Chapter 50 - Twilight Sky
(1)
October 5th
"Good morning."
I woke up an hour earlier than usual and came to Airi's house.
"Oh my, at this hour, that's rare~ I think she's still asleep~, just a moment~"
I hurriedly called out to stop her aunt who was about to go upstairs.
"If possible, it would be better if she were still sleeping..."
"Oh my, a night visit? ...Well, it's not that time either~. But you've finally made up your mind, haven't you~. Airi-chan should be fine even if she's awake~"
I didn't know where to start with the retorts, but I showed her what I was holding in my hand.Please, just notice.My wish was granted.
"Well then, take your time~. Auntie won't go upstairs~"
I didn't know how much she understood, but I snuck into Airi's room anyway....I really am just a pervert, aren't I?It shouldn't be okay for a girl to sneak into a boy's room but not the other way around.Thinking that, I put this plan into action, but I still felt guilty.I quietly peeked at Airi's face.Her sleeping face is cute, as expected.Airi... I'm sorry.And then I set off the cracker I was holding!!
Airi sat up with a start.She didn't seem to understand what had happened.That's only natural.And then she stared at my face for a while.After a few seconds, she raised her voice.
"Toya-kun, what are you doing...!?"
Whoa! Her voice is loud!I hurriedly covered Airi's mouth with my hand, but her confusion didn't subside.If it comes to this, I'll use my trump card.I covered Airi's mouth with mine.
"Mm... uh..."
To be extra sure, I slipped my tongue in.I could feel the tension leave Airi's stiff body.She's calmed down, I think.Judging that, I pulled my mouth away, and she had become quiet...
"Already, is it over?"
She seemed dissatisfied somehow.Apparently, she had misunderstood.What kind of idiot would set off a cracker and then try a night visit?
"...Happy birthday."
Saying that, I took out the other package.It was the music box I had bought before.There was also a message card attached.
"Yay, thank you! Can I open it?"
A delighted Airi. I nodded.When she opened it, there was a music box in a blue glass case and a message card.
"Happy birthday."
Sorry, I don't have much vocabulary.After thinking hard, I decided simple is best and settled on this one phrase.Airi wound the music box.A J-POP song that was a hit before we were born.I think a lot of people still know it today.Airi's mom apparently liked it too.
"Yay. I'll treasure it forever."
Airi said that, delighted.She was happy for a while, but then suddenly hid her face.
"W-Wait, I just woke up! Don't look! And more importantly, why did you let Rie-chan into the room?"
"S-Sorry. I'll leave right away!"
"O-Okay! Wait for me downstairs."
"Got it."
And so, the morning surprise was probably a success... right?While I was being treated to tea in the living room on the first floor, Airi changed and came downstairs.
"Rie-chan! Why did you let Toya-kun in?"
"Well~ You always go into Toya-kun's room, don't you~?"
"W-Well, that's true, but~"
"Isn't it unfair that it's okay for you but not for Toya-kun~?"
"U-Uu... but I'm a girl."
"You two are close enough to stay in the same room, aren't you~?"
"W-Well, that's true, but..."
"Well then, there's no need to worry about it now, is there~?"
I thought there were plenty of things to retort, but Airi ended up being persuaded by her mom.The clock showed just before 7.
"Right, more importantly, Toya-kun, shouldn't you invite him?"
"Oh, right!"
Airi looked at me and said.
"I'm having my birthday party at my house today, you're coming, right!"
It seemed my participation was already decided.I don't have any particular plans anyway, so it's fine, right?
"What time is it?"
"Probably after school, getting ready... around 8 PM?"
"That's fine."
"Yay. Oh, I need to invite Makoto-kun and Kanna too."
Saying that, Airi started operating her phone.Makoto and Kanna... Oh!!
"Sorry, Airi. I didn't tell Makoto and Kanna. I'll go home once."
"Huh? I just sent them that you're at my house right now?"
"Y-You... What did you say that for?"
"What for?"
As expected, I'll probably never be able to beat Airi.A message arrived on my phone.
"Toya, you're getting pretty bold."
"You... at least follow basic manners."
Needless to say, I was teased by these two on the way to school.
