Chapter 361 - Autumn Slumber
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun. It's morning~"
"Good morning, Airi."
It was the last weekend of October. Airi was her usual self.
I got out of bed, ate breakfast, made coffee, and returned to the room with Airi.
Back in the room, I drank coffee while watching TV and chatting with Airi.
As I was relaxing, Airi spoke.
"We have to go to the hair salon today, so we need to leave soon, you know?"
"Is there something going on?"
"Geez, it's Shiina-san and Niina-san's wedding today, remember?"
"Oh, that's right."
"Everyone's getting married one after another~"
"Yeah, they are."
Makoto and them in April next year, Ishihara-kun and them in June, Nakajima-kun and them in December, and Kiritani-kun in March the year after that, right?
Apparently Nakajima-kun and his fiancée proposed and went to greet both sets of parents.
"Do you want to have ours soon too, Airi?"
"You just said not to rush, didn't you?"
"Ah, I did."
"Right now, just thinking about my new life with Toya-kun makes my heart full~"
After lunch, Airi said that and started changing clothes.
My phone rang.
"How about we have a third party just for the Watanabe group after the second party today?"
It was from Watanabe-kun.
Everyone says it's fine.
It's been a while since we gathered just the Watanabe group.
Though there have been times we gathered by surprise.
There are various things I want to ask about, like how Makoto and them are doing.
Thinking about such things, I finished changing.
I can just properly tighten my tie during the ceremony.
I loosely tied it and was about to leave the room when Airi stopped me.
"I won't allow such a sloppy appearance!"
Saying that, Airi tightened my tie.
"You really are a hopeless husband."
Saying that, Airi laughed.
We went to the hair salon.
Airi had her hair styled.
I also had my hair styled.
Since I was at it, I had them cut my hair a little.
Because my bangs were annoying.
When we finished, we went to the venue.
We met the Ishiharas, Naru, and Kosei.
Airi and Naru were talking with Emi-san.
I was talking with Ishihara-kun and Kosei.
"Katagiri-kun, don't you think it's strange?"
"What is?"
"After we counterattacked, they completely went underground."
He's probably talking about Shimomura-san and them.
"It's a remnant from the Unity era. It's not worth it for them to mess with us. Makoto said he deleted all the data. They probably can't operate anymore, right?"
Probably, this business is no longer viable. They likely judged that and pulled out.
"If it were just that, it would be fine, but..."
"Is there something else?"
"There's no trace of recovery afterward. Even when I search, nothing comes up."
Kosei said.
"It has been recovered."
Makoto arrived.
Kanna seems to be talking with Airi and the others.
"It hits on Makoto-kun's special search engine."
"Do you think that means anything?"
Kosei said.
"Even if the behind-the-scenes activities are there, it's meaningless if the public-facing activities aren't disclosed. It doesn't even serve as advertising."
"When you put it that way, you're right..."
Makoto started thinking too.
"Hey, Makoto!"
"Eita!"
Kiritani-kun came over.
"I got those tickets we talked about. Wanna come along?"
"N-no, I'll pass."
"What's the matter? You've gotten so quiet. A life spent being scared of your wife all the time isn't fun. When it's time to play, you play hard."
"That's how I got badly burned... I'm keeping my hands off for a while. Right now, I have my hands full just devoting myself to Kanna."
Makoto has changed too.
Well, getting involved in an incident like that would do that to anyone.
"How boring. What about you, Toya? Wanna come?"
"What kind of place is it?"
"K-Katagiri-kun, don't you think it's better not to talk about that?"
Kosei said.
I felt a presence behind me.
"Y-yeah, I'll pass this time."
"So there's a next time?"
I heard Airi's voice.
I didn't want to turn around, but I did.
Airi was smiling at me.
"What tickets are they, Eita? You're not scared of me, right? Go on, say it."
Ai-san was there too.
"It's just tickets for an underground idol's live show."
"There you go again, wasting money on stupid things..."
"You'd be happy to go see a Johnny's talent too, Ai!"
"They hardly ever come to the local area!"
Toya and Airi, who aren't interested in either.
Really?
Airi is still a 22-year-old woman. Isn't she at least a little interested in idols?
"Airi, are you interested in Johnny's talents or anything?"
"Hmm. I think I'm not good with that type of guy. I think I just don't like handsome men. Oh, but I might like the people from OITA. They don't do many live shows, but I watch their Sunday show with you, right?"
Ah, that group. The one where a member got a minor drunk and retired.
"Airi, don't you have any favorite artists?"
Ai-san was asking.
"Hmm, I'm not really interested in recent ones~? I'm not good with K-POP. And hip-hop and stuff like that too. For female artists, there are a few. Like LIZA or Mizutori Eris."
