Chapter 369 - Because This Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Love
(1)
"Toya-kun, it's morning."
"Good morning, Airi."
After exchanging morning greetings with Airi, I get out of bed and go to wash my face.
Airi follows me.
We brush our teeth together, wash our faces, and fix our bedhead.
"I always wonder, Toya-kun, don't you ever think about styling your hair?"
Airi asks while eating breakfast.
"I figure it's fine as long as there's no bedhead. Is that bad?"
"No, it's just, you'll have your hair styled for the wedding, right? I just thought it's a waste since I think Toya-kun is pretty cool."
"I don't know how to do it, so it's fine."
I don't really like fussing over things too much anyway.
"I see~"
"It's useless talking to Toya about that kind of thing, Airi-chan. I don't know who he takes after, but he's even careless about his clothes."
Mother says.
It was pretty random until Airi started coming around.
After finishing breakfast, I take my mug of coffee and go back to my room.
Then I relax watching TV until it's time.
Today is the day of the Christmas party.
Apparently, they've rented out a hotel party hall and are going to have a big celebration.
It seems they were able to rent it out because it was a hotel owned by a subsidiary of Akira-san's company.
ALICE's first live performance is scheduled to take place there.
Makoto and Kiritani-kun are looking forward to being the first to see the newly reborn ALICE.
We managed to get an early release of the debut song "In Wonderland" CD.
Furthermore, there's apparently going to be a preview of a new song releasing next month.
I heard she's putting out an album in February. The one supporting her through her busy schedule of university life is Akiyoshi-kun.
He seems to be her support both publicly and privately.
I heard a surprising fact from Watanabe-kun and Eguchi-san.
Apparently, they're holding a New Year's Eve party, and Morishige Seita is coming.
There seems to be some circumstances behind it.
I can kind of imagine what it is, though.
I was prepared.
It would be too late once I start working.
If I'm going to settle things, it has to be while I'm still a university student.
Having decided that, I was strangely calm.
Well, I just have to wait until the end of the year.
First, let's enjoy the Christmas party.
It seems everyone is coming to the Christmas party.
I'm looking forward to it.
"Toya-kun, I'm ready~"
It seems Airi is ready.
We grab our bags and leave the house.
After arriving at school, we attend classes, and during lunch break, we head to the cafeteria.
As we eat our boxed lunches, everyone gathers around.
Kuribayashi-kun and Sho have a different atmosphere about them.
Something must have progressed on Christmas Eve.
I deliberately pretended not to notice.
"I'm looking forward to tonight. The party."
Iori-san says.
"I'm not really interested in idols or anything," Tasuku says.
Well, I'm not either, though.
But still, they say this time it's worth seeing.
Hearing that makes me curious.
But if I show too much interest, it might upset Airi, so I don't let it show.
"Ai seems to be having a hard time. Eita's apparently really excited."
Kanna says.
"What about Makoto? He's a fan too, right?"
"Makoto has restraint. It's almost worrying whether he's still hung up on it."
Kanna says.
"Toya, do you have a moment for a consultation?"
Watanabe-kun came over.
"A consultation about what?"
Watanabe-kun sits in the seat next to me and starts talking.
"I told you about Eto Shinichiro, right?"
"That he's a member of the Knight of the Sun, right?"
About that, my father said it's become a big deal in the newspapers with all the talk about the Knight of the Sun?
"Yeah, it seems like a big deal. But they can't afford to lose the mayor's seat. So they're getting desperate."
"What do you mean?"
"It's this time right before the election. Morishige-san can't take any reckless actions. If he does, it'll be an instant scoop."
"That's certainly true."
If he ruins his clean and pure image, the floating votes will drift away. He'd want to avoid a scandal.
"Taking advantage of that, their interference is apparently getting extreme. But Morishige-san can't make a move. The Eguchi Group is the same."
"About that, my dad said he'd cooperate too."
"Haruna said so too. She said they'd cooperate since they're expanding their business locally."
Akira-san and Haruto said.
