Chapter 395 - Awakening!
(1)
"Toya-san, it's morning."
Woken up by Airi.
"Good morning, Airi."
"Good morning. Breakfast is ready."
"Thank you as always."
"Not at all."
Going to the dining room with Airi, I eat breakfast.
When breakfast is finished, while Airi is washing the dishes, I stare at Airi and think.
I want to somehow reduce Airi's burden.
Airi noticed that gaze.
"Is something the matter?"
Tilting her head, Airi is looking at me.
"Yeah, I was thinking, should we buy a dishwasher?"
"Eh?"
"Since our floors are hardwood, I was thinking of buying a robot vacuum."
It would be easier for Airi too, right?
"...Was there some shortcoming in my housework?"
She takes it that way, huh.
"I didn't mean it that way. I just thought it must be hard every day."
"Because this is my job. Please don't turn me into a lazy housewife."
"Then, at least for today..."
"Please let me do what I need to do. After that, I will spoil myself with Toya-san."
Airi smiles brightly and continues her work.
I keep watching Airi like that.
"We're spending today watching Blu-rays, right?"
"Yes, may I ask for just one thing?"
"What is it?"
"Rather than watching in the living room, I want to watch in the bedroom."
"The living room TV is bigger. The sound system is better too."
"But because it's spacious..."
I look into Airi's eyes. ...I see.
"Understood. Then, I'll brew coffee and wait."
"Waa-i!"
At those words, I can't help but grin.
"Is something the matter?"
"Just now, that 'Waa-i'... it's been a while since I heard you make such a childish exclamation."
"I-I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologize. Airi's happy feelings got through to me."
"...I really am a fortunate person, aren't I?"
When Airi's housework is finished, I brew coffee and place it on the bedroom table.
I drink coffee side-by-side with Airi.
It's been a while since we welcomed a morning like this.
Airi is leaning her body against me. The movie Airi chose was a Japanese romance film about a forbidden love between a high school girl and a police officer.
Well, this kind of thing usually ends with them getting together.
Overcoming the age gap, or waiting until graduation.
I thought reality wasn't that sweet, but who would have thought we'd end up being told by our parents to get married quickly? "Just register the marriage already!"
I'm facing such a reality. Well, I don't want to do anything to throw cold water on it while Airi is watching so intently.
I gaze at Airi as she is glued to the TV.
And she wells up with tears at the ending.
At just the right timing, the intercom rang.
In place of Airi, who is soaking in the afterglow, I answer the intercom.
"Toya, are you there?"
The parents are here.
I panicked.
It's fine since Airi's cleaning is done, but Airi probably intended to tidy up the laundry later.
I feel bad for Airi, who is soaking in the afterglow, but this is no time for that.
I inform Airi that my parents have arrived.
"Ah, they came quite leisurely, didn't they?"
Eh?
"Oh? Did I forget to tell you this morning?"
Airi began to explain.
A message came in this morning.
It's from Rie-chan.
"Airi-chan, it's been a while~ Do you have plans today~? Is Toya-kun keeping you company properly~?"
"He's super kind~"
"What are your plans for today~?"
"Since it's the last holiday, we're relaxing at home~"
"Then, is it okay if us moms go see how you're doing~?"
"Sure~"
"Then, we'll go later~"
She says that's why she woke Toya-san up early.
This is bad, I'm still in my loungewear!
"It's fine. Because I told them we're relaxing at home today."
For now, leaving the bedroom, I close the bedroom door.
The intercom rings again.
"I'm coming out now~"
As Airi says this, she unlocks the front door.
"Airi-chan, it's been a while~"
"Rie-chan, it's been a while too~. It's small, but come on in."
Airi smoothly leads them into the living room.
"Heh, you're keeping it unexpectedly clean."
Mother is looking around.
But Mother's eyes cannot be deceived.
"What is that room?"
"It's the bedroom."
"Show me."
"It's a bit messy right now, so..."
It was a futile resistance.
Seeing the disastrous state, Mother flies into a rage.
"Toya!!"
I am receiving a lecture from Mother in the living room.
"You aren't pushing all the housework onto Airi-chan, are you?"
Airi won't let me help.
"Maya-san, that is my job. Toya-san is earning money for us, after all."
"Airi-chan, that's no good. This boy intends to push even childcare onto Airi-chan."
"That won't happen, because Toya-san told me so."