"I see~ What about you, Toya-kun?"
"I don't listen to much recent stuff either. Just covers of old songs."
After all, I don't even know recent music, to the point I don't even watch the year-end music shows.
Huh? But...
"Kiritani-kun, didn't you used to like Vocaloid and Western stuff?"
"Singing and watching are different. Live vocals are amazing."
"Even so, who was it that bought the DVDs!?"
"It's not like I'm buying porn, so it's fine!"
Makoto was silently watching Kiritani-kun and Ai-san argue.
Is he still holding back because of Kanna? He's not trying to join in.
"Toya-kun, don't you think Makoto-kun seems off? Like, he's not the usual Makoto-kun..."
Airi seemed to have noticed too.
"What does Kanna say?"
"Yeah, Kanna seems worried too. She says he's been down lately. Do you think he still feels guilty?"
"I'll ask him directly later."
"Okay."
The ceremony began. We started moving.
(2)
At the second party after the ceremony, we were receiving everyone's blessings.
"Well, well, so even you two went and got married. I wish I could receive some of the Watanabe group's blessings."
Chief Tomosaka said.
There's Kondo-san raising his hand behind her, though...
"Enjoy yourselves today. It's going to be tough again from next week."
Satomi-san said for us.
"Congratulations, Mirai."
"Thank you, Umi. Next time, it's a competition to see who gives birth first!"
Next to her, Yamato-san cleared his throat.
"Mirai-san, are you already talking about that?"
"No, not at all..."
When Tange-san said that, I answered.
"Congratulations, Mirai-san."
It was Watanabe-senpai. The leader of the Watanabe group.
"Thank you very much. It's all thanks to everyone in the Watanabe group."
"There's no such thing as blessings. Everyone earned what they got through their own efforts. You should hold your head high."
"It seems Mirai was indebted to Watanabe-kun."
"I hardly did anything. I'm grateful that she always participated in our activities. Next up is the autumn leaves viewing in November, so please come."
"Ah, I should still be fine around that time. I'll definitely go."
"Thank you very much."
Everyone was blessing us.
Being able to have connections with so many people is thanks to the Watanabe group.
From now on, it's our turn to support everyone.
When the second party ended, we went home.
"Phew."
Yamato-san sighed as he changed clothes.
"So even Yamato-san gets nervous sometimes."
"Everyone gets nervous, they're human."
I faced Yamato-san, who was sitting down, and sat formally, bowing my head.
"I may be inexperienced, but I look forward to your guidance."
"Yeah, the feeling is mutual."
And so, we celebrated the beginning of our life together.
(3)
The third party was held at a karaoke place.
It was just for the Watanabe group.
Everyone except Kosei, Naru, Kisaragi-kun, Asakura-san, Takatsuki-kun, Chii-chan, Kitamura-san, Kuribayashi-kun, and Mirai-san had gathered.
Without the main guests, it was just a drinking party now.
Without any hesitation, I sat next to Makoto.
"What's up, Toya?"
"I wanted to ask about that underground idol you mentioned earlier."
"T-Toya, can we talk about that another time?"
"So 'another time' means you do intend to talk about it?"
"Huh, wouldn't it be better to ask Eita?"
"So it's about something shady?"
"No, it's not that..."
"Then it's fine, right? Spill it, Makoto."
"Think about the time and place."
"Is it someone I need to think about that for?"
"It's not that..."
"Toya. Makoto doesn't want to, so leave him alone."
Kanna cut in.
"Do you think this is fine, Kanna? Are you satisfied with Makoto living his life always watching your face?"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I can say for sure. Makoto and you haven't had that kind of relationship at all since then. Am I wrong?"
"That's true, but what does that have to do with the underground idol talk?"
"Makoto has lost his instruction manual for Kanna."
"My instruction manual?"
Kanna looked at Makoto's face.
"He doesn't know how to handle you. All he knows is that if he does it again, it's over. So he can't act carelessly. That's what he's thinking."
"Is that true? Makoto?"
Kanna asked Makoto.
Makoto's expression was still stiff.
"Why!? Did you forget what I said? I told you it's fine to be your natural self!"
"That natural self of Makoto's hurt Kanna. If he does that again, the result is obvious, right?"
"So what do you think, Toya?"
"What Makoto needs is to rewrite the instruction manual he made. From the beginning, step by step... Not to seal himself away."
"What Makoto-kun needs is confidence, right?"
Watanabe-kun said.
"What's done is done. It won't disappear. He just has to not do it next time. He knows that himself. But that doesn't mean he has to completely deny who he was. It's fine to be himself. The important thing is to make him feel that. Right, Toya?"
When Watanabe-kun said that, I nodded.
