Chapter 386 - Even the Darkness, If It Shines, Will Become a Starry Sky
(1)
Once the matter with Ai-san and Honoka-san was settled, a solo live performance by the comedy duo "Mustard" was held.
It seems they usually perform as the opening act for ALICE's live shows.
Their reputation seems to be doing well.
When the solo live ended, everyone was applauding.
Though it might have just been because everyone was drunk and hyped up.
Emi-san brought the two of them, along with their manager, over to us.
"You are the famous player, Katagiri Toya-san, aren't you? It is an honor to meet you."
The three of them bowed in unison.
"You don't have to be so formal. I'm just an ordinary working adult now."
"But stories about you, Senpai, have become a legend at the local university."
Haruto said.
After talking for a bit, the three of them returned to their seats.
"Why did you put those three in Watanabe's group?"
I asked Emi-san.
"I thought they could liven up the party. It'll also help them get used to the stage."
I see.
"More importantly, how are things on your end? Are you managing your life well? Are you taking care of Airi-chan?"
"It's just as I said earlier. Airi handles everything so well. I try to make her rest on days off so she doesn't overdo it, but in the end, I still end up putting a burden on her."
When I said that, Airi smiled and said, "That's not true at all."
"Toya-san is a wonderful husband. He comes straight home, and though I was prepared for him to go out at night, the only thing he's attended is his welcome party."
"Even though he's going to a golf tournament on a holiday in April, he went out of his way to say it so apologetically. Even though it's like work," Airi said with a laugh.
"Oh? Did you start playing golf, Katagiri-kun?"
Akira-san chimed in.
"Are you planning to become a professional golfer or something?" when Akira-san asked, "It's just business golf," I replied.
After that, I was asked various questions by various people, but the only thing we could say in common was, "Our current life is fun."
It was the same for Airi. She seemed to be spending happy days.
"Toya, you're properly looking after your wife, I'm impressed, impressed," Mika-san said.
"Can I change the subject?"
I asked Emi-san.
"Yes, of course?"
"About that person, Yoshino-san... is she together with Ohara-kun?"
"How did you know?"
"I can tell just by looking," I replied.
"Your observational skills are as sharp as ever."
Emi-san said in surprise.
"I'd like to make a request, relying on those observational skills of yours."
Nishimatsu-kun brought four people over.
"What do you think of these four?"
Sakura-san is rejecting Umemoto-kun, but she isn't completely indifferent; she has a bit of interest. Something might happen during the training camp.
Takanashi-san was indifferent, but after that incident just now, she seems to have shown a little interest in romance. The rest depends on Tsukimisato-kun's efforts.
But...
"Is it alright for me to interfere in various ways?"
I said to Nishimatsu-kun and Saki-san.
"Watanabe's group has gone through a generation shift to your generation, right? Shouldn't you guys handle it yourselves? If you absolutely want advice, I'll give it, though."
"Toya, can I ask you as well? Even though the generation has changed, it's still my group. I think it would be fine to at least give them some advice," Watanabe-kun said.
Since Watanabe-kun said that, I said, "Well then, don't mind if I do," and offered my opinion.
"First, is it Sakura-san?"
"Yes? Is there something wrong with me?"
Sakura-san was showing clear wariness.
"Umemoto-kun isn't as shallow of a guy as you think. Why don't you try hanging out with him as just a playmate?"
"None of the men who approach me are any good. Umemoto suddenly sat next to me and seems flashy, so it's out of the question."
I laughed and said.
"You're more pure than I thought. That appearance of yours is out of wariness, isn't it?"
"That's right. Only worthless guys who judge people by their appearance approach me."
"All the more reason. If it's Umemoto-kun, he will melt your wariness. Right, Umemoto-kun?"
"If I can get such a wonderful girlfriend, I'll cherish her for the rest of my life."
"I'm not telling you to become lovers. Why don't you start as just playmates first?"
When I said that to Sakura-san, she fell into thought.
