Chapter 358 - That's Right, Back Then...
Here is the corrected draft with all semantic errors addressed. Changes are highlighted in bold for clarity, but in the final output, they will be seamlessly integrated.
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(1)
"Good morning, Airi."
Saying that, a soft sensation pressed against my lips.
When I opened my eyes, Toya-kun was looking down at my face with a gentle expression.
"Awake?"
Toya-kun smiled softly as he said that.
Is this a dream?
It's rare for Toya-kun to be this kind from the morning.
"What's wrong?"
I asked Toya-kun.
Toya-kun held out a small box wrapped in wrapping paper.
"Happy birthday."
He remembered.
It's every year, after all.
A day when Toya-kun is very kind, once a year.
"Thank you, can I open it?"
"Go ahead?"
When I opened the box, there was perfume inside.
If I wear it this time, will he notice?
"I'm happy, thank you."
Saying that, I kissed Toya-kun's cheek.
Ah, this isn't the time to be taking it slow.
I have to hurry and make breakfast.
"I'll make it today."
"No, I'm the one who makes Toya-kun's meals!"
Let me do at least that, or I'll become a wife who can't do anything.
"Then I'll at least help."
"Okay."
As expected, Toya-kun seems to be bad at housework.
Still, he occasionally helps like this.
Standing side by side in the kitchen together is fun.
Makoto-kun seems different, though.
Speaking of which, we fought about Makoto-kun yesterday.
Toya-kun apologized.
He said he wouldn't keep secrets anymore.
But when I thought about it carefully, I realized that Toya-kun was also a victim.
Because Toya-kun only protected the bond of friendship with Makoto-kun.
The one at fault is Makoto-kun.
Last night was a storm.
The Watanabe Group and the Girls' Circle were in flames.
Watanabe-kun seemed to be holding his head in his hands.
An emergency gathering was called at the family restaurant.
Abusive words were showered on Makoto-kun as he desperately tried to explain.
Not a single one of the men said anything.
Toya-kun was also absorbed in eating.
Kanna was silently listening.
There wasn't a single woman who believed Makoto-kun's story.
The anger also turned toward the men who said nothing.
Toya-kun said he thought all the men resented Makoto-kun.
"Do you resent him too, Toya-kun?"
I asked Toya-kun, who was helping me prepare breakfast and lunch boxes.
"Well, I think everyone has at least some complaints about Kiritani-kun and Makoto."
Toya-kun said that and laughed.
He said that even about yesterday, if he hadn't bothered to post it in the group chat, no one would have known.
I see, so the other men think they're the victims.
I thought as I ate breakfast.
Why did things come to that with a woman he didn't know in the first place?
The story starts from there.
Toya-kun said we wouldn't know without asking him directly.
If we go to school today, will we find out?
Did Kanna hear the story?
"Airi, after class today, it seems like a party at home."
"Huh?"
"School is tomorrow, right? We can't stay overnight."
Ah, I see.
"As a substitute, how about staying overnight next weekend?"
"Hmm. No need for an overnight stay. Toya-kun's birthday is also on Monday. Christmas is on a weekday too."
"Is that okay?"
"Yeah, but let me be spoiled tonight♪"
"Yeah, that's the plan."
Yay~
"You two are really close, aren't you?"
Maya-san said.
"If you start now, it'll be after graduation, right? How about having a child already?"
Toya-kun's father said.
Toya-kun's father continued, "That's true. But get married soon and show us your grandchildren. The Tosaka family is also looking forward to seeing their grandchildren from you."
"I know."
"You're the one who said to avoid shotgun weddings, Mom."
So he's willing to have one.
I felt a bit embarrassed.
When I returned to Toya-kun's room, the two of us changed clothes.
A strange feeling when I put on my skirt.
No way...
After changing, I went to the dressing room and stepped on the scale.
...Is it because the drinking parties have increased recently? Or because I stopped Toya-kun's daily routine?
I returned to the room feeling dejected.
Toya-kun hugged me.
"Airi, did something happen?"
"Ugh..."
Should I be honest? No secrets between husband and wife. I'm the one who said that.