"So, what's with this sudden visit?"
"Maya and the others started saying they were curious about your lifestyle."
"...U-Umu."
"Airi-chan is bad too~ since you don't contact us at all~"
"I'm sorry."
"But you seem to be doing a solid job, so I'm relieved~ We can be at ease with this."
"Yeah."
Mother and the others seem satisfied.
"Here is some tea, and though it's nothing much, some tea snacks."
"You seem to have really gotten the hang of it~ Airi-chan~"
"Ehehe."
"Toya seems to have gotten a good girlfriend too."
"Y-Yeah."
"You aren't pushing everything onto Airi-chan again, are you?"
Even if I want to help, I'm not allowed to!
What I can do is try not to let Airi do housework as much as possible.
"Toya-san is kind. He makes an effort to let me rest. But I want to be of use to such a Toya-san."
"...Umu."
"Well, since we've seen that you two are doing well, shall we get going soon?"
"...I suppose so."
"You could have stayed a bit longer."
The parents stand up and leave the living room.
"It's the last holiday. You should relax."
"Airi-chan, you rest well too, okay?"
The parents say so.
"Airi-chan, come show your face once in a while~"
"...Toya-kun, you are also the master of your own castle, small as it may be. Stand firm. If you are flighty, you will make Airi anxious."
"Yes."
"Well, see you~"
After seeing off the two cars as they drove away, I returned to the room.
"That was surprising, since it was so sudden."
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry, I was careless and embarrassed Toya-san. I still have a long way to go."
"You don't have to worry about it."
"Yes. Well, for now, I'll tidy up the laundry and then make lunch."
Airi says, looking at the clock.
"What should I do?"
"Please just play some games."
Saying so, Airi tidies up the laundry and begins preparing lunch.
All I can do is be someone for Airi to talk to.
"What are you making for me today?"
"I thought I'd make omurice, since we'd get tired of ramen all the time."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Yes."
After we eat the omurice, Airi does the cleanup and watches TV again.
On Sunday afternoons, a program Airi likes is on.
Airi is laughing while watching it.
I wonder how we will react?
I was watching while thinking about that.
"Everyone looks so happy."
Newlyweds.
Airi must be yearning for that word.
"Airi can become like that too..."
"Because I'll be waiting forever."
When the program ends, we watch a movie.
A story about a marriage fraudster.
The ring of the word marriage, and the ring of the words marriage fraud.
Will we feel happiness in marriage?
Airi was watching such a movie seriously.
"Marriage is hard too, isn't it..."
Airi mutters so.
I was able to feel the difficulty of marriage close at hand.
I understand it well when looking at Kanna and Ai-san, and listening to Kana-san's complaints makes me anxious.
Can I make Airi happy?
I'm afraid of losing Airi.
Surely, we might face an ending like this protagonist.
I felt fear.
Perhaps sensing my feelings, Airi places her hand over mine.
"We will be fine."
"...That's right."
Awakening.
There is nothing to fear. Love will guide us even in a pitch-black world.
I met Airi.
Relying on a faint starlight.
Unstained by the headwind. Even the fear of losing is shining.
(2)
I was visiting Mizuki's parents' house.
I'm nervous.
My first girlfriend, and my first time meeting her parents.
"Welcome."
Mizuki's mother welcomed us warmly.
And we are led into the living room.
In the living room, Mizuki's father was there.
"Nice to meet you, I am Koizumi, and I am dating Mizuki-san. This is just a small token, but..."
Mizuki's father silently accepts it and hands it to Mizuki's mother.
Mizuki's mother says, "I'll go brew some tea," and leaves the room.
"So, what is your business today?"
"That is..."
"I think we'll live together once summer break starts. With him..."
Mizuki said so.
"Living together?"
Mizuki's father reacts.
"I am well aware that this is a truly selfish request, but I would like to ask for your permission."
Mizuki's father says nothing.
"I explained my circumstances to Katsunori-san. Katsunori-san supports me both publicly and privately. If so, it's better to be by my side for even a second longer. Katsunori-san made that judgment."
He accepted my resolve, and he made his own resolve too. So please forgive us. Mizuki pleads so.
"I brought the tea."
Mizuki's mother came back.
"Mother, Mizuki, could you leave the room?"
Mizuki's father said.
"Father, Katsunori-san is..."
"I want to talk with Katsunori-kun alone."
