Chapter 13: What goes around comes around

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Translator: Soafp

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[Akiho side]

[The number you have dialed is either out of range or the phone is turned off.]

“Why?” (Akiho)

Akiho angrily threw her smartphone onto the bed. For the past few days, she hadn’t been able to get in touch with Toma, and her frustration was making her increasingly hysterical.

“What's going on? He left home without saying anything, and now I can’t reach him! Why wouldn't he tell his girlfriend anything?” (Akiho)

It had been a week since she last saw him. She was prepared for not seeing him often since he was a new employee living in the company dormitory, but not being able to reach him was a problem on Toma’s part.

“Do I have to wait outside the dorm to catch him?” (Akiho)

As she thought about this in her room, she saw a familiar car drive by outside the window.

“Toma-kun!” (Akiho)

She rushed outside, but the car was already gone.

“Oh, Akiho-chan. Did you come to see Toma off? If he was going to be transferred after his training, he shouldn't have moved into the dorm in the first place, right?” (Toma’s mother)

“Y-Yeah, you're right.” (Akiho)

This was the first Akiho had heard of this.

She knew there was a three-month training period, but this was the first time she'd heard about a transfer.

“Auntie, I accidentally forgot to ask where he was transferred to. Where did he say he was going?” (Akiho)

“If I remember correctly, it was Aichi.” (Toma’s mother)

“Oh, I see. My sister lives there, so it'll be easy to visit.” (Akiho)

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[Haru Pov]

“Hey, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“What is it, Na-chan?” (Haru)

“Wasn't it in early summer when we said we'd go see the orcas?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, I think it was before the summer festival at the shopping street.” (Haru)

(The summer festival was fun, wasn't it?)

You looked beautiful in your yukata.

(Did I wear a yukata?)

It had a fireworks pattern, right?

(I think it was goldfish, wasn't it?)

“Why am I wearing a coat now?” (Natsu)

“Maybe because it suits you?” (Haru)

“Oh, really? Ehehe, thanks. I bought it for today with Yuki, but wait, that's not the point. I mean, thanks for the compliment, but didn't we have a chance to go earlier? It's already November! Isn't going to the aquarium on a cold day a bit strange?” (Natsu)

There wasn't much we could do about it.

(Why not?)

Because unlike you, I barely passed, so I had to study.

(I wasn't exactly breezing through either.)

“Well then, let's just go back.” (Haru)

“Why are you being so mean? I just said I bought this coat for today, didn't I?” (Natsu)

“Then let's go quickly.” (Haru)

“Fine. But in exchange, um…” (Natsu)

“What's with the hand?” (Haru)

“We're going to hold hands, of course. It's a date, after all.” (Natsu)

So this is a date?

(Of course. Anytime we go out, it's a date.)

Even if we're not a couple?

(Even if we're not.)

“Well, I guess that's fine. I don't want you getting lost, anyway.” (Natsu)

“Me? No way. I'm an adult; I won't get lost.” (Haru)

“Then we don't need to hold hands?” (Natsu)

“…Let's hold hands.” (Haru)

(I feel like you're treating me a bit oddly.)

I think it's just right.

“So, we're going to see the orcas, right?” (Natsu)

“Yep, and the dolphins too.” (Natsu)

“Oh, you caught on?” (Haru)

“Being sarcastic doesn't make you cute, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Oh? That's pretty sharp for you, Na-chan.” (Haru)

Sometimes I think you're younger than me because you're so childish.

(Before you came along, I was the dependable big sister, you know?)

I've never seen that side of you.

(You were always so mature for your age.)

“Haru-kun, Haru-kun! