problem, right?"
Toya-kun answers simply.
"What about you and the others?"
"I'm not going into the match intending to lose."
He answers with a smile.
The third-place deciding match ended, and the women's finals were about to begin.
Just as Toya-kun said, the women's team dominated from start to finish.
They controlled the game with that defense and offense.
The women's team is strong.
Toya-kun and the others are watching seriously.
When it enters halftime, the practice for Kumamoto Institute of Technology begins.
Unassuming but refined movements.
I asked if Toya-kun and the others didn't need to go to practice.
"Preparations are complete," Toya-kun says.
Carelessness is forbidden.
The opponent's play makes one think that instinctively.
Toya-kun and the others were watching that practice.
Then, the 3rd quarter begins.
The women's team's playstyle remains thorough as always.
Just as Toya-kun said, they were controlling the game stably.
Around the time the 4th quarter begins, Toya-kun and the others leave, saying, "It's our turn next."
"Good luck."
"Leave it to me."
Saying that, they left.
Toya-kun and the others had the dignity of the previous year's champions.
Toya-kun and the others can win, right?
I prayed so.
（２）
"I'll start with the conclusion. They'll likely try to suppress Toma-kun and Katagiri-kun simultaneously."
The coach says.
I thought so too.
The shooting guard is probably a defense specialist at a level called an ace killer.
A highly skilled player who took charging calls last year.
Their offense is strengthened in the inside, of course, and the offense of number 4 has been strengthened by learning 3Ps.
It looked as if there were no weaknesses.
However, there is a gap.
The key to victory will probably be me after all.
I smile.
"This is no time to be smiling, Katagiri-senpai."
I am cautioned by Sakura-san.
"It's impossible to suppress Sota and me simultaneously. Our inside lineup isn't losing either."
"It's just as Katagiri-kun says. I won't let anyone say the inside is weak ever again. For defense, be careful of pushing; it's okay even if we give up a few 2-pointers. Let's attack aggressively with run and gun. Katagiri-kun, be careful of charging."
"Yes."
"Don't be conceited just because it's an opponent we've beaten once. They have leveled up too. Hammer that into your heads."
"Yes, sir!"
Everyone answers.
"The women's team won!"
A first-year says.
"Well then, shall we all go congratulate them?"
Sakura-san says.
Everyone leaves the waiting room.
As I leave last, Sakura-san says.
"The coach also mentioned it, but the defense of number 7 is a threat. Will you be okay?"
"Like I said before, it's impossible to stop Sota and me simultaneously."
"You're confident, aren't you?"
"Well, yeah."
Everyone was talking with the women's team in the hallway.
Natsukawa-san says, "We're aiming for consecutive championships as a pair again this year."
Shinji says, "Leave it to us."
"The men's team has leveled up too; we who practiced together can guarantee it. Have confidence," Natsukawa-san says.
Everyone nods.
Then, we enter the venue.
The spectators were at full capacity.
Well, it was something I had anticipated.
"Sota."
When I speak, Sota passes me the ball.
I perform the Air Walk.
The crowd erupts in cheers.
After that, I quietly practiced 3Ps.
When practice ends, everyone gathers around the coach.
"Everyone, close your eyes and imagine. Imagine yourselves winning, surrounded by the cheers of the spectators and being congratulated."
We imagine.
Everyone takes their positions.
I mark number 8.
The defense is a man-to-man all-court press.
The jump ball is thrown.
The opponent's number 6 tips the ball.
The ball immediately goes to number 8.
The moment number 8 starts dribbling, my hand was already extended.
I tip the ball.
Leaving the stunned number 8 behind, I grabbed the ball.
I entered the opponent's court just like that and shot.
We took the lead.
We entered our winning pattern.
But the opponent isn't losing either.
They immediately pass the ball to number 8.
I'm in the game today too.
I can clearly see the point number 8 is aiming for.
I cut it off every time and take it to a shot.
Players other than number 8 hold the ball.
I leave number 8 and defend.
However, number 8 clicks his tongue.
If they do it to me, I'll do it back.
I enter between the ball holder and number 8 to defend.
The ball is passed to number 4.
He is tall and good at dribbling, so he easily enters the inside and makes a layup.
My teammates didn't jump for the block.
Because we knew their method of attack.
I don't want to be called for useless fouls.
In exchange, we are relentless in our attack.
Toma-kun's passes were brilliant.
With the usual tactics, he sends sharp passes to teammates who have become free.
The game development becomes a seesaw game, and we ended the 2nd quarter while maintaining the 2-point lead we secured at the start.
（３）
"The men's team is strong after all!"
The women's team members are making a fuss.
"I heard the opponent has become stronger than last year, but the game development is the same as last year!"
"At this rate, they can do it!"
The women's team members were saying that.
"The seniors are seriously so cool!" Haruto says.
"I guess it's decided for this year too," Watanabe-kun also says.
"Airi-chan, what's wrong? You have a gloomy look on your face,"
Emi says. I answered.
