Chapter 385 - Clutched Hope and Anxiety
(1)
"Toya-san, it's morning. Please wake up."
Woken up by Airi, I wash my face and get ready.
By the time I finish changing, the toast is ready.
While nibbling on the toast, I drink coffee and watch TV in the living room.
When breakfast is finished, it is time to go to work.
"I'll come straight home today."
"Yes."
Though, even if I say that, I come straight home almost every day anyway.
Since I'm about the only single person, everyone probably goes straight home.
"Was the promised time 20:00?"
"Yes, it seems everyone's work is tough."
It seems Ai-san and Honoka-san are having a really tough time.
Since they have work tomorrow too, it seems they'll pass on the afterparty.
It seems other people can't make it until morning either, they must be tired.
"Well, I'm off."
"Have a safe trip."
Seen off by Airi, I go to the company.
Arriving at the company, I check my PC.
And then I prepare for work and wait for the morning assembly time.
When the morning assembly ends, work begins.
The usual data entry work.
It's not just typing data.
If there are any unclear points, I immediately ask Tatsuhiko-senpai.
And if there are any suspicious points after consulting, Tatsuhiko-senpai immediately calls the client to inquire.
Among small businesses, there are many managers who treat company assets as their personal property.
That being said, we can't just reject them outright, so we explain it gently.
And then it is lunch break.
"By the way, Toya, I heard you bought a golf set?"
Tatsuhiko-senpai asked.
"Yes, though I've only gone to the driving range once."
"Why don't you participate in the next competition? Even on the April holiday. Well, it's more like we're the ones being entertained."
If it's work, I suppose it can't be helped.
"I understand. But I've never played a round on a course before."
"Don't worry. They'll give you a handicap or something."
It's not like I want to win, though.
"Oh, Katagiri-kun is coming too? I'm going as well. I'm looking forward to it."
The CEO says.
"It's decided then."
Tatsuhiko-senpai grins.
After that, we enter afternoon operations.
Once it passes 17:00, the field workers return.
As the end of the month approaches, it gets busy due to the monthly closing.
I, who do not do field work, am no exception to this.
I push forward with the work ahead of schedule.
It's what they call 'hurry without rushing.'
Even so, because unfinished work inevitably comes up, I end up working about 30 minutes of overtime.
Today, if I don't finish within the time limit, I have an appointment.
I desperately got it done.
"Good work today—you can go."
"I'll be leaving first. Thank you for your hard work."
Leaving behind the senpai who are still remaining to go home makes me feel awkward, but it can't be helped.
"You guys are still unmarried, right? Take good care of your girlfriend while you can."
I decided to take Tatsuhiko-senpai up on his kind words.
Leaving the office, I go straight home.
Encountering the weekend rush hour, no matter which route I take, I get stuck in traffic.
By the time I arrived home, it was past 18:30.
"Welcome back, you're late today. Are you busy?"
"Yeah, it seems the end of the month can't be helped. It might get even later after the consecutive holidays."
"That's tough. Please take care of your health. I've prepared a change of clothes for you."
"I'm late, right? I'm worried about the bus time. I'll go like this."
"I understand. Well, I'm ready too, so shall we go?"
Airi says so and smiles warmly.
Arriving at the bus stop, I look at the timetable.
It seems I made it just in time.
The bus arrives immediately.
Getting on the bus, I rest my body a little.
"Are you okay? I'll wake you up when we arrive in front of the station, so you should sleep a little..."
"I'm fine. Thank you."
Ah, I have to tell Airi.
"Airi, sorry, a plan came up for the April holiday..."
"Is it work?"
Well, it's kind of like half-work. It's better to be honest, right?
"Actually, I was invited to a client's golf competition and promised to go."
"If that's the case, it can't be helped."
Airi smiles warmly.
"That kind of thing is also important work. Do your best."
"Thank you."
"But I have plans too, I have to go help Honoka move."
"Ah, that's right. Don't push yourself."
"Yes."
Arriving at the bus stop in front of the station, we enter the usual yakitori restaurant.
"Excuse me, we have a reservation under the name Nishimatsu."
"We have been expecting you. Please take the elevator to the third floor."
