Chapter 384 - Their Respective Holidays
(1)
"Toya-san, what will you do today? Will you sleep until noon?"
"Ah, good morning, Airi."
"Good morning. I'm sorry. I didn't ask you last night what we should do about breakfast."
Ah, today is Saturday, huh.
I hug the troubled Airi.
"I'm getting up now. Today is a holiday for both me and Airi."
"Toya-san, you're tired, so don't worry about it."
"Didn't I tell you? I'll balance both Airi and work."
"But..."
"I wanted to go shopping. Let's do some shopping for Airi too while we're at it, okay?"
"I understand. I'm sorry for seeming to make unreasonable demands."
Airi looks apologetic, but her heart seems happy.
"Well, shall we have breakfast? What time is it now?"
"It's still eight o'clock."
"I see. Well then, let's eat breakfast and go shopping."
"Yes."
Saying so, Airi heads to the kitchen.
I also changed my clothes and noticed as I was leaving the room.
Seeing the pajamas I had left scattered after taking them off, I pick them up and put them in the washing machine.
It seems Airi was watching me do that.
When our eyes meet, Airi smiles warmly.
"I'm sorry, as always."
"I'm happy just that you noticed."
I eat breakfast with Airi.
"Airi, aren't you going to buy spring clothes this year?"
"I thought maybe I'm fine for this year? Like, I shouldn't spend money wastefully."
"I don't do the kind of work that would leave you out on the street. Don't worry about it and buy some."
"If you go that far... there was just one one-piece dress I was curious about."
"You like one-piece dresses, don't you, Toya-san?" Airi replies with a smile.
After finishing breakfast, Airi cleans up and starts preparing to go out.
Meanwhile, I watch TV in the living room.
There aren't many places to go, so maybe I'll rent a DVD on the way back from our shopping trip.
While I am thinking about such things, Airi finishes getting ready.
Taking Airi with me, we leave the house and go to a golf equipment store.
Golf club sets are sold there so that even beginners can easily understand them.
I buy that, and then buy wear, shoes, balls, gloves, tees, markers, and so on.
Once we buy everything, we go to a shopping mall and eat lunch.
After that, we go shopping for Airi's clothes.
It seems Airi had already decided what to buy.
Going to the target shop, she chooses the target one-piece dress and selects the size.
"I was curious about it when I went window shopping with Kana."
"You should have bought it then."
"I wanted to hear your opinion, Toya-san. (T/N: typo in source — original reads "聞き方かった" (kikikatatta), likely intended as "聞きたかった" (kikitakatta, wanted to hear)) Does it suit me?"
A white striped shirt one-piece dress.
It was perfect for Airi.
"It suits you, it's fine."
"I'm glad."
Airi takes it and goes to the register.
Having finished the payment, she runs over to me.
"Now, let's go to the next shop."
The next shop?
That place was a men's fashion shop.
"Airi, I've done enough shopping today, so it's fine."
"That is a necessary expense, right? Because I want you to remain a wonderful husband."
Saying so, Airi bought the clothes.
"What shall we do after this? I'm thinking of renting a DVD and going home, though."
"That's fine."
Going to the rental shop, I choose what to watch with Airi.
We rented Western movies, Japanese movies, anime, and comedy.
I look at the clock; timing-wise, isn't it about time for dinner?
"What do you want to do, Airi? Shall we go home once?"
"I have a request, is that okay?"
"Sure."
"Why don't we go to the golf driving range?"
"That's fine, but..."
Well, getting used to the clubs is also important, I suppose.
Going to the driving range, Airi says she will watch from behind.
I've only practiced golf once, but my body remembers.
I shake the net many times.
When I look back, Airi is clapping lightly.
After killing some time, we leave the driving range.
"Well then, shall we eat dinner and go home?"
"Let's do some shopping and go home, okay? Because I will make dinner."
"Today and tomorrow are Airi's rest days. No housework."
