Chapter 351 - Nameless Poem
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun."
"Good morning, Airi."
"You've been getting up properly lately♪ Good boy, good boy."
After exchanging greetings with Airi, I go to wash my face after waking up.
Knowing Airi, breakfast is probably already ready.
After the four of us have breakfast, I pour some coffee and take my mug upstairs to my room.
Airi follows behind me.
I set the mug down on the table, sit down, and turn on the TV.
When I finish my coffee, I take the mug downstairs.
Then, when I return to the room, I sit next to Airi and look at my laptop.
"What happened today~?"
Airi has no interest in the news content.
She just wants to enjoy some physical affection with me.
So, if it means Airi will stop doing housework for a bit, I catch her in my arms.
I close the laptop, and the two of us spend time watching TV.
We're not going anywhere to play today.
It seems the female group is having Kanna's birthday party by themselves.
I don't know why it's only the women, but since they're gathering, the guys also planned a drinking party.
They set the time later so that the working members could come.
I thought that way the part-timers could come too.
That wasn't the only objective.
This is a secret known only to Kosei, Watanabe-kun, and me.
A trap from the women was waiting.
Ai-san was in charge of the girls' party, and Watanabe-kun was in charge of the guys' party.
Makoto and Eita wanted to do it, but the others' opinions shot it down.
We've had enough of that kind of trouble.
It seems everyone felt the same.
During the day, I spent time with Airi in the room.
We'd rent DVDs and watch them.
Playing games every day would get boring, right?
Around evening, I head to the bus stop with Airi.
We take the bus to the station area.
"You can't go to any weird shops, Toya-kun."
"You know about today too, right, Airi?"
"Yeah, I know."
"Then it's fine, right?"
"I suppose so."
Airi says that with a laugh.
When we get off at the station, we say, "See you at the usual time," and head to different shops.
Even so, even if I go now, there's still time.
Watanabe-kun and I had arranged to meet up.
We go to a ramen shop together.
Watanabe-kun orders beer and ramen.
I order ramen and fried rice.
"Do you think today's plan will go well?"
"I think the plan will go well..."
"Yeah, probably."
"But those two really did a number on us."
"Totally. They should think about the people who get dragged into it."
Watanabe-kun seems at his wit's end too.
Apparently, it took him the next day and the day after to appease Mika-san.
I can totally relate.
Airi was tough at first too.
Still is, though.
Once she gets sulky and in a bad mood, it takes time and effort to get her back to normal.
"Is it really tough after marriage?"
I asked Watanabe-kun.
"Well, yeah. It's hard knowing you're being watched all day long."
I get that—on my days off, I have to entertain Airi all day.
Weekdays too, though.
"Aren't you fine, though? You're practically married already, right?"
"When I see you and the others, I still hesitate."
"I don't say it much in public because it sounds like bragging, but there's still the same joy now as when I first got married."
"Is that so?"
If not, they'd get divorced, right? Watanabe-kun laughs.
"Come on, you'll be fine. Just keep going like you are now. That's the hard part, but you can handle it, right?"
"Tosaka-san has seen your sloppy side too, hasn't she?" Watanabe-kun says.
"If you're the type to waver when someone says something, you should stop. But you don't intend to, do you? Then just follow your own path. With an honest heart."
"Thanks for the advice."
"Just make sure you practice housework, okay?" Watanabe-kun says with a laugh.
"Well, it's about time. Should we head to the meeting spot?"
"Yeah, let's."
We headed to the meeting spot.
(2)
"Oh? Isn't that Ai?"
"Oh! Isn't that Kanna!"
We met the Kiritani couple at Ozai Station.
Today, they're throwing a birthday party for me, it seems.
It's already a week past, but I'm still happy.
But there's something to worry about.
On days when the women gather alone, the men gather alone.
And those usually don't end well.
The reason Makoto and the others aren't driving us today is because they're going drinking together.
"How's it been? Ai?"