I made a peace sign with my right hand.
"...It increased."
"What?"
Couldn't he notice a little? Won't he notice unless I say it all?
"...My weight."
I looked at Toya-kun's face.
He looked blank.
"...That's all?"
What do you mean 'that's all'? It's a serious matter for me.
"Maybe Airi is still growing?"
"...My skirt was tight."
"Then we'll have to go buy a new one, won't we?"
Huh?
"It's just a 2-kilogram fluctuation. You'll lose it quickly. They say weight increases in autumn and winter, right?"
"Ugh..."
"Shall we go today? I'll help you pick one."
Toya-kun was encouraging me in his own way. I was happy about that.
"For Toya-kun's color, it's red or black from now on, right?"
"A check pattern might also be good."
"I don't want a miniskirt, okay?"
"I know. Are we going ice skating this year too?"
"Yeah!"
Toya-kun colored my birthday, which had been blue, with all the colors of the rainbow.
I had a feeling that something good would happen today.
(2)
That day, all the women were in a bad mood.
It must have been about the incident the other day.
First, I had to ask Kanna about the circumstances.
I asked Kanna.
Makoto participated in a mixer with the soccer club.
The reason was that he was used as bait with the lure of celebrating his provisional contract with the J.League.
Makoto was properly wearing his wedding ring.
Most women noticed that and didn't approach him.
But there were women who still called out to him.
Shimomura-san was one of them.
However, she didn't actively propose a relationship.
She apparently asked about Makoto's hobbies, his school life, the reality of student marriage, and such.
It was after Makoto returned from the bathroom and drank his beverage.
Sudden drowsiness attacked him.
His body felt heavy.
He thought he wouldn't last through the after-party.
Makoto apparently decided to go home after the first party.
It seems Makoto was already staggering when he left.
Unable to ignore it, Shimomura-san offered to see him to the station.
The rest was as per Makoto's message.
He woke up in bed with a naked Shimomura-san.
"Is that the end of the story?"
"Yeah, that's about it, why?"
Kanna was also in a bad mood. Naturally.
"It's strange..."
I meant to mutter that to myself.
"What's strange, Toya-kun?"
Airi apparently heard me.
"Oh, no. It's nothing big, but there's something that bothers me."
"Toya, you're not planning to keep secrets too, are you?"
Kanna's anger turned toward me.
Secrets. I told Airi I wouldn't keep them, but I can't do anything about this alone.
However, without convincing Emi-san and the others, an investigation is impossible. What should I do...
"Katagiri-kun, if you have any ideas, speak up! Why do men always want to hide everything right away!?"
Emi-san yelled.
Would they cooperate if I told the current Emi-san and the others?
"Is it that Shimomura woman that bothers you?"
Kameari-kun said.
"Does that mean Kameari-kun also?"
"After hearing the story, something came to mind. What university is she from?"
"I don't know that much! Or are you just trying to change the subject from Makoto's problem?"
Kanna said.
As I thought, it seems better to explain to Kanna.
"Kanna... it might be impossible right now, but you believed him until the facts came out, right?"
"Yeah, I believed him. No matter how stupid that idiot is, he wouldn't do something that foolish."
"Kanna... I won't tell you to trust Makoto. But will you bet on me? I'll take full responsibility."
"Bet on what?"
"Makoto... you're thinking of breaking up with him anyway, aren't you?"
"Katagiri-kun, please stop with that male-centric thinking. Kanna-chan, I'll get you a good lawyer. Let's claim alimony thoroughly."
Emi-san said.
"Then I'll pay that alimony. I have money saved up for my wedding with Airi someday. I'll pay from that. The amount you can claim from Makoto right now is limited, right? I have savings from sponsorship fees and gold medal prize money."
"Why would you go that far to protect Makoto, Toya?"
"Before I tell you that, I want you to agree to this discussion. If what I say turns out to be right, I want you to forgive Makoto."
"...Do you mean to say that Makoto isn't at fault?"
"What I'm about to say might sound like nothing but excuses. The fact that Makoto slept with another woman is true."