Going up to the third floor, there were the Takemotos, the Nishimatsus, as well as Haruto and Shiratori-san. The Hiyamas and the Ishiharas, Arisu-san and Akiyoshi-kun, and seven unfamiliar people.
"Good work. Long time no see, Toya-senpai!"
Waving back at the usual Haruto, I ask Nishimatsu-kun, who is the organizer this time.
"Are those people the newcomers?"
"Yes, let me introduce them."
The blonde woman is Sakuragi Shoko-san, and sitting next to her is Umemoto Towa-kun. The beautiful woman wearing glasses is Takanashi Tsubame-san, and the timid-looking boy next to her is Yamanashi Akisora-kun.
"What about the remaining three?"
"I'll explain that,"
Emi-san said.
The girl with short brown hair is Shinohara Mizuki-san, and the girl with the ponytail is Yoshino Kasumi-san.
The two of them are apparently currently in special training for their debut as the comedy duo 'Mustard'. Their manager is Ohara Noriyuki-kun.
They've really increased in number again...
Sakuragi-san and Umemoto-kun are already giving off a hostile atmosphere.
Takanashi-san has absolutely no interest. Yamanashi-kun is admiring them a bit... maybe?
Anyone can see that Yoshino-san and Ohara-kun get along well.
"Senpai, please sit wherever you like and wait."
"Toya-senpai, the seat next to me is open!"
Since Haruto says so, I sit next to Haruto and the others along with Airi.
The next to arrive is Watanabe-kun.
Watanabe-kun sits next to us.
"Have you been well, Airi?! Has Toya been misbehaving?"
"Toya-san always comes straight home to me."
Airi speaks happily.
"How is it, Toya, living together?"
Watanabe-kun asked.
"I guess I still end up being considerate of Airi... since she does everything."
Though most of all, I'm surprised by Airi's transformation.
After that, they keep coming in one after another. We talked until everyone had arrived.
(2)
"Alright, that's it for today! Hurry up and get ready! I'll drive you to the restaurant."
Shinjo-san says.
"It's over..." says Sho-chan, stretching.
"Sho-chan, get ready. There's no time."
"I know! It's fine even if we're a little late!"
When Sho-chan says that, Shinjo-san stands up.
"It seems you still require education. That even if a lady makes you wait, a gentleman does not make a lady wait..."
"I-I understand. I'll get ready right now!"
Sho-chan hurriedly begins to get ready.
Once Sho-chan's preparations are complete, we have Shinjo-san drive us to the restaurant.
"Sho-chan, don't drink too much."
"I'm not a child!"
"But Sho-chan is a bad drunk..."
"Iori, you're one to talk!"
"You! You must not forget that if you make a fool of yourself, she will also be embarrassed!"
When Shinjo-san says this, Sho-chan falls silent.
"But it's been a while since we met the senpai."
"We met during the cherry blossom viewing, didn't we?"
"That's true, Tosaka-senpai's words were amazing."
They were persuasive words.
Will I be able to believe in Sho-chan to that extent?
It's impossible, we are still immature.
Surely they reached that state on top of years of accumulated experience.
No one can sever the bond between those two.
We should just walk at our own pace.
We just need to make those two our ideal and goal, and draw closer to them.
The problem is whether Sho-chan has that will, though.
After being dropped off in front of the convenience store near the station, we head to the restaurant.
We met Takatsuki-kun and Chitose-san.
It seems a large number of people are gathering today.
It seems there are many newcomers as well.
I'm looking forward to it.
(3)
"Ah, Kanna."
"Ai... are you okay?"
"Ah, ahaha. Well... what about you, Kanna?"
"I'm still fine, but..."
Ai's complexion is bad.
She is clearly haggard.
"Yo, Makoto."
"Eita, have you been well?!"
"Of course!"
It seems Eita is the same as always.
For now, we get on the train.
Since there was one empty seat, I gave it to Ai.
"Thank you, this train's last stop is our hometown, right? I'll rest for a bit."
Saying so, Ai took a nap.
I questioned Eita.
"You, have you noticed anything different about Ai lately, or anything at all?"
"Huh? It seems she always comes home, goes out, makes food, and cleans while I'm sleeping."
"Doesn't that mean you aren't doing anything?!"
"But she stopped nagging me lately. Well, I guess conversation itself has disappeared? Is it what they call living passing lives? Being a nurse seems tough."