"Then, since it would be late if I started making it now today, eating out is fine, but tomorrow we'll be home all day, so I'll make it, okay? Is that alright?"
Grumbling too much would only trouble Airi. I should honestly obey Airi.
"Alright."
"Then, at a family restaurant."
After placing our order at the family restaurant, I ask Airi.
"Are you that anxious with just my earnings?"
Airi shakes her head.
"You don't have to worry, since I am managing it. But it's the first month, right? Restrain yourself as much as possible. I'm thinking of using it as a reference starting next month."
Airi says we also have to think about things like the cost of my life insurance.
"But, in that case, the savings..."
"I want to keep that as savings for the future. Children's education costs and such will also be needed."
It seems there is no problem leaving the household budget issues to Airi.
"I understand. I'll leave it to you, Airi."
"Yes. I've got this."
After eating, we go home, and since she tells me to take a bath first, I go in first.
After that, when Airi goes in, she starts doing the laundry.
While the washing machine is running, Airi is keeping the household account book in the bedroom.
"How does it look?"
"There was a drinking party, but Toya-san always comes straight home. It's going smoothly."
Airi says that if it continues like this, we should be able to save up.
When the laundry is finished, Airi does the ironing and puts the laundry away.
When all of that is finished, Airi's day is over.
She brings a chu-hi from the refrigerator and drinks it.
Is it because she has alcohol in her system?
Lately, there are few times when Airi asks me to pay attention to her.
But right now, Airi is leaning her body against mine.
Is Airi still at an age where she wants to be doted on?
I wrap my arm around Airi's shoulder; Airi is staring intently at my face.
"Is it okay?" as if asking.
"Shall we get into bed soon?"
"Yes."
We talk in bed.
"Airi, you already intend to be my wife, don't you?"
"Yes, that's right."
"So I will also behave as Airi's husband."
Airi tilts her head.
"I will accept at least Airi's demands, and I will properly receive Airi's selfishness and dissatisfaction too. So don't hold back and tell me anytime."
"I am happy right now. Because Toya-san is being the ideal husband. Any more selfishness than this would incur divine punishment."
"But in fact, earlier you couldn't say what you wanted to say, right? I can understand at least that much."
"...I really am a fortunate person, aren't I."
Airi clings to me.
I hug such an Airi.
Today, too, we spent a happy night no different from usual.
(2)
"Aoi."
"Sui."
The two are looking at each other's faces.
"Did something happen?"
I was listening.
"We are being followed."
The two said quietly.
"What should we do? It will be troublesome if we are followed all the way home."
Aoi-san, who is driving, says.
"Do you think we can shake them off?"
"I'll try."
The car changes direction.
The car that was tailing us went straight.
Did we shake them off?
Aoi-san shakes her head.
She says they might have already located the house and could be waiting in ambush.
"What should we do?"
Arisu is looking anxious.
There is no other choice; we have no option but to go home.
"Let's go home."
I made that decision.
When we go to the apartment building, a slightly chubby man wearing glasses is waiting.
He has a blade in his hand.
"Are you the bad manager who is deceiving ALICE-chan?"
He seems to have grossly misunderstood, but there is neither the need nor the time to clear up the misunderstanding.
I stand in front of Arisu.
"I'll defeat you and be together with ALICE-chan!"
He thrusts out a knife and rushes forward.
When I grab the hand holding the knife, the man's body spins around once and falls onto the passage.
Aoi-san and Sui-san, who rushed over after hearing the commotion, capture the man.
I report it to the police on the spot.
The man was taken away by the police officers who arrived, and we underwent questioning.
This is bad if it continues.
While undergoing questioning, I was thinking about something else.
When Arisu's questioning ended, we arrived back at Arisu's home.
After seeing off Aoi-san and Sui-san, I say to Arisu, "I will stay over today."
"I'd be happy if you did, but is your home okay?"
"It doesn't even compare to the danger to your safety, Arisu."
