Chapter 11: Morning

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Translator: Soafp

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Your cooking was even better than I expected.

(I won’t ask you what you expected)

That’s not what I meant…

Ding Dong

“Who’s that?” (Haru)

(You made plans, remember?)

I remembered. I just lost track of time after waking up.

(I'll let it slide this time.)

“Haru-kun, are you up? Let's have breakfast and then go shopping!”

With a line like that, the neighbors might get the wrong idea.

(It does sound like we're a lovey-dovey couple, doesn't it?)

“Good morning.” (Haru)

“Good morning, Haru-kun. Are you ready to go?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, I'm good.” (Haru)

“Great, then let's head out.” (Natsu)

Since when did you become so assertive?

(I'd prefer if you called it being proactive.)

“Hop in.” (Natsu)

(Ah, the good old FIAT 500. It was my first car.)

“…I'm not sure how I feel about this.” (Haru)

“Don't worry! I'm an excellent driver with a spotless record. Just pretend you're boarding an ark and relax.” (Natsu)

Your “don't worry” isn't very reassuring, given how clumsy you can be.

(That's harsh. I'm a different person when I'm behind the wheel.)

That's a phrase people usually use in a negative context.

(You just have to add ‘in a good way.')

“Haru-kun, did you have breakfast?”

“I was kidnapped before I could eat.” (Haru)

“Perfect timing then, huh? Go me!” (Natsu)

“Haa” (Haru)

(You're not really exasperated, are you?)

I'll let you imagine what you want.

“We're here.” (Natsu)

“Shikibuan?” (Haru)

“It's my favorite café. It's got a Taisho-era romantic vibe that's really calming. Have you been to any cafés since you moved here?” (Natsu)

“No, I haven't really gone to any cafés.” (Haru)

Though I've been to an open-air café or two.

(Is that typical for a high school guy?)

Chime

“Welcome—oh, Natsu, it's you.” (Yuki)

“Good morning, Yuki. Is there an open table?” (Natsu)

“Eh? Is this a date? You didn't tell me—” (Yuki)

“Just two of us. Do you have a table?” (Natsu)

“Oh, sorry. The table by the window in the back is free. Go ahead.” (Yuki)

(A date? That's what people assume when a guy and a girl go somewhere together.)

Yeah, that's true.

(Everyone's got romance on the brain.)

“Haru-kun, most of the cafés around here offer a morning service, so you get a light meal with your drink. I've got a recommendation, so would you mind leaving it to me?” (Natsu)

“Just the drink, then?” (Haru)

“Yep. I usually get a café latte. They also let you choose the type of coffee beans, so you might want to explore different flavors.” (Natsu)

Too many options can be overwhelming.

(That's why I stick to café latte.)

Makes sense.

“I've decided. I'll go with the Arabica—it's supposed to be pretty popular.” (Haru)

“Good choice. Starting with the classics, huh? Excuse me, we're ready to order.” (Natsu)

“I've got it. The usual for you, Natsu?”(Yuki)

“Yes, and he'll have a hot Arabica. For the morning set, we'll take one with red bean paste and one with whipped cream, please.” (Haru)

“Red bean paste and whipped cream, huh? I bet you talked him into that, Natsu.” (Yuki)

“Hey waitress? That’s rude.”(Natsu)

“Be careful, okay? Natsu's got a way of getting what she wants.” (Yuki)

“Just do your job, would you?” (Natsu)

You two are really close.

(Yeah, I'm grateful to her.)

“Okay, let me borrow a plate real quick.” (Yuki)

“Haa” (Haru)

“Since it's your first time, Haru-kun, I'll make it a little special. Here you go—an extra-serving of red bean toast. Give it a try.” (Natsu)

“It's just toast with red bean paste and whipped cream on top, right?” (Haru)

“That's what makes it delicious! Just try it.” (Natsu)

“Alright, I'll give it a shot.” (Haru)

I was surprised.

(Did I trick you?)

You're quite the troublemaker.

(I'm aware of that.)

