Chapter 345 - Smile, Even When It's Frustrating Or Heartbreaking
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning~"
Toya-kun started getting up right away.
When he gets up, he goes to the washroom to wash his face.
Then he comes back and starts changing.
It's probably because Maya-san told him to, but... it feels a little lonely. I wonder if wanting him to pay more attention to me is being spoiled?
Once his routine is done, I make breakfast while Toya-kun takes a shower.
After we finish breakfast, Toya-kun cleans up.
Probably because Maya-san told him to.
By the time Toya-kun finishes his shower, he is done cleaning up and is making coffee.
I go into the room with Toya-kun.
While I'm drying my hair, Toya-kun waits patiently.
When I'm done drying, I sit next to Toya-kun and drink a café au lait.
When I finish drinking, Toya-kun takes the mug to the kitchen.
After a while, Toya-kun comes back.
Looks like he did it again.
"...Just a little bit, okay?"
"Don't you feel like it's cleaner when there's foam?"
Sometimes Toya-kun says things that don't make sense.
He does this every morning, so you'd think he'd learn by now.
"Airi, are you ready?"
"Can you wait a bit more?"
"Okay."
When I say that, he obediently watches TV and waits.
Before, he used to come and hug me.
Is he bothered by what everyone said?
It's a little lonely.
"I'm done."
"Then shall we go?"
"..."
"?"
I tried waiting.
Looks like he noticed.
Toya-kun hugs me and whispers.
"I'll pay attention to you tonight."
Yay.
Then we go to school.
When I get to school, I watch Toya-kun's practice from the second floor.
Mizushima-kun, Sakura-san, Chitose-chan, and Takatsuki-kun are also watching.
The two of them seem to be getting along, but there's something awkward about it.
I wonder what's wrong?
After practice ends, I ask Sakura-san and the others.
"Tosaka-senpai noticed, huh..."
"Actually, same here..."
It seems both of them have the same problem.
I hope his behavior improves, but apparently he's being distant.
His actions feel like there's some shadow behind them.
Yes, that's also what I was feeling toward Toya-kun.
Toya-kun does everything perfectly—he does whatever he's told without being asked.
That might be a good thing, but it's a little lonely.
When I said that, the two of them exclaimed, "That's it!"
I wonder what's up with everyone?
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Toya-kun and the others came back.
"Well, shall we go?"
"Mm."
Toya-kun and I study at the library.
We leave after second period, and then it's lunch break.
It seems everyone else was unchanged.
Apparently they're still fighting and in a cold war.
The cause goes back to the lunch they had on the way back from the sea.
As usual, Kiritani-kun and Makoto-kun are at the center of the topic.
There's no way to stop their rampage.
Everyone is criticizing them.
"Don't drag my partner into this!"
The guys look like they can only laugh at that.
That apparently angered Emi-san.
"Nozomi! You've been looking like it's none of your business this whole time, but you're not thinking the same thing, are you?!"
Ishihara-kun panics and denies it.
Then the other women start making a ruckus.
The men panic and deny it too.
Hiyama-senpai dismisses it with "How stupid."
"...I wonder about that... That night before, if we hadn't been there, you would've gone along, wouldn't you~?"
"No way."
Hiyama-senpai has changed too. Does marriage change a man?
That was how it ended yesterday afternoon.
Ever since, Toya-kun has changed.
He helps me with everything.
He does the cleaning and laundry.
So I have nothing to do. It's sad.
"Tosaka-senpai, what's wrong?"
Saki asked me.
Maybe Saki would understand.
"Saki, do you have a part-time job today?"
"I do, but is this a consultation?"
"Yeah."
I glance at Toya-kun.
Did he sense something?
"If it's that kind of talk, why don't we do it in the girls' group chat?"
"Okay."
"Airi-chan, if you want, we can listen this afternoon."
"That's right, why don't we talk on Blue Bird?"
"...Can I say something too? I have a consultation about my husband..."
That was Kana.
It seems Toya-kun and the guys are talking among themselves.
After afternoon classes end, I tell Toya-kun.