Though honestly, even that fact is dubious.
"You have that much reason to protect him, huh? Fine. I'll take your bet."
Kanna was convinced. Next was Emi-san.
"If Katagiri-kun is that confident, it sounds interesting. I'm sure you'll give us a very convincing reason. Fine. Don't forget what you said. If what you say is wrong, you're equally guilty, Katagiri-kun."
"Yeah..."
"Then speak."
Kanna said.
"Kanna, first, when you heard the story earlier, didn't you feel any inconsistency?"
"Where?"
"There are points in the explanation of Makoto's actions that don't add up. Very simple things."
Everyone is too angry to notice.
"Oh, I get it~"
Airi said.
"What do you get, Airi-chan?"
Emi-san asked.
Airi answered.
"Makoto-kun initially said he was on his way home from the after-party, but according to the explanation just now, he didn't go to the after-party. That's it, right? Toya-kun?"
I patted Airi's head as she sat next to me.
"That's just a desperate excuse, right? He panicked and lied at first."
"Yes, he panicked and lied. You can't tell your wife that you woke up in bed with a strange woman, no matter what."
If I told Airi's dad something like that, I'd probably be crushed with an air hammer.
"So, what he told Kanna afterward is the truth?"
"Normally, that would be the case, right? He can't talk his way out of it anymore. He has no reason to hide the facts."
"Well, that's true. Since he admitted to going to the hotel... Huh?"
Ishihara-kun also seemed to notice.
"Nozomi, what's wrong?"
Emi-san asked.
"I think I get what Toya is trying to say too. So that's how it is."
Watanabe-kun and the other men seemed to understand.
Everyone was saying, "I see."
"Explain it in a way we can understand. With a reason like that, there's no way we can forgive Makoto-kun!"
When Emi-san said that, the women agreed.
First, I'll start there.
"Makoto said he would go home by train, but he stayed at a hotel. Isn't that strange?"
"He might just be lying!"
"Ask Makoto now how he got to the station. He probably can't answer."
"Fine, I'll ask. Wait a moment."
Kanna operated her smartphone.
Then she thrust the phone at us.
"Sorry, I don't remember. I intended to go home, but when I woke up, I was at a hotel."
Just as I thought.
"That's obviously a lie. It's not evidence!"
"It's not a lie."
"Why can you say that?"
Emi-san said.
"If it were a lie, there would be no need to create a blank period. As evidence, he testified about the events at the first party, the circumstances up to going home, and what he did after waking up."
The fact that he slept with a woman is already exposed.
If it were me, I would desperately think of an excuse for how I ended up at a hotel.
But Makoto only said, "I don't remember."
If so, the only possibility is that he genuinely doesn't remember even the reason and circumstances of going to the hotel.
"Then why is there a blank period?"
Kanna asked.
This is a tightrope walk. If I miss, a future of ruin awaits.
Airi was also listening seriously.
"It's a fact. A truly blank period. Makoto isn't lying."
"Do you mean his feet just moved on their own, like sleepwalking?"
Airi said, but I shook my head.
"That's a reason even Makoto doesn't know. Kanna, have you ever seen Makoto drink until he was completely out of it? Have you ever seen him so drunk that he was overcome by intense drowsiness halfway through?"
Incidentally, according to the story, there was no mention of him drinking particularly quickly.
"No... he kept his drinking within reasonable limits."
"Right?"
"So, how does that connect to Makoto-kun going to a hotel with a woman?"
"That's why I bet with you, Emi-san. Because I need your cooperation."
"My cooperation? Did you think I'd do that? Sorry, but in this matter, I'm on Kanna-chan's side."
Emi-san refused.
"Could you ask her for me, Kanna? If even that doesn't work, I'm out of options."
I have one more card, though.
"...I want to believe in Makoto too. But facts are facts, right?"
"Kanna, think carefully. A blank period can sometimes change the facts. You want to believe in Makoto, don't you?"
"...What do you want me to ask for?"
"Kanna-chan! Don't let Katagiri-kun lead you on! This is his trick!"
Emi-san said.
