Chapter 368 - Only One in the Sky
(1)
"Good morning, Toya-kun~ It's morning~ It's cold~"
"Good morning, Airi."
"Ugh... If you're awake, get out of bed!"
Airi pulls my futon off.
It's cold. That's strange. I should have set the timer.
I look at Airi.
"Ugh... If I don't do this, Toya-kun won't get up!"
"You'll catch a cold. Hurry up and get dressed."
"Washing my face comes first!"
Airi points at the door.
I don't want to fight from the morning.
Because today is an important day.
I wash my face and eat breakfast.
After eating breakfast, I take my coffee and go back to my room.
I actually wanted to see fireworks tonight, but I decided against it because tomorrow is a weekday.
We decided to eat dinner, see the illuminations, and then go home and relax.
Apparently, on the 25th, it's being held at a hotel party hall anyway.
On the 31st, there's a year-end party... seems like a New Year's countdown live.
Yes, today is December 24th, the day for lovers.
Everyone is probably enjoying it with their lovers.
I was also thinking of a date plan with Airi.
I already made reservations at a restaurant.
Airi is next to me, drinking café au lait.
When she finishes drinking, she takes it to the kitchen, and when she comes back, she starts changing.
Since morning, everything on TV is a Christmas Eve special.
Wouldn't it be fine to eat chicken, drink champagne, and curl up in the kotatsu?
By the way, Airi apparently made a Christmas cake again this year.
I'm looking forward to it.
The time comes.
"It's about time to go, Airi."
I call out to Airi.
Then she says something strange.
"I'm freezing, both body and soul, you know?"
"That's why I told you to turn on the heater, didn't I?"
"That won't warm my soul, you know?"
Oh dear.
"Come here."
"Yay~"
Airi hugs me.
I catch her.
"You really are a troublesome bride."
"Hehe~"
Airi shows no remorse at all.
"That's enough, right? We'll be late."
"Not ye~t. We've got about five more minutes."
Hearing those words, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"What's wrong?"
Airi looks at me with a puzzled face.
"Oh, I just thought I used to hear that a lot in middle school."
"That's right, isn't it?"
"Let's hurry, Airi. We'll really be late."
"Oka~y."
With that, we take our luggage and leave the house.
When we arrive at school, we head to the building.
After classes, we gather in the cafeteria.
"Kanna, what did you buy for Christmas presents?"
"Just a neck warmer."
Airi and Kanna are having that conversation.
"Everyone going on a date tonight?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"We have work. It's earning time."
The Takemotos say.
"We're working too. It's busy at the end of the year."
Manabe-kun says.
"We're probably just going to eat Christmas cake at Ryuji-san's house. We have part-time jobs too."
Honoka-san says.
"I'm working too since Mika has tomorrow off."
Watanabe-kun says.
"What about Kisaragi-kun and his group?"
"I'm inviting them over to my place. There'll be a feast."
"Are you an idiot! Think a little about the mood!"
"Sho-chan's house isn't ordinary."
Asakura-san says.
"Sakura-senpai, I'm skipping club practice tonight."
Takatsuki-kun says.
"I understand. It's the off-season, so take it easy."
When Sakura-san speaks, Tasuku says.
"Is that a dig at me?"
"You're taking me out after practice, right?"
"All I've got is dinner and seeing the illuminations."
"...I've always wanted to see the illuminations with my boyfriend once."
"Fine, fine."
"What about Kitamura-san and the others?"
"Same here. Eat dinner, see the illuminations, and I'm planning to have her stay over at my place."
When Kuribayashi-kun says that, Kanna says.
"If you don't decide tonight, it's sex education during spring break, you know."
"I know that much."
Kuribayashi-kun still seems hesitant. Is he going to be okay?
"Since my husband comes home late, making dinner feels pointless."
Kana-san says.
"But you still make it?"
Airi interjects.
"Well, he promised to come home early today for sure."
"It's fine while you're all swept up in the mood, but there's something I need to tell everyone."
Watanabe-kun says. I can pretty much guess what he's going to say.
"Morishige Seita's opponent, Eto Shinichiro, was indeed a member of the Solar Knights. He's the CEO of a chemical manufacturing company."
Figures.
"Just be careful, everyone."