"E-Eita... isn't that bad... you've reached the worst level."
It seems even Makoto noticed Eita's bad situation.
"Eh? What's bad?"
It seems saying anything to this idiot is useless.
Come to think of it, she hasn't shown her face in the girls' group chat lately either.
Since I was curious, I asked Honoka.
"My husband is pretty much the same. I've already given up."
Today's topic has been decided.
It seems Eita is having the current situation explained to him by Makoto.
As I watch, Eita's complexion turns pale.
"M-Makoto. What should I do?!"
"You have no choice but to apologize! What else are you going to do?"
It seems Makoto's brain can't figure it out.
"K-Kanna, what should I do?"
Eita asked me.
"...Just apologizing is meaningless. You have to show it with your attitude."
"What do you mean by attitude, what should I do?"
"Eita, could you please be quiet for now. I want to sleep even if just a little."
When Ai said this, Eita fell silent.
Surely Honoka is in a similar state.
Mistaking his own wife for his mother or something.
"Is Kanna okay?"
Makoto asked.
"I leave on time, after all... it's not as bad as Ai or Honoka."
"Which means Honoka-san too?"
"Seems so."
"That's bad... I can't talk either, I guess. I'm away from home half the week."
"That's not the issue. You've gotten better. You've at least started cleaning up."
"I-Is that so. Well, that's good then."
Makoto seems relieved.
Arriving at the station, I wake Ai up.
"Ai, can you walk?"
"I'm fine."
Ai walks unsteadily.
"How many hours did you sleep yesterday?"
"I haven't slept since last night to make time for today. Overtime has increased lately too, so I only sleep about 3 hours a day."
"How could you even think of coming like that?! Didn't Eita stop you?!"
"That idiot doesn't even know what times I'm at home. More than that, it seems Honoka has it worse. On top of work similar to mine, she also has to prepare for moving."
I was speechless. Even though she's doing all that, her husband does nothing?
I absolutely cannot leave things like this.
Let's make this today's agenda.
I decided so.
(4)
"Kosei, sorry to keep you waiting."
"Well, shall we head out soon?"
"Yeah."
We have the shuttle person drive us.
"I wonder if everyone is doing well?"
Naru says.
"There's no need to worry, is there? I heard everyone was doing well during the cherry blossom viewing the other day."
"I guess so."
Naru laughs.
We are dropped off in front of the station.
"Then, I will come to pick you up around 22:00."
"Please do."
Watching the car drive away, we headed to the usual yakitori restaurant.
"Excuse me, we should have a reservation under Nishimatsu."
"Please take the elevator to the third floor."
When Naru and I went up to the third floor in the elevator, Saki-san and Nishimatsu-kun welcomed us.
"You two are the last ones. Sit in any open seat."
When Nishimatsu-kun says so, we sit in the open seats.
At our table were Kamenashi-kun and Morizono-san, Misawa-kun and Kishitani-san.
"How about you guys? Is your employment about to be decided?"
"Well, we had Sakai-kun's company recommended to us."
Kamenashi-kun said. It seems Misawa-kun is the same.
On top of Urbanity's bad reputation spreading, they've also bought the antipathy of the Knights of the Sun.
There probably aren't many job opportunities left in the local area.
"Well, isn't that good? At least your path is decided."
"I guess."
"Customers, what would you like to drink?"
"Oolong tea and orange juice, please."
"I will bring them right away."
And timing it for when the drinks had been distributed to everyone, Nishimatsu-kun spoke.
"Well, it seems everyone is here, so let's begin soon. First, a word from Watanabe-senpai representing us."
Watanabe-kun stood up and said a few words.
"Good work, everyone. There are some unfamiliar faces, but we have the training camp next month too, so let's deepen our friendship. Cheers."
With Watanabe-kun's toast, the banquet began.
First, we introduce ourselves one by one.
I was surprised.
It seems the Watanabe Group is seriously making inroads into the entertainment industry.
There are even aspiring comedians.
"This is a first attempt. We have the comedy duo 'Mustard' consisting of Shinohara-san and Yoshino-san performing their stand-up comedy..."
"That kind of thing is fine for the afterparty! More importantly, there's something I want to discuss with everyone!"
