Chapter 343 - The Mark
(1)
It's cold.
Toya-kun sets the air conditioner on a timer until he goes to sleep.
That's fine. There are probably nights when it's hard to sleep.
The problem is the length of the timer.
Toya-kun casually leaves it on for eight hours straight.
And yet, he gets cold and steals the towel blanket, and when I take it back, he hugs me.
That's fine, though... ehehe~.
When the time comes and the air conditioner turns off, Toya-kun wakes up.
He wakes up, turns the air conditioner back on, and goes to sleep.
I'm cold.
Should I say something?
Should I consult with Maya-san?
Come to think of it, there's been a change recently.
Before that, I want to wake him up if possible. I don't want to be thought of as a bride who can't do her job.
"Toya-kun, wake up! It's morning!"
I try to wake him by shaking his body.
Then...
"Airi's body is warm, it feels nice."
"I keep telling you to say that after you've done what you need to do! Besides, if you keep dawdling, we'll..."
Knock knock.
It's Maya-san.
"Toya-kun, if you don't wake up, it'll be bad!"
Or rather, I'm in trouble if he doesn't let me go.
"Airi-chan, can I come in now?"
It can't be helped. I guess I'll ask for her help again today.
"Maya-sa~n"
When I call Maya-san's name, Toya-kun's body flinches.
But it's already too late.
"Toya, every single morning, that's enough! Hurry up and wash your face and get changed!"
"You don't have to barge in all of a sudden, do you?"
"Are you planning to do something that would be bad if I barged in on from the morning!? Think about your position! Airi-chan is waking you up because she cares about you, but you, on the other hand, always, always..."
Maya-san's lecture has become a daily routine lately.
But there's no time.
"Toya-kun, if we don't leave soon, breakfast will be late!"
"Airi-chan, it's fine to skip breakfast at times like this! If I don't say that much, this kid won't learn."
Toya-kun dashed out of the room with surprising agility.
"See?"
Maya-san said that and smiled.
Mothers really are amazing.
It was the same when Rie-chan scolded me before.
After Toya-kun finishes his morning routine, I make breakfast while he takes a shower.
And then we eat breakfast, but...
"Before you dive in like that, shouldn't you say something to Airi-chan first? While you were in the shower, she was sweating and cooking your meal! You have something to say, don't you!?"
"Maya-san, this is my duty, so..."
"Airi-chan, you mustn't spoil him! If you spoil him while you're still unmarried, you'll have a much harder time after you get married!"
"U-ugh..."
"Airi, thanks for every morning."
"Mm."
"And you too, Father! Having another family's daughter cook for you and not saying anything is strange, isn't it!"
"Airi-chan, thank you as always. It's delicious."
"Yes."
I wonder if Toya-kun will change too, once we're married?
"W-Well, I'll go take a shower now."
Saying that, I stand up.
"Take your time~"
"Well, I guess I'll go prepare in my room too..."
"I guess it's about time for me to head to work."
Maya-san doesn't let the two trying to escape get away.
"At least do the dishes before you go! Especially you, Toya! You're just lazing around, aren't you!?"
"F-Fine."
"Don't yell so early in the morning, Maya. You'll get more wrinkles..."
"What did you say!?"
"Eep! I'll do it, I'll do it. Come on, Toya, help me."
"O-Okay."
And when I come out after my shower, Toya-kun is still getting scolded.
"First of all, the problem is that you treat Airi-chan like a wife without even taking her as one! She's still an important daughter of the Tosaka family!"
"It'll be bad if Airi hears, so stop talking about that..."
"I'm not saying anything bad! I'm just saying you should cherish Airi-chan a little more! And do you understand that not getting married is your own selfishness!?"
"Maya-san, it's fine about that. I said it was okay."
I stepped in to mediate.
"I'm not scolding Airi-chan. I've watched this kid for years, and I'm scolding him because he relies on Airi-chan too much. It's not Airi-chan's fault."
"I-I understand that, but..."
It's pitiful to scold him that much.
Even though I'm the one who came to live here out of my own selfishness.
"Toya, I told you, didn't I? I consider you and Airi-chan as good as married. If this is the result, then I, as your mother, cannot forgive it!"
"F-Fine. Airi's back, so I'm going. Come on, Airi, let's go to my room?"
"O-Okay."
"At least rub her shoulders to show some appreciation. You take after your father. I know he was pretending not to hear too!"
"H-Hey, I'm innocent!"
"You're the same when it comes to working Airi-chan to the bone!"
We took that chance to escape to the room.
Toya-kun is holding a mug in his hand.
He puts it on the table when we enter the room.
I apologize to Toya-kun while drying my hair.
"Sorry, Toya-kun, it's my fault..."
Then he hugs me from behind.
"It's true that I wasn't considerate, so don't worry about it. Thanks as always, Airi."
"Mm..."
When I try to take the mug after drinking my coffee, Toya-kun takes it.
"I'll clean up. You do your makeup in the meantime."
"But..."
"Everyone's on edge right now, you know."
"Mm..."
He doesn't come back for a while.
I quietly leave the room and check on him.
He seems to be getting lectured on how to wash cups.
Ugh... should I go?
After finishing my makeup, I tried sending a message to the girls' group chat.
"Do husbands really change after marriage?"
Most people said they do.
They stop doing the housework they used to help with. If they just did nothing, that would be fine! But they create more work! etc.
"Did that Toya guy do something?"
Kanna asked.
I sent the morning's events in a message.
"It's just as the auntie said," Kanna said.
"I think I said this before, but discipline before marriage is important," Emi said.
Toya-kun came back.
"Toya-kun's back, so I'll talk to you later."
I sent that and put my phone away.
"Man, that was rough. I didn't think she'd nag me that much just for using a bit too much detergent."
Toya-kun likes to use a lot of detergent and fill the kitchen with bubbles.
That's probably why he got scolded.
"I'm done with my makeup."
"Well, let's go."
We left the house together and headed to school.
At school, I watch the practice from the second floor.
I watch Toya-kun doing individual practice while everyone else does group practice.
Will Toya-kun change?
I can't imagine it.
My phone rings.
It seems to be a message.
It's from the girls' group chat.
"We're having an emergency girls' night out this weekend!"
It was Ai's suggestion.
"What's up?"
"I thought we could all listen to Airi's problems."
"Yeah, yeah. That idiot Toya. If he's like this before marriage, he'll definitely make you suffer after marriage! No! You'll suffer from the moment you start living together!"
"Kanna's right, no doubt about it!"
Since it's coming from people with experience, it's probably right, but... I look at Toya-kun...
I still can't imagine it. Even the morning exchange, if you said he was enjoying the physical affection, I'd be happy about that.
When the time comes, practice ends.
I go downstairs and, while waiting for Toya-kun, ask Chitose-chan and Sakura-san.
"Come to think of it, Tasuku is hopeless at any housework. At best, he can clean his own room."
Cleaning his room is still better than nothing. Toya-kun leaves his clothes lying around, doesn't put things back where they belong, and leaves the bed a mess.
"My brother doesn't do any at all. He was like that when he lived at home. Mom was always scolding him. I'm sure he still leaves everything to Kanna-san now."
I've heard from Kanna that Makoto-kun's housework is terrible. She said he's not just unhelpful, he's a hindrance.
"What about Katagiri-senpai? Does he do housework?"
"Ugh..."
He does it if I ask him to... but I still feel like it's not really a bride's job, you know...?
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Huh? What's wrong, all three of you?"
Toya-kun said, looking at us.
"N-Nothing's wrong! Right, Sakura-san?"
"That's right..."
Sakura-san's gaze towards Toya-kun is cold.
It seems Toya-kun noticed right away.
"Are you still worried about this morning? You don't have to worry... Airi, you're not a burden at all."
"Mm..."
"Isn't it Katagiri-senpai who should be worried? Let's go, Tasuku."
"Ah, right. Toya, did you do something?"
"Tasuku!"
"Ah, fine, fine."
Toya-kun looked confused.
(2)
"Hey, Toya, I'm borrowing Airi this weekend, okay?"
"That's fine, but what's wrong?"
Kanna seems to be in a bad mood. Did something happen?
"'What's wrong?' Don't 'what's wrong' me, you idiot!"
"Hey, hey, what's up? What's all the commotion about in the middle of the day?"
Watanabe-kun came over.
"It seems there's a bit of a problem with how Katagiri-kun treats Airi-chan."
Emi-san came too.
Ishihara-kun next to her has an awkward look on his face.
Could it be about this morning?
"I already apologized for this morning, you know?"
"So, have you thought about what to do from now on?"
Emi-san asked.
Even if she asks me 'what to do,' Airi doesn't like it when I do housework.
At most, I get roped into the big year-end cleaning.
Other than that, I just try to take care of her by getting her out of the house on holidays so she doesn't have to do housework.
Lately, I've been busy with basketball and haven't been able to spend much time with her, so I was thinking of spending time with her at night.
I told the women about that.
"This idiot! Are you really thinking about the future?"
Kanna said. The future!?
"I'll predict it for you. If you're like this now, when you start working, it'll either be 'let me sleep early because I'm tired from work' or 'I'll be late because of a company drinking party,' right? Isn't that right, Kana?"
When Kanna asked Kana-san, Kana-san glared at me and nodded.
"No doubt about it! And on holidays, he goes out saying he has adult basketball! That's what my husband does."
I'm starting to see the picture... I look at Tasuku.
Tasuku is also being glared at by Sakura-san.
"Tasuku, how do you handle housework?"
I tried to change the subject.
"No matter how many times I clean up Tasuku's kitchen, every time I visit, it's turned into a decaying sea! He also doesn't do laundry until he runs out of clothes."
Tasuku is holding his head in his hands.
"So, Toya, what about you?"
"Toya-kun doesn't completely not do it, you know?"
When Watanabe-kun asked, Airi answered.
"Before, when I was sick in bed with a cold, he even cooked for me~"
"That's complete brainwashing, Airi-chan. To put it another way, it means he won't do anything until his wife collapses, even though he can!"
"Ugh..."
Airi was refuted by Emi-san.
"So I'm calling an emergency girls' night out this weekend. We have to de-brainwash Airi-chan."
So that's how the conversation went.
I look at Airi.
She's looking at me apologetically.
...This might be a good opportunity.
"Fine. If that's the case, listen to Airi's complaints."
"Toya-kun?"
"Are you in a position to say that, you who caused the complaints! Toya!"
"I heard about that from Mika. Yeah, a girls' night out sounds good, doesn't it?"
"Watanabe, you get it too!? Airi's complaints have piled up so much that we have to do this!"
"Kanna-san and the others are going to let off that steam for her, right? It's good for them to get together and have fun with just the girls once in a while."
Watanabe-kun said.
The women looked like they wanted to say more, but for now, the situation was settled.
But I thought the damage was limited to us, but it had spread to unexpected places.
(3)
Cafe Blue Bird.
Akira-chan has been in a bad mood since this morning.
The cause is Katagiri-kun, who's leisurely eating Neapolitan pasta.
Is this really the time to be eating so calmly?
But what's interesting is that Tosaka-san's mood isn't that bad; rather, she looks apologetic towards Katagiri-kun.
It seems I and Akira-chan weren't the only ones who noticed.
Ichinose-san called out to her.
"Tosaka-san, it's because you act like that that Katagiri-kun gets cocky."
"Ah, no, Toya-kun isn't bad. It's just that he doesn't wake up easily in the morning..."
Actually, I'm happy about it, but basketball practice is also important, Tosaka-san said.
"If you spoil him like that, you'll regret it someday! It'll be too late once you start thinking 'it wasn't supposed to be like this.'"
"You're lucky to have a fiancé like Katagiri-kun who even manages your health. I'm jealous."
"Ryuji-kun, be quiet!"
"...Yes."
"Club activities are important, part-time jobs are important, work is important. That's what men say to push all the troublesome things onto us!"
"I think Honoka is right. Airi, you're living with Katagiri-kun to train as a bride, but at this rate, wouldn't it be better to retrain Katagiri-kun instead?"
Sorry, Katagiri-kun, I can't go against this person.
"I'll take your plates away."
Kitamura-san, as unflappable as ever.
"Misato! You too, now's the time. Watch closely what happens when you let a man do whatever he wants!"
"Junichi-san would never do that."
Kitamura-san went into the kitchen as if to say she didn't have time for such troublesome things.
Jingle jangle.