"I'm going to talk on Blue Bird a bit today, so come pick me up after club activities."
"Okay, take care."
When we go to Blue Bird together, Toya-kun orders his usual, eats, and then goes to club activities.
"So, what happened with Katagiri-kun?"
Emi asks.
"Well, you see..."
I told Emi and the others.
"So Katagiri-kun went that way, huh."
That was Ai.
"It's not like he doesn't pay me any attention at all. It's just that he's so intense that I'm worried Toya-kun might end up stressed out."
I defend Toya-kun a little.
"I'm the same, Airi-chan."
"I was discussing that with Emi too."
Emi and Akira say.
Both of them say it's nice that their partners care about them, but they're worried they might be stressed. If they're not stressed, where are they releasing it?
"Me too. My husband has been strangely kind since last night."
Kana says the same.
"Me too. Ryuji-kun is overly kind. He even sends me a message saying goodnight before bed..."
Honoka says as well.
"In that case, we have no choice but to hold another girls' meeting. We might need to consider the possibility of cheating."
Cheating?!
It's only been a day since yesterday, so I don't think that's likely.
But Kana and Honoka seem worried.
"What should we do?" they're discussing.
Akira-san is staring at Sakai-kun with cold eyes.
Sakai-kun is sweating for some reason.
It's hot, sure, but this store has air conditioning.
Only Airi and I are calm.
By the way, Nakajima-kun is at soccer practice today.
"Alright, at this rate, we'll do a background check on all the guys. They're acting suspicious."
Emi says.
"There's no way Toya-kun is cheating. It's only been a day. He doesn't have time for that."
"Better safe than sorry. Just in case."
Emi says.
After talking about that for a while, Toya-kun comes to pick me up.
"Is Airi here?"
Everyone looks at Toya-kun.
Sensing the tense atmosphere, he looks at me.
I force a smile and say to him.
"Let's go?"
Toya-kun leaves the store as I said.
We go home, eat dinner, take a bath, and I have one can of beer.
Meanwhile, the girls' group chat is on fire.
"Everyone! First, check your phones! Anyone who refuses is guilty!"
When Mika-san says that, everyone seems to be checking their partner's phone.
"There's nothing," they all say.
Do I have to do it too?
I feel like I'm doubting him, and I don't want to. But I can't be the only one not doing it.
"Toya-kun, show me your phone."
"Huh? Sure, but what's wrong? Everyone seemed tense at Blue Bird earlier."
"Nothing, just show me."
"Alright."
Toya-kun unlocks it and hands it to me.
I check outgoing calls, incoming calls, contacts, message addresses, and history.
There's only Watanabe's group people.
He's clean.
"Thanks."
I give the phone back to Toya-kun.
I send the result to the girls' group.
"He erased the evidence."
Everyone still seems suspicious.
But with Toya-kun, that's impossible.
I believed in him.
But I still feel anxious.
Is Toya-kun overexerting himself for me?
When I think that, I can't convey my feelings properly.
I ended up rejecting his nighttime kindness that he offered.
Toya-kun is tired from club activities, and if he does housework too, he'll collapse.
I couldn't do it because of that thought.
"Airi, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Toya-kun worries about me.
It's not that. I'm the one who's worried about you, Toya-kun.
I said that.
"You were worried about that? There's no need to worry."
Toya-kun laughs.
I learned back in the first semester of first year that Toya-kun laughs and overexerts himself.
I appealed to him.
"Just be the usual Toya-kun. You don't have to push yourself. You always push yourself too much. I told you, I'll support you because you're trying hard."
All Toya-kun has to do is say one word. That one word saves me.
He just has to show it in action. I'll treasure that action forever.
Toya-kun understands.
He hugs me.
Toya-kun had always shown it in action.
I had forgotten. I'm sorry.
I won't waver anymore.
That feeling goes up and down like a roller coaster.
How long will it continue? How far do I have to go to reach it?
Despair and hope piled up before my eyes.
I want to touch you. Even if it comes with pain, even if it's frustrating and heartrending, give me a smile.
(2)
"Toya-kun, it's morning~ Wake up~"
When Airi says that, I wake up.
