NOVEL WEB chapter 34
Various Developments Underway
Tachibana’s attempt to assault a female student failed, and the fact that he then assaulted a male student who protected the girl spread like wildfire in the news.
The student who revered him as a good coach was shocked, while those who prioritized the school’s reputation above all else were struggling with the responses around them.
And then, there was another piece of news. It turned out that Tachibana’s father, who seemed to be the president of a fairly large company, was engaged in illegal activities that came to light triggering Tachibana’s arrest. It was surprising for me and Ayana, who had been only concerned about Tachibana, that even his father was arrested in a chain of events.
“Bad deeds are bound to be exposed, so they’re not worth doing.”
While smiling happily, Mr. Kanzaki said this, but somehow, it was scary to think that this person might be hiding something. According to Mom, there’s no one as reliable as an ally like him.
There are many things that concern me, but I’ll refrain from stepping into the scary world of adults. Now, although there are no preparations for the sports festival today, we are outside. Of course, Ayana was by my side.
“It’s hot, isn’t it?”
“Yeah… Even when the wind blows, it’s warm and unpleasant.”
The wind hitting my cheeks was warm… Yes, on days like this, it’s best to relax in a room with air conditioning. However, Ayana and I are outside for a reason.
“Was it room 205?”
“I think so.”
We are heading to the hospital mainly to visit Aisaka.
Aisaka had been subjected to Tachibana’s physical assault, but although he seemed fine, he was told to stay in the hospital for a few days. Originally, we had planned to visit him, but Aisaka had sent a message saying he was bored and felt like dying, asking for help.
“By the way, Mariko-chan also said she’s going.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Mariko-chan seems to be feeling responsible after all.”
There is no doubt that Tachibana is at fault for this. However, Mariko seems to be feeling quite responsible, thinking that Aisaka got hurt in her place. Aisaka, on the other hand, keeps insisting that it’s not the case… Oh well, before we knew it, we arrived at the hospital.
After confirming Aisaka’s room at the reception, Ayana and I headed towards that room together.
“…?”
“Towa-kun?”
When we approached the room where Aisaka was, we heard voices from inside. It was probably Mariko who had come, but her voice seemed like she was crying or something, so we stopped in our tracks.
“Senpai Aisaka… I’m so glad you’re safe…!!”
“Ah, hahahaha… Well, I’m glad I could protect Uchida-san. I’m really glad.”
It seemed like Aisaka was comforting Mariko as she cried.
“…I wonder if this is good timing or bad timing.”
“Yeah. Let’s wait a bit.”
Ayana and I smiled wryly and waited for some time to pass.
When the two finished their conversation, Ayana and I entered the room… but it was precisely the moment when Aisaka was gently patting Mariko’s head.
“Ah…”
“hehehe, well, well.”
While I froze, Ayana seemed to be enjoying the situation. Mariko blushed, moved away from Aisaka, and Aisaka quickly withdrew his hand. But hey, aren’t you forgetting that you’re the one injured?
“Oh! Ouch… It kinda hurt my side…”
“Ah, Senpai Aisaka!”
The expressions of the two changed back and forth almost like a comedy duo. I let out a small sigh, placed what I had been holding on the table.
“Here, get-well gift.”
What I placed on the table was a standard fruit assortment for a get-well gift.
“Sorry, Yukiyo, and also Nonomiya-san.”
“No, no, I’m just glad Aisaka-kun seems to be doing well.”
I truly believe that it’s good that Aisaka didn’t sustain any major injuries. Seeing the fruits, Aisaka’s stomach growled, and Mariko, who was beside him, let out a smile. Well, perhaps the hospital food isn’t enough for a growing Aisaka. I also bought a tool that easily peels apples, which might come in handy.
“Oh, please let me do it!”
“Oh, please.”
“Yes!”
Makoto peeled the apple and fed it to Aisaka. Each bite turned her face bright red, prompting Makoto to tilt her head each time. The innocent exchange between the two made Ayana and I burst into laughter simultaneously.
“You’re saying you’re so bored you feel like dying. But isn’t Makoto here with you?”
“Well, I’m really happy she’s here. But I also feel like hanging out with my guy friends, you know.”
“hehehe, so you’re saying you’re happiest when Makoto-chan is around?”
“R-really!? Then I’ll try to come as often as I can!”
“Oh, no need to push yourself—”
“…Is it… bothering you?”
“Of course not at all! It’d be great if you—ouchhhhh!?”
“A-Aisaka-senpai!?”
And so, what seemed like a comedy routine between the two started again. Watching them, I felt they made a good pair. Ayana was also watching with a smile, and perhaps our thoughts were aligned.
We chatted for a while as a group, then Ayana and I excused ourselves to leave Aisaka and Makoto alone in the room.
“It’s good to see Aisaka-kun looking well. Makoto-chan also seemed a bit brighter.”
“Yeah. Despite everything, it’s good to see them both smiling.”
…It’s because of me that I might know a world that could have been. In this case, it could have been Tachibana attacking Makoto, and Aisaka experiencing feelings similar to Shuu.
“…Does that mean no one would have made a move on Makoto in the first place?”
I voiced my doubt. Given the changes happening, it might be wise to be cautious about any possible backlash.
“Towa-kun? Is something wrong?”
“Nah, it’s nothing.”
I’ll keep it in the back of my mind. It’s best not to fret too much and end up unable to protect the most important person nearby.
Since we had no particular reason to stay at the hospital, we decided to head back immediately. On our way home, Ayana made a suggestion.
“Towa-kun, how about going to the pool sometime?”
Invited to the pool, I immediately agreed. It’s the perfect time with this heat, and I recall a new pool facility that recently opened. We’ll decide when to go later; as for today, Ayana has been staying over frequently, so she’ll go home today.
“Alright then, Towa-kun, I’ll contact you tonight.”
“Yeah. See you later.”
Even though we’re dating, the frequency of Ayana staying over as high schoolers might be a bit much. But it doesn’t bother me, and our parents seem not to mind either—more like they’re welcoming it.
“…Well, it’s a luxurious dilemma.”
I muttered softly.
Nevertheless, summer vacation has just begun, and I’ll make many memories with Ayana. This year, bound with Ayana, is special, and I’ll make unforgettable memories.
As Ayana, whom Towa dropped off at home, reflected on today’s events, she felt happy that both Makoto, a junior, and Aisaka, Towa’s friend, were doing well. As Towa had suspected, there were some vague concerns about Eshi, but she thought she’d ask about it when the opportunity arose.
Now, on her way home today, Ayana had made plans to go to the pool with Towa. Going to the pool meant needing a swimsuit, so Ayana opened her closet and took out the one she wore last year.
“…I wonder if I should have bought a new one. But if last year’s still fits, it should be fine.”
It was a bikini with a white base. The color contrasted well with Ayana’s black hair. When they went shopping together, this was the one that got the best reaction from Towa when she tried it on in front of him. Ayana stood in front of the mirror with the swimsuit in hand.
“I’ve been careful to maintain my figure, so there shouldn’t be any worries… I shouldn’t be gaining weight!”
When it comes to swimsuits, waist might not matter much, but… Ayana psyched herself up and removed her clothes. The bottom fit fine… what about the top?
Although it was big, the shape hadn’t been compromised. Supporting the perfect shape, she tried to tie the strings at the back, but then Ayana let out a gasp.
“…It’s a bit tight.”
In that moment, it was decided that she urgently needed to go buy a new swimsuit.