"I wonder if it ends with this?"
"Eh?"
Everyone focuses on me.
"The local university's crucial run and gun isn't being stopped. The countermeasures for Toya-kun's 3Ps aren't done either. I think they might still have a secret plan."
"Airi, we who practice can guarantee it. The men's team's run and gun when it becomes high-paced cannot be stopped."
They say that Toya-kun's 3Ps come from anywhere.
"Besides, the tactics for when the fast break is stopped are refined. You can tell just by watching. The men's team's amount of exercise is no joke."
The women's team members say so.
But, doesn't the local university have a secret plan?
In fact, the line between Toma-kun and Toya-kun is being crushed.
That's why the point difference isn't growing.
I was apprehensive.
I hoped that apprehension would end up being a groundless fear.
I thought so.
When the 3rd quarter began, that apprehension hit the mark.
The opponent's defense changed.
Everyone began taking positions as if to wedge themselves between Toma-kun and his mark man.
Toma-kun's pass courses are crushed, and he is unable to move.
However, when Toya-kun moves to take the pass, everyone starts moving all at once.
Toya-kun, upon receiving the pass, does a backstep and rotates his body.
He aims for the opponent's right flank, drives, and makes the shot.
Offense and defense switch.
The local university's defense solidifies the middle.
Then, the opponent's PG and SF started firing 3Ps.
The number of rebounds is overwhelmingly in the opponent's favor.
Even if they miss, their teammates take it and bring it to a shot.
Toya-kun is pushed into a situation where he has to care for three people alone.
Even for Toya-kun, it's impossible.
Because of the opponent's defense, he can't shoot 3Ps.
A difference of 2 and 3 points is created, and they are overtaken.
The opposite of our winning pattern is being played.
They overtook us, and the gap widened to a 3-point difference.
When the 3rd quarter ends, the local university seeks the coach's instructions.
The coach seemed to be giving precise instructions.
"I didn't think they'd employ that kind of defense."
"But that's exactly why they started it from the 3rd quarter, because they can't do it for the full time, right?"
The women's team is saying.
I remembered what Toya-kun had said.
"The opponent has gained 3P shooters"...
But Toya-kun said.
"I'll definitely win."
Believing those words, I watched the match.
（４）
"I didn't think they'd employ that kind of defense."
"They're completely wary of Toya. We can't bring it into our pattern."
"What are we going to do?"
Everyone is panicking.
"Everyone, let's calm down,"
I say.
"Even if you say let's calm down, this is the first time. For us to be led..."
"First, you're mistaken. Our pattern isn't about widening the point difference with 3Ps. It's the fast break from turnovers."
"It's just as Katagiri-senpai says. The attack from turnovers created by Katagiri-senpai's steals is our strength,"
Sakura-san also says.
"What does that mean, exactly?"
When Sota speaks, Coach Higashiyama moves.
"Let's make the defense solid. 2 points won't be a fatal wound. Please be wary of 3Ps. In exchange, we'll definitely snatch at least 2 points. That is possible."
"That means not letting the point difference widen any further,"
Shinji says, and the coach nods.
"Let's change the defense. Toma-kun, mark number 7, and Katagiri-kun, mark number 4. The 3P success rate is clearly higher for number 4."
He tells us to care for number 4 and number 8.
I nodded.
"This is no time to panic. There are still 10 minutes left. Have a firm image of winning. I don't think the opponent's defense can last until the end. Our tactics are moving them more than they imagined."
"Understood."
Everyone follows the coach's instructions.
"It's been proven that their stamina won't hold; in fact, they haven't been able to bring it into plays that induce fouls,"
Sakura-san says, and everyone nods.
"Everyone, we're going for the win. This is the critical moment."
When the coach speaks, everyone nods.
"Whether we cry or laugh, it's the last 10 minutes. Let's give it our all!"
When Shinji speaks, everyone lets out a roar.
And the 4th quarter began.
Sota carries the ball.
I go to receive the ball.
That's a fake.
Sota passes to Yuki, who has become free.
Yuki shoots on the spot.
Offense and defense switch.
I positioned myself between number 4 and number 8.
As expected, the pass goes to number 4.
Number 4 pretends to shoot a 3P.
I don't fall for the pump fake.
Seeing the timing when the opponent jumps and shoots, I leap.
With that, I can sufficiently block it.
I run in for the loose ball.
I firmly grabbed the loose ball.
Number 4 moves to defend, but... too late.
Taking advantage of a momentary gap, I break through with a dribble.
As a return, I give them a pump fake.
The opponent's body drifts.
Taking advantage of that gap, I shoot a 3P.
With this, I returned a 2-point difference.
The opponent started obsessing over the outside.
That became a fatal judgment error.
It might have been better to keep aiming for 3P plays in the inside.
I thoroughly block the 3Ps.
I don't allow intrusion by dribble either. Thorough marking.
The momentum came to us.
The local university tried to pull away all at once.
When it reached the end, it seems there really was a problem with their physical strength.