"I'm scared... If I do it again, it's over. Thinking that, I'm scared."
Makoto said.
"Are you scared of me? Are you that scared of me?"
Kanna said.
"If you're not scared, look me in the eye and talk. Look me properly in the eye. You've been avoiding it all this time, right?"
"I feel sorry to everyone too. So..."
"That's not like you, Makoto! What you need right now is momentum! If you want momentum, I'll help you out. Here, drink!"
Mika-san urged him to drink.
Watanabe-kun didn't stop her.
"I agree with Mika's opinion too. No matter how long you drag it out, Kanna-san is the one who suffers. Not learning your lesson is also a problem, though."
"Makoto, put Kanna at ease. That means getting your old self back. If you overdo it, just get smacked again."
"Toya."
"That's right! Toya-kun's eating habits never improve no matter how long it's been. I scold him over and over. But I love that Toya-kun. It's the same for Kanna. She loves the Makoto-kun who says stupid things."
"...If I stay depressed, I'll just cause trouble for everyone... Well, I guess I have no choice."
Saying that, Makoto downed a whole mug of beer in one go.
"Another round! Don't be stingy with just one mug, bring a pitcher!"
"Makoto!"
Kanna hugged Makoto.
"I'm sorry, Kanna. I'm sorry."
"I know you've reflected enough. I told you I can trust you, right?"
"This is the Makoto we know!"
Mika-san said.
"So you've finally found yourself again."
Watanabe-kun said.
"Well then, first, let me explain about the underground idol..."
Makoto started talking.
"The most popular one locally right now is Arisugawa Yumi. She's the third member of the group WHITE, but she's the cutest."
"What's this, Makoto! You're an Arisu-chan fan too?"
So Kiritani-kun likes Arisugawa-san too, huh.
"Of course! Red hair in a ponytail, red colored contacts, and black gothic lolita is cheating!"
I could feel the women's gazes turning cold instantly.
"Having almost no chest is cheating too!"
Ah, I probably shouldn't have asked.
"That's the high point! But, Eita. It looks like she doesn't have any, but she actually does. Her three sizes were once posted on the official site."
"No way!"
I tried to escape from the scene.
But Makoto grabbed my arm and wouldn't let go.
"Toya! You need to know about that romance too! It would definitely suit Tosaka-san!"
"Tosaka-san!? She definitely has a good chest!"
Don't bring that up with Airi!
"So that dress you bought had that kind of intention... I want to hear the details."
Kanna's voice pierced through.
"Ah, it would suit you too, Kanna, for sure. I matched the sizes perfectly, so no doubt about it."
"How do you know my three sizes?"
"With my skills, I can tell just by looking, down to the millimeter! I haven't been seeing Kanna naked for nothing."
"But she actually has a chest, right? How are you going to match it to Kanna-san, who has a flat chest?"
Kiritani-kun mercilessly poured fuel on the fire.
"Something like that, just use pads and... even though she looks like that, she seems to care about it herself, so pads... ow!"
"You just blurt out things other people are sensitive about..."
"W-wait, Kanna. I was asked by Toya to fulfill a man's romance...!"
I just thought it was a simple idol story! I didn't ask for such specific details!
"Toya-kun~ There's still plenty of french fries~"
"Ah, but Makoto's story..."
"There's plenty~"
Yay, maybe I'll eat some.
"H-hey, you started this and now you're running away, Toya!"
"Y-yeah, running away is cowardly, Toya!!"
"It's not a story for Toya-kun to hear, so no!"
Airi stood between Makoto and Kiritani-kun.
"I thought it was going to be some no-good story, and this idiot..."
"W-wait, Kanna! This time it's not my fault. The one at fault is Toya, who asked!"
"Toya-kun thought it was a more normal story!"
"...You really are a hopeless guy..."
At that moment, Kanna was laughing.
As if welcoming her husband home.
(4)
After today's performance, I returned to the dressing room.
While the other four members were criticizing each other's performances, I was left alone.
WHITE was originally a four-member group. I was inserted into it.
Naturally, I lagged behind the other four.
I practiced desperately every day to make up for that lag.
But as my fan base gradually grew, I earned the jealousy of the other members.
My costumes would be hidden, or I'd be ostracized like this.
No one tries to be friendly with me.
"Well, well, everyone, good work."
The manager and the agency director came in.
An unfamiliar man also came in.
"I came today to make a major announcement to everyone."
A major announcement?
"Arisugawa Yumi will be graduating from WHITE after the next performance."
I see, I'm being let go.
"Starting next month, she will be active as a solo artist under the name ALICE. We have appointed him as her manager. Kurusu-kun, introduce yourself."
"I'm Kurusu Hijiri, who will be in charge of ALICE. Nice to meet you."