When Watanabe-kun says that, I look at Manabe-kun.
"I'm a man too, I'm prepared. You'll have SPs assigned to me, right?"
"That's fine, but the Nine-Tailed Fox might be tailing you again."
"Again?"
Sakai-kun looks fed up.
"Isn't there a way to suppress the Solar Knights?"
When Emi-san asks, I answer.
"I handed the information over to my father. They're planning to publish it in a national newspaper. And with that timing, we'll leak it to the nationwide networks."
At this point, it's brute force. I say.
"Well, everyone, enjoy your Eve safely."
Watanabe-kun says.
"Tomorrow is ALICE's 1st live performance. Let's celebrate it grandly."
"Ooh!"
Everyone raises their fists high.
(2)
I was busy with my part-time job on this day.
Since it was Christmas, there were many customers.
My shift ended after 10 PM.
After that, I went home.
Makoto seemed to be home too.
I bought a cake on the way back.
I wanted to bake a homemade cake for him, but I don't have that kind of time.
I didn't even have time to see the city's illuminations.
I'd like to do something nice for him next year, but it'll probably be impossible since I'll be caught up in the Christmas sales anyway.
I hate myself for complaining about so many things to Makoto but not being able to do anything for him.
Makoto has changed since then.
He helps with the housework now.
He's apparently making Christmas dinner today too.
I was looking forward to it.
I have some champagne I bought for this day.
I took tomorrow off from my part-time job.
Two consecutive holidays.
I plan to party until morning.
When I got home, the sound of a cracker went off.
"Merry Christmas!"
Makoto said.
The table was lined with dishes.
"I reheated it after you messaged that you were coming home. Let's eat while it's still hot."
We drink alcohol with the dishes.
After we finished eating, Makoto started cleaning up.
"I'll do that much."
"It's fine. Leave it to me today, at least. More importantly, go take a shower."
I gave in to Makoto's words and went to the bedroom to get a change of clothes.
There was a small box on the dresser.
Inside were new earrings.
He prepared a Christmas present for me too?
He must have taken on extra shifts without me knowing.
I also gave Makoto a present.
"Oh, thanks. This is exactly what I wanted."
Makoto said and was pleased.
After I showered, I drank the rest of the alcohol with Makoto while watching Christmas specials on TV.
If only I could be as spoiled as Airi...
I gently placed my hand over Makoto's.
Makoto understood my intention.
"Should we get to bed soon?"
"Yeah..."
We headed to the bedroom.
"Sorry as always. I'm busy with work and can't be there for you."
"Don't worry about it. I was living selfishly too."
"You're trying to change for me. No, you have changed."
"I'm still not used to it, though."
Makoto said and laughed.
"You've responded to my wishes. I'm a lucky person."
"To hear you say that makes me happy too. But, Kanna. You've changed too."
"I have?"
"Toya was always behind you. You were looking at Toya. But now, you've started looking only at me. That's why you complain to me more, right? I only realized that recently."
Makoto said and laughed.
I have to change too.
I want to give Makoto more happiness.
Today is Christmas Eve.
The day lovers speak of love.
I spent the night whispering love slowly with Makoto.
(3)
Today I went out for dinner with Sho-chan.
While enjoying delicious food, I talked about various things with Sho-chan.
Looking back on the past year.
Many things happened.
Each time, Sho-chan changed for me.
I felt joy in him changing.
After dinner, I gave Sho-chan a present.
A hand-knitted scarf.
Sho-chan has no interest in accessories, jewelry, perfume, etc.
He wears an extremely expensive watch too.
I couldn't think of any other present I could give him.
Sho-chan was pleased.
And then he thought of something.
"Come to think of it, I haven't done this yet."
Sho-chan headed to a high-end jewelry store.
And he measured my finger size.
"In that case, how about this?"
It was a ring accented with diamonds.
"Is it okay?"
I asked Sho-chan.
"I want to give it to you because you're Iori. Will you grant my wish?"
I nodded.
Sho-chan put the ring on my finger.
"Thank you."
Sho-chan seems about to say something.
"Actually, I've booked a hotel for tonight. Isn't it about time, don't you think?"
It seems to be a surprise Sho-chan planned.
I thought it might be about time, so I had prepared myself to be ready at any time.
I was mentally prepared as well.