"If you participate in the training camp, I think Umemoto-kun will probably change."
"If you go that far, then just as friends..."
"Seriously? Yes! Nice to meet you."
"D-Don't get the wrong idea! We're just friends, okay!"
Sakura-san said.
"Is there any point in participating in that training camp?"
Takanashi-san said.
"Don't you already know that yourself?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"Just as I said earlier, romance isn't all pretty things. Even married couples end up like that. Even so, romance is when two people are drawn to each other."
And you showed interest in those two. Am I wrong?
"Is there any guarantee that I will fall in love with Tsukimisato-kun?"
I chuckled and said.
"You've already shown interest in Tsukimisato-kun, haven't you?"
When I said that, she seemed to realize it.
"That's fine for a start. Just that alone makes participating in the training camp meaningful. Don't worry, he is sincere."
Takanashi-san fell silent.
"I'll stop meddling here. If you have any other trouble, come ask me. I'll give you advice during the training camp and such."
"Then, why don't we have a leisurely talk, Sakura-san? There are so many things I want to talk about."
Saying that, Umemoto-kun returned to his seat with Sakura-san.
"How about you, Tsukimisato-kun?"
"Y-Yes, that's right. Since we have this opportunity, why don't we talk?"
When Tsukimisato-kun said that, the two of them also returned to their seats.
"As expected of you. You win them over so easily."
"We really are no match for Toya-kun."
Nishimatsu-kun and Saki-san said.
"The hard part starts now. They haven't even stood at the starting line yet. We have to guide them there."
When I said that, the two of them nodded.
"Katagiri-senpai."
Akiyoshi-kun and Arisu-san came over.
"Thanks to you, Katagiri-senpai, we..."
"I've heard about it. Congratulations."
The two of them had a sudden marriage registration. It seems they've already finished moving and are living together.
"Arisu, how is your newlywed life?"
"It's fun. I've never felt this happy before."
When Airi asked, Arisu-san replied.
After that, various people came to greet me and Watanabe-kun.
Thanks to that, I had no time to eat.
I also kept my drinking to a moderate level.
Before I knew it, time flew by.
"Excuse me, customers, it is time for the last call."
"Then, I'll have sake."
"I'll have an oolong highball."
Airi and I ordered.
"We are planning an afterparty after this. For those who can come..."
Nishimatsu-kun was organizing it.
When the time came, we said goodbye to those who were leaving.
"Kanna, are you going home?"
"I'd like to stay, but I have work tomorrow."
"Then, next up is Kanna's wedding, right?"
"Yeah. I'm sure Airi has a tough time taking care of Toya, though."
"Toya-san is very kind."
"I see. Well, see you later."
Saying that, Kanna and Makoto went home.
"We're going home too. I have the day shift tomorrow."
"I have the semi-night shift, but Ryuji-kun told me to rest tonight."
It seemed the Kiritani couple and the Nakajima couple were also going home.
The Manabe couple, the Tange couple, the Niina couple, the Kimoto couple, the Hiyama couple, Tasuku, Sakura-san, Kosei, and Naru seemed to be going home as well.
"Toya, you guys are coming along, right?"
I looked at Airi's face.
"I'll leave it to Toya-san. Tomorrow is a day off, after all. Just be careful not to drink too much."
"Then, shall we stay?"
"Yes."
We decided to stay.
And the afterparty group headed to the usual karaoke bar.
(2)
The afterparty was lively with karaoke.
Airi and I were talking with Watanabe-kun and Mika-san.
As for Takanashi-san and Tsukimisato-kun, Tsukimisato-kun was bringing up various topics.
Takanashi-san was listening to those stories with a bored expression.
It can't be helped at first. This must be Tsukimisato-kun's first experience, right?
Fumbling around to find her preferences is also an important thing.
Sakura-san and Umemoto-kun also seemed to be struggling.
It seemed he was struggling because his usual talking skills didn't work on Sakura-san.
Even so, he was doing his best to somehow catch her interest.
Both couples will probably have some kind of progress by the time of the training camp.
I look forward to that.
Yoshino-san and Ohara-kun had no problems at all.
The two of them were singing, talking, and enjoying themselves.
It must be what they call mutual love.
"We have to find a partner for Shinohara-san too."
Watanabe-kun said.
"How is work going for you, Watanabe-kun?"
I asked.
"Same as always. Work is piling up. Only my overtime hours are increasing in vain."
Watanabe-kun seemed to be having a hard time too.
"How about you, Toya? Is work going smoothly?"
"Well, yeah, though my overtime has increased a bit."
It's the end of the month, so it can't be helped, I said.
"Well, it's good to hear that things are going smoothly."
Watanabe-kun said that and was already ordering his next refill.
"I was worried because the working members seemed to be having a tough time. They didn't participate in the afterparty either."
Come to think of it, that's true. They probably want to relax on the weekend. Is that how they feel?
"By the time you get your bonus, things will change. You'll learn the tricks of the trade and be able to handle it efficiently."
Mika-san said.
"Until then, I'm sure it'll be tough for Airi too. Do your best to support Toya."
"I'm worried that Toya-san might be pushing himself too hard..."
Eh?
"What do you mean by that?"
Mika-san asked.
"According to what I heard from Kana and the others, once you become a working professional, you go out drinking and come home late, but Toya-san comes home early every day. Even though socializing with colleagues is important, I was worried that Toya-san might be forcing himself to decline and coming home, and getting isolated."
"I properly attended the welcome party, didn't I?"
"But wasn't that the only thing? And then you suddenly said you were sorry because you had to use a whole day off for a golf tournament... I was still worried that I might be forcing you to overdo it."
"Hahaha, Tosaka-san, it's the same for me. It's not like there are drinking parties every single day. It depends on the workplace."
Watanabe-kun said.
"That's right, Airi. My workplace has many people with families. We don't have the luxury to drink and play every day. People at work even tell me, 'Be kind to your girlfriend while you still can.'"
"If that's the case, then it's fine, but..."
"Besides, Airi, if I come home late, you'll wait up for me until I return, right? I can't make my wife push herself like that."
"See, you are pushing yourself, aren't you? Kana said her husband told her that sometimes a man wants to drink alone."
"I feel more relaxed when I'm drinking with Airi, so this is fine. Even if Airi doesn't worry, I'm allowed to unwind. It's okay."
"If that's the case, then it's fine. But please don't push yourself, okay?"
"I know. Thank you."
"I guess people like Toya and his wife are what they call a devoted couple."
Mika-san said.
"Senpai, stop just talking and join in by singing!"
Saki-san said.
"Ah, we have various things to talk about. You young folks go ahead and liven things up."
"If it's that kind of talk, I wonder if we could join in too. Right, Nozomi?"
"That's right."
"Zen-kun, you should join in too."
"Yeah."
The Ishihara couple and the Sakai couple joined in.
It seemed Ishihara-kun was having a hard time balancing his main job and side job, and Sakai-kun was having a hard time with big business negotiations every day.
Sakai-kun is a newly appointed president, after all. Ishihara-kun also seemed to have a harder time with his side job.
Apparently, Sakai-kun bankrupt several companies just because Akira-san said, 'I want to watch a movie.' ...It seems tough.
"If you worry about small fry that collapse over something like that, there'll be no end to it, Zen-kun."
Akira-san seems to have more power than the president.
"Are you keeping Airi-chan company, Katagiri-kun?"
Emi-san asked.
"Yeah, I keep Airi company as much as possible on days off. But Airi is busy with housework. She won't even let me help, saying it's her job."
"Toya-san works during the week, so please rest well. You haven't even played games lately, have you?"
"I properly go to the Blue Bird during the day and such. I've finally gotten used to the housework, so you don't have to worry about it," Airi said.
"So you are being paid attention to. That's good then."
"Zen-kun even works on his days off."
It seems both of them won't pay any attention at all unless they are told to.