"Even more so. Akira-san and Shiratori-san's companies can't do anything that would create a negative image either. That's what they're aiming for."
"Is that so? It's simple. I don't know how much influence that Knight of the Sun has locally. But we can't make a move."
"Right, we can't make a move. So that's where we come in."
After Akira-san says that, Watanabe-kun speaks.
"So, you mean we should obstruct the obstruction?"
"To put it simply, yeah."
"Can we talk about this at the New Year's party?"
"Why?"
"I want to see if that politician, Morishige Seita, is the person his reputation says he is. If he is, then I'm fine with lending him our strength."
But if he's just someone with a twisted mindset who wants to crush power with power, I can't help him.
I argue that we should be swords of freedom, belonging to no power or faction.
"Toya's right. Got it. Emi-san, is that okay with you?"
"Yeah, maybe we do need to assess him. We have no enemies. That's precisely why we can't easily offer our help. If we apply pressure and crush them, it will create distortions."
Watanabe-kun and Emi-san say.
"But to think we'd end up having to intervene in politics..."
I said.
"I don't really get it, so I'll follow the seniors."
Haruto says.
When lunch break ends, we go back to class.
After classes finish, I go home.
I put down my bags and collapse onto the bed.
"Hey, Toya-kun?"
Airi is watching TV, snacking on sweets, and drinking juice.
"What's up?"
"You said that during lunch, but don't you actually want to help them?"
"Well, yeah. I am interested. He's a politician with a very good reputation."
"Right, we should definitely support him!"
"I wonder."
"Huh?"
"It's fine for the Eguchi Group and the Shimizu Group to support him. The Shiratori Group is the same, of course. But I still don't know if it's something we should get involved in."
"The enemy is the Knight of the Sun, right? If so, you'd want to settle things even more. Isn't that what you're thinking?"
"Airi. What do you think is the most amazing thing about Morishige Seita?"
"Huh? That is~"
Airi is thinking. How does that relate to the Knight of the Sun? She's probably wondering about that.
"He's clean and pure. No stains. A pure image that no other local politician has. What do you think would happen if the Watanabe Squad got involved?"
"His image would be ruined?"
"If the Watanabe Squad, which can't shake off its bloody side, comes to the forefront, it would ruin his clean and pure image. I want to avoid that at all costs."
"That's true. So, is it better not to do anything?"
"I told Watanabe-kun I'd decide at the year-end party."
"Decide what?"
"Whether to lend our strength to Morishige Seita."
"But Toya-kun, you just said the Watanabe Squad shouldn't get involved?"
Maybe it's a bit cruel to keep Airi confused?
I get up, sit on the edge of the bed, and say to Airi, "Come sit next to me."
Airi sits beside me and looks at my face.
I stroke Airi's head as I speak.
"If he's the person the rumors say he is, I think I should lend him my strength."
"But you just said that would create a negative image, Toya-kun!"
"We'll just do what we can."
"And what's that~?"
"It's obstructing the Knight of the Sun."
Right now, I have Makoto, Kosei, and Emi-san gathering information.
With the Takahashi Group and Sudo Group gone, which company is moving Stinger?
It's obvious that some company is backing Stinger. They haven't been crushed yet, after all.
We also need to confirm the current composition of the Knight of the Sun. And how much power are they lending to Eto Shinichiro?
With the Red Society gone, the execution force is definitely Stinger.
What we can do. It's not to cheer them on, but to stick to the shadows and protect the pure white politician so he doesn't get stained by the darkness.
Because once a politician learns of corruption, they can never wipe that stain away.
"In short, we're Morishige-san's bodyguards?"
"The Eguchi Group is providing soldiers for that. What we're going to do is drag the Knight of the Sun off the stage. We have no more use for them. Let's ask them to leave quickly."
"Ugh... it's too difficult, I don't get it."
"We don't know how they'll move either, so it can't be helped."
"Yeah."
"It's almost time. Shall we go?"
"Okay."
I leave the house with Airi and head to the bus stop. We take the bus to the station front.
If we go straight to the hotel, it'll be too early.
