Chapter 378 - The Sound of the Wind's Beginning
(1)
"Toya, you're late."
"Sorry, there was no bus."
It seemed we were the last ones.
There was still plenty of time before the train's departure.
Watanabe-kun hands the tickets to each person.
Once we boarded, the train departed, aiming for Hakata.
Some were making a racket, while others swayed gently and fell asleep.
I was looking at the scenery and talking with Airi.
Perhaps the scenery wasn't even necessary.
I was simply sharing this time alone with Airi.
Starting today, we are going on a trip to Okinawa.
It is scheduled for three days and two nights.
Apparently, we can rent a car through the tour plan.
Going on this trip are me and Airi, the Tada couple, the Watanabe couple, the Ishihara couple, the Kiritani couple, the Sakai couple, the Nakajima couple, the Kimoto couple, Sa, and Sakura-san.
We decided to go with only this year's graduation group.
Even so, it's a large group of eighteen people.
Once we arrive at the local hotel, everyone is free to act on their own.
So I wondered if there was really any need for all of us to go together.
Airi is looking at the travel guide in high spirits.
"Airi, is there anywhere you want to go?"
"Shuri Castle! And also, a beach would be nice. I hear the sea in Okinawa is beautiful."
It seems Airi has already decided on the places to go.
Day one is sightseeing, day two is shopping.
"Toya-san, is there anywhere you want to go?"
"Not particularly, I'll leave it to you, Airi. You granted my wish for Hokkaido, didn't you?"
"Yes."
Just then, a message came in.
"Tonight at 21:00, the men gather in the hotel lobby. Don't let the women catch wind of this under any circumstances!"
It's from Makoto.
Why does he send messages like this?
"Toya-san, what is the matter?"
"It's nothing."
"Then please show me your smartphone."
Secrets don't work on Airi.
Holding my head, I hand my smartphone to Airi.
I study Airi's expression. She smiles brightly and is typing some message.
"What's wrong?"
"I'll teach Toya about the adult world."
"The adult world?"
"Yeah, it seriously feels so good."
"What kind of place?"
"What, Toya, are you interested in going too!? For example..."
Airi looks at that and grins.
And then she stands up and shouts.
"Kanna! Check Makoto-kun's smartphone!"
"What's wrong, Airi?"
"He's inviting Toya-san to a shady establishment again!"
"What? Makoto, let me see that for a second!"
Kanna is checking Makoto's smartphone.
"This idiot..."
"L-Look, since we're at a resort of all places, you'd want to stretch your wings too, right!?"
"Ah! Even Eita!"
"Wait, Kazu-san!?"
"Ryuji-kun!"
One after another, the men have their evidence seized.
After that, another message came from Makoto.
I don't want to look at it anymore, but Airi urges me to look.
"Why the hell are you snitching on me!"
That's why I told you not to send those kinds of messages...
"Don't drag Toya-san into this!"
Airi sent that.
"Toya-san said he has no interest in that kind of thing, didn't he?"
"O-Of course I don't, right?"
"Then there is no problem, is there?"
"Y-Yes, that's right."
I had no choice but to laugh it off.
After getting off at Hakata Station, we take a taxi to Fukuoka Airport.
After completing boarding procedures and undergoing baggage inspection, we wait for a while.
Once the announcement to begin boarding plays, we board the plane.
A flight of a little over two hours.
Arriving at Naha Airport, we travel to the hotel by taxi.
After leaving our luggage at the hotel, everyone goes on their own free time with rental cars.
Each headed out to their favorite sightseeing spots.
(2)
Today, Sakai-senpai and Honoka-senpai are not here.
They must be enjoying themselves in Okinawa right about now.
Since Tabito-san and Stefan-san are here, even the busy hours weren't that painful.
Just as I take a breather, Manabe-kun arrives, bringing his wife, Satomi-san.
"How unusual for you."
"Well, yeah. Can I order two coffees?"
"Certainly."
I stick the slip in the kitchen.
The coffees are prepared immediately.
I hand them to the two sitting at the counter seats.
"Thank you for waiting."
The two drink their coffee.
"Actually, I came today to ask for some advice."
"Advice?"
"Are you free tomorrow night?"
"Yes, I am, but why?"
