Chapter 349 - The Answer Is Always in the Wind
(1)
"Ugh..."
I was troubled from the morning.
It was the time I usually got up for my daily routine.
But Toya-kun no longer needed a daily routine.
Toya-kun was currently hugging me and sleeping.
Several days had passed since Toya-kun's shocking announcement.
Although I was forced to attend the celebration party that night, there were still quite a few people who tried to stop Toya-kun.
It seemed his teammates also tried to stop him.
But Toya-kun rarely backs down from something once he says it.
Before the press conference, on the night before the final match, Toya-kun apparently appealed directly to the coach.
Of course, the coach also tried to stop him.
But Toya-kun's resolve was firm.
Because the conditions were what they were, the coach apparently said, "If you can do it, then try."
And Toya-kun pulled it off brilliantly.
The gold medal displayed in the room is no fake.
Toya-kun stayed in Tokyo until the closing ceremony of the Olympics.
We were also allowed to stay.
During that time, I went on dates with Toya-kun in Shibuya and other places.
We wore sunglasses we bought as a joke and disguised ourselves like celebrities.
Maybe there was a hope that if we soaked in the afterglow of the closing ceremony, we could stop Toya-kun.
But Toya-kun's will didn't change.
When we returned to our hometown, a lot of media swarmed us.
Also, there were many fans crying, "Don't quit."
We received an invitation for a victory parade from the local governor, but Toya-kun refused.
He did accept the Prefectural Honor Award and the City Honor Award.
It was an unprecedented speed.
"I didn't do it because I wanted things like that, though."
Toya-kun said, looking embarrassed.
Toya-kun, you did something that amazing.
And as promised, when Toya-kun came home, he ate the feast Maya-san and Rie-chan made, was satisfied, took a bath, and was about to go to sleep.
Ugh...
Poke
"You said you'd let me cuddle when you came back!"
"That's right. Come here, Airi."
And so we are now.
After going through a whirlwind of days, should I wake my husband who finally made it home and is resting?
I was troubled.
But it seemed I had been troubled for too long.
Maya-san came into the room.
"Toya! How long are you going to sleep!? Get up already."
"Maya-san, not today! Let him sleep in."
"Oh, right."
"Geez, it's too late..."
Toya-kun woke up.
"Good morning, Airi."
"Good morning."
Maya-san sighed.
"Breakfast is ready, so go wash your face."
She said that and left the room.
"Shall we go?"
"Yeah."
We left the room and headed to the dining room.
Toya-kun's parents were sitting in the dining room.
They were talking and eating normally.
We joined them.
The TV in the living room was still reporting on Toya-kun's unstoppable success.
It couldn't be helped; it was the first great feat in Japanese basketball history.
And the main figure, Toya-kun, announced his immediate retirement.
There was no way it wouldn't become a big deal.
And that person himself was now sleepily nibbling on bread while watching TV.
"Listen, Toya. You said you were quitting basketball of your own will. I, as your mother, acknowledge that."
"Mm."
What's gotten into her? Maya-san.
"But don't you dare think that means you're just a regular student from now on."
"Huh?"
Huh?
"You're entrusted with Airi-chan! Take good care of Airi-chan. You can't use 'because I have basketball' as an excuse anymore like before."
"Got it..."
Maya-san said that from now on, I should spend time with him like before, without me doing more housework than necessary.
That was a happy thing.
After finishing breakfast, Toya-kun took his mug and went back to his room.
I followed him.
When we returned to the room, I sat in my usual spot, and Toya-kun put his hand on my shoulder.
"Your mother has a point. I have been neglecting you, Airi. I'm sorry, Airi."
"...You kept your promise perfectly, so that's amazing. I was happy too."
"Let's do our best for the rest of university life together, Airi."
"Mm."
"Well then, where should we go today right away? Want to go for a drive for the first time in a while?"
"I'd love to, but I'll pass~"
"Why?"
"There's a celebration party with the Watanabe group tonight, you know?"
Toya-kun, haven't you checked your phone?
Toya-kun looked at his phone and seemed to notice just now.
"Well then, let's at least go out for lunch."
"Can I ask you for something?"
"Anything."
"Can we just relax at home until we leave this evening? I promise I won't do any housework either."
"If you'll keep that promise, that's fine with me."
Yay!
I immediately told Maya-san.
"Take it easy until lunch."
"Okaaay."
When I returned to the room, Toya-kun was... asleep.
Ugh...
Poke
"What's wrong, Airi?"
"Won't you pay attention to me?"
"Oh, so that's what you meant."
I'll sulk!
"Ugh..."
"Airi, is there anything you want to do?"
When he said that, I couldn't think of anything.
Something to do in the room, huh.
"Want to watch TV?"
When I suggested that, Toya-kun turned on the TV.
It seemed the timing was bad.
They were still going on about basketball, which they were still hung up on.
If that's the case, what to do is...
"Toya-kun, play that game!"
"That game?"
"The one where jam comes gushing out."
"Is that okay? Wouldn't it be more fun if you played, Airi?"
"That one's hard for me."
"Can't you just play on easy mode? Besides, there are other games..."
"I want to know the story!"