“Huh? It's delicious. I can see why this is so addictive.” (Haru)

“Ufufufu, right? I'm glad you like it, Haru-kun!” (Natsu)

“And this is a part of the morning service? What a deal!” (Haru)

“This café's service is only until 11 a.m., but some places offer it all day.” (Natsu)

“That's no longer a morning thing, then.” (Haru)

“Exactly. Also, you should try the coffee.” (Natsu)

You looked like a mischievous kid.

(It’s nice to get the reaction you expected, isn’t it?)

I understand that.

“Oh, the black coffee is also quite easy to drink.” (Haru)

“Do you prefer it black?” (Natsu)

“No, I usually just add sugar, but since it's my first time trying it, I thought black might give me a better sense of the flavor.” (Haru)

“I see. Does it pair well with the red bean toast? Apparently, the morning set considers the drink's compatibility.” (Natsu)

It was a perfect match.

(Just like us.)

Hmm?

(That's a double affirmative, right?)

“Oh, it might.” (Haru)

“I'm glad you're satisfied. I found this place through Yuki, the waitress you just met. She's in the same university as me.” (Natsu)

“Yep, pleased to meet you.” (Yuki)

“Are you slacking off again? If you don't work properly, you'll get fired, you know?” (Natsu)

“How rude! I came over because I heard my name while cleaning the table in the back. I'm the chief here, you know.” (Yuki)

She looked so proud.

(Yes, quite proud.)

“Stop puffing out your chest and get back to work.” (Natsu)

“Natsu, remember this. Even if you might be bigger, you're still below average compared to the general public.” (Yuki)

It's like a kids' argument.

(My friend is sorry about that.)

But you're the one involved.

“Haru-kun, let me introduce you. This is Yuki Amamiya, a third-year student in the Information Culture Department, and this is my childhood friend, Haruto Furukawa. By the way, what department are you in, Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“You're the famous childhood friend. I'm Yuki Amemiya. I'm in the same circle as Natsu. If you have time, come visit us.” (Yuki)

“I'm Furukawa.” (Haru)

“Sweet.” (Yuki)

Yuki seems to be a bit clueless, too.

(Yes, she is.)

(Hmm? Also?)

They're quite alike.

“Hmm? Yuki, what's sweet?” (Natsu)

“Furukawa-kun's mask. I might have a bit of a type for that.” (Yuki)

“Yuki, let's not—” (Natsu)

“Just brush it off lightly. Furukawa-kun, if you see me at the university, feel free to say hi. We can have tea or something.” (Yuki)

“Uh, thanks.” (Haru)

“Well then, I'll get back to work.” (Yuki)

(She's quite straightforward and lacks reservation.)

I don't really feel any malice from her.

It's a bit troublesome.

“Sorry for the noise. So, Haru-kun, about earlier—what department are you in?” (Natsu)

“Economics.” (Haru)

“I see. There are common lectures, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.” (Natsu)

“Not for now, though.” (Haru)

“Okay. Well, Haru-kun, should we head out now?” (Natsu)

“Sure.” (Haru)

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“This supermarket is a chain, but they have special sales on Wednesdays and Sundays, so it's always packed like this.” (Natsu)

It's quite a crowd, isn't it?

(The lines at the checkout can block the aisles.)

“I'm thinking of making fried food for dinner tonight. Haru-kun, what time will you be done with work?” (Natsu)

“I'll just eat something casually, so it's fine.” (Haru)

“Don't you want to eat with me? It feels lonely to eat alone, so I'd really like for you to join me.” (Natsu)

“You're being quite calculating. You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?” (Haru)

“Fufufu, you caught me. But it's true that I want to eat with you. After you're done, come over to my place. I'll make tonkatsu, your favorite. If you refuse, I'll sit in front of your door until you agree.” (Natsu)

Threatening me like that isn't nice.

(I'm not threatening you, just inviting you.)

“Then I won't go home.” (Haru)

“What time?” (Natsu)

“…” (Haru)

“What time?” (Natsu)

“…9 p.m.” (Haru)

“Got it. Make sure to come back hungry.” (Natsu)

You're quite pushy.

(Just like a married couple, right?)

No.

(What do you mean by ‘no'?)

“Well then, let's go.” (Natsu)

“Okay. I'll be waiting for you.” (Haru)