"If you'd like, why don't we get together and drink with our peers again?"
"Sounds good. But why so suddenly?"
Is it some trouble again?
"No, it's just that the seniors aren't around, and we don't really get to liven things up with just ourselves."
"It's not like there's anything special going on. Don't worry."
Since the two of them say so, I feel relieved.
"Tomorrow, then."
"Yeah, the name of the place is..."
I ask for the location.
"OK."
"By the way, shouldn't Takemoto be looking for a job soon too?"
"That's true. We haven't talked about that kind of thing at all, so I don't know."
"Saki-san, aren't you going to get a job?"
Satomi-san asked.
I hadn't thought about it either. Should I consult Yuma?
I wonder how everyone else is doing.
I want to talk about that kind of thing too.
Once both of them finish drinking their coffee, they leave the shop.
After that, I worked until my shift ended and went home.
When I return home, Yuma is cooking.
"Ah, welcome back."
"I'm home."
I change my clothes and help Yuma.
Yuma is dexterous. He can handle anything.
While eating the food Yuma made, I bring up the topic from earlier.
"Your part-time job ends tomorrow evening, right?"
"Yeah, it ends, but why?"
"Manabe-kun came by to talk about getting together with our peers to drink."
"Did something happen again?"
"It doesn't seem like that kind of thing."
"I understand."
Yuma seems relieved too.
"By the way, Yuma, what are you doing about finding a job?"
"Eh?"
"Should I work too?"
"What's with this all of a sudden?"
"No, I was just asked about it earlier, so it got on my mind. Have you not thought about anything yet?"
"Sorry."
"Well, as a last resort, you can just get a job at Akira-senpai's place."
At that, Yuma puts down his chopsticks.
"Sorry, actually, there's a job I'm interested in."
"Eh?"
"I'm thinking I want to become a furniture craftsman."
"What's with this all of a sudden?"
Yuma begins to speak.
Apparently, he hit it off with a subcontractor's built-in furniture craftsman whom he often works on-site with.
Since it starts from an apprenticeship, the pay is low, but he apparently felt it was worthwhile.
He was told by the president to come after graduation if he was interested, so he seems to be hesitating.
Considering me, getting a job at Akira-senpai's company would be best, but he is apparently torn.
There is only one thing I can do for Yuma like that.
"Take it, that company."
"Is it okay? The pay is low, though."
"I'll work too. There's no problem then, right?"
"But Saki, are you thinking about the future?"
"Eh?"
"Don't you... want children?"
He was worrying about something like that.
"I'll look for a place that properly gives maternity leave. I'll ask Akira-senpai if there are any good places."
"Is it really okay...?"
"You thought about it yourself and want it yourself, right? I am your wife."
Pushing my husband's back is my duty.
"I'm sorry for always making you suffer."
"It's fine. If it's a decision Yuma made yourself, I will follow it."
"Thank you."
Yuma bows his head.
"Do your best."
I said so.
The future Yuma chose himself. I will only chase after it.
If Yuma falters, I will take his hand and walk together.
(3)
"This is it."
"That's right."
We had come to a five-story building in Otemachi.
On the first-floor door, "USE" is written.
The entertainment agency to which the recently popular underground idol "ALICE" belongs.
I knock and try entering.
"Excuse me."
The inside of the office was deserted. There was only about one clerk.
"Um..."
Just as I am about to speak to the clerk, a man comes over.
"Huh? Who are you guys? ALICE is in Kagoshima today, so it's impossible to see her even if you came for that, you know?"
The man says so.
"Welcome back, Nakamura-san."
"Man, I'm exhausted. Live offers are flooding in from all over."
"Same here, the phone was ringing off the hook until just now with TV appearance requests and such."
"I wish she would just drop out of university. If we don't secure work for her now, there's a risk of it being temporary."
"So, what did you guys come here for?"
Since Nakamura-san says so, the two of us hand over an envelope.
"Please let us take an audition."
"An audition!?"
"Yes, I want to become an actor."
"Me too, I want to become an actress."
"I see. For now, come to the back."
When Nakamura-san says so, we are shown into a reception room.
"Anan Naoki and Naka Rieko, both eighteen, aspiring actor and actress, huh..."
Nakamura-san speaks while looking at the resumes.
