Chapter 411 - The Place That Felt So Comfortable
(1)
"I'm home."
"Welcome back, Toya."
"Oh, you're back."
Airi and I, who returned to my parents' house for at least the Bon holiday.
I had contacted them in advance, saying I would return for the Bon holiday.
I was also planning to show my face at the Tosaka household.
There was also the purpose of letting Airi rest.
But it seemed my parents didn't take it that way.
"You were planning to stay over, right?"
"Yes, but?"
"Then, we're heading out immediately."
Huh?
"It must have been tough for you guys in your first year as working adults, right? It's a gift from your parents. Accept it."
Father says.
"Airi-chan, it must have been tough for you too, right? With Toya being selfish again."
"That's not true at all. Toya-san works diligently every single day."
"Well, don't say that, just stretch your wings."
"Eh?"
Airi, who still couldn't quite understand what Mother was saying.
It seemed they had conspired with the Tosaka family.
Apparently, they were planning for the six of us to spend a night at a resort hotel in Beppu.
Well, that's fine, though.
After loading the luggage into the car, Airi and I head toward the resort hotel.
"If I had known it would be like this, I should have prepared a swimsuit."
"Well, just think of it as a rest for your wings."
"Yes, please rest well too, Toya-san."
On the way, we stopped by a family restaurant for lunch.
We order the usual menu.
"Is Toya behaving properly?"
"Yes, he is very kind."
"Is Airi-chan supporting him properly~?"
"I'm saved thanks to Airi."
Questions from Mother and Airi's mom fly at us one after another.
After eating lunch, we do a little sightseeing and then check into the hotel.
Upon entering the room, I dive onto the bed.
"How long has it been since I came to a hotel like this with Toya-san?"
"That's true, we haven't come in a long time."
I wonder how they managed to get a reservation in the midst of this busy season.
"Toya-san, you must be tired from driving, right? Please sleep until a call comes from Rie-chan."
"That's an impossible request."
"Why is that?"
I beckon Airi to come over.
When Airi comes, I hug her.
"Geez, you can't. Haven't I always told you to do that kind of thing at night?"
Even as she says so, Airi doesn't truly reject me.
Until it was time for dinner, I spent time relaxing with Airi.
After eating dinner, I look at my smartphone.
Tomorrow is the day of the Watanabe group's wrap-up party.
I wondered what to do.
I also consult with Airi.
As a result, I decided to be absent.
We'll probably drink at home anyway.
It's not bad to keep my parents company once in a while.
It seems the other groups who returned home are also absent from the party. Apparently, the university group is the main focus of those attending. Among the married couples, it seems only the Nishimatsu couple and the Kiritani couple are going.
It seems the Kiritani couple cannot return home due to work.
Kiritani-kun has also started working.
As expected, the quota seems to be tough.
Even so, he says it's better just to have holidays.
While having such an exchange, the smartphone rings.
"Let's have dinner."
We change into yukata and head to the restaurant.
And the six of us sit at the same table.
When we order wine, we all toast.
After taking a sip, I immediately went to get food.
"You seem to be the same as always."
Father says.
"Even so, he is on the reserved side. Lately, he listens to what I say properly."
Airi says.
"You also can't go against her after all, huh..."
"Y-Yeah."
The dads say.
I feel like I can understand a little bit now.
It's like this even before marriage. It will probably be even tougher once we're married.
Let alone if we have children...
Let's stop thinking about it.
When the meal is finished, we go to the bath.
The dads were with me too.
The three of us enter the open-air bath.
"...Is Airi supporting Toya-kun well?"
"Yes, I am very much helped."
"You seem to get along well, and it seems to be going smoothly, so that's good."
The dads say.
In reality, Airi is doing things properly.
Because Airi is there, I can go to work every day and rest after returning.
The tax accountant exam is the same.
Besides, because Airi manages the household budget, I can do it without any worries.
I only used a little during the move.
I was telling the dads such stories.
Hearing that, Airi's dad seemed convinced.
After getting out of the bath, I wait for Airi and the others.
When Airi and the others arrive, we return to the room.
The two of us were watching TV while playing with our smartphones.
Around the time the date changed, Airi says, "Shall we go to sleep soon?"
"Tomorrow is early in the morning too, so please rest well."
"I can't rest yet."
"Why is that?"
I push Airi, who tilts her head, down onto the bed.
"Airi's maintenance... is still left, right?"
"Thank you very much."
I spent the Bon holiday relaxing with Airi.
(2)
"I'm home."
"Hello."
I had returned to Makoto's house.