I wash my face before Mother comes.
When I get back to the room, Airi is curled up.
I wonder what's wrong?
"Airi, let's go for our routine."
"Mm."
Airi gives a forced smile and leaves the house.
After we return from our routine, I take a shower. Then I eat breakfast and start cleaning up.
Then Airi stops my hand.
Airi says to Mother.
"Maya-san, please! Don't overwork Toya-kun anymore!"
She says it's pitiful to make him work even more when he's busy with studying and club activities.
"But Airi-chan, you're managing both housework and studying too, right?"
When Mother says that, Airi shakes her head.
"I don't do all the housework myself. On days off, Toya-kun takes me places and I don't do housework. It's not fair to Toya-kun if he doesn't get rest too. Once we start living together, I'll think about splitting the work with him. For now, I want him to focus on basketball."
When Airi says that, Mother pats my head.
"You should be grateful for your good fortune. A girl this capable is rare."
Was that what Airi was worried about since yesterday?
"Toya-kun, take your coffee and wait in the room."
Airi says with a smile.
I did as she said and waited in the room with my coffee.
When Airi comes back, she starts drying her hair.
After drinking café au lait and getting ready as usual, we leave the house as usual.
Airi watches from the second floor as I practice in the gym.
When it's time, I change and go to Airi and the others, and Airi is waving with a smile.
There's no hesitation like yesterday.
At lunch too, we were all chatting lively together.
After basketball practice ends, I go with Airi to pick up at Blue Bird.
Airi jumps on me.
Then we go home and spend the night.
I rely on unseen things and run away, but Airi insists I show it in action.
Many contradictory things each claim to be right.
Loving someone is deep.
How far do we have to go to understand each other?
Even if it's frustrating and heartrending, I won't let Airi's smile fade.
I want to be deceived by that wonderful lie called love.
How much longer until I can forget? This regret and hatred toward my past self.
On Airi's chest, that unsteady lullaby once more...
(3)
"In conclusion, everyone's clean."
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief at Emi's report.
But new questions arise.
Then why is everyone being so distant?
I know the truth, so I say nothing.
In fact, nothing happened this past week.
My feelings reached Toya-kun.
I must be smiling in Toya-kun's heart.
The one who answered everyone's question was, as expected, Satomi-san.
"That's what I told you. It's best to have them eating out of your hand."
Satomi-san laughs.
"I agree. It's more reassuring to have a little dissatisfaction than to carry around that kind of anxiety."
Miyuki-san says.
"Loving someone is deep, isn't it."
Chitose-san says.
"Chii-chan, maybe first you need to truly like someone?"
Kanna says.
"I wouldn't kiss someone I don't like."
Chitose-san says.
Come to think of it, she said she did kiss someone.
"Feeling anxious when they don't do anything... I kind of understand that."
Misato-san says.
"Misato, how far have you gone?"
Mika-san says.
"Nowhere. I wonder why?"
"Kuribayashi hasn't been educated! Should I educate him once, Emi?"
"Yeah... but you need to change too, Misato."
"Huh?"
"Have you ever shown your intentions yourself?"
"No."
"Maybe you haven't let down his guard yet. That's probably what he thinks."
I think Emi is right.
How far do we have to go to understand each other? These feelings and struggles.
Even if it comes with pain, even if it's frustrating and heartrending, give me a smile. One more smile.
"By the way, Naru. What's the guys' situation today?"
Kanna asks.
"It's fine, I grilled Kosei. I said I wouldn't talk to him for a while if he lied."
"And?"
"He cracked easily. Looks like they're at the yakitori place in front of the station again."
"What do we do? Raid them?"
"We should stake them out. They're probably up to no good anyway."
Emi says.
"Then should we wrap this up early?"
"Yeah."
I felt bad for Toya-kun, so I quietly tipped him off.
But I think Toya-kun would be fine even without that.
(4)
"This is bad..."
Watanabe-kun sighs.
Everyone seems exhausted.
The cause is definitely Makoto and Kiritani-kun, though.
"You guys are overthinking it. Just act confident."