"We're short-handed right now, so we're not really thinking about increasing our talent roster."
"Can't you somehow make it work?"
"We don't mind starting from any kind of chore."
Rieko and I plead.
"Hmm, since it's a matter concerning our management, it's not something I can decide on my own. The owner is currently on a trip to Okinawa."
Nakamura-san is scratching his head.
"What are you doing now? Students?"
"We're part-timers. We were earning money with the intention of going to Tokyo."
"And so you found out about us and want to do it here?"
"Yes."
"...You said you'd do anything, right?"
"Yes!"
"...Since we only have ALICE, we're short-handed in various ways. Even for ALICE, her boyfriend is acting as her manager. Could you manage being Arisu's attendant?"
"We'll do anything!"
"Then, once the president and the others return, I'll run it by them. If you get the OK, come take the audition."
"Thank you very much!"
"We look forward to working with you!"
"Understood. I'll contact you again."
Being told so by Nakamura-san, we leave the office.
"Naoki, how was it?"
"To be honest, I still don't know."
"I wonder if it'll be okay..."
Rieko says anxiously.
"If it doesn't work out, we'll just save up money to go to Tokyo again."
"...That's right!"
The two of us walk holding hands.
Because you are here.
The moment that repeatedly buds is everything.
"I'll be by your side forever."
Snuggling close forever.
Unstained by the headwind, even the fear of losing is shining.
A premonition of the wind's beginning, a mystery.
Rejoicing in joy, grieving in sadness, let us live our lives and dream while awake.
We will make our wishes resound all the way to the ends of this earth.
Let us play the sound of the wind's beginning.
The bell of our beginning is ringing out now.
(4)
After touring the sightseeing spots Airi wanted to visit, we return and have dinner at the hotel.
It seems everyone else had returned too.
After finishing dinner and taking a shower, I wait for Airi while watching TV.
A message came from Makoto.
"We're going now, come immediately!"
...I feel like it's probably better not to go.
I want to avoid having a fight with Airi of all things while on a trip.
"Sorry, I'm going to sleep now, so have fun."
"How cold of you. Are you that scared of Tosaka-san?"
"I'm tired, and it's just a pain to change clothes at this point."
"Keep this an absolute secret from Tosaka-san, okay?"
"Understood."
Honestly... I wish he wouldn't drag other people into this.
"He really is a troublesome person, isn't he? Makoto-kun."
"Yeah... he's a troublesome guy."
...Wait, what?
Looking back timidly, Airi was standing there.
"Airi, you were back."
"I just returned a moment ago."
"...Were you watching just now?"
"Was I not allowed to look?"
"It's not that, but..."
"Then there is no problem, is there?"
Saying so, Airi begins to fiddle with her smartphone.
"Ah, Kanna, were you sleeping? Makoto-kun? He's not there, is he? You see..."
Forgive me, Makoto, it was an act of God.
"Yeah, try contacting the others too. I mean, a girls' night out is fine, right?"
The two of us look at Airi's smartphone.
Apparently, the ones who went were Makoto, Kiritani-kun, and Nakajima-kun.
The rest of the men had declined for reasons similar to mine, or were being monitored by the women.
A message immediately comes to my smartphone from Makoto.
"You idiot, I told you not to snitch to Tosaka-san!"
Airi types a reply.
"I told you not to teach Toya-san weird things, didn't I!"
No reply came back.
I'm the one who wants to complain.
What are you going to do about this awkward atmosphere!
I look at Airi; she is smiling brightly.
"Airi, where are we going shopping tomorrow?"
"Um, Kokusai Dori and the Public Market, and if there's time, I'd like to try going to American Village..."
It seems Airi is not in a bad mood. As proof, Airi clings to me.
"Toya-san, you think I'm in a bad mood again, don't you? I was happy, you know. That you properly declined."
"O-Of course I'd decline. I don't want to fight with Airi when we've come all this way on a trip."
"Toya-san, are you scared of me?"
If I make the wrong choice here, it's over.
"...There's no way I'd be scared of my cute wife, right?"
"Thank you very much."
It seems I was saved.
Just then, a ringtone sounds.
"All members of the Okinawa group, gather in the lobby."
Exchanging looks with Airi, we change clothes and head to the lobby.
It had become quite a spectacle in the hotel.