It seemed Chi-chan and the others had also returned.
Apparently, Chi-chan and the others had also started living together.
Though it seems their living expenses are covered by allowances.
Sho was also there.
That day was a banquet.
Tomorrow, Chi-chan and the others are apparently going to Sho's house.
It seems they won't participate in the Watanabe group's wrap-up party.
Sho was nervous.
Though it seemed he was more afraid of Makoto than Makoto's parents.
"Our Makoto hasn't done anything to trouble Kanna-chan, has he?"
Makoto's father says.
I answered honestly.
Lately, Makoto has been supporting me.
He also takes the initiative in doing housework.
Thanks to Makoto, I can relax at home.
I tell them that depending on Makoto's earnings, I intend to become a full-time housewife.
Hearing that, Makoto's father seemed convinced.
In reality, Makoto has changed.
Did he learn his lesson from that incident?
It seems he hasn't shown his face at things like mixer parties.
His pranks with Eita have also disappeared.
I was talking about that with Ai as well.
When the banquet ends, Chi-chan and I help clean up.
"Chitose has also become able to do housework, hasn't she?"
Makoto's mother was saying.
"It's fine now, so both of you go take a bath."
Since we had the chance, Chi-chan and I enter together.
"Big Brother has changed, hasn't he?"
Chi-chan says.
It seemed Chi-chan had also noticed. Makoto's transformation.
Though it might be impossible not to notice.
"Yeah, even when he drinks, his complaining has decreased."
"But don't you get anxious? Like, 'Then where is he releasing his frustration?'"
It seems Chi-chan also harbors anxiety toward Sho.
"I'm sure it's fine. I guarantee it."
I talk to Chi-chan.
Before today ends.
With the moonlight that illuminated those cheeks held close to my heart.
For our future, for those who love each other.
So that the smiles of the two do not cease today as well.
The moon tells the life entrusted and granted to this body to shine strongly, strongly.
It speaks, asking for whose sake it would be if we were to forget the present that existed on top of sadness. (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "一体だ誰の為" instead of "一体誰の為" (for whose sake indeed).)
Those two understand.
When touching kindness, one knows a weakness that seems to bleed through.
Just as admitting one is weak teaches one to depend on others, because no one is strong, everyone possesses a soul that cares for the person next to them now.
Humans wander in search of some kind of meaning, and even now, they live with blood flowing through them like this.
Borrowing this form, they know the meaning of existing as they should.
After getting out of the bath, I go to Makoto's room.
Makoto is drinking alcohol alone.
"Will you drink too, Kanna?"
"Yeah."
I watch TV while drinking the canned beer handed to me by Makoto.
When I finish drinking, I turn off the TV.
"Shall we sleep soon?"
Makoto says.
"Tomorrow is early in the morning, right? I'll drive you."
"That helps."
"Don't worry about it."
"Keep it up..."
And so, we fall asleep.
The moon speaks to us again today.
So that we do not forget everything.
(3)
"I'm home."
"Hello."
We are at Yuma's parents' house.
"Oh! Welcome back. Well, come on up."
My father-in-law, Yuma's dad, welcomed us, saying so.
"There's an empty room on the second floor, so use it. I've prepared it."
"Thank you very much."
After putting our luggage on the second floor, we were talking with his parents in the living room on the first floor.
We conveyed everything we needed to convey, such as the fact that next year's employment was decided, and the date for holding the ceremony.
Hearing that, his parents nod.
"Isn't that fine? With that."
My father-in-law said so for us.
It seems his mother has no objections either.
Dinner that day was yakiniku.
With a beer in one hand, we grill meat.
"Saki-san, don't be so stiff, just relax."
I am told by my father-in-law, but I am still nervous after all.
I cannot afford to make a fool of myself.
While the men were drinking alcohol, Yuma's mother and I were cleaning up.
"I'm sorry. Making you help."
"No, it is fine."
"...Is Yuma doing well?"
"Yes, he even helps with the housework."
I'm almost anxious that he might break from overworking.
"He's been a child who tries to do everything by himself since long ago, so I'm worried."
Controlling that is my role.
"It's fine, because I am watching over him properly."
"Please... take care of him."
Yuma's mother said so and smiled.
After the cleanup is finished, I take a bath.
"Our bath is spacious. The two of you should take your time and go in together."
He is the same as always, my father-in-law.
"What are you saying, Dad!" (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "義父さん" (father-in-law) instead of "親父" (father) or "お父さん" (father) since they are at Yuma's house.)
Yuma is saying.