But Airi didn't seem to have any such complaints at all.
Airi spoke looking truly happy.
Hearing that, I felt relieved.
It seemed I was properly fulfilling my role as a husband.
Everyone listened to Airi bragging like that, and we stayed hyped up until morning.
When morning came, we went home on the first train.
Returning home, I changed, put away my suit, and put my shirt in the washing machine.
After taking a bath, while Airi was in the bath, I watched TV and browsed the internet in the bedroom.
There were no articles of significance.
"Were you still awake?"
Airi returned.
Airi dried her hair with a hair dryer.
Once she finished drying her hair, she sat next to me and stared at my laptop.
Understanding Airi's intention, I closed the laptop.
"Shall we sleep in today?"
"Yes."
Airi said so with a smile and got into bed.
Overlapping with Airi, I whispered a six-character message into her ear. (T/N: '6文字' refers to '愛している' / 'I love you' in Japanese.)
Airi happily said, "Thank you very much. I am very happy right now."
Remaining overlapped, the two of us quietly fell asleep together.
Airi pressed her ear to my chest as if to confirm my heartbeat.
As if I were gently wrapping my arms around Airi's small body.
(3)
The man in front of me had said, "Why don't we talk?" yet he hadn't spoken a single word to me.
He was just sipping his drink and nibbling on food.
Was he, like me, uninterested in his partner?
Whenever our eyes met by chance, he hurriedly averted his gaze.
He didn't even utter the cliché phrase that those who approach me always use, "Give me your contact info."
Even if I kept staring him down like this, the situation wouldn't change.
Having no choice, I decided to bring it up myself.
"Didn't you have something to talk to me about?"
"Ah, yes... I'm sorry."
Did his apology mean that he had only said it in the heat of the moment?
I wouldn't have minded just going home.
I wanted to go home and study.
"Are you both from the Medical School?"
Miyuki-senpai called out to us.
I knew how amazing this person was. Within just two years of graduating, she had performed one difficult surgery after another. She was the envy of surgeons.
Moreover, the mortality rate of the patients she was in charge of was said to be zero.
A miracle-like doctor. I wanted to become like Miyuki-senpai too.
"Yes, we are from the Medical School."
He opened his mouth. I felt a little irritated.
Even though he had only spoken a single word to me.
"What is your specialty?"
"Whole-body physician. I want to acquire as much knowledge as possible."
"I see. Are your parents doctors too?"
"Yes, they run a small clinic in Himeshima."
"So that's why you want to be a whole-body physician..."
"Yes, because I want to save as many lives as possible."
Before I knew it, I was absorbed in his life story.
Miyuki-san chuckled upon hearing his story and looked at me.
"You should do it like this too, Takanashi-san."
Eh?
"He is nervous in front of a woman like you and can't speak. In that case, you should gently open the door to his heart yourself."
"...What do you mean by that?"
I could somewhat guess the answer to that.
"Aren't you also interested in him?"
"Though I don't know if that's romantic affection," Miyuki-senpai added.
"How can you tell such a thing?"
"If you are also an aspiring doctor, you should remember this. Patients don't always speak everything honestly. There are even things the patients themselves aren't aware of. You must be sensitive to such things."
Miyuki-senpai said that reading the patient's heart is also an important job for a doctor.
This person had read my heart.
"Now that I've said this much, you understand the rest, right? Please take your time, you two young people."
Saying that, Miyuki-senpai moved to another table.
"...Miyuki-senpai is amazing, isn't she? She was even featured in a magazine."
He spoke to me for the first time.
"You think so too?"
"I was deeply moved by her words... Do you know about 'Beyond Good and Evil'?"
"Yes, I know it."
A philosophy that flatly denies existing morality, stating that there are no standards of good and evil for things.
"In an interview, she said, 'Before a doctor, there is no good person or bad person. Rich or poor doesn't matter. They are merely a single patient suffering from illness. That is how a doctor should be.' ...My father's ideal was right there."
