Chapter 416 - Just for You
"Toya-san, it's morning. Please wake up."
"Ah, good morning, Airi."
"Good morning."
We never miss our morning greetings.
Once the greetings are done, Airi leaves the bed and begins preparing breakfast.
I follow Airi as well.
"It looks like nice weather today too."
"It does. It will be a good ceremony."
Today is the wedding of the Akiyoshi couple.
Once we finish eating breakfast, Airi cleans up.
During that time, I talk to Airi.
She never says, "You're in the way, so go over there."
Airi answers me happily.
Even when the cleanup is finished, Airi's housework is not over.
She is very busy with cleaning and laundry.
During that time, I confine myself to the bedroom.
So as not to get in Airi's way.
I lie down on the bed with my handheld game console.
Instead, once Airi's cleaning is finished, I stop the game, turn on the TV, and converse with Airi.
It seems the "shaking because I want to see you" singer has gone on hiatus.
I wonder what happened?
While making such small talk and looking at the messages that occasionally come in, I spend the morning.
We eat lunch, clean up, and when it gets close to evening, we get ready.
As for the Watanabe Group, only the Ishihara couple, the Watanabe couple, the Nishimatsu couple, and the Takemoto couple attended the reception.
Apparently, the guests from the Akiyoshi family and the entertainment industry guests alone make up a considerable number.
Instead, it was decided that the after-party would be held with only the Watanabe Group.
Once we finish getting ready, we leave the house and head to the bus stop.
We get on the bus, get off in front of the station, and head to the hotel's party hall.
Saki-san is acting as the organizer this time as well.
At our table are the Watanabe couple, the Tada couple, and the Kiritani couple.
It is no different from usual.
"But with celebratory events increasing like this, the expenses are painful."
Watanabe-kun said.
"Masashi, you're being stingy."
Mika-san says.
We heard about the state of the reception from the Watanabe couple.
Apparently, it was held very grandly.
Of course, they apparently did not forget to promote the talents belonging to USE as well.
It seems ALICE itself has secured a contract with a major record label and will make their major debut soon.
They are currently building up their track record of drawing crowds during this summer vacation.
The success of their live performance in their hometown apparently also became material for the contract.
It seems Anan-kun and Naka-san have also been cast in a movie, thanks to Emi-san's aggressive promotion and the two's own ability.
The two from Mustard are also said to be traveling around various places within the Kyushu region during the summer vacation under the guise of 'warrior training' to sell their names.
They will probably secure a TV appearance in the near future.
Has the management of USE itself finally gotten on track?
"Now, since it seems everyone is gathered, I would like to begin shortly."
When Saki-san says this, Akiyoshi-kun and Arisu-san appear dressed up.
There is a greeting from Akiyoshi-kun.
"Now, representing the guests, Katagiri-san will give a greeting."
This was something I was informed of the day before.
Although I declined, saying, "Shouldn't Watanabe-kun be the one to do it?", I was pushed into it with, "You're the one who tied the knot between those two, Toya. I'm giving a speech at the reception."
I stand in front of the microphone.
"Today, Akiyoshi Keita-kun and Arisu-san have safely held their wedding ceremony. Congratulations to you both. Please continue to do your best working hand-in-hand."
The two of them bow deeply.
"Well then, everyone, please join me. To celebrate the future of these two, cheers."
When I say that, the banquet begins.
As I immediately try to go get some food, Airi grabs my arm.
"Toya-san, you can't do that. You have to properly greet the two of them."
"Everyone is greeting them, so I'll do it later."
"Let's greet them first, okay?"
"That's why, they're lining up right now..."
"Let's do it, okay?"
"...Yes."
We line up in the queue.
"Akiyoshi-kun, congratulations."
"Thank you very much."
"Katagiri-san, I don't know how much I should thank you. Thank you so very much."
Akiyoshi-kun and Arisu-san say.
"I think it will be tough from now on, but do your best. The two of you can surely overcome it. Since you've made it this far."
"Yes."
"Congratulations, Arisu-san."
Airi greets her.
"Thank you very much."
"I don't know how to thank you."
"Your future success. I will be supporting you from the shadows."
Now, the greetings are over.
Food!
I immediately go to get food.
After piling up the food, I return to my seat and devour it.
