Chapter 424 - Proposal
(1)
"Well, Toya, I'm going to look..."
"Yes..."
Tatsuhiko-senpai is opening the National Tax Agency website.
Today is the day of the announcement of the tax accountant exam results.
Everyone focuses their attention on Tatsuhiko-senpai's PC.
The examinee numbers are listed.
I had heard that it wasn't so easy as to pass five subjects all at once.
But I felt a sense of confidence.
If possible, I want to pass.
"Are you serious..."
Tatsuhiko-senpai groans. (T/N: The source reads "もらう" (morau), which is likely a typo for "うめく" (umeku - groans/moans) or similar).
"You are seriously amazing, you passed all five subjects, didn't you!"
I doubted my own ears.
No way!?
I look at the screen.
There, my number was certainly listed.
"You son of a bitch! I took it three times, you know!"
Tatsuhiko-senpai's kick flies in.
"With this, you are truly a new asset to our company."
The President says.
"Go tell your girlfriend."
Since the President says so, I go outside and call Airi.
"Airi! I passed!!"
"I know. The passing certificate arrived just a moment ago. As expected of you. Congratulations."
"It's thanks to you, Airi."
"Passing was due to your own ability, Toya-san."
Airi is also happy.
"Well then, I have work piled up, so..."
"Yes, please do your best."
When I finish the call, I return to the office.
"Katagiri-san, isn't it about time you head to the client's office?"
Kamiki-san says.
Looking at the clock, indeed, it's getting bad.
I hurriedly gather the documents and rush out of the office.
Once December begins, in addition to the monthly settlement, year-end tax adjustment work also comes pouring in.
It's that thing where salarymen fudge things to make a secret stash of money when the year-end season comes.
Well, when the year-end and New Year holidays approach, the work of a tax accountant office reaches its climax.
Since I was told to come home early today, I also decline invitations to drink to celebrate passing.
The President also tells me, "You should take your time and enjoy it with your girlfriend."
I hurry home.
"Welcome back, thank you for your hard work. Dinner is ready, so please change your clothes."
Told by Airi, I change my clothes, and then have a celebratory toast with Airi.
"Congratulations."
"Thank you."
After eating dinner, I take a bath while Airi is tidying up.
When I get out of the bath, Airi goes into the bath.
In the meantime, I go into the bedroom and relax.
While I am relaxing, Airi brings a chuhai.
Airi is keeping the household account book.
When she finishes keeping it, she sits next to me and we watch TV together.
When the TV finishes, I turn off the TV and get into bed with Airi.
"Can you become independent with this now, Toya-san?"
Airi asked.
I shake my head.
"Even if I could become independent now, I don't have any clients, so I'd just end up on the streets. Besides, to register as a tax accountant, two years of practical experience is required."
I explain to Airi.
I explain that taking the clients I am currently in charge of with me is also prohibited by law.
"It's tough, isn't it..."
"But I'll get a qualification allowance."
I explain to Airi that just having the qualification makes a difference in treatment.
"I'm glad."
Thinking so, I caress Airi.
And then Airi falls asleep.
I decided to sleep too.
My preparations are complete.
All that's left is to wait for the time to come.
A mark was written on the calendar.
(2)
"Well then, let's toast to celebrate the marriage of the Nakajima couple today."
When Watanabe-kun says so, the banquet begins.
Today was the after-party of the Nakajima couple's wedding.
Since Honoka-san has work, they are apparently going to the land of dreams for their honeymoon at the end of the year.
At the after-party, there were performances by ALICE and Mustard.
At our table, there were the Tada couple, the Kiritani couple, and the Watanabe couple.
First of all, I greet Nakajima-kun.
"Congratulations to both of you."
"Thank you, we somehow managed to reach this day."
"Congratulations, Honoka."
"Thank you, Airi."
After talking for a bit, I go to get some food.
Airi seems to be talking with everyone while drinking her beverage at the table.
When I return to the table, everyone is grinning.
"It's finally your turn too, Toya."
Watanabe-kun says.
"That's right."
"I heard you're already thinking about making children too?"
Makoto asks.
I choked.
Airi must have talked about it.
Airi is blushing.
"Your future is moving along swimmingly."
Watanabe-kun says.
"But still, even though you've decided that much, you're still not married?"
Kiritani-kun says.
"I heard they've already decided even the date of the ceremony."
Airi says.
"So if Airi refuses, it all goes to waste, right?"
When Mika-san says so, Airi says, "That won't happen."
"I want a child too~"
Ai-san says.
"That's right, I want to make one soon."
When Kanna says so, Mika-san also starts saying it.
The men are clearing their throats.
"Yes, we're going to the usual karaoke for the third party."
