Chapter 12: Walking around the city

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Translator: Soafp

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“Thank you for the meal.” (Natsu)

“Thank you for the meal.” (Haru)

You really prepared the whole meal, didn't you?

(I was genuinely looking forward to having a meal with you.)

“Hey, Haru-kun, how many hours are you working on weekdays?” (Natsu)

“Not fixed, but around four days a week.” (Haru)

“I work as a tutor three times a week. I finish around 8 p.m. Is there a chance you might finish earlier than that?” (Natsu)

“When I have a part-time job on weekdays, I'm out by 9 p.m. But you don't need to prepare meals for me every day.” (Haru)

“I work on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so if you're free on Tuesdays and Thursdays, that would be great.” (Natsu)

“I can adjust my schedule, but you really don't have to prepare meals for me—” (Haru)

“I get a lot of rice and vegetables from my grandfather every month, and I can't eat it all by myself. So, I'm sorry, but it would be really helpful if you could help consume some of it.” (Natsu)

(The boxes are so full that it's a struggle just to carry them.)

You're loved, after all.

(What about from you?)

What do you mean?

(Asking questions in return is sneaky.)

Fair enough.

“I know you're good with people, but don't you want to have a more meaningful student life? You have your club activities too, right?” (Haru)

You're good at socializing.

(You used to be like that too.)

Used to?

(Back in kindergarten, maybe?)

That feels off.

“Having meals with Haru-kun and going out—this is already meaningful for me. So, my life is currently fulfilling!” (Natsu)

You're a bit of an eccentric.

(That's just the way you phrase it! Don't hide behind embarrassment.)

I'm not embarrassed.

(For someone listening, it could sound like a confession.)

It could, I suppose.

But I’m not embarrassed

(Muuu!)

“Is it a nuisance?” (Natsu)

“…At this point, asking like that is unfair.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, unfair, huh? Does it give a cute, devilish image?” (Natsu)

“Ugh?” (Haru)

“Don't overthink it. I'm only half-joking, and it's a bit shocking when you take it so seriously.” (Natsu)

You're more beautiful than cute.

(Eh?)

“Well, do as you like.” (Haru)

“Okay, I'll take that as permission.” (Natsu)

You really don't give me a chance to refuse.

(Do I seem like a tyrant to you?)

“Feel free to use any leverage you have.” (Haru)

“Then I won't hold back. How about going for a walk after we finish cleaning up? You don't go beyond your part-time job and university, do you?” (Natsu)

“You know me well.” (Haru)

I didn't really have any interest before.

(You were hoping to go out with me, weren't you?)

Maybe.

(The answer should be “yes.”)

Yes, yes.

(One “yes” is enough.)

“There's a great place for menchi katsu. They make it easy to eat while walking. Plus, there's a food truck selling trendy tapioca drinks and a shop that became popular for melon bread for a while. It's going to be fun, right?” (Natsu)

“It sounds like you're the one excited.” (Haru)

“You figured me out. Just wait a moment. I'm almost done with the cleanup.” (Natsu)

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“Heh, I didn't know there was a shopping street so close by. I've never come here before.” (Haru)

“Yes, and they have a festival in the summer. Last year, I went with Yuki in yukatas. This year, we can have some shaved ice together, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Amemiya-senpai is going to sulk. She was complaining about how you've been avoiding her recently.” (Haru)

“Eh? When did you meet her? Yuki didn't mention anything to me.” (Natsu)

Are you feeling jealous?

(Jealous. You're mine.)

I didn't know.

(That's the point.)

“I just happened to see her at university. It was more of a casual greeting.” (Haru)

“I wonder how much Yuki likes me.” (Natsu)

“Who knows.” (Haru)

“Geez! You're so cold. Fine, then I'll have to punish you for being so distant.” (Natsu)

(I really mustered up the courage, you know?)

I know.

Your face was bright red.

(You knew? Ugh, so embarrassing.)

Then you shouldn't have held my hand.

“Eh? Why?” (Haru)

“Why? It's obvious! To make sure you don't get lost.” (Natsu)

“But getting lost is your specialty.” (Haru)

“Shush. Forget about those old times.” (Natsu)

I've forgotten the old times.

(What about the times with me?)

Well…

(You're being mean.)

“Oh, this is really good. It has a slight curry flavor, doesn't it?” (Haru)

“Yeah, it does. I even came to the shopping street in the rain just for these menchi katsu.” (Natsu)

“Amazing~, you are such a glutton.” (Haru)

“Hey, Haru-kun, that makes it sound bad.”

“But, you know, being able to enjoy something delicious is a happy thing. If you don't have peace of mind, you can't appreciate things like this.” (Haru)

“Yeah. Ah! Haru-kun, I want to check out that little shop over there! They have a lot of orca goods.” (Natsu)

“Eh? The sign says ‘Dolphin Shop.'” (Haru)

“What are you talking about, Haru-kun? There's a difference between dolphins and orcas… Oh, it does say ‘Dolphin Shop.'” (Natsu)

“Shall we go see the orca stuff?” (Haru)

“Geez! You're so mean, Haru-kun! As punishment, I'll take you to see real orcas next time!” (Natsu)