"Yeah, yeah, just act confident. They won't find out."
Makoto and Kiritani-kun say.
"Give me a break. How much trouble do you think I had calming Sakura down this past week? On top of work fatigue, it was tough."
"Hiyama-kun is right. Stop dragging us into this."
Hiyama-senpai and Kimoto-senpai say.
Just then, my phone rings. It's Airi. ...Maybe I should wrap this up early?
I look at Kosei. Looks like he got a message too.
"Everyone, shouldn't we call it a night soon?"
"I think we should end it soon too."
"Yeah, if the women catch wind again, it'll be a pain. Let's move on quickly."
"Oh, I'm going home. My important girlfriend is waiting."
While paying, I say to Makoto.
"Don't be so scared, Toya! Are you even a man? That's why Tosaka-san looks down on you."
"That's right, Toya! That's why our guys get looked down on."
Don't these two know what learning is?
Makoto and Kiritani-kun are getting excited about the alcohol.
They do seem to have some learning ability, though.
They look around.
"Toya's right. Looks like coming out early was the right call."
"Toya, you're quick-witted!"
"W-well, yeah."
Kosei and I had noticed.
It's unreasonable to tell someone not to notice a group of nearly 20 people hiding in the shadows.
"I-I'm a kid, so I can't go in. Sorry, but I'll take my leave here. Well, let's go, Naru."
Kosei was trying to be considerate in his own way. Despite him emphasizing "Naru," the two didn't notice.
"I'm going home too..."
But Kiritani-kun and Makoto grab my arm.
"You need more education! We'll teach you from scratch. Come with us tonight!"
"That's right, Toya! You've been told you don't have enough socializing with friends!"
I'm being dragged by Makoto and Kiritani-kun.
Airi, this is force majeure.
"Is it the place you mentioned before today?"
"Yeah, we missed it last time because of my nagging wife."
Makoto and Kiritani-kun really don't seem to notice we're being followed. You'd think they'd have learned that's a death flag by now.
We walk boldly through the central shopping street.
The group of nearly 20 walks boldly in the middle.
"Hahaha, tonight no one can stop us!"
"Yeah, that's right, Makoto! We have nothing to fear!"
It's no good... We'll have to start over from scratch for another week.
Everyone's faces are pale.
Everyone except Kiritani-kun and Makoto has noticed.
Well, of course. It's impossible not to notice a group of nearly 20 women tailing us on a nighttime shopping street, right?
Watanabe-kun also smiled wryly and muttered "This is bad..."
"Don't make such a gloomy face, Watanabe-kun. The fun night is still ahead."
"Yeah, Watanabe-kun! It's just beginning."
After leaving the shopping street, we wait at a crosswalk.
Something close to bloodlust is creeping up behind us.
But the two drunk guys don't care.
And I want to run away, but I'm caught by them and can't escape.
Some tried to use the crowd in the entertainment district to slip away, but their partners caught their arms so no one could escape.
Then we arrive in front of the store.
The old lady calling customers sees Kiritani-kun and says.
"Oh, big bro. Long time no see. We've got some good girls in this month. Big group today. Are the ladies behind you with you?"
"Old lady, I haven't been here in a while! You've got good girls? Are they free now?"
"I'll call and check for you, so wait."
"Now, Toya, let's step into a new world... Old lady, what did you just say?"
"Toya! A fun world awaits you! ...Did you just say 'ladies'?"
"Yeah, isn't that a large group of ladies right behind you? Unusual for you since you usually come alone. Oh, and the newcomer is free."
As if they didn't need that information, Kiritani-kun and Makoto timidly look behind them.
"A new world, huh. I'm looking forward to it."
"So there's a fun world here. Looks like you come here often."
"Yeah, about twice a month."
The old lady unhesitatingly broadcasts unnecessary information.
"K-Kanna, how long have you been there?"
"Oh, Ai, you came too."
Now there's only despair in the guys' faces.
"What's wrong, Makoto? Let's go. You said no one can stop us, right?"
"Eita, what's wrong? No fears, no nagging wife, right?"
The two are opening and closing their mouths wordlessly.