"I hate it too. Even though I should be fed up with him, there's still a part of me that wants to believe him. If I can remove that, I want to completely eliminate it."
Kanna said.
"First, I want to know that Shimomura-san's first name."
"She said her name was Shimomura Arisu."
"I want you to investigate the background of that Shimomura Arisu."
"Emi... I'm asking you too. Look into it."
"If Kanna-chan says so, I suppose I have no choice."
Emi-san reluctantly agreed.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm just checking if what you're saying is correct! I still doubt you, Katagiri-kun!"
Emi-san said while making a phone call. Next, I'll play my other card.
"Kameari-kun."
"Me?"
"I have a favor to ask of you too."
"Anything, if it's within my power."
"Stinger is using the customer list from the Urbanity era to operate. Right?"
"Yeah, that's correct."
"Can you check the remaining members of Stinger, even if it's a long shot?"
"I can do that right now. I still have access privileges from when I investigated during the previous disturbance."
Kameari-kun took out a laptop and started operating it.
The answer came quickly.
"Bingo! A first-year at the Private University. She entered this year."
At Kameari-kun's words, everyone stirred.
"Was Makoto being targeted by Stinger?"
Kanna asked.
"I'll say this upfront, the Watanabe Group has nothing to do with it. Probably. A promising rookie who will join a J.League team next season. The contract fee is substantial. Plus, he's married. He was the perfect mark, right?"
Emi-san was still on the phone.
When her call ended, Emi-san spoke.
"The bet goes to Katagiri-kun. I guess you could call her Stinger's ace."
Their method was extremely simple.
They would find marks at various mixers, give them sleeping pills, make it look like a done deal, and extort compensation money.
It must have been their new business. A new form adopted by the dying Stinger.
"But weren't all members of Stinger arrested?"
Airi said.
"Probably the net didn't reach the lower ranks. I guess you could say they've been reborn?"
That's why they chose methods that get them money easily.
"So Makoto didn't betray me? I can trust him?"
"Yeah, Makoto didn't betray you."
Kanna was crying, surrounded by Emi-san and Airi.
"What are we going to do from here, Toya?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
I made a serious expression.
"That depends on the other side's moves. We've definitely been set up with a fake incident, so... and also..."
"Also?"
I didn't answer.
I just hope that idiot Makoto doesn't do something stupid.
(3)
I was packing my things.
I thought I had to take responsibility in my own way.
There was no doubt that I had betrayed Kanna.
I left a written note and a signed divorce paper.
Along with the bankbook and seal.
The money I had saved for the wedding ceremony with Kanna.
Someday we'll live in a big house.
That dream I had was fleeting and vanished.
I'll never see Kanna again. I took off my ring and placed it there as a final gesture.
Thank you, Kanna.
I'm sorry for making you cry until the very end.
It was a short time, but I'm pathetic for making you worry all the time.
This time, I won't make excuses.
Please use the money in the account as temporary alimony.
I will definitely give you the remaining amount.
Truly, thank you.
And I'm sorry.
Thank you for supporting me when I was unreliable.
I hope you find a good person. – Makoto
I said goodbye to the familiar room and wandered aimlessly.
What should I do now?
For the time being, they let me use an empty room in the soccer club dormitory.
The room had no furniture, so I used the sleeping bag I had prepared.
Oh, right. I also caused trouble for Toya and the others.
I caused trouble for everyone. I'm sorry.
A system message appeared in the group chat: "Makoto has left the group."
I need to find a new place soon.
Should I go back to my parents' house?
I considered that too.
But Chitose is there.
Right now, I can't face the members of the Watanabe Group.
I was shivering in my sleeping bag.
Both my heart and body were frozen cold.
(4)
"Happy birthday, Airi-chan~"
The six of us clinked glasses.
"This year might be the last time we celebrate Airi-chan~"
"W-well..."
"Don't say that. I'll definitely come visit~"
The three Tosaka family members were getting sentimental.
"You understand, right, Toya?"
"The rest is up to you."
My parents were saying something too.
I guess I have to say something...
"Well, I can celebrate on her birthday two years from now."