"Mizuki, let's go."
When Mizuki's mother says so, Mizuki leaves the room while looking anxious.
Seeing that, Mizuki's father drinks his tea.
As far as I can see, he seems to hold a feeling of aversion toward me.
Should I be prepared to take at least one punch?
I grit my teeth.
"...I feel I have done something unforgivable to Mizuki."
Eh?
"My wife also cried when Mizuki's illness was discovered. She was in despair over Mizuki's future. Regretting that she couldn't give birth to her healthily."
I was listening quietly to Mizuki's father's story.
Mizuki's father's story continues.
"Even so, that child grew up bright and serious without becoming cynical. She even gained a best friend named Yoshino and was growing up well. Except for one point."
"What is that?"
"She is a kind girl, but unlike Yoshino, she has an indecisive side, and being compared to Yoshino no matter what, she wasn't blessed with lovers."
"Mizuki-san has her own good points. She is kind, and dexterous..."
"Other people didn't see her that way. You're the first one, the one she called her boyfriend."
Mizuki-san's father, looking happy yet lonely.
"I want to grant that child's wishes if possible. I want to know to what extent you have made your resolve regarding her."
"...I promised. That I would protect her for a lifetime."
"Then why don't you get married?"
Eh?
My mind panicked at the sudden words.
"That child is already old enough to marry. Both you and Mizuki are working, aren't you? Why don't you get married?"
It feels like the conversation is heading in a strange direction.
"Both Mizuki and I are still students. Marriage is too early."
"You are serious too, aren't you?"
Mizuki's father suddenly bowed his head.
I couldn't understand at all what was happening.
"I also swore that I would grant my daughter's every wish! Please make that child happy!"
I was fully aware of the weight of those words. And I myself swore yesterday.
"I also promised Mizuki. That I would protect Mizuki with all my life."
Mizuki's father calls Mizuki and Mizuki's mother.
The two of them entered.
"It's a good time, let's have lunch. Mother, prepare the finest sushi."
"Father, then that means..."
"I'm glad you met a good person. Father feels like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders too. Get along well."
"Father... thank you."
After that, while eating sushi with the four of us, I was lectured by Mizuki's father on the duties of a husband and such.
I feel like it's still too early, though.
"Well, there's a performance today, so."
"Come again before you move."
"Thank you for today."
"I entrust my daughter to you."
We left my parents' house and headed to the office.
"I'm glad it went well."
"I didn't think I'd be made to promise marriage."
"Oh? You won't marry me?"
Mizuki says so and smiles.
"I want you to wait a bit longer. Once I can stand on my own two feet, I'll propose then."
"...Yes."
She was shining in that day's performance.
Watching from the wings, I could tell clearly.
I will gather all the light falling upon you.
After the performance ended, we told the president about the cohabitation.
"What nonsense are you talking!"
Emi-san said so.
The president is laughing.
"Strike while the iron is hot, right? I'll find you a room right now, so move immediately!"
Emi-san said so and laughed.
"I can't believe Mizuki beat me to it, I'm a bit shocked..."
Kasumi-san is saying.
Kasumi-san glares at me.
"You understand, don't you! If you do anything to hurt Mizuki, you'll answer to me!"
Kasumi-san said so.
After that, I walked Mizuki home.
"I didn't think I'd be told to move immediately."
"Indeed."
"Are you regretting it, Katsunori-san?"
"No way."
I laughed and said.
Once I get home, it's time to prepare for the move. I have to tidy up bit by bit.
Awakening!
There is nothing to fear. Love will guide us even in a pitch-black world.
I want to wipe away all the pain falling upon you.
(3)
"Watanabe-san, your husband is in sight."
Oh, he's here.
I'm itching to cook!
I immediately get to cooking.
"He's with a woman, who is it? Is it that friend from university you mentioned, Watanabe-san?"
A woman?
I peek quietly from the kitchen.
In front of Masashi is a woman with very short chestnut hair. She seems older. Masashi, cheating already!?
And doing it so openly at his wife's workplace, he's got some nerve!
It seems the two ordered a course meal.
It seems neither of them is having alcohol.
I am put in charge of their food.
I make them one after another.
And when I leave the final dessert to someone else, I am told, "He's your husband, right? Go say hello," so I go in for the attack.
I really felt like punching him, but since I am aware that I am in the service industry, I restrained myself.