"Well then, Kurusu-kun and ALICE, please stay. Everyone else, please leave."
A solo debut for only one person. It's bound to earn everyone's jealousy. But from now on, it's solo. I can do as I please. That's what I thought.
"Your popularity is genuine. We've already thought of a debut song for you."
"Thank you very much."
"Considering your abilities, it's only natural. Have confidence."
Kurusu-san said for me.
And then the agency director said.
"I need you to earn back what I paid to buy you out. Work hard."
"...Yes."
And so, branded with the shame of a failed mission, I was sold to this agency.
It was the same as being burdened with debt.
Thus began my life of decline.
(5)
The third party ended at dawn.
We took a taxi home, showered, and got into bed.
Airi, who was in a good mood, clung to me.
She's always such a hopeless wife.
Just as I was thinking of attending to my wife, a message came in.
"Arisu-chan is making her solo debut!"
Kiritani-kun was saying in the Watanabe group chat.
While Makoto and Kiritani-kun were getting excited, everyone else was watching calmly.
No, maybe they just couldn't say anything.
Maybe, like me, they were just being watched by their partners.
Airi wrapped her arms around me from behind and hugged me.
"What are you looking at~"
"A message."
"What does it say~"
"It says Arisu-san is making her solo debut."
"Are you interested, Toya-kun?"
I knew she'd say that.
"When she's being pushed that much, I at least want to know what she looks like..."
"Ugh... So Toya-kun is interested in women other than his wife?"
"Airi, she's an idol. She's a completely different existence from you."
"Then what kind of existence am I?"
Let's see...
"My most beloved partner, indispensable to my life... I guess?"
"Yay~"
Seems like that was the right answer.
"So, I'm just a little curious about her face, so I'll ask, okay?"
"Ugh..."
It'll probably be fine.
"What kind of girl is she? Arisu-chan?"
"Oh, has Toya finally woken up! Wait, I'll send you a picture."
"Toya's finally getting it! She's a new girl who recently joined WHITE, and she's cute."
"You idiot, Eita! Don't put unnecessary ideas into Katagiri-kun's head! Katagiri-kun, if you get interested in this kind of thing, Airi will be pitiful."
"This isn't a world for Toya to be interested in! You have Airi, your own idol!"
There are various misunderstandings, but I asked him to send the picture anyway.
"What kind of girl~?"
Airi was also peering in to look.
"Huh?"
"Huh?"
Maybe both Airi and I had the same question.
"Airi, have you seen her somewhere before?"
"Hmm... I feel like I've seen her somewhere."
Airi seemed to have the same question.
I've seen her somewhere too. This face...
"Hey, Toya-kun. They said this person is wearing a wig and colored contacts, right?"
"They did."
"Toya-kun, send that picture to my phone?"
"Sure, but what are you going to do?"
"I'll send it to the girls' group chat."
You can't do that.
"Airi, that kind of thing isn't good."
"Just do it! Hurry!"
I can't disobey when Airi tells me to.
Sorry, Makoto.
Airi showed me her phone as she sent the picture to the group chat.
"Who's this?"
"A girl named Arisu."
"Oh no, so this is what men are into!?"
"At your age, it's disgusting!"
"I'm getting irritated."
"Sorry, Airi. I'll give this idiot a good talking to."
Kanna was apologizing.
"That's not it. Kanna, Ai, Emi, and Miyuki-san, haven't you seen this face before?"
"...She's wearing a wig and colored contacts. But I've seen her somewhere."
"Ah! I remember! It's Shimomura!"
Ai-san seemed to have noticed.
"See? Aren't you glad you asked?"
Airi turned around and smiled.
But why is she an underground idol...?
Is it worth looking into?
Something about it bothers me.
Noticing that, Airi silently sent a message.
"Emi, can you look into this girl named Arisu~?"
"Is it a request from Katagiri-kun?"
"I think so."
"Got it, I'll look into it right away."
Three minutes seemed to be enough.
"No doubt about it. Arisugawa Yumi. Real name is Shimomura Arisu. She seems to have debuted recently. And a surprise solo debut."
"She says so."
Airi asked.
"Airi, even if it takes time, can you look into that Shimomura-san?"
"I'll ask Emi."
Airi operated her phone.
"She says she got it. She'll dig up everything in about a week."
Airi said.
"Thank you."
I patted Airi's head.
"No fair!"
Did I do something wrong?
"I won't be fooled by something like that. Pay attention to me properly."
"...I understand."
I got into bed with Airi.
I'm worried about Shimomura-san, but right now, I'll focus on Airi.
Time in slumber passes by in the blink of an eye.
Without knowing anything, we stepped into the darkness.