Chapter 10: Morning, Day and Night

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Translator: Soafp

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“Hey, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Yes?” (Haru)

“First off, can we drop the formal language? It just feels so off.” (Natsu)

“I’ll think about it.” (Haru)

(You definitely weren't going to think about it, were you?)

I was thinking about it.

Maybe.

“Alright. But that's not the main point. Oh, by the way, how was the pasta? Sorry it was something simple, but it's actually one of my better dishes.” (Natsu)

It was carbonara, wasn't it?

(It was classic Neapolitan, right? The omelet on top was perfect, if I remember correctly?)

Just kidding.

I remember.

It was delicious.

“I think it was good.” (Haru)

“That's a bit vague, but I'll take it as a compliment.” (Natsu)

(You're never straightforward.)

“Well, I think it was good.” (Haru)

“Thank you. You know, I didn't cook much before moving here, but since I'm living alone, I've had to, and as a woman, I felt like I needed to be able to cook. So I've been trying out different things. But the thing is, when you eat alone, it's hard to know if it's actually good. So, could you be my judge?” (Natsu)

“Judge? Of the taste?” (Haru)

“Yeah, the taste, but also the presentation and everything. You know, since I'm in Nagoya now, I want to try my hand at local dishes too. I joined a club that goes on city walks—checking out not just tourist spots, but also local markets, popular shops, and hidden gems. Sometimes I try to recreate what I find at home. Do you cook for yourself?” (Natsu)

(You're quite skilled at baking and making sweets, right?)

More so than you.

(Hmm? Are you teasing me?)

Just your imagination.

“I just pick up whatever at the supermarket.” (Haru)

“Got it. Then let's eat together whenever we can. If our schedules don't match, just let me know. Food tastes better with company, and eating alone can be lonely. You start overthinking. So, let's have a tasting session, okay? I'm ready for your honest feedback.” (Natsu)

You'll sulk if I'm too harsh.

(It's all about reading between the lines.)

You're sneaky.

(It's called being a girl.)

Yeah, yeah.

“I'll… think about it.” (Haru)

“Alright, I'll be waiting for your positive response. Let's exchange contact info?” (Natsu)

“Sure, I can do that much.” (Haru)

“Thanks. I've got Haru-kun's contact info now.” (Natsu)

(Did you do it reluctantly?)

I got the number of a beautiful older girl, so it was a win.

(Is that so? Well, thanks.)

No trust, huh?

(That's not true, at least not for me.)

“I should get going. Thanks for the meal.” (Haru)

“Already?” (Natsu)

“I have work.” (Haru)

“Oh, hey, Haru-kun. You liked hamburg steak with a fried egg on top, right?” (Natsu)

“When I was a kid.” (Haru)

“I'm making it for dinner, so let's eat together. I'll make it with potato wedges and sweet carrots. Work hard, and come back hungry.” (Natsu)

You kicked me out of the house half-way.

(That's not true. I just wanted to enjoy a bit more time with you.)

“Eh? But I didn't even say I was coming over…” (Haru)

“Yes, yes, now go do your best at work, d-a-r-l-i-n-g.” (Natsu)

“Hey, what are you even saying?” (Haru)

“Come on, don't be shy now. You'll be late if you don't hurry. So, what time are you done?” (Natsu)

“At 7 PM.” (Haru)

“Got it. Now, off you go. Take care.” (Natsu)

“O-okay…” (Haru)

(You were so flustered, it was adorable.)

Don't tease me.

(It's just that I really enjoy our little exchanges.)

You've got a bad personality.

(Because I am a devilish woman)

It doesn't suit you.

---

Ding Dong

“Oh, Haru-kun, welcome back! Do you want dinner? Or a bath? Or perhaps—” (Natsu)

“Goodnight.” (Haru)

“Wait, wait! Don't just leave! I worked hard on dinner, so let's eat together. Come on in.” (Natsu)

I never expected you to pull out such a cliché line.

(It was super embarrassing, you know?)

You didn't have to do it.

(It was my duty.)

That's an unnecessary sense of duty.

(I'm already reflecting on it.)

“Excuse me.” (Haru)

“Okay! It'll be ready soon, so why don't you watch some TV while you wait?” (Natsu)

“No, I'll help.” (Haru)

“Okay!” (Natsu)

Where did you even get a yellow card from?

(I bought it earlier today.)

Did you happen to buy a red card too?

(It came as a set.)

“Ha? A yellow card?” (Haru)

“Yes, it's a yellow card. If you use formal language, that's a warning, so be careful.” (Natsu)

“And what happens if I get two warnings? Do I get sent off?” (Haru)

“Warning! And if you get two, you'll have to carry my shopping bags for a day. So, that's one shopping date confirmed!” (Natsu)

“That's ridiculous.” (Haru)

“Come on, come on, it's ready, so can you help me set the table?” (Natsu)

“Oh, sure.” (Haru)

“Yellow card! You must be really looking forward to our date, huh?” (Natsu)

“Not at all. You really haven't changed, have you?” (Haru)

“Good habits should be encouraged.” (Natsu)

You were always a free spirit.

(You think so?)

It's scary when you're unaware of it.

(Where did I put that red card?)

“Thanks for helping. Well then, let's dig in.” (Natsu)

“Thank you for the meal.” (Haru)

The hamburg steak you made was fluffy, yet had just the right amount of texture to enjoy.

(It's the dish you requested the most, after all.)

“So, how is it? I've been practicing making hamburg steak since I was a kid. Since I started living alone, I've been trying to add my own twists, but I hope it's to your taste.” (Natsu)

“Thank you for the meal.” (Haru)

I am like a kid, though.

“I'll dig in too.” (Natsu)

(A shared meal with just the two of us is something special, you know?)

Is that so?

(It's just the two of us. It's not the same with just anyone.)

“…This is delicious.” (Haru)

“Really? I'm so glad. I actually made extra, so feel free to have seconds. Eat as much as you want.” (Natsu)

“Thank you very much.” (Haru)

“Buzz! Haru-kun, you really are looking forward to our date, huh? Anyway, come with me to the supermarket tomorrow.” (Natsu)

A first date at the supermarket—now that's refreshing.

(On Sundays, every supermarket has early morning sales.)