While saying so, I was calling Emi-san's smartphone.
"Hello, this is Akiyoshi. Actually, Arisu... Yes, so I'd like you to rent a 2LDK apartment with solid security... (T/N: typo in source — original reads "しっかりた" (shikkarita), likely intended as "しっかりした" (shikkarishita, solid/reliable)) Thank you very much."
Arisu looked like she wanted to say something, but leaving that aside for now, I call my parents' house.
"Hello, this is Keita. Put me through to Father."
"What is it?"
"Father, I want you to scrap our previous promise."
At those words, Father seemed to be at a loss for words.
Arisu also has a face like she is about to cry.
"I thought you were more devoted, but have you already grown tired of her? You spineless coward."
"Please don't misunderstand. What I said I wanted to scrap was the point where you said you wouldn't allow us to live together."
"What?"
"Arisu's safety is at stake. I will live with Arisu. I will marry Arisu right now. I will not neglect my studies."
"Do you have the power to support a single woman?"
"I don't need allowances for living expenses. If you say you won't pay my tuition either, I will quit the University. I want to be by Arisu's side as much as possible."
"...At least graduate from University. I won't budge on that. I will pay the tuition."
"Thank you very much."
"You had your unreliable parts, but her existence has changed you, hasn't it. I understand."
"Well then, I will visit you again at a later date."
Saying so, I hung up the phone.
I look at Arisu; Arisu has a face like she is about to cry at any moment.
I don't know if those are tears of joy or tears of frustration, though.
"I want to go buy a ring tomorrow before the live show starts, but will you accept my buying one for you?"
"I don't need a ring!"
Saying so, Arisu clings to me.
"Is a woman like me really okay? Keisuke (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "圭介" (Keisuke), but the character's name is "圭太" (Keita)) deserves a more suitable, reliable person..."
"To the current me, I can't think of any wonderful woman other than Arisu."
"Keisuke (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "圭介" (Keisuke), but the character's name is "圭太" (Keita))... thank you."
It was a proposal in an unexpected form, but I was able to convey it firmly.
We also reported it to the agency, and it was decided to announce it early next week.
Next week looks like it will be a busy week.
(3)
"I'm home~"
The lights in the room are on; the clock has passed two o'clock.
With no healing for my exhausted body, only Eita's laughter can be heard.
He is probably playing games anyway, right?
He doesn't even notice that I've come home.
It seems he finally noticed when I prepared a change of clothes, took a shower, and was thinking of drinking a beer and going to sleep.
However, those were not words to appreciate my labor, but...
"Ah, Ai? You were back. You're late. A beer for me too."
Isn't there something more to say?
Suppressing such thoughts, I hand him a canned beer, saying, "Don't drink too much."
"Thank you."
He never notices that I am exhausted.
Because Eita was looking at the monitor the entire time.
Before drinking beer and eating the Convenience Store food I bought, there is something to do.
I clean up the garbage on the table and wipe it clean.
And then, eating Convenience Store food and drinking beer alone, I lie down on the bed.
Because I was exhausted, I fall asleep without even minding Eita's noisy racket.
A mere moment of rest.
I make Eita's breakfast and lunches for myself and Eita, prepare, and go to work.
Peeking into the night-duty room, Honoka was asleep.
"Honoka, it's morning."
"Eh? Ah, sorry, I fell asleep before I knew it."
"Soon is the shift handover..."
"Ai, are you okay?! Going from a semi-night shift to a day shift is reckless!"
"Well, it's work, so it can't be helped."
"Excuse me, Nakajima-san! What are you doing?! The morning meal distribution has already started!"
Suzuki-san came.
Among the nurses, she is called "Hannya" (kanji meaning: female demon). For someone who is merely an associate nurse, she has an attitude more arrogant than the head nurse. Is she sleeping with the chief of internal medicine or something?
"I'm sorry, I will prepare right now!"