"Toya, don't just eat, drink a little!"
"That's right, I always think this, but Toya lacks momentum!"
I received criticism from the Watanabe couple.
"Even if you say that, Makoto and the others aren't drinking either, are they?"
"I have to drop Kanna off tomorrow."
"Is Kanna working tomorrow?"
"Yeah, she can't always take off on Saturdays and Sundays."
Which means...
"Among us, the ones going to the third party are only me, Mika, and Toya's group."
Watanabe-kun said.
Well, that's how it goes.
"Now for the entertainment, please enjoy Mustard's comedy sketch."
The two from Mustard do a comedy sketch.
Most of the material is about the Tada couple and the Kiritani couple.
Well, those two are a mass of material after all.
Besides that, Kanna showed off her beautiful voice. Airi and the others danced, and it got lively.
Fun times pass in the blink of an eye.
In no time, two hours passed.
"Now, finally, there will be words of thanks from the groom and bride."
Akiyoshi-kun stands in front of the microphone.
"I am very happy to receive such warm words from everyone. As the two of us made various preparations for the wedding party, I truly felt that we were becoming husband and wife. Welcoming this day today, I strongly feel that no matter what happens from now on, I will cherish Arisu."
Akiyoshi-kun's speech still continues.
"I am full of happiness to be able to spend this kind of time together with everyone who helps us on a daily basis. From now on, I want us to become a married couple who can help each other."
As he continues such a long speech.
"That's too long! Wrap it up sharply!"
A heckle flies from Mika-san.
"...Our ideal is Katagiri-senpai and his wife. We want to make mutual efforts so that we can become a happily married couple forever. We intend to do our very best while borrowing everyone's strength. Please continue to look after the two of us."
Akiyoshi-kun finishes speaking, and applause rings out.
After that, there seems to be words of thanks from Arisu-san.
"I am Arisu, who has become his wife. Today, I am deeply moved to receive congratulatory words from so many people. Without forgetting this feeling of today, I want to build a bright home while helping each other."
So as the second party ends, we go to the third party.
The place we are going is already decided. It's the usual karaoke parlor.
Nishimatsu-kun has also made arrangements.
"Those going to the third party, prepare yourselves for until morning!"
Mika-san says.
Apparently, she took tomorrow off.
The Tada couple, the Kiritani couple, and the Nakajima couple part ways here.
"Well, enjoy it for our share too."
Saying so, the six of them headed toward the station.
The Akiyoshi couple also parts ways here.
"Thank you very much for today."
"Good work."
"Yes, well then, see you."
They got into the car carrying the Shimizu sisters and drove away.
"Now, let's get lively with everyone who's left."
When Nishimatsu-kun says this, we head toward the karaoke parlor.
Wrapped in a pure white wedding dress. As I am feeling nervous, I hear a knock.
"Come in."
The one who entered is Keita.
Keita is surprised.
"I'm amazed. You're beautiful, Arisu."
"You're thinking 'fine feathers make fine birds', aren't you?"
"N-No, that's not true."
I know.
"I never even imagined that this kind of ordinary happiness would be waiting for me."
"Everyone has the right to be happy. Katagiri-san said so, didn't he?"
"It's thanks to Katagiri-san."
That Katagiri-san was not able to come to the reception.
However, he will give a speech at the after-party.
Yes, I must thank him.
"I heard from the president earlier, but apparently an offer for a major debut has come from a major record label."
"Really?"
"Yeah, it's going to be tough from now on."
"I'm happy, but, Keita."
"What is it?"
Right now is the reception.
"Let's not talk about work."
"Ah, that's right. Sorry."
"It's fine."
"Are you ready? Everyone has taken their seats. It is almost time."
"Well, shall we go, Keita?"
"Right."
We left the waiting room.
Various guests had come to the reception, such as industry people and VIPs of the Akiyoshi family.
Several people from the Watanabe Group have come as representatives of friends.
The ceremony was conducted solemnly, and now the reception is being held.
Watanabe-san gave a speech.
And the after-party was held with only the people of the Watanabe Group.
Everyone came.
And Katagiri-san's speech.
He also came to greet us during the chat.
Once the after-party ended, we went home.
They gave us a one-week vacation.