(2)
After school, me, Makoto, and Kanna studied at my house until it was time.Well, Makoto and Kanna were absorbed in chatting, though.
"But still, it's surprising that Airi's aunt let Toya in."
What Makoto said is the normal reaction, isn't it.
"That's the amazing thing about Airi's aunt. She said the surprising thing is that Airi was embarrassed."
It really had been a while since I'd seen Airi that embarrassed.Is that her true nature?She was originally a quiet girl.Maybe that suits her better.
"But, that's nice, isn't it. The gap from the usual Tosaka-san."
"Airi used to be quiet and shy, you know. Kanna too."
"Idiot! Don't talk about me right now!"
Kanna panicked.
"Heh, Toya knows everything, huh."
"You can learn about Kanna from now on. If you ask, I'll tell you."
Thump!
My pillow hit my face squarely.
"Toya... if you blab, I'll blab about your past too."
That would be bad.
"I-It was a joke!"
"Good then! Makoto, don't you go prying into unnecessary things either."
"I know, the current Kanna is more important to me than the past Kanna."
"Then it's fine."
These two have gotten close naturally, unlike before.Makoto doesn't come to me for advice anymore either.They're really dating properly, huh.While we were doing this, the clock pointed to 7:50 PM.
"Should we get going soon?"
As I said that and stood up, the doorbell rang.
"Looks like she's here."
"Let's go."
Saying that, the three of us went to the entrance.Airi was waiting.
"Sorry to keep you waiting~ Let's go."
The candles on the birthday cake were lit.Then the lights were turned off.Airi blew out the candle flames.The lights were turned on.
"Happy birthday!"
We all toasted.
"Thank you, everyone!"
After that, me and Makoto dug into the feast.Airi was talking with Kanna about something.It was around the time we had almost eaten everything.Suddenly, Kanna said, "I'm going home."Makoto too.
"Oh my~ You could stay a little longer~"
When Airi's mom said that, Makoto replied,
"I need to take Kanna home soon. It's getting late."
He's surprisingly serious, huh. Makoto.
"Well then, I think I'll head home too."
"Toya, you should stay a while. Tomorrow's a day off."
"But, we have to study from the morning tomorrow, right?"
"That's right~!"
A "that's right" at times like this definitely means he's thinking of something no good.From my experience so far, that's the case.I didn't want it to be true.But it always is...
"How about we study at my place tomorrow? Then Toya-kun won't have to go home."
"If Toya-kun is okay with it, we don't mind~. Right? Daddy?"
"U-Um."
Do I have no right to refuse?
"B-But I need to get my change of clothes and stuff."
"Just go get them."
Kanna blocked my escape route.Yeah, I knew it. That it was a futile resistance.
"While you're at it, go get that too."
Makoto whispered in my ear.Wha... What are you saying!!
"Well then, I'll be in the bath waiting for you~"
"Well then, we'll make ourselves scarce, Makoto."
"Yeah, let's go home."
"O-Oi, I'll just go home once..."
"Toya-kun~ Can I have a moment~?"
I was stopped by Airi's mom.What is it?
"Are you perhaps feeling troubled~? Our daughter is so pushy~"
"Not at all."
Besides, you're an accomplice too.
"If you say so~..."
"...Mom, Toya-kun has his own thoughts. ...Leave him be."
"Daddy... Yes~"
He wasn't even drinking.That's the first time I've heard Airi's dad speak in a while.
"Toya-kun... well... you know... it's still too early for you to become a dad... At least make sure you don't do that."
"I-I understand."
"Then, I have no objection... Mom, get me a beer."
"Ehh~, you said you weren't drinking today~"
"I'm in the mood to drink."
"Yess~"
In the meantime, I went home.
(3)
The next morning, I woke up because the light shining through the gap in the curtains was dazzling.Next to me, Airi, with her pajamas open, was still sleeping, using my left arm as a pillow.If I move, will I wake her up?I checked my phone's clock; it was still 7:30.It's a bit early to wake her.Maybe I'll sleep a bit more.
"U-Uhn..."
It seemed Airi had woken up too.Do I have to do it...? I'll do it.
"Good morning."