"It's already long finished! You and Nagahama-san. Isn't it sloppy for your first week on the job?!"
Nagahama-san is a peer nurse who is just incredibly easygoing. She lacks a sense of tension and makes many mistakes, but none are fatal. She has become a good target for Hannya.
"Now, now, her body isn't used to the shift system yet. It can't be helped."
The one who says so to soothe Hannya is the head nurse, Saotome-san.
She is adored so much that everyone calls her "Bodhisattva".
However, that softness of her manner is letting Hannya get cocky.
"It's because Saotome-san is like that! That's why the young ones are sloppy!"
Instantly, the positions are reversed.
By the way, Hannya isn't particularly good at her job; since she is an associate nurse, she can't even give injections without instructions.
Or rather, they say no one has ever seen her giving one.
Such arguing continues for about ten minutes, and then we are released.
And then, because the preparation is delayed, the handover is delayed, and we get scolded even more.
With every day continuing like this, our stress had also reached its peak.
"Well, Ai, I'm going home, so hang in there."
"Take it easy~"
I know that she can't take it easy.
She is also moving next month.
She is grumbling that she should have moved before work started.
Even without that, because the two of us are taking consecutive holidays together in May, we are being badmouthed behind our backs as "cheeky for rookies."
So even for moving, she seems to be carrying the small items herself.
On holidays, she apparently takes the late-night shift to keep the daytime free.
I told her she would seriously die, but Honoka says it can't be helped.
No matter how much stress we accumulate, we can't take it out on the patients.
There are not a few patients who take advantage of such positions to repeatedly commit sexual harassment.
It sinks in how sweet of a life I had during my student days.
And I was feeling irritation toward my husband, who is still spoiling himself with his status as a student.
(4)
"Well then, let's leave it at that."
"I look forward to working with you."
Just now, one business negotiation has been concluded.
Even though it's presidential duties, I never thought I would have to come out on a Sunday.
Knowing that money on the scale of hundreds of millions of yen moves with a single word of mine, well, my stomach already hurts.
Today is also the job of signing a large volume of documents.
Approval request documents that are too crude to even talk about are rejected at the stage where the executives look them over.
"President, it is time for the dinner meeting after this."
The one completely managing my schedule is my secretary, Sase Mari-san. She is a highly capable secretary.
Basically, Sakai Corporation, which I run, is staffed by battle-hardened veterans who have accumulated considerable careers, headhunted from Akira-chan's subsidiary.
To speak frankly, since they were operating it by themselves even while I was enjoying my student life, I thought, "Aren't I unnecessary?" but...
The managing director, who was acting on my behalf, easily placed the heavy burden onto both of my shoulders.
Since complaining about work won't help, I am desperately getting through the work.
That said, going to dinner meetings, negotiating with clients, and stamping approval documents are the main parts of such work.
My subordinates do all the detailed things.
Though they are all older than me, you see.
The managing director and secretary tag along for dinner meetings and negotiations.
If a young inexperienced person like me says "I am the president," they will look down on me, after all.
I cannot rest even while traveling.
"These are the materials to be used in the meeting after this. Please look them over. I will explain any parts you do not understand." (T/N: typo in source — original reads "分からないこところ" (wakaranai kotokoro), likely intended as "分からないところ" (wakaranai tokoro, parts you do not understand))
In this manner, work comes without mercy.
Even so, I heard this company is a trading company, but they really have their hands in all sorts of things.
From flour to shares of major corporations, they handle them regardless of domestic or international.
Recently, they even handle everything from the electric power business to game software development.
And it is an open secret that a large amount of firearms are mixed in with the flour.
Is Akira-chan planning to make me a merchant of death next?
What surprised me was that battleships and such in Kure are allocated for employee welfare.
Who goes on vacation riding a missile submarine?
Of course, they are doing other camouflages too.
They also bear the supply to the related company, Shimizu Security Service—to put it gently, a security company, but its actual nature is simply a mercenary dispatch company.