I stop by a bookstore with Airi.
Airi doesn't like horror, but she seems to like suspense.
I wonder if that's a particularly female emotion?
Airi picks up a suspense novel, then goes to the travel magazine corner and buys a Hokkaido travel guidebook together with it.
We look at it while drinking tea at a coffee shop.
"Where do you want to go in Hokkaido, Toya-kun?"
"Wakkanai."
"Huh?"
"Cape Soya. I've always wanted to go there once."
"Why?"
"Do you remember when I said let's run away to the ends of the earth together, Airi?"
"Yeah."
"The ends of the earth are hard, but we can make it to the ends of Japan, right?"
"I see~. Is there anywhere else?"
"Don't you have anywhere you want to go, Airi?"
"As long as I'm with Toya-kun, anywhere is fine."
Airi really has no desires, does she.
"Then, shall we go to Hakodate?"
"Why?"
"I heard the night view is beautiful, and if it becomes a memory with Airi, anywhere is fine for me too, just like you."
"...Yeah."
Airi marks the pages with the places I mentioned.
Around the time I finish eating my cutlet sandwich, Airi says, "Let's go soon."
I look at the clock. It's about time.
We headed to the hotel venue.
(2)
The dressing room of the party hall.
Knock knock.
Someone knocks.
"It's me."
It's Keita.
"Come in."
The door opens and Keita enters.
"Are you ready?"
Keita asks.
"I'm fine anytime. Are you okay, Keita? It's your first job, right?"
"Actually, I'm a bit nervous."
Keita says that and laughs.
I take both of Keita's hands and say.
"It's fine to be yourself. If the usual Keita is watching me, I can stand on stage with peace of mind as ALICE. I can perform as ALICE."
Because you are preparing the place for Shimomura Arisu to return to.
Knock knock.
"Yes?"
"It's me, Watanabe."
"Come in."
When Watanabe-kun enters, he looks at me in surprise.
"I see. So this is why Makoto and Eita are captivated. You're beautiful..."
"Thank you very much."
"All the guests are here. You may start at the scheduled time."
"Understood. Shall we go, Keita?"
"Yeah."
We set up the pin microphone and earphones.
When we leave the dressing room, the staff are waiting.
Keita says.
"This is the first stage of the new ALICE. Let's make it a success!"
"Yeah!"
I high-five everyone.
We head to the stage.
From the wings, I watch Watanabe-kun standing on stage.
I glance at Keita.
Keita's expression is stiff.
I take Keita's hand.
"Relax, relax."
"Thank you."
We waited for our turn.
(3)
"Ah, I am very grateful that so many people have gathered here today."
"Masashi, you're too long, just start already."
Mika-san, who has already opened a mug of beer, says this, and laughter spills out.
"Well then, let's enjoy tonight. Cheers!"
When Watanabe-kun says that, the feast begins.
I go to get food and get hit by Airi.
Then Airi decides what I eat.
I can just come back for more.
"This time, as a first attempt, we have a performance prepared. It's the first stage of the local idol ALICE after her transfer. Everyone, enjoy it."
When Watanabe-kun says this and steps down from the stage, the lights dim.
Then a spotlight illuminates the woman standing on stage.
She appears wearing a red wig, red contact lenses, and a black gothic-style costume.
"Welcome to Wonderland♪"
When the music starts, her brilliant dance begins.
Everyone starts clapping along.
"The song is hope~"
At times like this, they usually lip-sync to the audio from the speakers, but the microphone was clearly picking up her voice.
Dancing so energetically, she continues to sing solidly.
Makoto and Kiritani-kun seemed to have learned the choreography and were dancing together in front of the stage.
When the first song ended, her greeting began.
"Thank you for inviting me to such an occasion today. It's a short time, but let's all have fun!"
When she says that, everyone gets excited.
Then she moves into the next song.
Everyone was captivated by her choreography, her singing voice, and above all, her lively figure dancing on stage.
So this is what a live performance is like.
Forgetting to eat, I was mesmerized.