"She's been eerily quiet. How about Kanna?"
"Same..."
Are they staking us out again today?
I ask Ai, and she shakes her head.
"We've taken proper precautions this time. Watanabe-kun is the organizer of the guys' party."
"Oh? What kind of measures?"
Ai whispers in my ear.
"That sounds interesting."
"Right? I thought, this time, let's expose all their true feelings."
While talking, we arrived at the station.
We split off from the two men in front of the station.
"Don't do anything weird!"
"W-We know. Right, Eita?"
"Y-Yeah, that's right. We know."
They seem suspicious, but we head to the birthday party venue.
When women choose, it naturally becomes a stylish shop.
It was a stylish shop today.
"Hey hey, the guest of honor has arrived!"
When Ai says that, everyone gets excited.
"Happy birthday, Kanna!"
Everyone celebrated me.
"We all chipped in to buy this."
Airi prepared a bouquet for me.
"Thanks, everyone."
When I say that, applause rises.
"Well then, everyone, cheers!"
With that, the banquet began.
We drank wine while eating delicious Italian cuisine.
At my table were Airi, Ai, Emi, Kana, Akira, and me—six in total.
The conversation naturally started with complaints about their husbands.
As usual, everyone criticized Eita and Makoto.
I didn't really want Airi to hear this stuff.
I was worried it might affect her marriage with Toya.
But Ai said that if something like this makes you uneasy, you should reconsider marriage.
"Katagiri-kun is fine. His only annoying flaw is that terrible eating habit, right? Lately, he's been showing interest in Airi too, it seems."
"Yeah~ Toya-kun has been kind lately~"
Airi is in high spirits.
"Airi-chan, it's the same for us. We don't regret getting married itself. It's just that they're always sneaking around behind our backs and don't do anything for us, so we get irritated."
Emi says.
"Right. They insist they're not wrong, but it's frustrating when your husband won't clearly state his opinions."
Akira says.
Emi and Akira seem to agree.
"Well, in most cases, it's because of my husband and Tada-kun."
Ai says.
"Yeah, we've got to thoroughly train those two somehow."
"You say that, Kanna-san, but my husband is equally guilty! He still comes home late, and I have no idea where he's drinking. He immediately asks for more allowance, and when I grill him on what he spends it on, he won't tell me."
Kana says.
"The real test of marriage comes when the husband starts working, huh."
When I say that, everyone agrees.
"That's why we came up with today's plan. 'Know thy enemy,' right?"
When Emi says that, Ai nods.
"Airi, there are ideal couples out there. Like Mika-san, Satomi-san, or Miyuki-san."
"Did someone call us?"
Satomi-san and Miyuki-san came over.
"We have our complaints too. If I take my eyes off Keisuke for a second, he does something bad."
Miyuki-san says.
"Same for Takumi. I can't shake the feeling he's still a kid."
Satomi-san says.
"So you two feel that way too. At this rate, he won't help with childcare, and I can't even bring myself to have kids."
"That's true."
When Kana says that, the three of them laugh.
"But, Tosaka-san. I can say for sure that you two will definitely be a great couple. I'm almost surprised you haven't registered your marriage yet."
"Well, Toya-kun doesn't care about that kind of stuff at all..."
When Satomi-san says that, Airi looks like she wants to say something.
"Airi, do you have any complaints about Toya?"
I asked Airi.
"No. That's what makes me uneasy. I'm worried that he's bottling up stress somewhere. That someday it'll explode."
Airi confesses her anxiety.
"Maybe you'll find out today?"
"Toya-kun knows about today's setup. He definitely won't tell."
When Emi says that, Airi replies.
But you're fundamentally wrong there, Airi.
"That's not the case with Toya. Look, he's throwing himself wholeheartedly into what interests him right now, isn't he?"
"What's that?"
"You, Airi. From the outside, it's enviable how devoted he is to you. You can tell from his messages too."
"That's true. Airi is loved by Katagiri-kun. As much as possible."
