Chapter 373 - The Beginning of a Dream
(1)
"Ah, we'll need a microwave too, right~"
I was at the electronics store with Airi.
As a result of discussing it with Airi, we decided to leave the furniture we currently have just as it is.
So that when we return to our parents' houses, we can stay overnight.
Though the new home is within walking distance, you see.
We are buying the furniture and other things to match Airi's tastes.
Apparently, furniture and home appliances alone aren't enough. She was buying cleaning tools, cooking utensils, and various other things.
The paperwork has all been completed.
All that's left to do is buy and install a gas stove, and have the gas company witness the opening of the gas line.
Studying for the final exams was also necessary, but since I was doing it under Airi's management, there was no need to worry at all.
Having safely cleared the exams, we plan to have a celebration party tonight.
With this, university life comes to an end.
As for qualifications, I obtained all the qualifications I could obtain.
After finishing shopping with Airi, I return home once and head to the bus stop.
And then, swayed by the bus, I head toward the city.
Arriving in front of the station, I headed to the usual restaurant.
"I had a reservation under the name Watanabe."
"Yes, please go up to the third floor."
Going to the third floor as guided, several people had already arrived.
At my table are Airi, the Watanabe couple, the Tada couple, and the Kiritani couple.
"Well then, thank you for your hard work, everyone. Let's have a blast at the end."
When Watanabe-kun says so, the banquet begins.
"Toya, have you already finished packing?"
"I've mostly finished."
"All that's left is to carry it~"
Airi says as well.
"So it's finally time for cohabitation."
Ai-san said.
"Taking care of Toya seems like it'll be tough."
When Kanna says so, Airi replies.
"Toya-kun hasn't required any hand-holding at all lately. It makes me feel a bit lonely."
"That's an enviable worry."
Kanna says.
"It certainly is an enviable worry. But Airi, when you move in together, men change, you know. You must absolutely never spoil him."
Ai-san says.
Do they really change that much?
I don't think Makoto and Kiritani-kun have changed all that much, though.
"That wouldn't happen with Toya of all people. He's surely being considerate of Tosaka-san."
Watanabe-kun says.
"That's what worries me. I wonder, 'Is Toya-kun holding in stress?'"
When Airi says so, Watanabe-kun answers.
"Toya wouldn't be like that, surely. He is always thinking of Tosaka-san. I can tell by looking at him."
"That's right, Airi. I've never held any dissatisfaction toward you."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"If so, then it's fine, but..."
(T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "ものがる", likely meaning "ものがある") It seems there is still something catching inside Airi.
"Tosaka-san, why don't you try believing in Toya a little? I've only observed Toya for seven years, but he was always thinking of Tosaka-san."
Watanabe-kun says, adding, "Though his eating habits are terrible too."
"That's right, Airi. I'm almost envious of you."
Kanna says.
"Airi, Katagiri-kun is always thinking of Airi. Aren't you two always lovey-dovey?"
When Ai-san says so, Airi laughs, "Ehehe~."
"But Toya is also to blame. Because he does things that make Airi feel that way."
Kanna says.
"It's just as Watanabe-kun says. I'm just getting anxious on my own."
Airi says.
"Airi, drink today! I want to know Airi's true feelings. What do you think of Toya?"
Mika-san offers alcohol to Airi.
"Toya too! Today is a celebration for the two of you! Drink thoroughly!"
Kanna says.
"Toya-kun, there's food left. I'll get some for you."
Airi says so and serves food onto my plate.
Anxiety, yes, there is some. Because what we are about to start is a first-time experience.
Even so, if it's with Airi, we can manage somehow.
I believed that.
Come to think of it, Makoto and the others are quiet.
Should I toss the conversation to Makoto and the others?
"How was it when you guys started living together, Makoto?"
"M-Me? Well, it was tough. As expected, it's hard for two people who lived different lives to live together."
"Indeed, I spend my days with endless nagging from morning till night. Didn't I tell you marriage is the grave of one's life?"
It seems asking Kiritani-kun was a mistake.