"Okay."
I didn't register for the first period anyway.
Tonight was clear.
In the sky, there was only one small star, faintly shining, remaining.
The moon was beautiful tonight.
(4)
That evening, I went on a date with Chitose.
We had dinner at a stylish restaurant.
While eating delicious food, we talked about each other.
Chitose also talked about various things.
When the final dessert arrived, Chitose gave me a present.
It was a wristwatch.
I said "Thank you" and received the present, then I gave her mine.
A pair necklace.
She said "Thank you" and received it.
After that, we walked hand in hand while looking at the city's illuminations.
"I think I understand now."
Chitose suddenly spoke.
"The meaning of falling in love. People can't live alone. So we seek each other. People seek that comfort."
Chitose spoke quietly.
"Did you fall in love, Chitose?"
I asked Chitose.
"No. I understood love. I was in love. Without realizing it, and today, I was able to confirm it."
Chitose spoke each word carefully.
"I'm sorry. It's too late now, but I might have been troubling you. I might continue to trouble you from now on... If that's okay with you."
Tonight is Christmas Eve.
The day to confirm each other's feelings.
In the sky, there is only one small star, faintly shining, remaining.
A heart I can't read, seeking and then pushing away.
The more I'm stared at, the less I can tell a lie.
I'm searching with Chitose.
Hidden deep in my eyes so no one can see.
Each suppressed feeling conveys a beginning that can't be hidden, one after another, into my palm.
The wind is cold, but my dyed heart wants to touch Chitose.
In the sky, only one faint, small star floats.
(5)
Today I'm on a date with Junichi-san.
I was enjoying a Christmas dinner.
I enjoyed listening to Junichi-san talk.
But I noticed Junichi-san was acting strange.
Normally, I wouldn't pay it any mind.
It's something I noticed because I've been by his side all this time.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah, no. You're staying over tonight, right?"
"Yes, I came with that intention."
Tomorrow is school, so I can go directly from there.
What's so strange about that?
Did I not need to ask?
Has he made up his mind?
Do I have to bring it up first?
I think staying in our current relationship for a while longer is fine.
I had that feeling too.
Our current relationship was comfortable.
But he seemed to have made a firm decision to take the next step.
Honestly, I thought it was troublesome.
Why do people seek that far?
Why do they keep seeking new circumstances?
The goal we'll reach in the end is decided anyway.
Then what's wrong with taking it slow?
What I seek is peace.
But it seems I'm still far from reaching that word 'peace.'
To reach the position Emi-senpai and Sakura-senpai have reached, I need to step forward a bit more.
Honestly, I never thought I'd reach there.
But he says he'll guide me there.
Then I just have to follow.
When dinner ended, he gave me a present.
It was a pair bracelet.
I wasn't very interested, but if it's a bond that connects the two of us...
When dinner ended, we gazed at the city's illuminations.
His profile as he looked up at the illuminations was gentle.
The wind is cold, but my dyed heart wants to touch you.
Why did we meet?
It's painful and agonizing.
If so, I want to fly away somewhere invisible. I think that, but still I search for you.
Calling your name over and over.
In the sky, only one small star, faintly shining, floats.
We arrived at his house.
I showered and we watched TV.
Love songs played, and we talked about love too.
Today is Christmas Eve.
The day lovers are permitted.
The day God is born.
A small life was conceived between us too.
(6)
"Let's finish early today. Good work, everyone."
"Thank you very much."
"Rest well in preparation for tomorrow."
"Yes."
"Then, both of you have a nice Eve."
With that, the coach left.
"Good work today. That's all for today's schedule."
He, Akiyoshi-kun, looks like he wants to say something.
"Well, I'll go get changed."
Leaving his slightly lonely face behind, I headed to the changing room.
I'll listen to you properly later.
Don't worry so much.
After changing and coming out of the changing room, he was waiting.
"U-um..."
"You're off for the rest of the day, right? Relax."
Hang in there.
I was cheering him on in my mind.
"I've made a reservation for dinner after this, so if you'd like..."
"Gladly..."
"Before that, there's somewhere I want to go, is that alright?"
Somewhere he wants to go?
I decided to leave it to him.
A jewelry store in the city.
The prices were shockingly high.
He said I could choose whatever I liked.