After we take turns entering the bath, the two who have become completely drunk are in high spirits.
"Eiji-san, the two of them are going to Saki-san's parents' house tomorrow. Don't make them drink too much."
"I know, Sayaka-san. So, I understand about the wedding, but when are you going to show me my grandchildren?"
"We haven't decided on things that far ahead!"
Yuma seems to be having a hard time.
Once we are finally released, we decide to rest on the second floor.
The next day, after eating breakfast, we headed to my parents' house.
Yuma says that maybe we should prepare a box of sweets or something, but I declined, saying, "You don't have to be so considerate."
On the way, we finished lunch by eating out.
When we went to my parents' house, they welcomed us warmly.
"Please take your time and relax today."
Father says so.
Yuma is nervous.
I understand that feeling well.
Relatives had also come.
Dinner was also eating out.
We eat at an izakaya.
We chat amicably.
After returning home by taxi, we take a bath and relax in the room.
In the living room, the relatives' children are making a racket.
"Good work."
"I understood Saki's hardships."
Yuma says so and sits down.
I sit next to him.
It was natural for Yuma to be by my side.
I was afraid of my feelings growing dull, so I pretended not to notice.
I want you to convey the joy of having met, the meaning of loving, with overflowing kindness.
"We'll be together forever."
The matching rings we bought were shining just as they did back then.
I grasp Yuma's hand.
Yuma looks at me.
Since you are so close, please do not let go of this hand.
There are feelings that words cannot reach.
There is an important feeling.
Please hold me so tightly that I can't even say goodbye.
Only feelings that words are not enough for hold the heart.
There is such an important feeling.
"Shall we sleep soon?"
"That's true."
We fall asleep.
I dream a strange dream.
I dream a beautiful dream.
The scent of summer.
A blue wind passes through me.
There are days of singing dreams.
There are also days of confusion.
Yuma's scent.
If my heart drifts to the bleeding sky.
Even the bulky feelings of distant days deep inside could probably be exposed now.
May the small stirrings I felt that day, which never came true but will never be lost, waver and shine as I swim through the days. (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "日々をおよく" instead of "日々を泳ぐ" (swim through the days).)
There are days we spun.
There is a kind person.
The scent of water.
A slumbering Yuma looks through me.
If we can share without speaking.
I want to touch you without hesitation.
I swim through the days so that they sparkle and overflow.
The moon tells the life entrusted and granted to this body.
It spoke, asking for whose sake it would be if we were to forget the present that existed on top of sadness.
(4)
"Well then, good work for the first semester! Cheers!!"
When Nishimatsu-senpai says so, the banquet begins.
Today is the day of the wrap-up party for the end of the first semester.
Because it overlapped with the Bon holiday, the working adult group had returned home.
It seems both of the Kiritani couple are busy with work and have no time to return.
It seems Kiritani-san indeed finds door-to-door sales tough.
I'm in no position to talk.
During the summer vacation, we looked for a house, and living together with Shoko was decided semi-forcibly.
I thought it was a joke, but apparently she was serious.
Speaking of living together, it seems the Akiyoshi couple will hold their wedding ceremony at the end of the month.
There are many other people who are living together.
But this is troubling, I never thought living together would be decided so suddenly.
"There's no need for that."
Shoko says.
It seems she doesn't contact her parents very much.
Actually, she wasn't even supposed to go to university, but because her parents said, "At least graduate from university," she is apparently going reluctantly. (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "言ってる" (saying) instead of "行ってる" (going).)
It seems she doesn't have a very good relationship with her parents.
But still...
"It's not something you need to worry about. If you absolutely insist, you can just report it when we get married. More importantly, your habit of cheating is the problem."
Shoko says so and laughs.
"What's this, are both of you even thinking about marriage?"
Ai-san said.
"N-No. We haven't thought that far ahead yet."
I said.
"If you're going to live together, just do it with momentum already. It's not that different."
Ai-san says.
"As expected, even if I force him to do it, it wouldn't make me happy, so I'll wait."
Shoko says.
"That's true too," Ai-san agreed.
"Do women really yearn for marriage that much? I'm a bit interested."
Sasaki says.
"Well, a woman who doesn't yearn for it is rarer. Though there might also be a desire to show off one's happiness."
Ai-san answered.
"But, not to be rude, I feel like Kiritani-san and the others have actually become unhappy instead."
When Sasaki says so, Ai-san smiled warmly.
"For that, wouldn't it be better to ask Yuzuki? Since it's not someone else's business for you either."
"So she says, but what do you think, Yuzuki?"