There were four songs in total.
Before I knew it, it was the last song.
"It's been a fun time, but this is the last one. I put my feelings into lyrics for the first time. Please listen. 'Because This Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Love.'"
She starts singing quietly, and the music begins to play.
She dances energetically until the very end.
There was no trace of the former image of Shimomura Arisu; there was only one idol named ALICE.
When she finishes singing, applause that doesn't stop is heard.
"Thank you, everyone!"
Saying that, she steps off the stage.
"As expected, she's amazing. I didn't get any of the image I had when I first saw her."
"Yeah. It was splendid."
I had forgotten to eat.
I go to get food as if I just remembered.
Airi sticks close to me.
"Airi, let me have some freedom when I'm eating, at least."
"No~! Toya-kun always eats too much!"
So I'm keeping an eye on you! Airi insists.
"Toya. It's good to remember this now. Getting married, gaining happiness, means sacrificing something."
Makoto speaks sagely.
"Oh? What did you sacrifice, Makoto?"
"Gah! Kanna!!"
When will you ever learn, Makoto?
"Don't end up like Makoto, it's fine to be yourself! Give it to her straight, straight!"
"Airi, is this much okay?"
"Hmm~, well, there's still more food, so let's leave it at this much."
I escape from Kiritani-kun.
"Hey, as a senior in marriage, I'm giving you advice!!"
"That's appreciated. Are you going to give it to me straight? I'm listening, Eita."
"Ah, Ai."
Those two are going to be like that forever, huh.
When I sit down, I ask Airi.
"Airi, don't you have any complaints about me?"
"Huh?"
"No, it's just that everyone seems to have some kind of complaint."
"Hmm..."
Airi is thinking.
"Anything is fine?"
"Yeah, go ahead."
"Pay more attention to me."
Huh?
"Lately, Toya-kun has been waking up obediently in the morning, right?"
Isn't that a good thing?
"The only time I had to be pampered by Toya-kun was when I woke him up in the morning, but now that's gone too. Once we start working, I'll have even more time alone."
"Then, should I sleep in more for you?"
I said it a little teasingly.
"Ugh, you're being mean again like that! It could be before bed, you know!"
"Hahaha, you two are always so affectionate. I'm envious."
Watanabe-kun came over with Shimomura-san and Akiyoshi-kun.
"It seems those two want to thank Toya."
Watanabe-kun says.
"Thank you very much for tonight. I was able to make the best start."
"Thank you very much. It's thanks to you, Katagiri-senpai, that we got together. I intend to cherish her for life."
Shimomura-san and Akiyoshi-kun say this and bow.
"I'm the one who should be thanking you. It was the best stage."
"Yeah, thank you."
After I say that, Airi says.
"You two must be hungry too, right? There are empty seats, so sit down and eat."
"Well then, we'll take you up on that offer. Shall we go, Keita?"
"Yeah."
The two of them say that and go to get food.
When they come back, they talk while eating.
"You're doing a New Year's Eve live too, right?"
"Yes, this time I plan to announce the songs for the album as well."
Akiyoshi-kun answers.
"Can you really memorize that many at once?"
I asked.
"It's tough, but I'll do my best."
She'll probably pull it off.
"Toya, it's unfair that you guys are monopolizing Arisu-san!"
"Yeah, unfair, unfair!"
Makoto, Kiritani-kun, and Kisaragi-kun came.
The three of them ask for autographs and handshakes.
She responded to them.
Time flew by while talking with them.
Watanabe-kun stood on the stage.
"Well then, it's about time. Anyone who can come to the after-party, please do. The usual karaoke place is fine."
When Watanabe-kun says that, everyone except Kosei and Naru decides to go.
I part ways with Kosei and Naru.
As he leaves, Kosei says.
"I investigated as you said, Katagiri-kun. As expected, it's safe to assume Stinger is the execution force."
Just as I thought.
"But their scale and influence aren't that significant. We can crush them anytime once we get the go-ahead. The problem is the timing. I'd like to get it done before the official announcement."