"Oh? The grave of one's life? Isn't that interesting? Why don't you let me hear clearly what that means?"
"Well, it's a continuous cycle of days fearing every time my demon wife comes home. Every day is hell."
"Who are you calling a demon wife, Eita?"
"Well, when it comes to my demon wife, there's only one person, right!"
"From here on, this isn't a story to let Katagiri-kun and the others hear. Eita, come here a moment!"
"A-Ai! It's Toya's fault! I was just being honest about married life—"
"Honest? Then all the more reason, I'll have you let me hear it in detail over there!"
Kiritani-kun is dragged away by Ai-san.
"Don't end up like that..."
Makoto says.
"Are you still dragging it out as usual, Makoto?"
"Well, seeing Kanna like that, I had no choice but to change, right? It's not like I hate Kanna. I love her from the bottom of my heart."
"For all that, aren't you chasing after ALICE?"
"Kanna accepted it. We go to see concerts together."
"It's one of Makoto's decent hobbies, after all. I'll at least tag along."
Kanna says.
So those two have managed to get along well. I became a little envious.
"In our house, Masashi is noisy. Telling me to clean up."
"If underwear is scattered around the room, anyone would want to complain. You can't invite guests over, can you?"
Mika-san did say she was bad at cleaning up.
In place of Kiritani-kun and the others, Kitamura-san and Kuribayashi-kun came over.
"We're also thinking of starting to live together from April."
Oh, had they progressed that far?
"She accepted it surprisingly easily. Saying, 'It certainly is a hassle to go see each other every single time.'"
Kuribayashi-kun says.
"Have you decided on a place to live?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
"I'm thinking of inviting her to my place. Since it's near the local station, it'll be close to the university. I also plan to start a part-time job."
"I see, do your best."
Watanabe-kun says.
"Um, Katagiri-senpai, do you have a moment? It seems Arisu has something she wants to say."
"What's the matter?"
"I wanted to thank you properly. Thank you very much for that time."
"You don't need to worry about it. Any harassment since then?"
"It stopped completely. Like a lie."
Did Stinger collapse?
"Stinger has vanished, and the Knights of the Sun lost their chance to interfere. Morishige-san should be fine now too."
"It's just as Makoto-kun says. Since then, the harassment and threats have disappeared, and me, Akira, Haruna... and the local bank are also lending their strength. We will definitely win the next election."
Emi-san came over.
"With this, all that's left is to safely wait for the graduation ceremony."
Watanabe-kun says.
"Excuse me, customers, it is time for the last order of drinks."
"Is it already that time... Everyone, for the afterparty, we're going to karaoke as usual!"
When Watanabe-kun says so, everyone responds.
Everyone except Kosei and Naru ended up going to the afterparty. (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "意外", likely meaning "以外")
"Well then, we'll be off."
"Good luck with your exams."
When Airi says so, the two waved and went home.
We headed to the afterparty location.
(2)
The women are fighting over the microphone and singing.
The men are singing too, but they are desperate just drinking and talking.
Makoto was quiet.
Everyone had noticed long ago.
But deliberately, no one spoke of it.
When the time came, he would say it from his own mouth.
And that time has now come.
"Ah, it seems Akiyoshi-kun and Shimomura-san have a report."
When Watanabe-kun says so, the two stand on the stage.
"This time, Arisu and I have safely decided on our engagement. Though we will register our marriage after graduating from university."
Everyone raises a cheer.
Airi is also sending applause.
"This is also all thanks to everyone. Thank you very much."
Arisu-san bows deeply.
"And there is one more thing I want to report."
Watanabe-kun says.
"We will face graduation next month. Therefore, we intend to leave the university activities of the Watanabe Group to Nishimatsu and Saki-san."
There was no one who opposed.
"I don't know if we can hand it over well, but we will make an effort."
"We will do our best not to tarnish the honor of the Watanabe Group."
Nishimatsu-kun and Saki-san give their greetings.
"With this, we are relieved of our duties."
Watanabe-kun sits next to me and says.
"Thanks for your hard work."
I toast with Watanabe-kun.