"Is that why you became a doctor too?"
"At first, I didn't have a very good image of doctors. I had an image of them being rich and selling unnecessary medicine just for money. I once felt disgust, wondering if my father was also one of those doctors. But her words made me understand what my father was aiming for. I understood the meaning of why my father went out of his way to build a clinic in such a remote area."
Before I knew it, I was listening intently to his story.
Because it was the same reason I felt disgust toward my father. I didn't want to become a doctor like my parents. I wanted to become a doctor like Miyuki-senpai. I had studied with that single-minded devotion.
I aimed for the path of medicine, thinking I would show my father up someday.
Although our reasons were opposite, our destination was the same.
"And, to change the subject, I am merely the son of a doctor at a small island clinic. Having my tuition paid is the most we can manage, and I can't even get by without working a part-time job. It's too presumptuous of me to have someone like you as a lover..."
"...Beyond Good and Evil. That was a highly interesting topic."
Eh?
I was holding his hand.
"I wanted to talk with you more. About the ideal image of a doctor that each of us holds."
I understood. It wasn't just about being close friends.
Whispering sweet nothings of love isn't the only thing that makes romance.
There is also a way where those who share the same aspiration hold hands and walk down the same path.
Yes, just now, I fell in love.
"Hey? May I say what I thought?"
"What is it?"
"The path you are aiming for is something you absolutely cannot walk alone. Don't you think so?"
"That's true. My father is also working steadily hand-in-hand with my mother."
"Then shouldn't we be like that too? Even for a clinic, no matter how many doctors there are, there's no such thing as too many, right?"
"My family is really running things on a shoestring budget. We don't have the luxury to increase the number of doctors."
How dense. You want me to say it to the very end, don't you?
Fine. It's my first love too, after all.
I'll say it myself.
"You dummy, if we become family, there won't be any salary to pay, right?"
"Eh!?"
He was surprised, but he shook his head.
"That's impossible. I don't have the leeway. I can't even take you out to play, Takanashi-san. I can't buy you a single present. Besides, I know my place. You are beautiful. I have nothing going for me."
Humble to a fault. A self-deprecating person. I was drawn to your ideals.
"Even if we can't go on dates, we can talk of love. Even without words, we can make flowers bloom in our hearts. I don't need dates or presents. But there is exactly one thing I received from you."
"Eh?"
He was bewildered.
"It is an ideal. I wanted to share an ideal with you. In the first place, what is the definition of a date? I think as long as the two of us can be together, that's enough."
"Does that mean... Takanashi-san, with me..."
"Please let me walk the same path with you."
What I wished for from the bottom of my heart.
"If you are fine with a struggling student like me, then please look after me."
"I look forward to working with you as well."
I never would have thought. Watanabe's group is truly a happy group that pulls in mysterious fates.
It easily gave me emotions I thought I had no need for.
A precious gift.
I decided to cherish it.
(4)
I was bewildered.
"Even if we start as just friends."
I agreed, thinking that would be fine, but although he, Umemoto Towa, was sitting next to me, he was talking happily with other women.
He was making full use of his talk skills to exchange contact information.
Of course, he was drawing displeasure from the other men.
But without paying any mind to that, he was enjoying the afterparty.
What on earth was he planning?
"What's wrong, Sakura-san? You look somewhat bored, though?"
Saki-senpai called out to me.
"No, not particularly..."
I looked at Umemoto-kun.
Noticing that gaze, Saki-san grinned.
"Hey, Umemoto! Who are you keeping company? Your partner is Sakura-san, isn't she!"
Saki-san said.
I didn't mean it that way.
"Ah, sorry, Shoko-chan. I thought maybe Shoko-chan disliked this kind of vibe."
"It's not like that."
I was just bewildered by the unexpected turn of events.
"It's our welcome party, after all. It's a loss if we don't enjoy it together."
Umemoto said and laughed.
"Here, this."
Umemoto handed me the karaoke terminal.
"Let's sing something first. I'm open to being your duet partner."