Kanna-san stood up. (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads 神奈さ)
What is going on?!
(5)
"There's something I want to discuss with everyone!"
What is going on?
I look at Airi.
Airi showed me her smartphone.
I was speechless. No matter how you look at it, that's bad.
"What is it you want to discuss, Kanna-san? Is it something we can help with?"
Watanabe-kun asks.
Everyone is buzzing.
"It's something I definitely want you lot to hear! The matter is about Ai and Honoka."
Kanna appealed about the disastrous state of Ai-san and Honoka-san.
Kiritani-kun and Nakajima-kun hold their heads.
And Nishimatsu-kun also had an apologetic look on his face.
Miyuki-san speaks on behalf of Nishimatsu-kun's feelings.
"I feel bad for the two of them. Hospitals with wards inevitably tend to have harsh working conditions. Even a doctor like me sometimes can't sleep during night shifts."
Doctors seem to have it easy, but actually they don't.
Is it really okay to perform surgeries and such in that state?
And Kanna shakes her head.
"Even those two understand that it's a harsh profession. That's not the problem! The problem is the attitude of you lot, who don't even show a sign of caring, let alone lending a hand to the two who are working themselves to the bone!"
Kanna appeals.
Nakajima-kun is also working. But what is with the complete lack of consideration for the fact that they are a double-income household?!
As for Kiritani-kun, despite being in a state of practically playing around with only one subject a week, isn't it far too cruel that he does nothing?
"Honoka, why didn't you tell me that?!"
"If I told you, would you have done something?"
Honoka-san says coldly.
Nakajima-kun could say nothing in return.
Honoka-san's smile as if to say, 'See there.'
"What were you thinking?! Did you both intend to leave your wives alone until they died?"
Kanna-san shouts, and the women's dissatisfaction comes out one after another.
"That's why romance is useless," Takanashi-san says.
Even Watanabe-kun seems unable to shield them, as expected.
He remains silent and says nothing.
"I understand well what Airi said during the cherry blossom viewing. But that's only because of the relationship between Airi and Toya! Ask your own girlfriends to show you the logs of the girls' group chat! Toya is properly making an effort to let Airi rest every week! He is always caring for Airi!"
"It's the same for my place. We both work, but when I have overtime, he helps with the housework. He tells me, 'Let's eat out today.'"
Mirai-san said.
"Takumi is the same, when I try to pull an all-nighter, he restrains me. He is considerate of me."
Satomi-san says.
"Even Masashi supports me with the housework I'm bad at!"
Mika-san shouts.
"That's enough of that talk. It's useless even if we say it anyway."
Ai-san says. She is quite worn out by this.
"What I don't like is you lot who say nothing even at this stage! Don't you feel anything as fellow men?!" (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads 何ともおわねーのかよ)
"I'm telling you not all men are like that. Calm down, Mika."
Watanabe-kun soothes Mika-san.
"That's right, first is Eita. Eita. Didn't you think it was bad when you saw your own wife's condition?"
"I-I didn't know at all. It's the truth."
Kiritani-kun defends himself. The fact that he really didn't know is the problem.
"You didn't know? Do you want to get beaten up?! You didn't even grasp your own wife's condition?"
Kiritani-kun incurs Kanna's wrath.
"I'm happy that Kanna is speaking up for me, but I've given up. That's why I work with only the hope of, 'Can I change my mood at a gathering like this?' If it weren't for the Watanabe Group, I would have long since..."
Saying so, Ai-san begins to cry.
"Eita will do all the housework every day starting today! Reform your life with that level of determination."
"That's not the issue, Watanabe! If he just says 'Yes, I'll do it' because he was told to by someone else, Ai won't be satisfied!"
"I'm not satisfied either! Eita, who still says nothing after hearing Ai's feelings, is out of his mind, Masashi!"
Watanabe-kun proposes a solution, but it seems Kanna and Mika-san are not satisfied with just that.
"I think I'm the only one here who understands Ai's feelings. I also can't help but feel anxious when I think about having to live with a person like this."
Honoka-san says.
Nakajima-kun is desperately soothing Honoka-san.
"Toya-san, is there any good way?"
Airi grabs my arm and says.