Saki-san says.
We decided to go too.
The Tada couple and the Kiritani couple say goodbye here, saying they have work tomorrow too.
As for the Nakajima couple, Honoka-san apparently has work tomorrow.
It's tough even though they're newlyweds.
The Watanabe couple also says goodbye, saying they'll have a light drink and go home because Mika-san has work tomorrow.
In addition, Urabe-san and the others, and Yuki-san and the others also said they would go with the Watanabe couple.
The Akiyoshi couple and Mustard also go home because they have a live performance tomorrow.
Those going to the third party are the Takemoto couple, the Nishimatsu couple, Haruto, Shiratori-san, the Umemoto couple, Sasaki-kun, Kobayashi-san, Wakamiya-san, Suzumiya-kun, the Ishihara couple, the Sakai couple, the Mizushima couple, the Kitamura siblings, Kuribayashi-kun, and Matsumoto-san.
We move to the karaoke venue.
On both sides of us were the Mizushima couple and the Ishihara couple.
"Senpai, I'm sorry!"
Sakurako-san suddenly apologizes.
It must be about the Basketball Club.
"There's no need to worry about it."
I say.
"Let's leave the future to Chii-chan and the others. More importantly, I saw your goal, Sakurako-san?"
I said with a laugh.
"Representing Japan might be impossible, but I want to raise players who can join overseas clubs."
Sakurako-san's enthusiasm is amazing.
"Ishihara-kun, I heard your side business is going well too?"
"Though I've started to lose track of which one is the side business."
Ishihara-kun says so and laughs.
"We're thinking of expanding the business a little more, we're currently searching for hidden talents sleeping in our hometown."
Emi-san says.
While the six of us are talking, Haruto and the others come over.
"Senpai, since we're here, let's get hyped up!"
"That's right, since we're here."
Umemoto-kun also says.
"That's right."
Saying so, I start selecting songs with Airi.
We drank and made a racket until morning.
When morning comes, everyone disperses.
We return home while being swayed by the first bus.
"Toya-san, we're getting off next."
Told by Airi, I wake up.
We walk slowly, heading home.
Returning home, I change and take a shower.
"Toya-san, please go to sleep first. I'll do the laundry before sleeping."
"Won't Airi keep her husband company?"
"I'll save that for the fun tonight."
"...Don't overdo it."
"Yes."
Collapsing onto the bed, I fell asleep just like that.
(3)
We, Yuki-senpai, Hasebe-senpai, Kanda-sensei, and Urabe-san were drinking at a snack bar.
"It seems everyone likes to make a racket."
Yuki-senpai says.
"That's just the kind of group we are."
I replied.
"But I suppose this kind of breather is necessary."
Yuki-senpai says.
"Because once you become an adult, you even forget how to take a breather."
Kanda-sensei says.
Urabe-san was also nodding silently.
"Aren't you four getting married?"
When Mika says so, Yuki-senpai and Kanda-sensei laugh.
"I'm fine with anytime, though," says Yuki-senpai.
"Since she says not until Manami learns the job," says Kanda-sensei.
What can be said in common for both couples is that "we can't do it on momentum alone anymore."
The workplace, each of our families, financial circumstances. We have to think about various things.
The surrounding environment that one notices upon becoming an adult.
The four of them say that it is different from their student days when they lived recklessly.
"I see~" says Mika, draining her drink and ordering a refill.
"Perhaps that's exactly why this kind of group is necessary."
Kanda-sensei says.
Let's return to the era when we weren't absorbed in work and just played single-mindedly.
Seeing those young people, perhaps a time to reflect on oneself is necessary.
But, not much of that time is left either.
Someday, if we each have our own families, the time to leave the nest will surely come.
Entrusting everything to those who remain.
They say that what still cannot be severed is probably what we call bonds.
So let's carve a lot of it into our memories right now.
Let's make lots of fun memories.
So that when we meet again someday, we can laugh together and say those days were good.
The scenery flowing from the window, departing this unchanging town.
Embracing only my growing feelings.
Carrying anxiety and expectations, to surely make my dream come true and return with a smile.
True strength, freedom, love, kindness.
No matter how lonely it is, we will keep walking.
Because I will surely return, my feelings flutter in the wind. I will become your pride.
Now, let us go.
There is no such thing as eternity, the end will surely come.
So that at that time, we can think it was good.
(4)
Work was finished.
For today's sake, I had increased my overtime and moved things forward.
As soon as it hits quitting time, I leave.
"Do your best."
Tatsuhiko-senpai called out to me.
Everyone sent me off with a laugh.
After telling Airi, "I'm heading home now," I go straight home.
"Welcome home, thank you for your hard work."
"I'm home."
Airi seems to be ready.