Ignoring the latter part, it was indeed a loss if I didn't enjoy myself.
I'll sing to clear my mind.
I entered a song.
When my turn came, I sang.
What kind of meaning is there to a life like this?
What was I born for?
What meaning is there to these repeating days?
A song that sang of such questions.
"Heh, you know that song? I'm actually quite a fan of it too."
Umemoto said that after I finished singing.
"'What kind of meaning is there to life? What was I born for? What meaning is there to days that only repeat?' Huh, that's tough. Did you watch the movie where that song was the theme song? The lead actor was super cool."
"I'm a fan of the original work... It didn't match at all."
"Ah, is that so? I don't know the original work at all."
There really are guys like this. It makes me want to press him on what he actually knows about the work.
"...Isn't that how it is? The meaning of life, I mean. 'What was I born for? What meaning is there to these repeating days?'"
"What do you mean by that?"
"There aren't two of the same person. Even for a single movie, it varies from person to person. But which one is the correct answer? It's like, you can only settle that yourself."
"...Go on."
"Can you say the same thing looking at our senpai?"
When Umemoto said that, I looked at our senpai. Making a racket for no reason, just enjoying themselves single-mindedly. And then, our senpai who repeat the same days again.
"We were talking about it earlier, but apparently, our senpai got caught up in a conflict two years ago."
The one that was on TV... I think it was Unity.
"It seems they thought back then that peace is the best. That enjoying the repeating days is the best. Even after that, our senpai apparently gather like this, hold drinking parties, and make a racket. Do you think there's no meaning to that, Shoko-chan?"
Is there any meaning to peaceful days, to boring days, to repeating daily life?
It sounds boring when put into words, but that must be an irreplaceable peace.
"The moment that buds repeatedly is everything."
Umemoto said.
"I can't say anything too high and mighty either. But if there's meaning in the moment called 'now,' then isn't there no need to think deeply about the rest? Because the accumulation of 'now' connects to the 'now' of tomorrow."
Rejoice in joy, grieve in sadness. Live your life, and dream while awake.
I was listening intently to Umemoto's words.
"What's wrong, Shoko-chan? With such a troubled face. If we're living the same 'now,' let's live more brightly. There's no point in thinking about the future. Because while you're thinking, the future will come anyway."
The moment that buds repeatedly is everything... huh.
"What Umemoto says might be right."
"I don't know about that."
Umemoto denied it.
"Because in the end, you are the one who decides what kind of life is correct. It's not something that can be concluded so easily, right?"
"That's true."
"Most things you won't know unless you try. What do you call it, playing it by ear? Because we don't know what will happen from now on. Because there's no guarantee that the same days will repeat from here on. Let's enjoy the present so we won't regret it when the time comes."
It seemed Umemoto thought as long as the present was good, that was fine. I had no intention of accepting everything about Umemoto, but I could empathize with the current him.
"Is that how you've wooed women up until now?"
"Before I knew it, we became close. Then, before I knew it, we broke up. It's just a repetition of that. Of course, every time I think, 'I want this to be my last romance.' But there are things you won't know unless you actually date, right?"
It's wrong to flatly deny him, thinking he's just hanging around for my body. Is that what it means?
"Just to be sure, are you single right now?"
"Since I'm a guy like this, you know. A temporary love, is it? Once they get tired of me, I'm thrown away."
Umemoto said that and laughed. I wondered how many tears he was hiding behind that smile.
"You said you wanted to sing a duet, right? Is anything fine?"
"Seriously!? If you'll sing with me, I'll sing anything!"
I borrowed the terminal and entered a song.
And when our turn came, I sang with Umemoto.
I'm glad I met you.
"What is this!? By any chance, did I just get dumped!? I'm seriously shocked!"
I laughed looking at Umemoto, who was depressed and saying that.
When morning came, everyone left the karaoke bar and disbanded.
We went home by train.
Since our train lines were different, we parted at the ticket gate.
"Well, see you later."