When I whispered in her ear, Airi opened her eyes slightly.After a few seconds, she jumped up.
"Toya-kun!? ...Ah, right."
It seemed she had woken up and remembered.Let me get to the point.Nothing happened.A chicken? Call me whatever you want.After going home, I took a bath, changed clothes, and when I returned to Airi's room, Airi was sleeping in the bed.
"After inviting me, this is what I get."
I muttered with a sigh. I lay down next to Airi.
"Mn..."
I thought I woke her, but after that, she was sleeping soundly, breathing softly.I was out of sorts that day.The thing I brought just in case apparently had no use today either.How long is the expiration date on that thing?Is it okay if I don't open it?Maybe I'll ask Makoto about it next time.Still, she's way too defenseless, isn't she?You should be a little more cautious.If you're that defenseless...I did it.When I unbuttoned her pajamas, there were two white breasts.As expected, they're beautiful.I tried groping them for now.
"U-Uhn..."
A breath escaped her.
...If I do any more, will she wake up?
"Toya-kun?"
It seemed I had woken her up.However, she didn't seem to have noticed her own state yet.
"Arm pillow~"
As she said, I offered my left arm.Airi put her head on it and clung to me.And then she fell asleep like that.That was the end.Yes, I'm a chicken.But even so, I struggled.Any young man would understand, right?Imagine a young girl with her chest exposed (or was it made to expose?) clinging to you defenselessly while sleeping.Normally... you'd do it, right?I was desperate to restrain myself.I managed to fall asleep by counting prime numbers and trying various other things.And now we're here.
"Huh? I wonder why my buttons are undone?"
She finally seemed to notice something strange about her appearance.I should have put them back on.I was clearly flustered.She noticed this.
"Aha~, the culprit is Toya-kun~"
Well, I would be found out, right?
"Toya-kun really is a boy. But next time, do it when I'm awake."
If I did it when she was awake, I'd be caught...
"Today... you're not bothered by it?"
"By what?"
"Well... having your sleeping face seen."
"I was surprised. But if we're together all the time, it's fine. It's strange. Even though my current state is much more embarrassing."
Airi said that, laughing as she buttoned up.
"So it's okay if you're awake? It's okay if we're together all the time?"
"Huh? Y-Yeah."
"Airi!!"
I had pushed Airi down.In the morning, you feel particularly lustful, right?I pushed Airi down, driven by my desires.
"Toya-kun!?"
"Now... it's okay, right?"
Airi seemed to understand the meaning... "Yeah," she answered briefly.
"Don't hurt me. Be gentle... it's my first time."
"It's my first time too..."
And just as I was about to unbutton her pajamas.Knock knock.
"Airi-chan~? Toya-kun~? Breakfast is ready~"
It was Airi's mom.I quickly moved away from Airi.Airi also quickly smoothed her hair with her fingers.
"Yess~, coming~"
Airi replied.So this is the result of mustering all my courage.When human emotions exceed capacity, all that's left is laughter, right?As I slumped my shoulders and sat on the bed, Airi hugged me from behind.
"That was close. Next time... on Toya-kun's birthday? I'm looking forward to it."
(4)
"I heard your class is doing a piano performance by Mikimoto-sensei?"
How do you know that?
"Well, because there was a request for permission to use the gymnasium."
Ah, right. She's the student council vice-president.
"That's right. Mickey's all fired up."
"Thanks to that, we can take it easy."
Kanna and Makoto said that.
"What is Airi's class doing?"
Kanna asked Airi.
"They said they're making some kind of planetarium."
"I see, a planetarium... Makoto, wanna go see it together?"
"Sure, but. Kanna, were you interested in astronomy?"
"No way, just for the mood."
"You can't really get lovey-dovey in the classroom."
You two are always getting lovey-dovey anyway.
"Don't think weird things, Makoto."
Saying that, Kanna kicked Makoto's butt.
"Lucky you two, you can act together. I'm stuck in the student council room all the time."
When Airi said that, Kanna and Makoto looked at each other and grinned.They're plotting something, aren't they?