"Let's see, once you can understand marriage, I'll think about it. I'll wait until then."
"Understand, huh."
Sasaki is saying.
"Preparedness... a very important thing."
Shiratori-senpai says.
"But I envy you guys. Enjoy it while you can. Once you graduate, you'll never get consecutive holidays like this again."
Ai-san says.
I understand that. In fact, among the working adult group, only Ai-san and the others have come.
It seems Ai-san is also going home after the first party.
Apparently, she has work tomorrow too.
It must be tough.
I feel nostalgic for the times when Eita-san and Makoto-san were talking nonsense.
For better or worse, the two of them have become adults.
They probably had no choice but to become so.
Because they ended up knowing things they didn't want to know.
Because they ended up hearing the voices they had plugged their ears against.
Everyone forgot the passage of time with trivial talk.
Will a time come when I think of such days with nostalgia?
Did I forget such a carefree feeling somewhere?
There was always something irreplaceable, peace and warmth.
I can never return to that place where I always felt so comfortable.
Even now, when there is a strong bond.
I want to continue being comrades from now on as well.
Someday, a day will come when I can be reborn as my best self.
Dreaming of the day I can encounter more straightforward feelings.
We can understand each other, we can talk with each other.
I want to remain in such a relationship forever.
Something irreplaceable forever. There is peace and warmth.
If I could return to that place where I always felt so comfortable.
Someday, a day will come when I can be reborn as my best self.
I want to believe that I can surely return to the self I was until now.
"It's about time. How many people can go to the second party?"
Nishimatsu-senpai says.
I raised my hand after looking at Shoko's face to confirm.
(5)
The second party was karaoke.
Misato-san is singing.
Everyone else is making a racket while drinking.
Mikoto is also talking with Sakuragi-san and the others while drinking a beverage.
While I was also watching everyone sing while drinking a beverage, Umemoto-kun came next to me.
"Why the gloomy face? If you don't enjoy yourself thoroughly, there's no point in coming to the second party, right?"
"...I can't get used to this kind of situation."
Because in reality, I am surprised that I am in this kind of situation.
"Kiritani-san and the others said it, right? That it's only now! The final stage of being in the status of a student. Once these four years pass, you can never return."
Umemoto-kun says.
Until I entered the Watanabe group, I hadn't thought about it at all.
Balancing part-time work and studying. I was only thinking about that.
For some reason, I got a girlfriend, and then experienced various things.
Both good things and bad things.
The last four years, huh... Indeed, I hadn't thought as far as graduate school.
"I have friends of the same age, and they all say, 'I should have gone to a vocational school or something and fully enjoyed student life'..."
Umemoto-kun says.
"No matter how much you struggle, the place you ultimately end up is as a working adult, so shouldn't you do the things you can only do now?"
Umemoto-kun grapples with me and says.
"They say once you go out into society, even encounters disappear. Don't you think you're lucky yourself? You're quite fortunate, you know? Having the other party seek you out."
It might be exactly as Umemoto-kun says.
Coincidences piled up, and that's why the present exists.
"That's right... by chance, you have encountered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you can score a goal just by taking one more step. An opportunity like this is extremely rare."
"Umemoto-kun, what do you think I should do?"
"Shouldn't you just convey what you are thinking right now?"
Umemoto-kun says.
I worry. Is it something I have to say right now? Shouldn't we get to know each other more?
Will I really not regret it?
"What's this? It seems you still lack momentum. Drink this..."
"Gaku! (T/N: possible typo in source — original reads "永遠" (eternity/Towa) instead of "咢" (Gaku)) That guy came by car! Don't force him!"
Sakuragi-san, who seemed to have been watching the situation, said.
"I see, then another time."
Saying so, Umemoto-kun entered everyone's circle.
While I was thinking about the words Umemoto-kun said, Mikoto comes.
"What did Umemoto say to you?"
"He said not to miss the opportunity to score a goal just by touching the ball."
"I see..."
Mikoto drinks up the beverage in her mug and says.
"Isn't that a bit off?"
"What do you mean?"
I asked back.
"According to Umemoto's story, it sounds like he's talking about an opportunity to obtain me."
"Is it different?"
"Of course it's different! I am already yours!"
It's not that you won't get it if you miss now, you have already obtained it, Mikoto asserts.
"It is already in your hands. So there is no need to rush. All that's left is to wait for the right time."
"When is that right time?"
"Think about that much yourself! I will wait forever. Or do I have that little credibility?"
"That's not the case, but..."