"Can we leave the matter of adding new members to you two?"
Watanabe-kun says.
"Yes, leave it to us."
"Leave the training to us!"
Emi-san and Akira-san say.
"Are Emi-san and Akira-san going to be full-time housewives too?"
"Yes, that's right."
The two answered so.
Though Emi-san has to manage USE, of course.
The representative director is Ishihara-kun, but Ishihara-kun has his own work too.
Apparently, Emi-san will handle the coordination.
The companions who have come this far together have also all begun to walk toward their respective futures.
Even so, our bonds will probably never be severed.
We will probably gather like this again, make a racket, and look back on the days of memories.
"Next is the graduation trip. It's planned for the middle of next month. Everyone, keep your schedules open."
"Only the fourth-years are going, right?"
Manabe-kun asked.
"Yes, that's right."
Emi-san answers.
"Though Eita is repeating a year."
When Ai-san said so, everyone was laughing.
That day too, we made a racket until morning.
(3)
"Which room does this box go to~?"
The Tada couple, the Watanabe couple, and the Ishihara couple came to help with the move.
Even though we say moving, the furniture and such have already been brought in.
All that's left is to carry the cardboard boxes containing clothes and small items.
Though there was quite a large amount.
I was laughing with Airi, saying we need to declutter at the end of the fiscal year.
When the move is finished, I serve the delivery soba we ordered to everyone.
"We'll unpack the rest ourselves, so thank you very much."
Airi says so.
"Do your best, Airi. If you have any trouble, call me right away. I'll lecture Toya for you."
"Toya... well, do it well."
Kanna and Makoto say.
"Toya, it's not the end yet. This one year is a practice run, right?"
"Toya, pull yourself together!"
Watanabe-kun and Mika-san say.
"Airi-chan, I'll be waiting at the Blue Bird, so let's get along well as fellow housewives."
"Katagiri-kun, do your best."
Emi-san and Ishihara-kun say.
After finishing the soba, the six went home.
We begin unpacking.
Things we didn't seem likely to use, we left at our parents' houses.
We bought one large television for the living room, and placed the television I brought from my house in the bedroom.
(T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "ながら。荷解き", likely meaning "ながら荷解き") While talking about memories together with Airi, we go about unpacking.
On the way, we went to a family restaurant and ate dinner.
At the same time, since the gas can't be used yet, we go to a public bath.
After that, we return home and resume unpacking.
By the time it finished, the date had crossed over.
A new bed, double size, with brand new bedding.
Since I couldn't sleep right away, I was watching television and got scolded by Airi.
"It's our first night living together!"
"Sorry, sorry."
I talk with Airi until we fall asleep.
"We've finally arrived, haven't we?"
"Though this isn't the goal."
"Yeah."
"I'll do my best too."
"Take care of your health."
"Yeah."
"Toya-kun."
"What's wrong?"
"I look forward to being with you from now on too."
"Likewise, I look forward to it."
Before long, Airi's sleeping breaths could be heard.
(T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "愛莉ん顔", likely meaning "愛莉の顔") I look at Airi's face; she must be having a fun dream.
Gently holding Airi, I decided to dream again as well.
Of an endless journey that will continue forever from here on.
(4)
I woke up.
I look at the clock.
It is about time for the gas company person to come.
Even if I try to get out of bed, Toya-san is clinging to me, so I can't just quietly leave the bed.
I whisper in his ear.
"Good morning, Toya-san. It's morning~"
Toya-san wakes up. And he is surprised.
"Airi, what's wrong with you suddenly calling me 'Toya-san'?"
"I've wanted to try saying it all this time. It's strange to keep calling you 'Toya-kun' forever. I'm practicing from now on."
Toya-san is dumbfounded.
"Let's change and wait for the gas company person? It's almost time for them to come."
"Y-Yeah."
And then, after changing and preparing, while watching television in the living room, the intercom rings.
"I am from the gas company."
We have him come into the house and look at the gas stove in the kitchen.
"Yes, it is fine. You can use it now. Please try lighting it."
When the switch is turned on, the fire lit up.