Saki-san came in.
"Oh? Saki, that's rare."
"Well, I don't have a part-time job today... More importantly..."
Saki-san also glared at Katagiri-kun.
"How can you eat so leisurely? Have you thought about your position?"
"I-It's my fault. Don't blame Toya-kun."
Tosaka-san defended Katagiri-kun.
"Seeing such a devoted Tosaka-san, don't you feel anything? I'm glad my husband is Yuma!"
Katagiri-kun casually brushed off the women's harsh verbal attacks. In a way, he's tough.
"Let me be clear. Why is it that at this point, I don't hear any of the men blaming Katagiri-kun?"
Akira-chan said.
The men, who had been minding their own business, flinched.
"Akira-san, men are mostly like that! They're completely useless when it counts! Even though they act all high and mighty normally."
Kana-san said.
"Toya-kun, i-it's almost time for basketball, right? Let's go?"
"Yeah. Master, thank you for the meal."
Katagiri-kun didn't seem to care at all.
I respect him for that, in a way.
Katagiri-kun paid the bill and left.
After that, the remaining men became the target.
I curse you, Katagiri-kun.
(4)
"Hehe."
"Haha."
Me and Satomi-san were laughing at a message.
"Did something interesting happen?"
Yamato-san asked.
I told him what was in the message.
"I see~"
Yamato-san laughed too.
"Mirai-san, are you going too?"
Satomi-san asked.
"I'll go. You're going too, Chief, right?"
"Yeah, I'm worried if it's just these kids."
"Are they that angry? The women..."
Manabe-kun was asking Satomi-san.
"Well, they seem pretty pissed off. They're probably carrying their own frustrations too."
Satomi-san answered with a laugh.
"I don't think it's a good idea to be on your phones during work, you two."
Tomosaka Chief came over.
"Sorry, I just got curious."
Satomi-san apologized.
"I'm very sorry."
"Ah, if this weekend is no good, please keep next weekend open."
Tomosaka Chief said.
"What's up?"
"Mirai-san, your training period is over, right? I was thinking of having a welcome party for you since we haven't had one yet."
"Come to think of it, that's right. It's a good opportunity, shall we do it?"
Satomi-san and Tomosaka Chief were talking.
"Well then, let's finish up the current project quickly by then."
When Satomi-san said that, we went back to work.
(5)
"Well then, today's topic goes without saying: it's about Katagiri-kun's attitude! Let's thoroughly devise a countermeasure."
With Ai's declaration, the party began.
Ai started explaining from the beginning.
Then Emi said.
"As I thought, Airi-chan spoils him too much."
Ugh...
"That's no good, Emi. That makes it sound like Airi is the bad one. The bad one is Katagiri-kun, after all."
Akira said.
"I've said it many times, but Toya-kun does anything I ask him to. He listens to my selfish requests too. He's a bit of a cuddle bug in the morning, but I'm happy about that."
"...So anyway, first we have to de-brainwash Airi."
Ai said.
I don't think 'brainwashing' is the right word, though...
"Airi, it'll be too late after you get married. I can say the same to Iori, but you have to correct the bad points before marriage!"
"Kanna's right. You're both spoiling them too much!"
Kanna and Mika-san said.
But then Miyuki-san, who had been drinking quietly until then, spoke up.
"I think I envy Tosaka-san and Asakura-san, though."
"Why do you say that?"
Kanna asked.
"Because they both dote on their partners, don't they? They're doing well. That's proof that they're strongly attracted to the other person."
"Isn't that the classic pattern of falling for a bad man!"
Saki argued.
"First of all, is Katagiri-kun really a bad man? He does housework when asked. He takes care of his girlfriend when she collapses. Is that what a bad man does?"
"It's a fact that she was worked to the bone until then, right?"
"I can envy Tosaka-san, who can find a solution together with him every time something like collapsing or fighting happens. The same goes for Asakura-san. Kisaragi-kun is completely different from before and after the training camp."
When Miyuki-san said that, no one argued anymore.
"I was like that too. We fought right after getting married, and he improved right away. Isn't that how couples bond?"
"I agree with Nishimatsu-san... I said this before, but could you replace him with someone else? You can't do that, right?"
Satomi-san said.