"Right. Maybe the thoughtfulness he's cultivated over the years is leading to this."
"It's an absolute fact no one can overturn."
When everyone says that, Airi laughs shyly, "Ehehe~."
"But we need to do something about Makoto-kun and Kiritani-kun."
"We'll deal with them tonight, Airi."
"This time it's just a light jab, though."
Emi says with a smirk.
We talked while eating the course meal.
After the final dessert came out, the shop staff asked, "This is the last order for drinks, is that alright?"
"Well then, should we go spring the trap?"
"Yeah, it's about time, right?"
When Ai says that, I respond.
We finish our last drinks and leave the shop.
"Well, we'll be waiting as planned. Contact us when you leave the shop."
Naru, Iori, Chii-chan, Misato, Mirai, and Umi parted ways with us here.
We moved to the second shop.
It's Mom's shop.
When she sees us, Mom says, "Welcome, everything's ready. It's a private party tonight."
We waited quietly for our quarry to arrive.
(3)
"Alright, let's get fired up today too."
With Watanabe-kun's words, the banquet begins.
"Today's topic... let's see. How about complaints about wives and girlfriends?"
When Watanabe-kun says that, Makoto is the first to raise his hand.
"At this rate, the Watanabe group will keep getting looked down on by women! We've gotta do something!"
Makoto says.
"I don't feel looked down on at all! And do you have any idea how much damage I've taken because of you guys? Sakura wouldn't even talk to me for a whole week."
Hiyama-senpai says.
"Let me say this too—Kana was in a bad mood for a whole week. It was really tough. Watanabe group, please think before you act!"
Kimoto-senpai says.
"I think so too. You should refrain from doing things that drag everyone into it."
Watanabe-kun also says.
"That's the problem! You should just tell them to shut up about going to a brothel or something! Right, Eita?"
"Right! It's normal for guys to go drinking! Makoto!"
These two's drinking pace was abnormal.
They looked like they were venting everything they'd been bottling up.
I say to them.
"So, can you two say that to Kanna and the others?"
"Of course! It's natural for a man to speak his mind!"
"Obviously! The husband being the boss is just right!"
Kimoto-senpai and Hiyama-senpai are drinking with an expression that says they can't be bothered with this.
At my table sat me, Watanabe-kun, Ishihara-kun, Kiritani-kun, Makoto, and Sakai-kun.
I changed tables and asked Kimoto-senpai and the others.
"Is married life tough?"
"Well, you're constantly face to face. It's tough."
"Ah, Toya and the others aren't married yet. Sorry. Lost your desire to get married?"
When Hiyama-senpai says that, I shake my head.
I look at Makoto and the others and say.
"Call it a lesson from a negative example? I'm determined not to end up like them."
"Yeah, don't end up like them."
"You seem to have a hard time even now."
Kimoto-senpai and Hiyama-senpai say with a laugh.
Kimoto-senpai says.
"Tosaka-san will be fine. She'll make a great wife. She's one of the key people who supported your basketball life for these past two years."
"I hope so..."
"What's wrong? Got something to worry about?"
Hiyama-senpai asked.
"School and housework. I couldn't spend time with her for two years while she did both. I wonder how much stress that's caused her."
When I say that, they both laugh.
"That's not the case. As long as you think that way, Tosaka understands."
"Right, Toya—you're spending enough time with Tosaka-san."
"Toya!! Get back here! Why are you running away alone!"
Makoto is calling. I greet the two and return to my seat.
"What are you doing, disappearing when we're talking about your future!"
"Right! We were talking about your future!"
I look at Watanabe-kun's face.
Watanabe-kun looks exasperated.
Ishihara-kun and Sakai-kun also seem troubled.
"Listen, Toya! The start is crucial! Right now you just let Tosaka-san boss you around! That's no good!"
"Exactly what Makoto said! If you're like that before marriage, you'll suffer after marriage!"
I ate and drank while being subjected to an endless account of Makoto and Eita's hardships?