"Alright, alright."
Toya-kun put the software into the console and started the game.
There were some slightly intense, violent scenes, but I watched carefully.
Time passes quickly when you're absorbed in something.
"Toya, Airi-chan. Time to eat."
It was already lunchtime.
After eating lunch, we went back to the room and continued.
By the time we cleared the game, it was just the right time, so we got ready to go out.
When I finished getting ready, I left the room with Toya-kun.
In the room, the gleaming gold medal and a commemorative photo of the Japan national team were displayed.
(2)
It was tough after the press conference ended.
At the celebration party, there were teammates trying to stop me and professional club scouts trying to recruit me.
They came regardless of whether it was the B League or the NBA.
I went on dates with Airi in Shibuya, Harajuku, etc., and waited until the day of the closing ceremony.
Because they strongly asked me to attend the closing ceremony.
Actually, I wanted to go home the next day.
At the closing ceremony, I was surrounded by cheers.
They said they wanted to hold a victory parade in my hometown, but I refused.
I did accept the Prefectural Honor Award and the City Honor Award, though.
And when I got home, my parents gave me a warm welcome.
I was tired that day and tried to sleep, but Airi poked me.
If she gets in a bad mood, it's a hassle later, so I pampered Airi.
And then the next day.
Today, I heard there was a celebration party with the Watanabe group.
Now I'm heading to the city on the bus with Airi.
When we arrived at the station square, everyone was waiting.
The venue was a party hall in the hotel basement.
When everyone gathered, Watanabe-kun's speech began.
"Today is Toya's celebration party. Let's all celebrate him grandly. Cheers!"
And then the feast began.
At my table were Airi, the Watanabes, Tasuku, Sakura-san, the Tadas, Chii-chan, and Takatsuki-kun.
While everyone was having fun, it seemed there was some kind of event.
When I went up on stage, Airi presented me with a bouquet.
"Thank you for your hard work these two years."
Airi said.
"Thank you. But isn't it a bit early?"
There's still the league games, right?
"Oh, about the league games..."
Tasuku stood up. Sakura-san was also standing. Airi's expression was dark. Did something happen?
"The coach says he won't use Katagiri-senpai in the league games."
Huh?
(3)
"Tasuku-kun, I heard you used to be a shooting guard?"
Coach Higashiyama said.
"Yes, I was."
"Please study Katagiri-kun's movements until the league games. I want to use the same tactics."
"But, Toya is still here..."
Wouldn't it be better for me to be able to fit in anywhere?
"I will not use Katagiri-kun in the league games."
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Sakurako and I were speechless.
Why, all of a sudden again...
"Katagiri-kun said it. 'I am retiring from basketball.'"
Having said that, he can't be used in official matches. That's what the coach said.
"But Katagiri-senpai said, 'I'll make the league games my last official match'..."
"Others won't see it that way. If we put him in an official match again, they'll make a fuss saying he's come back. When that happens, he'll be the one in trouble."
"But..."
"It may seem like a heartless decision, but it's for his own good. He's an adult now; he has to take responsibility for his own words. Besides..."
"Besides?"
Sakurako asked back.
"Aren't you all frustrated thinking that the local university's strength is thanks to Katagiri-kun? You all have enough ability to win on your own."
No one argued with the coach.
"You have the power to compete with the queens of Division 1. You shouldn't be a team stagnating in Division 3. Besides, he won't be here next year anyway, right?"
"That's true..."
Sota said.
"The same goes for the other third-years and below. Think of it as your turn next. I know I'm putting pressure on you."
"I think so too. Even Takatsuki-kun, a first-year, is a regular. You all need to be more greedy."
Sakurako said.
A strong local university even without Toya. We need to prove that.
To do that, each person has to be greedy.
If you let the regulars take it easy in practice, you can't win games.
It's a painful blow to our strength, but we can't rely on Toya forever.
We need to realize that.
And so, we were forced to suddenly enter a new team system.
(4)
I listened to Tasuku and the others and understood.
If I was there, my teammates would naturally take it easy.
A team like that won't work. We'd get relegated to Division 4 again.
"I understand. If that's the case, I'll leave the rest to you."
"Yeah, I'll go and win properly."
I shook hands with Tasuku.
"Honestly, I wish you'd keep playing forever, senpai... but it's a promise, isn't it..."
"Don't cry, Sakurako!"
"I wouldn't be who I am today without Sakura-san. Thank you."
"Please don't say such kind words!"
I shook hands with Sakura-san.
"Katagiri-senpai, it was only ten minutes, but I'm glad I got to play with you."
"Please liven up the basketball club from now on. I'm sure the number of members will increase."
"Yes."
I shook hands with Takatsuki-kun.
"Chii-chan, you haven't known basketball for long, but please support Sho."
"I'm learning from Sakura-senpai right now."
"After Sakura-san graduates, you'll be the one supporting the basketball club, Chii-chan."
"...Yes."
I shook hands with Chii-chan.
I spoke to everyone.
"I feel really refreshed now. I'm glad I could quit with a clear conscience. I'm grateful to everyone who came today as well. Thank you so much."
I bowed to everyone.