"Kisaragi-kun's attitude toward life also had problems, but it seems Kiritani-kun had even more problems."
Emi-san is also angry, it seems.
It doesn't seem like it will settle down unless something is done. What should I do?
"It's fine now, it's a special gathering, so let's make it a fun one. Newcomers are here too, after all. Look, Nishimatsu-kun. Let's start the performance?"
Ai-san says.
"That won't do, right?"
I say.
"If we only show the beautiful parts and say we're a matchmaking group, we're no different from any shady circle around."
We have to show how we really are. Because showing the ugliest parts and still creating a bond that draws us together is what the Watanabe Group is about.
"Then, what do you think we should do, Katagiri-kun? Let me tell you, my partner isn't someone like Katagiri-kun, it's Eita. How are you going to change him?"
"That's true..."
I look at Kiritani-kun. (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads 実谷君)
He seems to be thinking about something.
"What do you think, Kiritani-kun?"
I tried asking Kiritani-kun.
"I'll properly do the housework."
"Is that all?"
"What else is there?"
"...In the first place, what is Ai-san to you, Kiritani-kun?"
I said.
Don't choose the wrong option, Kiritani-kun. If you make a mistake, it's game over.
"...She is my one and only precious wife in the world."
"What is a wife to you, Kiritani-kun?"
"The person I love more than anyone else. Even Toya understands that much, right?"
"Then why haven't you been looking at your wife, who is the most precious in the world and whom you love more than anyone else?"
What on earth have you been doing until now, Kiritani-kun?
"What of Ai-san have you been looking at, Kiritani-kun? What have you done for your beloved wife, who prepared meals for you and organized the room even in such harsh conditions?"
"T-That is..."
"Even though I told her she could sleep first because I would be late due to a drinking party, I love Airi, who waits until I return and says, 'Welcome back, thank you for your hard work,' more than anyone else. I cherish her more than anyone else."
Airi is slightly embarrassed.
"What you fatally lack, Kiritani-kun, is not reflection. It is gratitude. It is consideration for your beloved wife who devotes herself to you. If you understand that, don't you know what you have to do right now?"
Kiritani-kun hesitated slightly, but he hugs Ai-san in front of everyone.
"Thank you for everything until now. I'm an idiot, so there are many things I don't notice. It's just as Toya says. I was completely relying on Ai. From now on, Ai, please rely on me too."
"Eita... idiot. I wanted to hear that single word. You have no idea how much I am healed by that single word..."
"Thank you," "Good work"—how much of a source of life will those casual words become?
The only one who can give that is a beloved partner who can be considerate of each other.
Kiritani-kun and Ai-san are hugging each other.
Ai-san's hope has become certain.
From now on, when she returns home, he will surely give her the source of life... hope.
"Since we've said this much, Nakajima-kun understands too, right?"
"Yeah, Honoka, thank you for everything until now. Let's do this together from now on."
"Yes... please take care of me."
"Is this matter settled then?"
Watanabe-kun says.
All four of them seem to be fine.
"Well, Nishimatsu-kun, we took up some time. Start it up!"
When Watanabe-kun says so, Nishimatsu-kun says.
"Well, sorry to keep you waiting. Here are the two from 'Mustard'."
While watching the two's stand-up comedy, everyone drank, ate, and made a racket.
"As expected of you, Toya-san."
"Thank you, Airi."
"But overeating and overdrinking is a no-go."
"Eh?"
"You were thinking of solving it quickly because the food would be late, weren't you?"
"N-No, that's not true."
"It doesn't matter, since I'll be keeping a close eye on you."
"I get it."
I clink my mug with Airi's.
"In the end, Toya is the one who solves it."
"It was a bit tough, though."
I reply to Kanna.
"Kanna, it's already solved! Let's get excited from here on!"
"That's right, bring on the beer, one after another!"
Mika-san and Kanna are getting excited.
Tap, tap.
Airi pokes my arm.
Turning around, there is a small plate piled high with food.
"For now, please make do with that."
Saying so, Airi laughs.
It seems both Ai-san and Honoka-san have regained their spirits.
That being said, they shouldn't push themselves.
Kiritani-kun and Nakajima-kun will probably keep them in check.
While eating the food with Airi, I watched the stand-up comedy and laughed.
The banquet is just getting started.