"Yeah. Can you investigate the armaments of the execution force?"
"For that, wouldn't it be better to ask Emi-san rather than us?"
"I've already looked into it. I've been investigating since Kosei was targeted."
Emi-san came over.
"But I just didn't say anything because we haven't decided whether to move yet."
"I'll hear the details later."
"Got it. A strategy meeting."
Emi-san says that and grins.
"Well then, I'll be off."
Kosei and Naru went home.
"I'd like to have a strategy meeting, but..."
Watanabe-kun glances at Makoto.
"Arisu-chan is coming to the after-party too, right?"
"Yes."
"Let's have fun until morning!"
"That's fine, but... are you two okay?"
"It's fine! While she's acting with the Watanabe Squad, she's everyone's ALICE-chan."
"As Makoto says, she's everyone's ALICE-chan!"
Makoto and Kiritani-kun again.
"I thought we couldn't have a proper discussion with the brains being like that."
Watanabe-kun gives a wry smile.
"You don't need to worry about that."
I say that and look at the two of them.
Watanabe-kun also looked at them.
"I'm sorry, but when I'm off stage, I want to act as Shimomura Arisu."
Akiyoshi-kun says.
"That doesn't matter. She's an angel who descended upon the aggressive women. Let's all cherish her."
"W-Well, if that's the case, it can't be helped. You two have fun."
Makoto seems to have caught on. His instincts seem to have sharpened.
"What's with Makoto! His vibe has been off lately! Is he that scared of his wife!"
Needless to say, everyone has already moved away from Kiritani-kun.
Only Shimomura-san, who is being pestered, and Akiyoshi-kun, who is protecting her, remain.
And a massive killing intent stood behind Kiritani-kun.
"Shimomura-san is off-duty right now. Between her and your wife, which one are you going to choose, Eita?"
"It's obviously Arisu-chan! I wish I could swap them. How about it, Akiyoshi-kun? Want to swap with my wife?"
Akiyoshi-kun notices. So he just gives a forced smile and says nothing.
"It might be better not to say things like that in front of your wife..."
Shimomura-san gently warns Kiritani-kun.
"That doesn't matter! I always live true to myself! Even in front of my wife... huh?"
Kiritani-kun turns around.
"Living true to yourself, huh. Fine. Let's hear your true feelings, shall we?"
"Ai... no, idols and wives are different, right?"
Does the word 'remorse' not exist in Kiritani-kun's vocabulary...?
(4)
Shimomura-san sings upon request, and Akiyoshi-kun watches over her.
The men clap along.
The women look at the men with exasperation.
"Kanna! We have to show them the pride of the Watanabe Squad's songstress!"
"I know!"
Mika-san and Kanna are burning with competitive spirit.
"I want to sing too~"
"I'll borrow the terminal for a bit."
Kitamura-san seems to like karaoke.
She must enjoy singing.
Kiritani-kun is getting a thorough scolding from Ai-san.
I'm used to this sight by now.
Me, Makoto, Watanabe-kun, the Ishiharas, the Sakaes, and Airi gather in a corner.
"Makoto, what's the real situation with Stinger?"
"It feels like they merged with the Red Society. It's no longer on the scale of a university club. It's practically a dark organization."
"Yeah. I don't know how they got them, but they possess a large amount of firearms too."
After Makoto says that, Emi-san speaks.
I don't think that's a line for Emi-san to say...
"Me? It's simple. A relative runs a trading company, and I used that route..."
You shouldn't say things like that!
"I'm different. I run a group of security companies and dispatch personnel all over the world..."
Akira-san casually says something extreme too.
But if it's a global security company, maybe it's plausible. Whether bringing it into Japan is okay is a different matter, though.
"So, what are we going to do? If we're going to have a shootout, I'd like to get it done during winter break."
Emi-san says. Don't say it like you're handing out New Year's cards.
"It's been a while since I've been this excited. When are we doing it?"
Akira-san says. We haven't decided to do it yet.
"You're thinking we should meet Morishige-san at the year-end party first, right, Toya?"