I also hurriedly change my clothes and leave the house.
The restaurant was reserved.
A slightly expensive French restaurant.
Before that, I stop by a jewelry store and buy a ring.
I won't give it to her yet.
Airi was bewildered.
"For now, let's eat."
"Yes."
Even though it was too late to be nervous just because it was French, I was nervous.
Airi giggles looking at me like that.
"Please relax more."
I know that, but I just can't do it.
After eating the food, we walk toward the bus terminal while looking at the illuminations.
We walk along the street where we had a huge fight when we first dated.
Now, while laughing as we remember the old days.
We take the bus and return home.
"Airi, I'd like to make a little detour, is that okay?"
"...Yes."
The place we stopped by was a small park.
The road I used to walk every day when I played basketball.
The park where I confessed my feelings to Airi when we were junior high school students.
And the place where Airi first spoke to me when we were elementary school students.
I sit on a swing.
Airi also sits next to me.
We talk about memories.
There were many things to talk about that had piled up.
While we are having such a conversation, Airi stood up.
"Shall we go now? It would be terrible if you caught a cold."
Is what Airi feels despair? Disappointment?
Is she dissatisfied with me for not being able to fulfill my promise?
Love, freedom, hope, dreams.
They are already within reach.
"Airi!"
I call out to Airi, who is walking ahead.
"...Yes."
Airi slowly turns around.
I look into Airi's eyes.
Airi is waiting.
I don't know what to say.
Even though just one word would do, the words won't come out.
Don't hesitate now.
I present the small box to Airi.
"Let's get marr...!"
My words were cut off by Airi's kiss.
Airi slowly pulled away and was laughing.
Though her eyes were blurred with tears.
"You should have promised. 'I don't need a long line. Because I will answer with a kiss'..."
"I was trying to say it very simply, though."
"Then, please let me hear it once more."
"Let's get married."
"...Yes. Let's be happy together."
Saying so, Airi embraces me.
Powder snow was dancing.
(5)
We visited Airi's parents' house just like that.
On the ring finger of Airi's left hand was the diamond ring we had just bought.
"Oh my~? I thought you two would spend today relaxing together~"
Airi's Mother greets us.
"Toya-san said he wanted to talk with Father."
Airi's Mother probably felt something upon seeing my stiffened expression.
"It must be cold~ Come on in for now~"
Saying so, we are shown into the living room.
While Airi and I are sitting side by side, Airi's Father came in.
Apparently, he had been in the bath.
When Airi's parents sit facing us, Airi's Father opened his mouth.
"What is this talk about?"
Airi's left hand is squeezing my right hand.
"It's alright."
Airi says in a small voice.
When it comes down to it, I can't easily say it.
But the time to leap out is now.
I just need to leap out a little and touch the ball.
I muster up my courage.
"Please let me marry Airi!"
When I shout, Airi and I bow our heads.
A moment of silence flows.
"Rie, prepare that. Contact the Katagiris as well."
When Airi's Father says so, Airi's Mother stands up saying, "Yes~"
When Airi's Mother makes a call, she brings out six champagne glasses.
And then she prepares an expensive-looking champagne.
My parents arrived.
"What happened?"
"Katagiri-san... Toya-kun has... finally made up his mind."
At that moment, I noticed.
There were tears in Airi's Father's eyes.
"Toya, you've finally decided!"
Father shouts.
Airi's Mother is silently pouring the champagne.
When she finishes pouring, we held our glasses.
It is apparently a special champagne kept for today.
When we toast, Airi's Father drains it in one gulp.
And then he squeezes my hand.
"I feel like a weight has finally been lifted from my shoulders... I leave my daughter in your hands from now on."
"Leave it to me..."
I shake hands firmly with Airi's Father.
"Airi-chan, stay strong~"
"Rie-chan, thank you for taking care of me all this time."
"Those words are still too early~. We still have to hold a ceremony, after all~"
Airi is talking with Airi's Mother.
After talking for a bit, Airi and I return to our apartment.
Perhaps helped by the alcohol, Airi is in a great mood.
Returning to the room, I take a bath and relax.
The feeling of having finished a big job is incredible.
I also told everyone in the Watanabe group.
I received many words of congratulations.
Among them, there were even words like "Welcome to the graveyard." Well, that was Kiritani-kun, though.
Airi came back from the bath.
As soon as Airi sees me, she clings to me.
"My dream has finally come true."
"Not yet, right?"
"Eh?"
"We have to hold a proper ceremony."
"That's right!"
I should let Airi spoil herself at least for today.
I should make Airi feel happy.
No, just today isn't enough.
From now on, I have to make Airi happy forever.
While thinking about such things, I shared happiness with Airi.