The opponent's movements began to lack brilliance.
On the other hand, seeing it as the critical moment, the local university pressed on.
The match was decided by Shinji's Alley-oop.
It was the moment the local university won consecutive championships in the spring tournament.
（５）
The spectators are erupting.
We were also jumping and leaping with joy.
"We did it, Airi-chan!"
"We did it, Emi!"
"Toya-senpai winning consecutive championships is seriously amazing."
"As expected of Katagiri-kun."
"Next week is the victory party."
Everyone raises voices of joy one after another.
We watch Toya-kun and the others being awarded.
When the captain, Kira-kun, held the championship flag, applause broke out.
The MVP of this tournament was, as expected, Toya-kun.
How many points did he score alone? How many 3Ps did he make alone?
He also made assists firmly.
He swept all the individual awards except for rebound leader.
When the tournament ended, we started our way home.
I was exchanging impressions with Mika-san and Watanabe-kun.
The excitement doesn't fade.
"June is going to be busy. Hiyama's wedding, Iori and the others' engagement celebration, Toya's victory party..."
Mika-san says.
"Our pass/fail results should be decided too,"
Watanabe-kun says.
"What will you do if Masashi isn't hired?"
Mika-san asks.
"I'll bow my head to Emi-san and the others,"
Watanabe-kun says, laughing.
"Mika-san, will you become a full-time housewife once Watanabe-kun gets a job?"
"No, I'll work. My current job is fun."
"I see."
"Is Airi a full-time housewife?"
"Yes."
"Isn't it boring?"
"There are various things to do."
"I see~"
"I wish Mika would at least learn how to tidy up,"
Watanabe-kun says, laughing.
"Let's have a celebration party after we get home!"
"I have class tomorrow, so give me a break,"
Mika-san says, and Watanabe-kun replies.
"I also want to go pick up Toya-kun."
"I see, then it can't be helped."
Mika-san seemed convinced.
After that, she slept as if she were exhausted.
"You should spoil yourself with Toya plenty today,"
Watanabe-kun says.
"I'll pass for today~, Toya-kun must be tired."
"I see..."
Watanabe-kun said that and became silent.
I was looking at the scenery.
And I think. I won't let anyone say Toya-kun ran away anymore.
Toya-kun has done enough. I'll warmly watch over Toya-kun's future.
No matter how harsh a path it may be.
Perhaps that's not necessary.
Because no matter how cold the sky is, I will warmly light the lamp of my heart.
（６）
"Everyone, thank you for your hard work. Next is the league match. Let's strive in practice without letting our guard down."
"Yes, sir!"
"Katagiri-kun, good luck with the Olympics."
"Yes."
"Well then, shall we head back?"
When the coach says that, everyone boards the bus.
Swaying in the bus, we fall asleep.
When I woke up, it was after exiting the IC.
Passing through the traffic jam, we arrive at the local university.
When I get off the bus, I hear Airi's voice.
"Toya-kun~"
"Airi."
Airi runs up to me.
"I came to pick you up."
"Thank you."
"Katagiri-senpai. Please rest well today,"
Sakura-san says.
"Got it, Sakura-san, thank you for your hard work too. Rest well with Tasuku."
"Why does Tasuku's name come up there!?"
"Just admit it already. It's a well-known fact, right?"
Shinji says.
"I admit it, but..."
"Then there's no problem."
"...I'm not used to being teased."
"You mustn't bully the manager too much,"
The women's basketball coach says.
"Well then, thank you everyone for your hard work. Let's have a victory party next weekend."
When the women's coach says that, everyone lets out a cheer.
As long as I can eat, anywhere is fine with me.
It's already June.
Watanabe's group will be busy too.
When I return home with Airi driving, a feast was waiting. My parents are making a fuss, eating and drinking.
"...I heard Toya-kun's employment is also decided."
"Yes, he says he just has to fulfill his objective now."
"...Let's get excited tonight!"
"Indeed."
We eat as much as we can, then take a bath and return to the room.
"You'll be a full-fledged man next year. You can show me a grandchild soon!"
What are my parents saying when we're not even married yet.
Returning to the room, I relax while watching television.
While drinking the chu-hai that Airi brought.
"What do you think, Toya-kun?"
"About what?"
"Do you want children?"
I spat out my chu-hai.
"What are you saying! Marriage comes first!"
"Uuu... Toya-kun, you told me I'm your bride, didn't you?"
"Airi, don't make me do something as unsightly as a shotgun wedding."
"Uuu..."
Airi seems dissatisfied.
I'm tired today, but it can't be helped.
I turn off the television, dim the lights, and get into bed.
"Airi, come here."
Airi happily clings to me.
"Now it's just the Olympics."
"If possible, I want to retire after winning the league match, though."
"Are you entering the Asia Cup?"
"I'll retire from the national team."
"I see~"
The joy of having one's desires fulfilled.
Airi has been praying for me too.
Today, while raising a song of joy, I welcomed the time of rest.