"You idiot! Don't kill the mood at our celebration party!"
Kanna said.
"At the very least, you're the one who moved everyone gathered here, Toya. We're the ones who should be thanking you."
Watanabe-kun said.
"Kanna's right, today is a celebration party! Let's party it up, party it up!"
Mika-san said.
We returned to our seats.
"Drink up, Toya."
"That's right, we're not letting you go home until morning today."
Makoto and Watanabe-kun said.
"I know."
I replied.
I just kept eating.
Along with the feeling of liberation came a sense of exhaustion.
My role was over.
I'll leave the rest to the next generation.
I wonder if Kimoto-senpai felt the same way?
From the day I thanked the court, I had a feeling I would never stand on that court again. Did I foresee that?
I went to greet Kimoto-senpai and asked him about it.
"It's probably small compared to yours, Toya, but I think I felt the same way."
Kimoto-senpai said that.
After making the rounds and returning to my seat, Airi had piled a small plate high with food.
"Today is special~. I even got you a drink~."
"Thank you."
"No, Toya-kun kept his promise properly. That's amazing. I won't let anyone complain."
"Thank you."
"Thank you for your hard work..."
Airi's eyes were glistening.
I patted Airi's head.
"Keep the other promise too, okay?"
"Huh?"
"Next year, you know?"
Ah...
"Yeah."
"Tosaka-senpai, don't cry, let's get hyped up! Today's a happy day! I was super moved by that match too!"
Haruto said.
Behind the joy, someone is destined to cry.
There is no way to know what those tears are like.
The answer is always in the wind.
Let's wave goodbye to yesterday.
The time for departure is now.
(5)
The after-party was at our usual karaoke place.
The girls were leading everyone in singing, drinking, and making noise.
I was drinking with Makoto.
"What if you had chosen soccer?"
Makoto started.
"...If I had chosen soccer, would your goal have been the World Cup?"
"Maybe."
"Fate is scary. You never know what will happen."
"Yeah."
"If I hadn't said, 'Hey, try a dunk?' to you in middle school, none of this would have happened."
Well, that's true.
"Hey? Toya?"
"What is it, Makoto?"
"From here on, let's talk openly as friends since middle school."
"Yeah."
"Honestly, how was it? When you said you were quitting basketball. When you heard you couldn't play in university matches anymore."
"Like I said earlier. I have no regrets. I feel really refreshed."
I did everything I could.
"Well, that's probably the case for you, Toya. I've seen you reach the goal of an Olympic gold medal. ...Can I ask one more thing?"
"What?"
"I want to hear your thoughts on seeing the top of the world twice."
"Oh, that sounds interesting? I'm interested in that too."
"I really want to hear it too!"
Watanabe-kun and Haruto joined in.
"Well..."
"Ah! Toya and Makoto are talking about something no good again!"
Kanna said.
"I keep telling you, Makoto-kun, don't fill Toya-kun's head with weird ideas!!"
Airi protested.
"It's a misunderstanding! I was having a very serious conversation with Toya just now..."
"Your 'serious conversations' are never any good! Denied!"
Tough luck.
"Anyway, I don't like seeing the guest of honor, Toya, making a gloomy face and talking in a corner like that! Airi, here's a mic!"
"That's right, Toya-kun. It's pointless if you don't get excited... let's sing together?"
Airi held out the mic.
"Alright... what are we singing?"
"A duet song."
"Alright."
Airi operated the terminal.
The title appeared.
Come, the time for departure is now.
Catch the wind and hoist the big sail.
A new voyage is about to begin.
I don't know where we're going.
The answer is always in the wind.
(6)
In the taxi on the way home.
The morning sun was dazzling.
It looked like it would be another hot day.
Toya-kun was sleeping on my lap.
Toya-kun was really lively today.
He must have felt really good.
There's no such thing as a life without regrets.
Still, people set out on the voyage called life.
Still, Toya-kun achieved one goal.
What's his next goal?
Only Toya-kun knows that.
Maybe Toya-kun doesn't know the answer yet either.
The answer is always in the wind.
When we got home, I woke Toya-kun up.
"Toya-kun, we're here~."
"Ah, was I asleep? Sorry..."
After paying the fare and getting out of the taxi, we entered the house.
Maya-san was preparing for Toya-kun's father to go to work.
"Do you have your wallet properly?"
"I'm fine... huh? It's not in my pocket."
"Geez! That's why I told you yesterday to take it out of your pocket because I was going to wash your pants!"
"Oh, that's right."
"I wonder where I put it."
"You're so much trouble."
Being a real housewife is really tough.
Watching that scene, we went to Toya-kun's room.
Toya-kun lay down on the bed without changing.
"No, take a proper shower, change, and then sleep."
"I can take a shower later."
"No! Get clean properly first. If you can't do it, I'll help you."
"Well then, maybe I'll have you help me."
Toya-kun said that and laughed.
I prepared Toya-kun's change of clothes and a towel and handed them to him.
We took a bath together, then came back and went to sleep.
Toya-kun fell asleep quickly.
"Thank you for your hard work, Toya-kun."
Toya-kun's sleeping face was a very beautiful smile.