A company where anything goes, from portable game consoles to real Aegis destroyers.
It's a wonder we don't get raided.
While I am thinking about such things that are useless to think about, we arrive at the client's company.
Starting with exchanging business cards, the negotiations begin.
The business briefly, the negotiations tenaciously.
At first, there are bright topics like "Is work going smoothly?" but the client starts getting angry, saying, "That is far too unfair."
However, my subordinate is cold, and Sase-san says, "Well then, let us act as if this negotiation never happened. Let us go, President."
Just how strong is our enterprise?
Thoroughly coldly and forcefully, they continue the negotiations.
Won't doing that just make enemies?
I was asking such a thing.
"Once we deem them an enemy, it is simply a matter of crushing them, President."
Those aren't words that should come out with a sweet smile, Sase-san.
When today's round of greetings is also finished and I return, documents are piled high on the desk.
Sase-san quickly takes them and sorts them.
She hands me the documents, which have been reduced to less than half.
"Please look them over for now and stamp your seal."
Documents written with fine text that makes me feel depressed just by a quick glance are piled high.
"What will you do with the remaining documents?"
"There seems to be a bit of a problem, so I will go question the person in charge."
Saying so, Sase-san leaves the president's office.
Meanwhile, I look over the documents.
The phone rings, but there is a receptionist in front of the president's office, and she handles it.
Mostly they are forwarded to other specialized departments, but only a very small portion of people are put through to me.
And that portion of people came to meet me.
"President, your wife has come for a meeting."
"Let her through."
"Understood."
When contacted through the intercom, Akira-chan came in.
"What brings you here today?"
"Won't you keep me company at least on a holiday?"
"Unfortunately, as you can see, I'm staring down documents, and while I want to keep you company very much..."
Then Akira-chan snatched the documents away from me and started putting them into the shredder placed in the room.
Wait, what are you doing?!
And, she calmly scolds Sase-san over the phone.
"Documents from incompetents who make the president work on a holiday are not worth looking at. Am I wrong?"
"It is exactly as you say, Madam. I am terribly sorry."
"The president is tired today, so he is leaving early. No problem, right?"
"We will handle the rest here. There is no problem."
Akira-chan hangs up the phone, looks at me, and smiles sweetly.
"From this time, at most we can watch a movie and eat dinner, I suppose."
"Y-Yeah, that's right."
I learned later that there were several companies that went bankrupt because of Akira-chan's reason of "wanting to go see a movie."
Won't I get stabbed one of these days?
(5)
Mmm.
Toya-san told me that when I want to spoil myself, it's fine to do so.
But when I see Toya-san sleeping so comfortably, I still want to let him sleep.
Since it's a precious holiday and all.
Yes, I'll let him sleep.
But maybe he might wake up for me.
The game console set up on the bedroom TV can apparently play Blu-rays.
With faint anticipation, I was watching the one we rented yesterday in the bedroom.
What Toya-san likes are works that made American comics into live-action movies.
The CG is amazing and powerful.
It feels like the near future and is amazing.
After about thirty minutes, my husband woke up.
"Airi, what are you doing?"
"I'm watching the Blu-ray we rented yesterday."
"...What time is it now?!"
"It's still nine o'clock."
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
Saying so, Toya-san clings to me.
"Because you were sleeping so comfortably, Toya-san."
"I told you today is Airi's day off too, didn't I?"
"I heard that there are no days off for housewives."
"Have you made breakfast too?"
"It's just toasting bread."
"Then, I'll go eat that."
Saying so, Toya-san goes to the kitchen.
I also stop the Blu-ray and hurry to the kitchen.
"Toya-san, please sit in the chair and wait."
Saying so, I prepare Toya-san's breakfast.
Toya-san is worrying while eating it.
I wonder what's wrong?
When Toya-san finishes eating, I clean up the dishes.
"Airi, keep watching the movie. I'll do the rest myself."
