Chapter 341 - My Heart is With You
(1)
"Toya-kun, which one do you like?"
Today we came to buy summer clothes for Airi and me.
Airi shows me various clothes.
I've said it before, but "any one is fine" is absolutely forbidden.
Because she'll pout and say, "Shopping with me is that boring!?"
Even if I don't know, I'll agonize over it with her.
When I really can't decide, I think of the person I like.
You think that person isn't right in front of me?
There are people on TV who I think are cute, right?
Even I have someone like that.
Camisole one-pieces and bustiers would suit her too, but well, a one-piece would be good.
Clothes that emphasize Airi's voluptuous body line would be nice too, but I don't want other people looking at Airi with those kinds of eyes.
Also, Airi doesn't really prefer pants type clothes.
That's also my preference though.
Oh, I've never thought about wanting her to wear a miniskirt.
It's not because Airi's legs are thick or anything like that.
I just don't want her to wear clothes that are too revealing.
Well, it's also because the vocalist of Elt wears that kind of clothes.
But it's not like she has no pants at all.
She usually has wide pants.
Because we sometimes go to places that are hard to walk in.
That's why sneakers are always kept in the car.
Airi basically wears sandals.
Airi doesn't wear denim pants either.
She apparently hates feeling constricted.
Maybe I was overthinking a bit?
For now, I'll choose for her.
I'll pick the camisole one-pieces and one-pieces I mentioned earlier. It seems floral patterns are good this year.
"Ugh... again, because of the Elt vocalist?"
"Well, I have no other basis for judgment."
"Well, if it's Toya-kun's preference, I'll go with that. Do you think it'll suit me?"
"I'm sure it will suit you."
"Then this one suits me too, right?"
Airi picks out a camisole and a bustier.
Can Airi read my thoughts too?
"Yeah, I think it'll suit you."
"Yay! Oh, right... yeah, sooner is better, right?"
I wonder what's up?
"Can we stop by a hair salon on the way back?"
Saying that, Airi immediately makes a reservation at a hair salon.
"Sure, but what's wrong?"
"Hehe~, I'm going to transform into a woman that Toya-kun likes~"
I see.
We eat lunch at a random restaurant and go look for my clothes.
"Toya-kun could be a bit more mature too, right?"
Saying that, Airi chooses and buys a summer jacket and T-shirts.
"What kind do you like, Toya-kun?"
"Same as Airi? I don't like bottomwear that's too constricting."
"Then wide pants it is. But skinny jeans suit you too, you know."
"If Airi says they suit me, then they probably do."
"Yeah, let's buy both. Oh, but Toya-kun already has skinny jeans, right...?"
"They're pretty worn out, maybe it's time to replace them."
"Got it~"
Saying that, Airi cheerfully picks things out.
I'll let her pick until she's satisfied.
Looks like she's decided.
Airi hands me the shopping basket and I buy the items.
Once she's satisfied, next are shoes.
I buy sneakers, Airi buys sandals.
After that, we look around at the pet shop animals.
"They're cute."
When we go to the pet shop, it doesn't matter if it's dogs or cats. Airi looks at both.
There are many dogs and cats with nice fur.
"It's not just dogs and cats."
I show Airi the small animals.
Airi adores them with her eyes.
Once she's had her fill, we leave the pet shop.
Airi is conscious of the time.
"Is it about time?"
"Yeah."
"Then let's go. It's the usual salon, right?"
"Yeah!"
We headed to the hair salon.
(2)
Today I went shopping with Toya-kun.
We couldn't keep our promise to go buy spring clothes because of the conflict, so that didn't happen.
So Toya-kun invited me to go buy summer clothes together.
I have to become a woman that Toya-kun likes.
That said, I kind of know what Toya-kun likes anyway.
I just have to judge based on the vocalist of Elt.
"Which one do you think is good?"
When I say that, he picks those kinds of clothes as expected.
Toya-kun doesn't choose clothes that show off body lines.
Is it because I have a child-like figure?
No. He just doesn't want other people to see me that way.
But still, summer is hot, you know?
Toya-kun chooses clothes considering that too.
He absolutely never picks miniskirts.
He also understands that I don't like denim material pants.
Basically, Toya-kun prefers one-pieces in spring and summer.
Also white long skirts.
Toya-kun worried that my underwear might show through, but I wear skirts with thick fabric so it's fine.
Still, Toya-kun really likes the vocalist of Elt, huh?
...Should I test this?
"Toya-kun, can we stop by a hair salon?"
Saying that, I make a reservation at a hair salon.
Toya-kun is kind during our dates.
He would never say something like "I'm tired, let's go home?"
"Sure."
I knew he'd say that.
We have lunch and then choose Toya-kun's clothes.
I think Toya-kun would look pretty cool if he properly styled his hair too.
I wonder if it's just girlfriend bias? Ehehe~.
After choosing Toya-kun's clothes, we go to the pet shop, a standard course.
Cats are cute, but dogs are too.
While I'm captivated, Toya-kun watches with me.