When Watanabe-kun says that, I nod.
"The Watanabe Squad... Unity is the strongest card locally. But in this case, it could become a double-edged sword."
It's best to keep it sealed.
"What do you mean?"
"If Morishige-san isn't what the rumors say, he's out of the question. We'll let him do as he pleases."
When I say that, everyone nods.
"And the problem is if he is the person the rumors say he is. This time, we can't just crush them."
"Why?"
Emi-san asks.
"The price we pay for stepping into the spotlight is too high. Isn't that right?"
When Ishihara-kun says that, I nod.
"If we make a move before them, it will ruin his clean image. That could be a fatal blow for Morishige-san too. Even if we act after them, it's no good. If they notice the connection, it's over."
"So, there's nothing we can do?"
"It would be fine if the fixed votes outweigh the others."
As expected, the Eguchi Group and Shimizu Group alone aren't enough yet.
"Then, what are we going to do?"
"First, expose the connection between Eto Shinichiro and the Knight of the Sun. At that time, we must not leave any traces of the Watanabe Squad."
Everyone in the local area probably knows about the Knight of the Sun. It's been all over the TV. However...
"That alone won't be enough to weaken their power."
Even if we expose the truth, it probably won't reduce their fixed votes.
That's the difficult part of politics. If even a hint of bad reputation sticks, Morishige-san's political life is over.
"Hmm, but even if we fight like this, it's still difficult, right?"
Airi says.
"About the Knight of the Sun that Toya mentioned, the Joint Newspaper and the Local Bank have pulled out. They apparently made the involved executives take responsibility and resign."
Makoto says.
But there's also the local temperament of not accepting outsiders. They probably won't switch sides easily.
"Maybe it's better for us not to get involved this time."
Watanabe-kun concludes that.
"That's not necessarily true."
I say.
"There might come a time when we can be of help. Whether to lend a hand then, I'll decide at the year-end party. I'll also think of a way to help."
"The best thing would be if that time never comes, though."
Sakai-kun says.
"Yeah."
"First, we can't talk until we meet him! With that said, is everyone okay with that?"
When Watanabe-kun says that, everyone nods.
"Then, I'll just gather as much information as I can with Makoto-kun. It's better to have more cards, right? Deck building, was it?"
When Emi-san says that, I nod.
"Since it's come to this, let's have Toya judge!"
Mika-san is calling me. What's up?
"Toya! Which one do you think is better, Kanna or Arisu!?"
Huh?
"What are you talking about?"
"Gah, you were too absorbed in your talk and didn't watch! We're starting over!"
When Mika-san says that, the two of them sing the same song alternately.
The score was higher for Kanna.
But the number of votes from the men was higher for Shimomura-san.
"You wouldn't be fooled by appearances! Decide which one is better once and for all!"
That's a ridiculous request if I've ever heard one!
"Mika, there's a difference between a pro and an amateur, so it's rude to compare them."
Watanabe-kun says.
"Toya! There's no way you'd choose Arisu, right!"
Kanna says, pressing in. Makoto is here, you know... and besides...
"Kanna! Don't touch someone else's husband! Makoto-kun is here too!"
"Airi, I'm just asking Toya which one is better."
"Right, let's include Airi too!"
Mika-san says something outrageous.
I'd better wrap this up quickly.
"I think Kanna-san has talent too. Above all, she's beautiful."
Shimomura-san says.
"I'm asking Toya. Hey, Toya... decide quickly, or else..."
Kanna's face gets closer.
Airi puts her hand between us.
"Kanna, that is absolutely not allowed!"
Airi shouts.
This is a more difficult problem than the Morishige issue.
Wait, is it really that difficult? Isn't it just that Kanna and Mika-san are drunk?
"I guess Kanna?"
Kanna hugs me.
"I knew you'd say that, Toya."
"Toya! How many people's wives are you making a move on!"
Makoto stands up!
Is it my fault!?
"Kanna! Get away from Toya-kun!"
"What's wrong with it? Hey, Toya, we even kissed back in middle school."