I was looking at one ring.
A platinum ring studded with diamonds.
He measured my finger size and bought it.
"I haven't properly proposed yet, so I'll do it now. Will you marry me?"
He said and held out the ring.
"I thought the proposal was done when I went to Akiyoshi-kun's house."
"But I hadn't properly given you the ring."
"Thank you."
"Then..."
"It's a celebration today, isn't it."
After that, we enjoyed dinner.
"The big day is finally tomorrow."
"Yes, tomorrow."
"Let's do our best. It's the unveiling of the reborn ALICE."
"That's true, but..."
"Is something wrong?"
He asked.
"I accepted your proposal."
"Yes."
"At least when we're off, I'd like you to call me Arisu."
"Ah, sorry. I'm really thoughtless."
"Is it okay? Do you have any plans after this?"
"Just to send Arisu home."
"I've received a proposal and even been given a ring. I want to give you something from me too."
"Thank you very much."
I took a notebook out of my bag and handed it to him.
A planner for next year.
"You'll need it for the future, right?"
"Thank you very much."
"And there's one more thing."
"And what is that?"
I stood up and pressed my lips to his.
"I want to give you myself tonight."
It seemed to take him a while to understand the meaning.
"...Is it really okay?"
"Yes, I really want you to accept it."
Tonight is Christmas Eve.
The day lovers whisper about love.
In the sky, only one star emits a faint light.
Mixed in with the illuminations.
Tonight the moon is blue.
Tonight is the prologue for me and Keita.
The curtain of our life together begins tomorrow.
(7)
I came on a date to the city with Toya-kun.
Even the illuminations I see every year look different each year — is it because I'm with Toya-kun?
Toya-kun creates all sorts of filters every year.
They are all happy colors.
But this year has a special meaning.
The last Christmas Eve of university life.
Starting next year, a new life awaits.
I have many worries, but with Toya-kun, I can overcome them.
I believe that.
After dinner, we stop by one bar.
While rearranged Christmas songs play, we enjoy the atmosphere together.
Then we take the bus home.
Lately, every house competes to have flashy LED lighting decorations, and we go home looking at them.
On the way home, we stop by the park.
Toya-kun seems somewhat nervous.
I wonder what's wrong?
"Everything started from here, didn't it?"
"Huh?"
"It started from the time we took care of that puppy under this bench."
"...That's right."
"It's been almost 10 years since then."
"It's been that long, hasn't it."
"So, today I want to tell you, Airi."
What's wrong?
My heart was pounding.
"On the Christmas 10 years from the day Airi and I started dating, I'll propose to you. At that time, please—"
That's cheating, Toya-kun. I've been saying I want to be your bride all along, you know? That answer is obvious.
"...Yes. I'll be waiting."
Toya-kun hugged me tightly.
He's grown into such a reliable person.
I gently hugged him back.
"I'm looking forward to next year."
Huh?
"Our life together, you and me."
"That's right."
"I wonder what kind of year it'll be?"
"Ugh... That's obvious, isn't it!"
"Huh?"
"It'll surely be a happy year."
"...Yeah, you're right."
"Should we head home soon?"
"Yeah."
With that, I went home with Toya-kun.
When I got home, I took the cake out of the fridge.
The four of us ate it.
They said it was delicious. I'm glad.
Maya-san said she would clean up, so Toya-kun and I bathed and then relaxed in the room.
The TV was showing Christmas specials.
We looked at our phones while watching.
Everyone was spending their own Christmas Eve.
Tonight is Christmas Eve.
The day everyone offers their wishes to the stars.
May everyone be happy.
May there be peace.
It's the day when various wishes are sent to God.
But everyone knows.
The one who grants wishes isn't God.
It's something you achieve yourself.
Toya-kun made his own wish come true himself.
But Toya-kun says it's because I, the goddess of luck, was by his side that he could achieve it.
But I also say that the one who grants my wishes isn't God, it's Toya-kun.
Next year is my last year of single life.
Toya-kun says it will be the year my dream comes true.
I pray that that wish comes true.
I make a wish upon the only one star in the sky that emits a faint light.
"Should we go to sleep soon?"
"Yeah."
That night, I had a dream.
A vision of me seeing Toya-kun off while being busy taking care of three children.