"Katagiri-kun must be fully aware that he's pushing Tosaka-san too hard, right? That's why he made a promise to go out on his days off, right? They decided to spend their time together relaxing, just the two of them, right? I'm sure the two of them will manage fine even when Katagiri-kun starts working."
"Toya-kun is really kind. He calls me every day even when we're apart for training camps. He tells me not to overdo it with the housework. And I'm just a freeloader."
I pleaded desperately. Toya-kun is not a bad man.
That's why I wanted to ask everyone. "Do people really change that much when they get married?"
"Aren't you the only ones who know your husband's many faces? Haven't you created many more memories than the several anniversaries marked on the calendar?"
Toya-kun, seen from various angles. Even if the day comes when we can't live together, I'll still end up loving Toya-kun anyway.
My mind is being filled, maddeningly and vividly, with memories of Toya-kun.
Isn't it the same for everyone?
Satomi-san said.
"So what should Toya do in the end?"
Mika-san asked.
"Isn't it fine as it is? He cares about Tosaka-san in his own way. He faces Tosaka-san. He listens to her inner voice."
Satomi-san answered that way.
These feelings, crying and laughing, are unstable, but they are the mark between me and Toya-kun.
"The same can be said for all of you, you know?"
Miyuki-san said.
Everyone looks at their partner from various angles. When viewed through a filter, any of them becomes something wonderful, and you realize your love.
"So it was just Airi's lovey-dovey story after all."
Kanna said.
"That's no fun. Well then. Iori, Chitose, and Misato! What about you three?"
Ai said.
The three of them were flustered at being suddenly put on the spot.
The conversation turned to lighter topics.
"Um..."
Naru said.
"I don't really understand why I was called...? I can't do housework yet, and I haven't become independent."
"Naru, that's..."
Just as Ai was about to say something.
"Everyone taught me. The wonderfulness of getting married. How happy it is. You're going to marry Kosei, right?"
"Yeah, we need to train Naru too."
When I said that, Kanna said.
"Is that so? Then is Kosei the same?"
Huh?
"Kosei... that means he's one of the men!? Where did they say they were going?"
Kanna seemed to have caught on to something.
"He said it's a men's secret, so he wouldn't tell me."
...Toya-kun.
I silently sent a message on my phone.
Everyone is watching.
"Toya-kun, where are you now?"
"Are you done over there? Sorry, the guys are drinking."
"Where are you?"
"I can't come to pick you up, so take a taxi home. I'll take a designated driver too."
"It'd be cheaper to go home together, right? Where are you?"
"Ah, but I feel bad making you come all the way here, and you guys have a second party, right? We have a second party too, so..."
"Tell me where you are!"
"...The yakitori shop in front of the station."
I turn around to look at everyone.
"No second party, then," Kanna said.
"Yeah... Those guys are planning something no good again. Tada-kun and Eita are probably the ringleaders," Ai said.
"My husband is suspicious too. He's been coming home late again lately..." Kana said.
"Shall we all go to pick them up?" Satomi-san said with a smile.
We nodded.
(6)
"Man, Toya, you've had a rough time!"
Makoto said.
"Well, yeah. But it's fine if it's a good way for Airi and the others to let off steam."
I guess it was mostly the same for everyone else too?
"But there's no way we're letting the women have all the fun letting off steam," Makoto said.
"Well then, shall we go to that place for the second party!" Eita said enthusiastically.
"It's cheap, and there are young, pretty girls there," Eita bragged.
Just then, a message arrived from Airi.
...I kept it a secret, so how did she find out I was out?
I guess I can't hide it.
We're far from Airi and the others' place. It should be fine to tell them, right?
If we leave early, it'll be fine.
That's what I thought.
We drank and partied until time ran out.
And when the time came and we were about to move to the second party venue.
"Well then, the real fun starts now, Eita."
"The fun is just beginning, Makoto."
These two's idea of fun is usually nothing good.
If we're going to move, the sooner the better.
That's what I thought. But of course, a group of about twenty people would be noticed.
We felt a chill.
We put some distance between ourselves and Makoto and Eita.
"So, what kind of place is it, Eita?"
"It's a place that offers all kinds of services, Makoto."
The two of them are pretty drunk. Naturally, their attention is scattered.