"Huh?"
"Is something happening~?"
"Hmm?"
Not only the three Tosakas but also my parents focused on me.
"Because two years from now on her birthday, I'll be having my wedding with Airi."
The room went silent.
Did I blow it?
"Toya-kun, really!? I'll be waiting!"
"Toya-kun, so you had made up your mind."
"W-well..."
I did blow it.
"You never go back on your word, man!"
"Don't get any funny ideas!"
My parents got excited too.
"...Katagiri-san, let's drink tonight!"
"Of course! Tosaka-san! Toya! You're joining us too!"
With that, I ended up being dragged into a party with both sets of parents.
Though it was my own fault.
"...It brings back memories of changing her diapers."
"Daddy, I told you not to tell that story in front of Toya-kun!"
Both families got excited, mixed with embarrassing stories from Airi's past.
By the time the clock passed midnight, things calmed down, and we went home to the Katagiri house, took a bath together, and relaxed in the room.
Airi was in a good mood. Probably not because of the alcohol.
"You can sleep first if you want, Toya-kun."
"You don't have first period tomorrow, right? I'm fine. I'll wait for you. Are you doing your accounts?"
"I'm not doing that~"
"What are you doing?"
"Browsing shops."
"?"
I looked at Airi's laptop screen.
It was her usual online game screen.
She apparently had a favorite headgear she was looking for, so she was searching for it.
I searched with Airi.
She seemed to have found it at last, bought it, and equipped it.
"It's cute~"
"Glad you found it."
"That's it for now."
Airi logged out and closed the laptop.
"So, why were you waiting for me?"
"I'm not such a heartless husband that I would go to sleep and leave my wife alone on her birthday."
"Yay~"
I picked Airi up and carried her to the bed.
"But it's late tonight, so you don't have to push yourself."
"It's fine."
"...Okay."
Just then, my smartphone rang.
"Ugh..."
Airi voiced her displeasure, but I had to answer the call.
"T-Toya!!"
It was Kanna. She sounded panicked. What happened?
"What's wrong, Kanna?"
"Makoto has disappeared!"
Damn! I should have explained to Makoto first!
"He won't answer calls, he's left the group... and in his room there's a divorce paper, bankbook, note, and ring..."
He was so stressed about it.
Was convincing him first the priority? That was my mistake.
"Don't worry! He should still go to university. Have you contacted his parents?"
"I contacted Chii-chan, but she said he hasn't come home."
"I see..."
"Hey, do you think I was too harsh? Should I have analyzed his excuses like you did?"
"Kanna, you're not at fault. It's okay. Calm down. We'll have Kiritani-kun and the others look for him tomorrow!"
"O-okay."
"Get some good rest tonight. You're probably panicking after everything..."
"Yeah, sorry to interrupt your fun."
"Don't worry about it. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
The call ended.
"Did something happen with Makoto-kun?"
Airi asked.
"That idiot ran away from home..."
"Huh?"
Airi's expression, which had been smiling until a moment ago, changed completely.
She seemed anxious.
Is she feeling guilty because she was also blaming him?
"That's not it, Airi."
"Huh?"
"You're not at fault. The one at fault is Makoto. That's an undeniable fact, right?"
"That's true, but... What did Kanna say?"
"She was really shaken."
"I bet."
I hugged Airi and got into bed.
"Hey, Toya-kun, this isn't the time for that."
"Kanna said, 'Sorry to interrupt your fun.' If she finds out we didn't have fun, she'll blame herself."
"You make it sound clever, but are you going to tell Kanna tomorrow that we had fun?"
Well, I can't exactly say that. Yeah, even I can't do that.
"Then shall we just sleep like this?"
"Ugh, Toya-kun is being mean again."
I held Airi tightly.
Airi closed her eyes and felt the warmth.
As Airi fell asleep, I stroked her hair and thought.
What are you doing, Makoto? No one benefits from taking responsibility like that.
Where is Makoto now, and what is he doing?
What is he thinking?
This is a first for me, but I have to handle it calmly.
However, the situation was about to become even more complicated.