He talks to me too, keeping up with me.
"Small animals are cute too."
Since Toya-kun said that, we look at them too.
Time flies by in an instant.
By the time we leave the pet shop, it's time for the hair salon reservation.
"Is it about time?"
"Yeah."
"Then let's go."
"Yeah."
When we arrived at the salon, it was empty.
They prep me right away.
"What kind of hairstyle would you like today?"
"Well..."
There was hesitation.
But I can become a new me.
I can get closer to Toya-kun's preferences.
"I'd like this kind, please."
When I order the hairdresser, she starts cutting my bangs.
(3)
"Whew~ that was pretty interesting."
"Yeah."
Today I came to watch a movie with Tasuku.
After the movie ended, we had lunch.
We finished it off at a restaurant in the shopping mall.
Despite it being a precious date, for some reason I had a gloomy face.
Tasuku seemed to see through the reason.
"It's already started moving. It's not something we can stop, right?"
Tasuku said.
"Yeah, it's too late now."
"Just knowing that Toya getting serious is amazing is enough. But the one who made him get serious is, without a doubt, you, Sakurako."
"Yes... ah."
I did it again.
"I'm sorry. Thinking about another guy during a date. I..."
"Don't worry about it... That kind of you is what changed me."
"Yes."
"What do you want to do after this?"
"I haven't thought about it."
"Want to go look at shoes or something?"
"...Is that okay?"
"Yeah, your head's probably full of basketball anyway."
"Sorry."
Why does it always end up like this?
I thought about it.
"Tasuku, are you enjoying the date?"
"Huh? What's with you all of a sudden?"
Is he enjoying dating me, who only ever thinks about basketball or soccer?
I was really worried about it.
Maybe I should listen to Tasuku's stories once in a while?
"I see... Well then, want to hear my boring stories of the past?"
I nodded.
"I told you before. That I had a girlfriend."
"Uh-huh."
"She was exactly like you are now. Basketball was all she thought about, waking and sleeping. We went on proper dates, but even during those, she was always thinking about basketball."
"And she got tired of you, right?"
"Exactly. So I understand how you feel. The feeling of being obsessed with something. I worry about what you'll do when you lose that goal. I worry if you'll be okay alone."
When senpai Katagiri retired from basketball, after I graduate from university, what will I live for?
Thinking about it makes me anxious.
"You're anxious, right? You're lonely, right? That's why I'm here for you. I'm telling you. That I'll be by your side."
"Tasuku, aren't you obsessed with basketball now?"
"Unfortunately, I'm clumsy. I can't be obsessed with two things at once. Toya seems to be able to do it though."
"Then what are you obsessed with?"
When I asked that, a woman I didn't know called out to me.
"Oh? Isn't this Mizushima-kun?"
"Ayumi, long time no see."
She seems to be an acquaintance of Tasuku's.
Without realizing it, I grabbed Tasuku's arm.
Ayumi-san seemed to notice me.
"Is the girl next to you your girlfriend?"
"Yeah, Sakurako Sakura. Sakurako, this is Ayumi, the ex-girlfriend I was just talking about."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Sakura."
"No way! You actually got a girlfriend!? And you were all about basketball? Was it Sakurako-san? You'd better stop; this guy's only good at talking about basketball, he's boring."
I got annoyed.
"Is that only Tasuku's fault? I've heard the circumstances. Didn't you ever think about supporting him?"
"Sakurako, stop..."
"Tasuku, you're weird too! How can you be so nonchalant!? This is the person who dumped you, of all people!"
"You sure have a lot to say. I don't know what you heard from Tasuku, but are you completely denying me without even listening to my side?"
"If you have a side to tell, I'll listen! Do you have something to say?"
Why am I so irritated?
"I tried to support Tasuku at first too. But he never paid any attention to me at all. In fact, he treated me like a nuisance!"
"I thought you'd say that. I bet you just thought you were supporting him on your own self-righteously! Always imposing things..."
"Sakurako, stop it. Ayumi, sorry, she's not really calm right now."
How can I be calm!? I can't forgive anyone who denies my boyfriend!
But I was crying. I was made aware of my own words.
'You just thought you were supporting him on your own self-righteously!'
Wasn't that exactly what I did to senpai Katagiri?
I looked back at my own actions, regretted them... and cried.
"What's with starting a fight and then crying? Man, this feels really bad."
"Sorry."
"You'd better break up with a woman like this. She probably can only talk about boring stuff, right? Just like you."
I flinched at those words.
I'm a boring woman.
Isn't Tasuku thinking the same thing?
Tasuku says.
"Yeah, she's just like me. Right now, her head is full of nothing but basketball. For these two years, she's been desperately studying only basketball."
"I thought so."
"I can't just abandon such a devoted woman, right? When she loses basketball, what will be left? What will she cling to and live for? I can't overlook that."
"...Well, have fun with your boring youth then."
"Ayumi, you haven't changed. As soon as you realize someone has different values, you immediately want to cut ties. You don't try to understand the other person."