"What Toya lacks is momentum! Drink up more!"
"Right, what Toya lacks is momentum, drink more!"
When they say that, I start drinking and forget my limits.
And I get swept up in their vibe.
"I'm not scared of Airi at all!"
"Yeah, that's the spirit, Toya!"
"Toya, you're finally getting it!"
Right when the mood is heightened, Watanabe-kun says.
"It's about time. Anyone going to the after-party, follow me."
With that, everyone leaves the shop.
"N-Naru!?"
The first to shout was Kosei.
Sho, Kisaragi-kun, Kuribayashi-kun, Tange-sensei, and Shiina-san each see their partners and shout out.
Seeing Naru too, my drunkenness vanishes. Oh right. There was a plan.
I look at Watanabe-kun's face. He gives a wry smile.
"I'll listen carefully to what you were talking about in the car."
"I-I'm not involved! If anything, I'm a victim!"
Other people say similar things as they head home.
Makoto and Kiritani-kun look around nervously.
Makoto chases after Naru, asking something.
"K-Kanna and the others?"
"They went to the after-party."
I'm sure they were snickering inside.
"They said those guys are having an after-party."
"Then let's go to the after-party too!"
Everyone probably doesn't know where the after-party is.
But I was relieved. With Watanabe-kun as organizer, no tragedy would occur.
I was completely relaxed.
That's why everyone screamed.
"We're tired from work too! There's no way I'm going to live reading my wife's expressions all the time!"
Even Hiyama-senpai was at this point.
We arrived in front of the shop.
The sign reads "Snack Δ".
We enter the shop.
"Welcome. We've been waiting. Please come inside."
Me and Watanabe-kun, who knew the plan, and Sakai-kun and Ishihara-kun, who had honed their danger-detection abilities through combat training, evacuate to the counter seats.
At first, the pretty young ladies were entertaining Makoto and the others.
Makoto and Eita were in high spirits.
"Wow, miss, you're beautiful. I'd almost ask you out."
But the young lady looks at Makoto's hand and says.
"That won't do. A married man shouldn't flirt with other women."
"If I can date you, miss, I'd leave my current wife—!"
"I'd take you, miss, over my nagging wife any day!"
The young lady chuckles.
"You sure say nice things."
Saying that, the young lady laughs.
Kimoto-senpai must feel something is off?
He's becoming quieter.
Normally, Makoto would have noticed. Even Nakajima-kun noticed.
"Tada-kun, you'd better stop..."
Nakajima-kun tries to stop Makoto.
"Nakajima-kun, why are you so timid! You're getting married too, right!? Don't be scared of stuff like this!"
"Mama, it's about time for us."
The young lady says.
"Right, thanks for your hard work."
Mama says.
"Hey, what about entertaining us!?"
"I've got special girls prepared for you."
One comes with each person. Ishihara-kun is trembling as he watches.
"I-I think I'll step out for some fresh air to sober up."
"My, how cold. Let's chat slowly tonight, shall we?"
"E-Emi..."
"I'll listen carefully to Zen-kun tonight too."
"Ah, Akira-chan."
Not a trace of the bravery they had while fighting—just two terrified men.
Makoto and the others don't notice.
The shop lighting is dim, so the drunk two probably didn't notice.
But the people around them did.
A pressure that instantly dispels drunkenness.
"What's wrong, Kazu-san? You were in such a good mood a moment ago. Are you dissatisfied that your partner is me?"
"T-That's not true, right? Kana."
"Haruki, what's wrong? Is it such a hassle to be with your wife~?"
"T-That's not true, right? Sakura."
"What's wrong, everyone? Tonight is our rally, right!?"
"Right, senpai, what's wrong!? Weren't you just saying you couldn't be bothered with your wives!? Why are you now scared of them!? ...Wives?"
Makoto seems to have caught on from Kimoto-senpai and Hiyama-senpai's words.
"H-Hey, Eita, should we call it a night?"