Emi-san told us to go on a honeymoon or something.
"Once the trip is over, you'll be very busy."
Emi-san said so and laughed.
When we get home, fatigue rushes in all at once.
Once I take a shower, I collapse onto the bed.
Starting tomorrow, it's the trip.
I prepare for the trip.
Once Keita comes, we prepare together.
Once the preparations are finished, we get into bed.
"Please look after me from now on, Keita."
"Likewise, look after me, Arisu."
And so, we fell asleep.
And so, our newlywed life raised its curtain.
"Well, even though the guests of honor aren't here, let's get lively."
When Saki-san says this, the third party begins.
Although the Tada couple, the Kiritani couple, the Nakajima couple, Urabe-san, and Kanda-san went home.
The location of the third party is karaoke.
Right now, Kitamura-san and the others are singing.
"Good work, Saki-san."
We were expressing our appreciation to the Takemoto couple.
"Thank you very much. Next is Shota and his group, right?"
"That's right."
With Nakajima-kun, Kiritani-kun, Takemoto-kun, and Tasuku, the celebratory events of the Watanabe Group continue.
In the meantime, there might also be someone giving birth.
The end of the year will be very busy.
The end of the year, huh... It's not someone else's business for me either.
"Toya will also hold a ceremony next year, right?"
Watanabe-kun says.
"If it goes according to plan."
"What are you worried about, Toya?"
"You never know what will happen in life..."
Watanabe-kun seemed to understand what I meant.
Watanabe-kun laughed.
"That would never happen specifically to you guys. It's what you call needless worry."
"Even Toya-kun has things like that to worry about."
Saki-san also seemed to notice.
And Airi as well.
"You're thinking of such mean things again, aren't you? I told you, 'anytime is fine'."
"Sorry, sorry."
I soothe Airi.
"Toya-senpai and the others, let's sing too!"
Haruto brings over the device.
Once Airi inputs a song, she passes it around to everyone.
And then everyone sings.
Along the way, the Tange couple, the Manabe couple, and the Shiina couple went home.
There were also others who slipped out midway to drink separately.
It seems Haruto and his group will also drink with Shiratori-san, just the two of them.
Those who remained were me, Airi, the Watanabe couple, the Ishihara couple, the Sakai couple, the Nishimatsu couple, Yuki-san, and Hasebe-kun.
The twelve of us made a racket.
We made a racket until morning.
And when morning comes, everyone goes home.
Returning to our respective daily lives.
We ride the bus and return home.
"Thank you for your hard work. Please take a bath."
Just as Airi said, I take a bath and relax in the bedroom.
Airi returns from the bath.
"It was quite a long summer, wasn't it?"
Airi says.
It certainly was a long summer.
Various things happened, but it passed in the blink of an eye.
Summer passed in the blink of an eye.
"Shall we sleep already today?"
"Yes."
I get into bed with Airi.
Until the promised day, even if it is an infinitely distant road until grasping the dream, until grasping the dream, surely...
"Gaku too, huh..."
"Well, yeah. It's tough."
The four of us were drinking.
Though I was having a soft drink.
Mikoto's Father was already looking for a new home.
All that's left is to move.
Before that, I want to introduce Mikoto to my Father.
What that means is probably...
We look at our respective lovers.
The two of them are getting excited.
It seems they have no anxiety about the future.
Even though Umemoto-kun is feeling anxious.
"Well, things will work out."
Umemoto-kun says so, takes a quick gulp of his drink, and asks for a refill.
Holding his glass, he joins the two of them.
"What are the two of you getting so excited about?"
"Ah, like, 'where would be good for a honeymoon?'"
I spat out my juice.
"I-Isn't it still too early?"
Umemoto-kun also seemed flustered.
"What's that, are you guys saying you don't have the intention?"
Sakuragi-san says.
"That's right, you guys have conquered the greatest fortress, the Father."
"I haven't yet."
Umemoto-kun says.
"The moment he agrees to meet you, you've conquered him. No need to worry. Even if he turns into an enemy, I will follow you forever!"
"That makes me happy..."
It seems that in Sakuragi-san's mind, the engagement is already established.
But it's not someone else's business for me either.
"What about you, Gaku? Are you anxious about living together with me?"
Mikoto asked.