Instead, when we get home, I'll give him a thorough grilling!
"Thank you very much for coming today. I am Watanabe Mika, in charge of the cooking this time."
"Oh, Mika. It was delicious."
"I'm glad to hear that."
I glare at Masashi.
Masashi notices it.
"What's wrong, Mika?"
Don't "what's wrong" me! You idiot.
"You're amazing for someone so young, it was delicious. Thank you for the meal."
"Thank you very much."
The woman had a relaxed face.
She seems older, is this what they call adult composure?
"Ah, let me introduce you. This is my senior at work, Yuki Saori-san. Senpai, this is my wife..."
"Please enjoy your time."
Saying so, I turned on my heel and walked away.
As soon as work finished, I went home.
When I got home, Masashi was relaxing in the living room.
"Oh? Mika, you're home early today?"
I throw my bag at Masashi!
"W-What's wrong, Mika!?"
"What do you mean 'what's wrong'!? You've got some nerve cheating leisurely while your wife is working! And at your wife's workplace, of all places!"
"W-Wait, Mika! You're making a huge mistake!"
"Mistake my foot!! Sure, I'm still childish! You probably like adult women like that!"
I throw nearby objects at Masashi!!
"Calm down! I'll explain it to you!"
"Explain 'to me'!? Who do you think you are?"
"I told you before, didn't I? 'Can I use your restaurant?'"
"Yeah, I remember! I just didn't think it would be used for cheating."
"So why does it turn into that!"
"Then how do you explain it!"
"I'm going to tell you that now, so calm down."
"...Fine, I'll listen! You'd better give me a convincing explanation."
"Of course. I'm a civil servant with a household too. I wouldn't do something as stupid as cheating!"
If you're going that far, I'll listen to your explanation. In return, if I'm not convinced, you're getting a thorough lecture!
"First, she is Yuki Saori. My senior at work."
"You did say that."
Then Masashi's explanation began.
The story goes back to before the consecutive holidays.
(4)
I had finished my work as usual and was about to go home.
"Watanabe-kun, do you have a moment?"
The one who spoke to me was Yuki-senpai.
"What's the matter?"
"I heard you formed a group called the Watanabe-han back in university? That matchmaking group?"
"Yes, it still exists."
"I have a favor to ask regarding that."
This is tough, usually I left those kinds of consultations to Toya...
"Sure. When is good?"
"I still have overtime after this. If possible, during the holidays would be good."
"Anytime except the first three days?"
"Then how about the last day?"
"Understood. I'll set the time and the restaurant."
"Send me a message when it's decided."
"Understood."
Going home, I make dinner and eat alone.
Mika was on the late shift that day.
She would return after 22:00.
"I'm home."
She returned.
"Welcome back."
Mika immediately takes a beer from the fridge and drinks.
"As expected, a drink after work is the best!"
"Mika, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it? That's rare."
"Can you make a reservation at the restaurant for the last day of the holidays?"
"Are you coming to eat?"
"Yeah, since it's a good opportunity. For two people, please."
"I think around 19:00 is probably open."
"Then, at that time."
"Understood, I'll let you eat something delicious."
Mika was in a good mood.
After that, I contacted Yuki-senpai.
And today, I met up with Yuki-senpai at the restaurant.
"I'm Watanabe, I have a reservation for 19:00."
"Ah, you're the one. I will guide you to your seat."
It seems she reserved the best seat.
"Is the chef's choice menu alright?"
"Yes."
"Then please wait."
The clerk said so and left.
"So, what's the talk about?"
I immediately cut to the chase.
"...What do you think of Hasebe-kun?"
Hasebe-senpai, a senior one year above me.
It's a bit bad to say, but he leaves things to others, is unreliable, and is timid.
"Even as a fellow man, he has some unreliable parts."
"That's right, there's something about him you can't leave alone..."
Even if I wasn't Toya, it clicked.
"Yuki-senpai, you have feelings for Hasebe-senpai?"
"...Well, yes."
"Then why don't you just say so?"
"Isn't workplace romance high risk? If it fails, it'll be hard to stay at the workplace..."
That might indeed be true.
"And... he's unreliable, but I still want to be confessed to by him, you know?"
Yuki-senpai is looking down.
She had this side to her too. I thought she was a solid person who always handled work efficiently.
"Understood. If that's the case, leave it to me."