Normally, I'd be the first to escape at times like this, but unfortunately, I was too late.
When I turned around, Airi was grabbing my arm and smiling brightly.
Looking around, everyone was being grabbed by their respective partners.
The entrance to the shop was quite far back and not very well lit.
So the two of them probably didn't notice.
The immense killing intent enveloping everyone.
"I-I'm going home! I'm still a kid! Let's go, Naru."
"Well, Kosei can't be helped! Wait at least another year."
"I'll go home too since Airi is waiting for me."
"Don't be a killjoy, Toya. Join us for once."
"Socializing is important. I'm telling you, life isn't just about kowtowing to your wife."
"E-Eita, don't you think you should stop there? You're pretty drunk."
Hiyama-senpai seems to sense something is wrong, but it's already too late. Sakura-san is right next to him.
Makoto, weren't you able to grasp the positions of the players when you were on the field? Now's the time to use that ability.
But the two of them don't notice at all.
"What are you standing around for? Let's go!"
"Yeah! On a day like this, let's cut loose! No nagging, annoying women around!"
"Eita, is that place okay? It's not a rip-off, is it?"
"The online reviews are good, and I've been there a few times, so it's fine."
"Then let's go! Today, no rules, let's be free!"
"Yeah, Makoto! Nothing can stop us today!"
As they said that and tried to leave, two hands grabbed theirs.
"Hey, holding hands with a guy is gross, Eita."
"Makoto, you're the one who's gross."
It's not Makoto and Kiritani-kun holding hands.
Then who?
Makoto and Kiritani-kun looked at each other's faces and then noticed the presence of the person next to them.
"Oh? A fun place with good service too? Then shall we come along too, Ai?"
"Who are you calling a nagging, annoying woman, Eita?"
"K-Kanna?"
"A-Ai?"
The two of them finally noticed.
And then the women's anger exploded.
"What's wrong? It's a fun place, right? Hurry up and guide us."
"You've been there many times, right? No need to get lost now."
"You guys are free, right?"
"Nothing can stop you, right? Take us with you."
Kanna and Ai-san are smiling. It's scary precisely because they're smiling.
"N-No, what a coincidence. Kanna, you guys were at a nearby shop too?"
"If Ai was there too, you should have told me..."
Makoto and Kiritani-kun tried to laugh it off.
"Both of you, stop feeding Toya-kun weird information!"
"Kosei too!"
"I said I wasn't going!"
"I didn't say I was going either."
Me and Kosei tried to explain, but they wouldn't listen...
"Masashi! You..."
"Haha, well, this is awkward."
Watanabe-kun laughed it off.
"Ah, my ride is here, so I'm going home. I'll head off first. Let's go, Naru."
"Kosei! We're not done talking yet!"
Kosei seemed to have managed to escape, but apparently, Naru didn't talk to him for a while.
The problem is us.
"Toya-kun, you didn't say a single word about going drinking today!"
"W-Well, the idea of the guys getting together on the day of the girls' night out came up suddenly, you see~..."
"That's not an excuse!"
"Nozomi is equally guilty... Should I ask for a thorough explanation?"
"I-I didn't even hear about the second party venue! I only just heard it now!"
"Zen-kun. You don't show any interest in me, but you're interested in shops like that?"
"T-That's a misunderstanding. I never said I was going."
Ishihara-kun and Sakai-kun are also frantically making excuses.
"Kazu-san! Honestly, you!"
"Kana! Wait, this is an accident!!"
"Tasuku!!"
"W-We really weren't told anything."
Right? Everyone is looking for a chance to escape.
This is when my finely-honed senses come into play.
"Airi, let's go!"
"Huh? Ah, okay..."
Grab
"Toya. Don't think you can always escape..."
"Toya. We're not letting you go today. Second party? Bring it on. Isn't there a good place?"
"There's no other choice but the usual karaoke place. Let's hear everything thoroughly until morning, shall we?"
"Yeah! Thoroughly until morning!"
My path was blocked by Kanna, Mika-san, and Ai-san.
"If you think I'm going to say 'Sorry, Toya-kun'... you're sorely mistaken!"
I was abandoned by Airi too.
And so, we were thoroughly lectured until morning at the karaoke place.