"Well then, thank you very much."
(T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "帰っていた", likely meaning "帰っていった") Saying so, the gas company person went home.
If we haven't eaten anything since morning, Toya-san must be hungry too, right?
"Instant ramen is fine for lunch, right?"
"Yeah, if possible..."
"With a soft-boiled egg, right? I know."
And so, making the instant ramen, the two of us eat it.
After eating, Toya-san says he will help clean up, but I declined.
"Toya-san's job starts from April, right?"
"Until then, it's like a vacation, so I'll help."
"There is a probationary period for work, right?"
"That's right."
"I want you to allocate this one and a half months as my probationary period."
"If Airi says so, that's fine, but..."
What is the matter with him?
"Doesn't 'Toya-san' still sound a bit distant after all?"
"That's not true, it has more love packed into it than when I called you Toya-kun."
"...Well, if Airi says so, I'll get used to it too."
"Yeah, thank you."
After that, I do the cleaning up, clean the room, do the laundry, do the ironing, and take a breath.
Then, Toya-san made café au lait for me.
"You won't last unless you take at least a break."
"Thank you."
After drinking the café au lait, I go shopping with Toya-san.
I insisted that I would drive to the supermarket.
"I can't depend on Airi to that extent. When I'm here, I'll drive."
"It's impossible for me to suddenly drive all by myself. Even without that, I've been like a paper driver for these past four years, you know? Please guide me."
Toya-san's face was twitching, but he gave me permission.
"Airi, too much tension in your shoulders."
"You shouldn't stare straight ahead so much, keep your field of vision wide and look further ahead."
"Something might be in the shadows. Always maintain that kind of tension."
"Can you park? Shall we switch?"
Toya-san earnestly gives me instructions.
I was able to do it all by myself.
"So, what are you making today?"
"They say men like things like curry, right?"
"Well, yes, but. Come to think of it, I've never eaten Airi's curry."
"Then, shall we have curry tonight?"
"I'll leave it to my future wife."
We haven't bought any ingredients for our home yet. It's a state where there isn't even rice.
We have to buy seasonings and such too.
By the way, shampoo and things like that have been bought.
Even though I thought we gathered everything, there are still so many things we have to gather~.
By the way, the credit card was remade under Toya-san's name.
Because I thought we can't depend on our parents forever.
Until Toya-san starts working, we have to get by with Toya-san's savings and my savings.
Once Toya-san starts working, we have to get by on that salary.
The responsibility is heavy.
Having Toya-san carry the heavy things, we transport them to the car.
"Is this everything?"
"Yeah, for the time being, we've gathered them."
A set of seasonings and the ingredients for tonight's dinner. We bought everything.
(T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "運てもらって", likely meaning "運んでもらって") Returning home, I have him carry them in, and enter into the preparations for dinner.
While I am cooking, Toya-san is watching television in the living room.
"If you're free, you can play games in the room, you know?"
"Because I want to at least keep Airi company."
He is a husband who says delightful things.
Once the smell of curry hangs in the air, Toya-san turns off the television and comes to the dining room.
"Yes, here you go. There are seconds~"
"It looks delicious."
A meal of just the two of us in our new home.
Toya-san said it was delicious.
I do the cleaning up after dinner.
Toya-san is watching television in the living room.
Occasionally turning around, our eyes meet.
Naturally, a smile spills over.
When the cleaning up is finished, I say, "Please take a bath."
Toya-san goes in first.
After that, I go in and relax in the bedroom.
"Thanks for your hard work."
Toya-san rubs my shoulders.
After that, I watch television while keeping the household ledger.
Toya-san seems to be doing something on his PC.
When I finish keeping the household ledger, I quietly peek.
He was playing a game.
I leave him be and read a book I had bought.
Speaking of books, I had bought a travel guide for Hokkaido.
I look at it.
I had put sticky notes on the places Toya-san wants to go.
I'm looking forward to it.
When the time comes, Toya-san also shuts down his PC.
I also close my book and laptop.
When the two of us get into bed, we fall asleep.
It was the beginning of our dream.