Saying that, I caught Umemoto as he was about to leave.
"What's wrong, Shoko-chan?"
"Aren't you forgetting something important?"
"Eh?"
Is this guy really a playboy? Or am I not even in his sight? (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads '眼眼中' instead of '眼中'.)
"You asked for other women's contact info, yet you plan to go home without asking for mine, your true interest?"
"If you'll tell me, I'd gladly ask."
"Yeah, it's normal to give it to a friend, right?"
"That's true too. Alright, I'll give you mine."
And so, we exchanged contact information.
"Oh shoot! My train is leaving. I have to hurry! Well, see you later, Shoko-chan!"
"Yeah, see you."
Saying that, I waved and saw Umemoto off.
To him, I must be just one of the countless women.
But to me, it was the contact information of the only man.
Even though I thought I would never fall in love again.
It seems the magic of Watanabe's group is the real deal.
It melted my frozen heart.
(5)
It was evening when I woke up.
Airi wasn't there.
She was watching TV in the living room.
"Good morning."
Noticing me, Airi smiled and said so.
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"I thought you must be tired since you were making a racket until morning... Did you have something to do?"
"...What were you doing, Airi?"
"I finished the housework and was relaxing while waiting for Toya-san to wake up."
Airi remained smiling.
I blew it. What on earth am I doing?
Making Airi rest is supposed to be my role.
Looking at me standing there, Airi giggled.
And then she said to me.
"If you are troubled, may I make one request of you?"
"Sure, I'll grant you anything."
"Then, won't you take me on a date?"
"Okay."
"Then, please get ready. I'll be waiting here."
I quickly changed and returned to the living room.
"Airi, I'm ready."
"Then, shall we go?"
Airi was in her casual clothes. She didn't seem to be wearing any makeup either.
I went outside with Airi and got into the car.
"So, where should we go?"
"The supermarket."
Eh?
"Airi, a date is..."
"It's a shopping date. I thought I'd have you take me once Toya-san woke up."
She was this kind of girl, wasn't she.
I took Airi in the car and went to the supermarket.
"Do you have any requests for dinner?"
When Airi asked, I thought about it.
"Maybe twice-cooked pork?"
"Understood. Then let's buy the ingredients."
"I'll carry the basket."
I took the basket from Airi.
"Can you grant me a request?"
Airi said.
"What is it?"
"If possible, I'd be happy if you could hold the basket with your other hand."
"That's fine, but?"
When I switched the basket to my other hand, Airi held my hand.
"Ehehe~"
While laughing embarrassedly.
Once we finished shopping, we returned home and Airi cooked.
I talked to Airi while watching TV in the living room.
Airi replied with a laugh.
After having dinner, we took a bath and spent time in the bedroom as usual.
Airi brought some chu-hi, and I drank it.
"Shall we go somewhere tomorrow?"
"Please rest well at home."
"Airi, wouldn't you be bored staying at home all the time? Let me pamper you a little."
"If that's the case, since it's spring, I'd be happy if you could take me on a drive somewhere."
"Understood. We haven't been to the waterfall this year. The tulips will probably be beautiful again, so shall we go?"
"Yes."
Saying so, Airi was looking at her smartphone.
I was watching TV.
Around the time the 10 PM drama ended, Airi spoke.
"Shall we get into bed soon?"
"Ah, okay."
I turned off the lights and got into bed.
"Hey, Toya-san."
"What is it?"
"I didn't pay much attention because of Kanna and Honoka, but..."
"About the newcomers?"
"Yes."
"Airi, you were absorbed in the conversation, weren't you?"
"Aren't you the same, Toya-san?"
Airi tilted her head.
"It looks like it's going to be a fun training camp again this year."
When I said that, Airi was delighted.
"That is good to hear."
Perhaps tired from the housework, Airi fell asleep quickly.
Wearing a happy expression.
Even the darkness, if it shines, will become a starry sky.
To Airi, I must be a star.
I hoped that was the case.