"This is my job, so you mustn't."
"Letting only Airi work makes me look like a bad husband."
I see, Toya-san thinks that way.
It's not good to make Toya-san worry, is it. Since it's a precious holiday and all.
"Then, can I ask two favors of you?"
"Two?"
I nodded.
"First, change your clothes and get ready to go out." (T/N: typo in source — original reads "仕度して" (shitaku shite), likely intended as "支度して" (shitaku shite, get ready))
Toya-san went to the bedroom to change.
He properly put the changed clothes into the washing machine.
Even though just that makes me happy.
I also change and get ready.
"Well, shall we go?"
"Go where?"
"To wash the car."
"Wash the car?"
"Yes, you haven't done it lately, right?"
I went to wash the car with Toya-san.
We wash the car clean, both outside and inside.
It became sparkling clean.
"What will we do after this?"
"Let's go home. I'm curious about the continuation of earlier, too."
Returning home, first is lunch.
When we finish eating, I clean up and we watch on the big TV in the living room.
After watching about two, it becomes just the right time.
Then, I'll ask the other favor, okay? (T/N: typo in source — original reads "お願いいますね" (onegaiimasu ne), likely intended as "お願いをしますね" (onegai o shimasu ne, make the request) or "お願いね" (onegai ne))
"Ah, what is it?"
"Please take me shopping."
"...Alright."
Going to the supermarket, we start shopping.
"Toya-san, what would you like today?"
"Simmered dish."
Eh?
"I want to eat simmered pumpkin."
"I understand."
I buy the ingredients, and since we were out of alcohol, I buy that too and line up at the register.
Toya-san carried the bags for me.
Returning home, Toya-san is watching TV in the living room.
I immediately set to cooking.
Around the time it is finished, I call Toya-san.
There is no response.
I wonder what's wrong?
I quietly peek at Toya-san.
Giggle.
He must have been quite bored.
He was sleeping peacefully.
It's a pity, but I have to have him wake up this time.
I shake Toya-san's body to wake him up.
"Dinner is ready."
Toya-san wakes up immediately and apologizes, "Sorry, I accidentally..."
It's okay.
"The food will get cold, so let's eat quickly."
"Delicious! No, I hadn't eaten it lately, so I somehow wanted to eat it!"
"I'm glad."
When we finish eating, I clean up and wait in the bedroom while keeping the household account book for Toya-san to take a bath.
"I'm out. Airi, you should go in too."
"Yes."
After taking a bath, I run the washing machine.
Meanwhile, I spend time relaxing while watching TV in the bedroom.
When the drying is finished, the work of ironing and putting away.
Toya-san is watching TV in the bedroom.
When my work is finished, I bring alcohol from the refrigerator and hand it to Toya-san.
"Thank you."
The TV was showing a Western movie.
It seems Toya-san doesn't really like dubbed versions.
I searched on the internet, and apparently, depending on the translator, they make quite a lot of incorrect translations.
Around the time the Western movie ends...
"Airi, Airi, wake up!"
I was sleeping on Toya-san's lap.
When I realize it, I wake up immediately.
"I'm sorry, I accidentally..."
"Airi, you were tired too, right? Good job. Shall we rest slowly for today?"
"Yes..."
We get into bed.
I wonder if Toya-san is angry?
"Toya-san..."
"What is it?"
Toya-san turns this way.
"Are you angry? About me sleeping earlier..."
Toya-san hugs me.
"Didn't I say? Good job. I feel sorry for making you work until you fall asleep tired on a holiday, but I'm not angry."
Thank goodness.
But you see, just that kind of consideration makes me happy.
It makes me want to work hard because I want you to be even happier.
Even though Toya-san is tired too, I'm happy that you properly care about me.
"Well then, shall we sleep?"
"Yes."
Even while sleeping, Toya-san wraps me up securely.
Responding to his embrace, I spent a very warm holiday.