"What's wrong, Makoto! Today's the day the Watanabe group rebels against our wives. Toya, come over here and join us!! You were just boasting that you're not scared of Tosaka-san, right?"
Kiritani-kun, don't say unnecessary things!
"That's right, isn't it~? There's no way you're scared of your wife, right~?"
"Of course not. Airi."
"Then why are you sweating? Is it hot?"
"Hey, is the AC not working~?"
I want to run away, but Airi has my arm locked tight.
All I can do is keep up a fake smile.
"A rally, huh. Interesting. The pretty young lady will watch, so go on."
"Ah, Ai. Why? Weren't you at the after-party?"
"You say interesting things, Makoto. Do you hate spending time with me that much? I could set you free right now, you know?"
"Kanna... There's something called lip service, you know? Don't take it seriously. Hahaha."
All the men had long since sobered up.
Watanabe-kun alone smiled wryly.
"Well then, let's start the after-party... Looks like it'll be a fun night? Rejoice—the place is booked for us tonight."
Kanna says.
I was careless. Even though I was drunk, I let my guard down.
This day became another day when everyone cursed Makoto and Eita.
(4)
The after-party, where the women's pent-up frustrations exploded, continued until nearly dawn.
The men just listened quietly.
Once released, everyone went home.
"Ugh..."
Airi groans in the taxi.
Then she says one thing.
"Is Toya-kun scared of his wife?"
If I choose the wrong answer, I can only see a future of despair.
"...Yeah, I'm scared."
"Ugh..."
"I'm always terrified of what would happen if you hated me."
"Am I that untrustworthy?"
"Even if I trust you, there are scary things. That's why I can't fully get inside you."
"Hmm~ That is a problem~"
Huh? Airi isn't as upset as I thought?
When I look at Airi's face, she's smiling.
"You know, everyone praised me. They said I'll make a wonderful couple with Toya-kun."
Hearing Airi's words, I can't help but laugh.
Airi looks puzzled.
"They said the same to me. That I'll be a great couple with Airi."
"We match!"
"Yeah, we do."
"I had some worries."
"What?"
"I was worried that you'd lost your stress outlet and were bottling things up. That quitting basketball made it even worse."
"That's not true. I go for drives with you. Next week we have our trip, right? There's no way I'm stressed."
"Really? Am I not a burden to you?"
"I told you before, let's stop talking about that."
"I know, but..."
"Besides, I was thinking the same thing. Your daily life is housework and studying—I'm not giving you an outlet for stress. I'm not paying you enough attention either. I was worried you'd explode in frustration one day."
"But you did pay attention to me."
"Did I?"
"Yeah."
So in the end, we were both worried about the same thing.
We laughed together.
We both live with the same anxieties.
It's proof that we care for each other.
In this discordant life, we get emotionally unstable from time to time, right?
Even between comrades who understand each other so well, lonely nights come.
We've used various things as stepping stones, but there are things we must not lose.
Airi's gestures make me feel tender to a ridiculous extent.
Love isn't about taking or giving—it's something that's just there when you notice it.
Because people wish to live with an honest heart, they get hurt again.
It's always difficult to convey something as formless as affection.
When we get home, we each take a shower.
After showering, we get into bed.
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Hmm?"
"Next week's trip."
"Yeah."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Hmm?"
"Next year's cohabitation. You've already got a job lined up too. We're doing it, right?"
"It might be a hard life."
"That's not true. We've got savings from before."
"But we might not be able to go out as often."
There's work, no time, no room.
I'll stress Airi out again.
"Do you know the marriage vows?"
"No?"
"'I promise to live together, sharing both good times and bad, in sickness and in health, in wealth and poverty.' It means it's not always happy—we'll be together through the hard times and poor times too."
"...Airi, will you stay with me?"
"Please, let me stay."
Airi says that and hugs me.
I hug Airi back.
I'll never let her go.
I will forever dedicate a poem named love to Airi.