"Well, of course there's some anxiety, since I've never experienced it before."
"Is that so..."
Mikoto seems to be feeling down.
"I don't believe that love saves the world."
"Gaku?"
"But, enough for you right in front of me to be able to live tomorrow, I'll kick away any impossible absurdity."
So stop holding back and swallowing your emotions.
It will surely be fine, so let's go anywhere.
"...That's right."
Mikoto laughed.
After seeing off Umemoto-kun and Sakuragi-kun, we return to Mikoto's house.
Dawn had already broken.
The luggage was mostly organized.
I plan to move within next week.
I plan to take Mikoto to my house tonight.
For now, I fell asleep with Mikoto.
Let's enjoy this moment.
I won't forget this moment. Now, and even when I become an adult.
Returning home with Tsubame, I take a shower.
I heard about Umemoto-kun and Suzumiya-kun.
So, when Tsubame returned from the shower, I asked her.
"Don't we need to greet your Father?"
Tsubame laughed and said.
"Because my Father's interest only goes to my older brother."
"What do you mean?"
"It means my Father's interest is solely on his successor son. Someone like me isn't even given a second thought."
"...Sorry, I asked something bad."
"It's too late for that. I've never even minded it."
Tsubame is laughing.
She told me that just greeting him when we get married would be enough.
In Tsubame's mind, it was already decided up to marriage, wasn't it.
I've started to get nervous only now.
My future is decided.
With a decided future, can I support Tsubame alone?
I was anxious.
Tsubame squeezes the hand of such a me.
"There's no need to be anxious from now like that. I'm prepared for a slightly poor life."
Tsubame's words encourage me.
"For now, let's concentrate on the studies in front of us, okay?"
Tsubame says.
"That's right."
"Though, we're tired today, aren't we. Shall we rest a little?"
"Yeah."
The two of us fall asleep.
Because no one is that strong, that is precisely why, right now, we hold a heart that cares for the person beside us.
Today too, I stay at Haruto's house.
Surprisingly, Haruto seems to like cleanliness.
After borrowing the shower, I was watching TV.
Haruto comes out of the shower.
"We also have to start thinking about it soon, right."
Haruto says.
"About what?"
I asked.
"Once graduation from university is decided. Won't you live together with me?"
Quite a light proposal, isn't it.
It's just like Haruto, though.
"Sure."
I said while watching TV.
Because if I look at Haruto's face, I will surely end up crying.
"Seriously!?"
A rejoicing Haruto?
"Seriously."
I can't hold back.
I cling to Haruto.
"...Thank you for choosing me. You showed me the light. You showed me a beautiful world."
"I should be the one thanking you. I will absolutely make you happy."
"It's a promise."
I pinky-swear with Haruto.
Just for you.
Because I will be by your side forever.
That night, I played an online game for the first time in a while.
Together with Kiritani-kun and the others.
Once the game is finished, I log out and watch a drama.
The lead actor was Airi's favorite.
I watch the drama together with Airi.
During that time, my smartphone kept ringing continuously. Even as we watched the drama, I looked at my smartphone.
There is something that surprised me.
Apparently, Haruto proposed to Shiratori-san.
It seems it was quite casual, though.
The spring of the Watanabe Group will probably still continue.
Waiting for the drama to end, I tell Airi about that.
"That is a celebratory thing, isn't it."
Airi said so and was laughing.
"But, apparently he will buy the ring after graduating from university."
"He is a serious person, isn't he."
Is his employment destination really the Shiratori Company after all?
"Toya-san."
"What is it?"
"It is about time you went to sleep..."
"That's right."
Once I turn off the TV, I lower the lights and get into bed with Airi.
"Hey, Toya-san."
"What is it?"
"There is no need for Toya-san to rush either, you know?"
"I'm not rushing or anything, you know?"
It is almost time until the promised day.
Even if we do nothing, that time will come.
That's why Airi only needs to wait.
"Because I will properly convey my feelings."
"That is surely meaningless, you know?"
"Eh?"
"Have you forgotten? I have no intention of listening to long lines."
Airi says so and laughs.
"That's right."
"Well then, good night."
"Good night."
Airi closes her eyes and sleeps.
Wearing a peaceful expression.
The promised day was steadily approaching.