Everyone else surrounds the three kneeling in seiza (T/N: a formal kneeling posture, here used as a sign of apology or penitence).
"W-We were just trying to go out for a drink for a bit, right? Eita."
Makoto says.
"Y-Yeah, that's right. Nakajima-kun, say something too."
Kiritani-kun says.
"Y-Yeah, exactly. It's not like we have anything to hide."
Nakajima-kun says.
"Then, would you care to explain why you left in silence while I was sleeping?"
Kanna says.
"W-Well, wouldn't it be pitiful to wake up my wife when she's tired?"
"Yeah, yeah, we were just trying to go out for a drink among guys."
"And we have plenty of things we want to talk about."
Makoto, Kiritani-kun, and Nakajima-kun desperately make excuses.
"I only heard that you were going to the convenience store, though, Eita."
"I also only heard that you were going out to play with the guys, but why is it only the three of you? Ryuji-kun."
"Shouldn't you ask the other guys about that? Honoka."
Are they planning to shift the blame onto us?
However, a single word from Airi completely denies everything.
"Then, what did you mean by saying 'keep it a secret from me'? If you're going to drink among guys, you could have just said so, right? Why are you sneaking around?"
"T-Tosaka-san, that is..."
Makoto glares at me, but I avert my eyes.
"This isn't a school field trip. Don't make me say silly things like a curfew."
Watanabe-kun says.
"And stop dragging other people into this. Toya is one thing, but even I had a hard time soothing Kana."
Kimoto-senpai says.
Kimoto-senpai was seen, I guess.
"Everyone is making an effort to create good memories. Please refrain from doing things that ruin that."
When Watanabe-kun says so, Mika-san calls a halt.
"Isn't that indirectly telling these three to just go on their own?"
"That's right! There's a problem with the other men too! Keeping quiet as if it has nothing to do with you. Didn't you think to stop these three?"
Ai-san says.
"These three aren't children anymore either. They'll take responsibility for what they're trying to do themselves. Since they're trying to do it on that basis, it has nothing to do with us, right?"
Tasuku says.
"That's true. As I said earlier, this isn't the vibe of a school trip. One should take responsibility for oneself."
Watanabe-kun says.
"But Masashi, we should give these guys some kind of penalty!"
Mika-san says.
Do your best, Watanabe-kun. One wrong step and it'll be a massive flare-up.
"Toya, what do you think we should do?"
You're passing it to me!?
Then Airi spoke.
"Hey? Why do the three of you want to go to those kinds of shops so much? When I went on a trip with Toya-san, he didn't do that kind of thing at all, you know? He works hard to make memories with me."
The three remain silent.
A penalty, huh.
There's only one option left, isn't there?
"You said a penalty, right?"
When I say so, everyone looks at my face.
"...Shall we all go out tomorrow night? To a pub or something."
"T-Toya, a pub, you!"
Makoto reacts. The women's eyes flared with anger.
"It's not a shady establishment, it's a small restaurant where you can drink a little alcohol. Apparently, some places even have karaoke. Everyone can enjoy that, right?"
"We came all the way to Okinawa and we're going to karaoke!?"
Kiritani-kun screams.
"Personally, I wanted to experience a shop with that kind of atmosphere once."
"I agree with Toya-san's opinion, though?"
Airi says.
"Well, I suppose it's better than having them sneak off. Even though I wanted to spend the night relaxing, this idiot..."
Kanna doesn't seem to be opposed either.
"Is everyone fine with that?"
When Watanabe-kun says so, there was no one who complained.
"Well, let's leave it at that. Shall we disperse? Tomorrow starts early too, right? Let's go to sleep quickly."
When Watanabe-kun says so, everyone returns to their rooms.
Once we also return to our room, we change into loungewear and get into bed.
"Hey, Toya-san."
"What is it?"
"It's no use trying to deceive me. Why did you look up pubs?"
"Because I was a little interested."
Bonk
"Honestly, you are hopeless."
Airi's face as she says so is smiling.
The dream in my eyes will surely bless Airi's pride.
My entire body remembers the moment we resonated.
Though incomplete, by your side, my dry heart melts and bleeds, but...
I will be by your side forever
I will always snuggle close to you.
The sound of the wind's beginning is played.