"Dating a guy with different values is just a waste of time. See ya."
Saying that, Ayumi-san left.
Tasuku patted me on the back.
"Don't worry about what she said."
No, I'm just regretting what I said myself.
"The precious date is ruined. Want to change the mood? Sakurako, can you drive?"
"Is there somewhere you want to go?"
"No, just drive around aimlessly. I want to be alone with you."
"Understood."
I drove the car as he said.
"I should buy a car too. Maybe I'll buy one when I get a job."
Tasuku laughs.
"Sakurako... your thoughts are completely off. What you did to Toya might have been imposing. But in the end, Toya was the one who chose the path."
"But if I hadn't dragged him into basketball, he could have lived more productively..."
"Ah, yeah, he probably would have. Messed around and lived an easy life. With his talent buried. It was unquestionably your power that brought him up to the national team level."
"Mine...?"
"As soon as you realized Toya was interested in basketball, you studied basketball and dragged him onto the basketball path. I've heard the whole story."
"But as a result, I ruined my relationship with Tosaka-senpai."
"But you have the present, so isn't that good enough?"
Tasuku laughs.
"There's a saying, 'It's no use crying over spilt milk,' right? That's exactly you right now. If you're going to regret things, live in the present. Choose the path you think is best right now."
If you look like you're about to stumble, I'll support you, Tasuku says.
"I'm such a troublesome woman, aren't I?"
"Yeah, you're a reckless woman I can't leave alone. That's why I'll take care of you for your whole life."
"Tasuku, is that a proposal?"
"I thought I already took care of that at the banquet last week?"
"Oh..."
"Can I hear your answer... now?"
"Well... ask me again after we graduate."
"Got it."
Tasuku laughs.
After that, we have dinner at Tasuku's house.
As usual, we get excited talking about basketball, and then I go home.
"Well, see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, make sure to go to bed early tonight."
"I know."
"See you then."
Saying that, I drive off.
What should I do when senpai Katagiri quits basketball?
I feel like I've found the answer.
Senpai Katagiri isn't the only thing that obsesses me. There's something closer to me.
(4)
While Airi was getting her hair cut, I fiddled with my smartphone and looked at the fashion magazines that were lying around.
They were women's magazines though.
I looked at them thinking, "Wouldn't it be nice if Airi dressed like this?" or "Maybe she aspires to dress like this?"
Airi doesn't seem to be interested in trendy clothes or anything.
She chooses and buys clothes that suit her.
This time I chose though.
Our choices are generally pretty similar.
"Toya-kun, sorry for the wait~"
I heard Airi's voice.
I turned around and looked at Airi, and was startled.
I nearly fell off my chair from surprise.
Airi had her bangs cut straight across at around the middle of her forehead, and her hair was cut to shoulder length.
Her hair dyed chestnut, Airi's face looked exactly like the young Elt vocalist, and she looked like a fairy.
"Do I look good...?"
Airi says that and waits for my words. She's expecting.
"It suits you."
"Yay~"
When we left the salon, it was just past evening, so we could eat dinner before going home.
"Want to eat something before going home?"
"Yeah."
I took her to a pasta place.
While waiting for the food to come, I was captivated by Airi.
And then I asked Airi.
"Airi, why did you decide to get that hairstyle?"
"Huh?"
"No, because you cut it like you suddenly thought of it."
"Doesn't it suit me?"
Airi makes a sad face.
You know I think it does, right?
"That's not it."
"Then isn't it fine?"
Airi says that and smiles.
And then she opened her mouth.
"Toya-kun, you're confused right now, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then, I'll tell you. I thought, since Toya-kun is so particular about the Elt vocalist's clothes, maybe I should match the hairstyle too."
So that was the reason.
"But is it okay? You were growing it out, right?"
"It'll grow back soon."
Then I'll have to cut it again, Airi laughs.
After dinner, we go home, take our respective baths, and play games.
It's been a while since I got out for a full 2 hours.
When it's over, we log out.
"What do you want to do after this?"
"Watch a drama~"
We watch a drama Airi wants to see.
While watching, she does today's accounts.
I fiddle with my smartphone while watching.
When Airi finishes her accounting, she takes my smartphone away.
She hugs me as if to say, "Pay attention to me~".
Times like that, it's better not to resist.
I silently accept Airi.
"Airi, don't you need to watch the drama?"
I say something a little mean, and she groans "Ugh...".
But then she smiles and sits down using me, sitting cross-legged, as a backrest.
"This way I can kill two birds with one stone."
Today, I'll let Airi do as she pleases.
Since Airi granted my wishes, I'll grant hers.
Airi's body heat gradually seeps into me.
Even after the drama ends, that position continues.
Around midnight, I speak to Airi.
"Let's go to bed soon."
"Yeah."
We turn off the TV, dim the lights, and get into bed.
Airi was probably tired; she fell asleep quickly.
I was probably tired too. I fall asleep soon.
It was about to be the half-year mark of the year soon.