"Really, thank you!"
Though I said that, what should I do?
It would probably be impossible for Hasebe-senpai to talk one-on-one suddenly, right?
Is there a need to make some excuse...
Should I borrow the strength of everyone in the Watanabe-han?
(5)
"So you just took a consultation from that Yuki-senpai?"
"That's all, there's nothing else."
That is indeed the Watanabe-han's specialty.
"Sorry about that. I thought about using another restaurant, but I thought that would make things complicated. I figured there's no way I'd do something as stupid as cheating right in front of Mika's eyes."
"I admit I jumped to conclusions. So, what are you going to do?"
"I'm worrying about that."
I thought about it too.
I hate overly difficult things.
"If you haven't confirmed whether that Hasebe guy is dating anyone else, shouldn't you just force him to say it?"
"About that... actually, I've already heard Hasebe-senpai's side."
"Huh?"
Masashi says.
The talk at the afterparty when there was a workplace welcome party.
"Watanabe-kun is great, so reliable. I wish I were born like you too."
"Hasebe-senpai, aren't you doing your work solidly too?"
"Because I have this kind of personality... I admire someone like her."
"Her?"
"Yuki-senpai."
"I see..."
"And that's how it is."
Masashi explained.
"Then it's simple! Bring that Hasebe guy here! We will retrain that weak spirit of his."
"Wait, Mika! Forced methods are bad! I told you, there are risks to workplace romance..."
"If the feeling is mutual, there's no problem!"
Saying so, I send a message to the girls' group chat.
The reaction. It immediately comes back to the Watanabe-han.
"First, let us talk to that Hasebe guy! We'll go from there!"
"It's been a while since we had someone worth training."
"I'll thoroughly train that weak spirit."
Kanna, Ai, and Emi are saying so.
"Understood, I'll try adding the two of them to the Watanabe-han."
Masashi said so.
Masashi is operating his smartphone.
And...
Masashi invited Saori.
Masashi invited Kenji.
The two of them greet.
I invite Yuki-san to the girls' group chat.
Then we discuss various things.
As a result, first we'll have them talk together at a drinking party.
We'll go from there!
"Masashi! Set up a welcome party for the two of them!"
I send that message to the Watanabe-han.
Dithering around doesn't suit my nature.
It's best to just settle it quickly!
Workplace romance? That doesn't matter.
You're free to romance wherever you want!
(6)
"Mika-san is being reckless again."
I sighed.
What she's saying is a sound argument, but...
"Is something the matter?"
Airi is saying while drying her hair.
"You'll know if you look at your smartphone."
"Yes."
Even though she could just look at her own phone, perhaps wanting to cling tightly to me, she looks as if peeking into my phone.
And then she looks at her own phone.
And then she giggled and showed it to me.
...This is terrible.
There's no strategy or anything.
It's too direct.
"That Hasebe guy says he likes Yuki-san."
"No way!?"
"Then there's no need to worry, is there?"
"Now we just have to make Hasebe say it!"
"...It comes down to that, doesn't it."
"Don't worry, Yuki-san. That kind of thing is the Watanabe-han's specialty. We'll make him say it, even if we have to drag it out of him."
Do they intend to threaten him?
"...Hey, Airi?"
"What is it?"
"Are you happy when confessed to by a man? Even if it was forced out of him."
"I'm not sure about by force, but if anything, we still want to be confessed to. There are times when we want them to notice our feelings too."
"Is that how it is?"
I thought about it.
The women are so hyped up.
Maybe letting the women do as they please is also an option.
"I guess I don't have a turn this time?"
"Oh? Why is that?"
"Because I want to see how the women handle it."
"Will it be alright?"
"It'll probably be fine, right?"
"If Toya-san says so, then I suppose it will be."
Airi says so and presses close.
"Won't Toya-san notice my feelings?"
When Airi says so, I giggle.
"I thought it was still too early, though."
"Tomorrow is an early start, you know?"
Airi seems unable to wait.
I stand up and get into bed.
Airi is looking at me sadly.
"...What are you doing? Come here."
When I say so, Airi happily gets into bed.
"I'm sorry for acting selfishly."
"It's fine, looks like overtime will continue again anyway."
"Yes."
I want to tell you from the bottom of my heart
If only I could always gaze at your smile...
I love you from the bottom of my heart.
I will gather all the light falling upon you.