Airi's words set off the women's criticisms.
"Makoto-kun! Kiritani-kun! What do you think you're doing?! Teaching Toya-kun from scratch—trying to drag him into some weird world again, aren't you?!"
"Yuma! What were you thinking, quietly following along?!"
"I tried to refuse, but Saki followed me, right?"
Takemoto-kun was also one of those who tried to find an opportunity to escape.
"Kazu-san! I was willing to let the first time slide, but twice!"
"That's why I said we shouldn't go, Kiritani-kun!"
"Nozomi... You know what's waiting at home, right?"
The man once feared as Hedgehog is literally cowering in fear.
"Zen-kun. I think I deserve an explanation."
Sakai-kun, once feared as Reaper, is now facing the Death with her scythe aimed at him.
I'm never letting these two be in charge again.
Everyone swears to themselves while being lectured by their respective partners.
"Well then, let's go home, Airi. Tonight, let's relax just the two of us?"
"Ugh... I want to, but..."
Airi says that and points behind her.
"Toya... you didn't think you'd get off scot-free, did you?"
"That's right, the first time is important. Katagiri-kun needs a good scolding too, Airi!"
"You two, tonight you're getting lectured until morning!"
Kanna, Ai-san, and Mika-san say that.
Airi looks disappointed.
"I-I'm fine with being scolded by Airi. Right, Airi?"
"Y-yeah, that's right. You're bad, Toya-kun, being interested in places like this."
Airi is trying her best to rescue me.
But the three of them glare at me while holding me.
Mika-san is reserving the usual karaoke place.
"Airi! You're too soft! You'll have trouble in the future like this!"
"That's right, Airi! You need to thoroughly train him before he picks up bad habits! Don't blame us if he ends up like Eita!"
"With Toya-kun, that won't happen."
While Kanna, Ai-san, and Airi argue, everyone else is desperately trying to escape.
"H-Haruna, you were here. How about a drink at the usual bar?"
"Useless... Explain properly what kind of place this is."
"It would take a long time to explain!"
"They say I have until morning, so it's fine."
"Sho-chan! What's the meaning of this?!"
"It's not like I said I wanted to go!"
"But Sho-chan was happily walking toward the store too!"
"Misunderstanding! I'm innocent!!"
"Junichi-san, are you interested in places like this too?"
"Mistake, Misato. I have no interest at all! I wasn't even told what kind of place we were going to!"
Everyone desperately tries to explain themselves, but in vain.
"They said it's open now! Let's all go!"
When Mika-san says that, they're dragged to the karaoke place.
How far do we have to go to reach it?
Despair was piled up before our eyes.
While Ai-san and Kanna's attention was on me, Makoto and Kiritani-kun broke free from their grip and escaped.
"Hey, stop!"
"Wait!"
The two chase after them.
This is my chance.
But Airi's hand is held by Mika-san.
"You wouldn't leave Airi behind, would you?"
Yeah, no way.
I might lose my home.
By the way, those two were caught.
Makoto and Kiritani-kun are dragged back.
Tonight too, we get scolded until dawn.
On the way back, Airi apologizes, "I'm sorry."
"I saw your message and tried to stop it, but..."
"I saw it. I was refusing them."
"I see."
"You're okay, right, Toya-kun?"
"I hope so."
"Ugh... Toya-kun is being mean again."
When we get home, I take a shower.
My sleepy, heavy consciousness returns.
When I get back to the room, Airi takes her turn to shower.
I wait while watching a morning show.
"Toya-kun, you weren't asleep yet?"
"Well."
Airi starts drying her hair.
I gently hug her from behind.
"I told you not to bother me~"
"You have today off, right?"
"Mm."
"Then today, you're off too, Airi."
"Huh?"
Timing it just as Airi finishes drying her hair, I pick her up bridal style.
"Kyah!"
I put Airi on the bed and get in myself.
"I have to lock you up so you don't do any housework, huh?"
"Ugh... If I'm locked up, I have no choice."
With that, Airi falls asleep.
Looking very comfortable.
On Airi's chest, that unsteady lullaby once more.