"Ugh..."
Airi is glaring at me.
The situation seems to have gotten even more complicated.
"I get it, Kanna, let go for now!"
"So Airi is better after all... yeah, I guess so."
Kanna gets depressed on her own.
"You have me, Kanna, right?"
Makoto says.
"Why do I always draw the losing lot?"
"Kanna, that one hurts, you know."
Makoto encourages the sulking Kanna.
"Kanna is still lucky. I've got Eita."
"H-Hey, Ai is the best for me too!"
The Kiritani couple says.
"Ai, let's drink together, fellow losers in the lottery of love!"
"Kanna, that's the spirit! Let's drink to the dregs!"
"I don't really get it, but count me in too!"
"Me too! I have things I want to say to Ryuji-kun too!"
The women start getting excited among themselves.
The men watch with a 'here we go again' look.
"Is it always like this?"
Shimomura-san came over.
"Well, this is pretty much what happens when alcohol gets involved."
"It looks fun~"
"You'll get used to it eventually, Shimomura-san."
"I'll do my best."
The one who has it tough is Akiyoshi-kun. I'll just go with the flow.
"Oh, I forgot to say something."
Miyuki-san said.
"About Shimomura Miwa-san, please be hospitalized even if it's just during winter break. I'll perform the surgery."
"Eh, but. The treatment costs..."
"There's no problem with that. USE said they'd cover it."
After Miyuki-san says that, Emi-san says.
"Considering the money you'll earn from now on, it's a pittance."
"Thank you very much."
Shimomura-san bows deeply.
Looks like that's settled.
On the other hand, the women's commotion shows no signs of calming down.
The men seem to have given up on getting things under control.
We ended up listening to the women's complaints until morning.
(5)
In the morning, everyone dispersed.
We also take the bus home.
When I get home and enter the room, I change into loungewear and go to the bath.
After taking a shower and returning to the room, Airi is looking troubled.
Around Airi are the clothes I've thrown off.
Is she angry?
"Oh, sorry. I'll clean it up right now. Should I just put them in the washing machine?"
Airi shakes her head.
"Oh, sorry! I'll do the laundry myself. It's bad to make you do all the housework, Airi!"
But Airi still shakes her head.
I sit down in front of Airi and peer at her face.
"What's wrong?"
"Ugh..."
I wonder what's wrong? After watching her for a while, Airi starts talking.
"I was wondering whether I should scold you for throwing your clothes around, or just think 'oh well' and clean them up myself."
"You can scold me for that. It's my fault for not being considerate enough, since we're going to live just the two of us from now on."
"Right. I'm going to live with you, Toya-kun. You'll be working, but I'll be a housewife, right? Shouldn't I be doing at least that much..."
"...Airi, you said you wanted me to pay more attention to you."
"Yeah."
"Scolding me like that could be a way for you to relieve stress, and it's also a form of physical contact with me, so isn't it good?"
"Won't you think I'm a nagging wife?"
"There's no way I'd think that."
"I see. But I want to take a shower too, so I'll take them with me."
Airi says that and leaves the room.
I sigh and lie down on the floor.
This year is almost over.
I look back on this past year.
I was able to put a proper end to basketball, just as I hoped.
Soon, my status as a student will also come to an end.
What awaits me is the trial called society.
And the endless maze of living together with Airi.
With expectation and anxiety in our hearts, we grope our way forward.
Airi comes back.
"You'll catch a cold sleeping in a place like that. Sleep properly in bed."
Airi says that and smiles.
I get up and get into bed.
Airi also gets into bed and hugs me.
"What were you doing lying around in a place like that?"
"I was thinking about the future."
"Huh?"
"I was thinking that no matter how many years pass, I'll probably live like this with you, Airi."
"Yeah. Maybe we'll have more kids, that's about the only thing that would change."
"Yeah."
Surely, no matter how many years pass, I'll spend my time with these unchanging feelings, as long as it's with Airi.
The shape of the future I've always held in my heart.
It's coming true just as I imagined.