The day of the cultural festival.Mickey's piano performance.It seemed his daily practice wasn't a lie.Even an amateur like me could tell he was good....Though I didn't know the song.The students were silent, captivated by Mickey's piano performance.When the performance ended, thunderous applause rang out.It was Kanna's role to give Mickey a bouquet.When Kanna handed Mickey the bouquet, Mickey lightly hugged her.Amidst the wolf-whistles and teasing, Kanna was smiling.Though an aura of anger was radiating from her back.After that, he responded to the encore. It ended safely.
Makoto and Kanna went to see the attractions together.I was in the classroom, slumped over my desk, sleeping.
"Toya-kun, wake up. Let's go home?"
I heard Airi's voice.Huh? Airi?
"Why are you here! And what time is it!?"
"It's just past 6 PM."
"What about Kanna and the others?"
"Did you check your messages?"
I looked at my phone.
"Going home first. Skip the study session today! You two take your time. It's not for you. It's for Airi!"
"What does it say?"
"I got it."
I showed Airi my phone screen.Then Airi showed me her own phone screen.
"Toya's probably fast asleep. Wake him up on the way back. Also, I'm not going to Toya's house today. You two take your time~"
Kanna can be clever about these things, huh.
"Let's just go home for now."
"Yeah."
It was already completely dark.Since it's the countryside, there aren't many streetlights, and only car lights illuminated the area.
"I'm thirsty, wanna stop by the convenience store?"
"Are you declaring you're going to buy snacks right in front of the student council vice-president?"
"Is it not allowed?"
When I asked that, Airi smiled brightly.
"It's fine, but only a drink, okay?"
Ugh, goodbye my fried chicken...I bought a sports drink and downed it in one go.
"Amazing."
Airi was surprised.I can chug a sports drink in one go, you know.After that, we went home.
"I'll come over later."
Airi said that and went back to her house.After I ate dinner and took a bath, I was relaxing when Airi came.We sat facing each other and studied.This atmosphere is nostalgic.Was it when I was in first year of middle school?What was I thinking?What was Airi thinking?
"Hey, Airi."
"What?"
"It's been a while, hasn't it. A study session with just the two of us."
"Yeah, I've been busy with the student council this year... Ah!!"
"What's wrong?"
"I forgot my overnight bag!"
No, that's not what I meant...
"What were you thinking about when we were alone?"
"I wasn't thinking about anything. I was just happy."
"Is that so."
"What were you thinking about, Toya-kun?"
"I probably wasn't thinking about anything. I didn't even really feel like we were dating."
"And now?"
Airi's pen stopped.She was smiling as if waiting for an answer.
"You know, don't you?"
"Yeah, tell me."
"I'm happy."
"...Thank you."
"No, thank you..."
They say a woman's heart and the autumn sky are fickle.But at least Airi's heart doesn't seem to change.After I sent Airi home and returned to my house, my dad called me.
"It seems Katsuya-kun has stopped refusing to go to school."
"Is that so."
"You're fine, right?"
"I'm fine."
"It seems Katsuya-kun had his grandmother buy him a car."
Huh?A car? He's not old enough to get a license yet!
"Don't end up like him."
"There's no way I would!"
"That's right. You have Airi-san, after all."
"But, dear, the teacher said before that he's being teased about his relationship with Airi-san."
"Is that still going on?"
Damn it, Mom, you had to say unnecessary things.My dad's expression turned stern.
"A little bit, but I don't care at all."
"Good then. If you're a man, hold your head high! You two haven't done anything wrong."
"I know."
One car for refusing to go to school, huh.I returned to my room, feeling a little envious.I told Airi about it in a message.A reply came back immediately.
"A car or me, which would you choose?"
I replied without hesitation.
"It's obviously you, Airi."
"I see, that's right!"
After that, the ringtone sounded.It was from Airi.
"Hello?"
"Sorry for asking something weird."
"It's fine, I brought up the topic."
"Yeah."
"Well then, see you."
"Ah..."
"What's wrong?"
"Yeah, I'll make sure to bring my overnight bag properly next time!"
We're going back to that topic, huh.
"Got it."
"Make sure you're prepared too, Toya-kun!"
Click... Beeeep... Beeeep...
I took out that thing stored in my desk....I checked to see if it had an expiration date.