"...I'm sorry. To tell you the truth, I want to live together right this instant."
Was she influenced by Sakuragi-san?
"No matter how grandly I speak, I am still protected by my parents. Compared to that, Gaku is amazing..."
"Even for me, my tuition is left entirely to my parents."
"I leave everything entirely to my parents. And yet, I am trying to go against my parents. I make myself feel miserable."
"I can't even go against my parents. I have no self..."
Mikoto is ordering a refill of her drink.
"That's not true! Even at that time, didn't you try to protect me! If there is anyone who makes fun of you, I will kick them away!"
Doesn't that mean in the end, I'm just being protected?
"Thank you. Just that feeling makes me happy."
"The one who wants to say thank you is me. I am grateful to you for choosing me. I love you."
Everyone started to notice Mikoto's unusual state.
"Please order some water. Mikoto-san, are you okay?"
Miyuki-sensei came.
"This much is nothing!"
To Mikoto who shouts so, Miyuki-sensei makes her drink water, and then says to me.
"You said you came by car, right? It's fine for today, so please take Mikoto-san home."
"I'm still going to drink!"
"No! Keisuke, help him."
When Miyuki-sensei says so, Nishimatsu-senpai helps carry Mikoto to the car together.
After putting Mikoto in the passenger seat, I thanked Nishimatsu-senpai and drove the car out.
"Sorry, I'm causing trouble for Gaku again."
"It's fine."
"Am I really not being a nuisance?"
"I'll at least take care of my girlfriend. Though I might be unreliable."
"That's not true..."
I park the car in the parking lot of her apartment.
"Mikoto, can you walk?"
"I-I wonder if I'm okay..."
Since she doesn't seem to be able to stand properly, I lend her my shoulder.
After borrowing the key to her room door, I open the door.
"Excuse me."
When I turn on the light, it is surprisingly organized.
I lay her down on the bed.
"I'll put the key in the newspaper slot, okay?"
Saying so and try to leave, Mikoto pulls my clothes.
"Today I am completely useless. I'm only exposing my disgraceful behavior."
"I don't mind, so it's fine."
"Then, can I say something selfish while I'm at it?"
Mikoto says so and wraps her arms around my waist.
"Just until it's time for your part-time job is fine. Won't you stay with me?"
Mikoto says so.
Now, how should I answer?
I can't just leave a lonely-looking Mikoto and go home.
But, if I'm going to do it anyway.
"I'm going home once..."
Mikoto makes a lonely face.
"I'll prepare a change of clothes and things. I'll stay here only during the summer vacation. It's fine if I keep the key, right?"
"Ah! Thank you. ...Sorry. I'm troubling Gaku."
"I'll be right back, but you should rest even a little."
"Understood."
Saying so, I leave the apartment, return to my own apartment, and pack my luggage.
Even as it is now, it was a place where I felt comfortable, but.
Something irreplaceable forever.
A place of peace and warmth.
I might be able to be reborn as my best self.
I had a premonition that I could encounter more straightforward feelings.
(6)
After returning from spending a night at the resort hotel, we had a banquet at home and spent another night.
And we lounge around in the living room until around evening.
Of course, with Airi as well.
In the end, the six of us ate out for dinner that day too.
After being treated to yakiniku, we returned to our apartment.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Airi is throwing the laundry into the washing machine while saying so.
"Toya-san, I will wash them together, so please take a bath first."
"Then, Airi is coming with me."
"Eh? You can't, it's not that spacious..."
"Once in a while is fine, right?"
"You are a troublesome husband."
After taking a bath with Airi, we watch TV in the bedroom.
Airi is looking at her smartphone.
Since Airi will probably tell me if something happens, I try not to look.
"Everyone is already on summer vacation, aren't they?"
"That's true, it was that kind of season."
I'm envious.
The blue sky I saw in the past, the blazing sun.
The season when the heart also shone.
Now, the memories are beautifully bleeding.
I want to return, but I cannot go back.
Those days when everything was dazzling in the scattering light.
Fragile memories of glass that cannot be restored once broken.
Even so, if you were to hold me tightly once more, the tears that had dried up would probably overflow.
"Fragile memories of glass, huh..."
I can never return to those days again.
"Is there a need to return?"
Airi asks, overlapping her hand with mine.
Because there is a past, there is a present.
A present more beautiful than memories...
"Memories are kind, so you must not depend on them."
Airi says with a laugh.
"That's true."
Only memories cross the age of glass.
It shines because there is pain.
The blue days, sparkling.
Something ends and begins.
The clouds part and illuminate me.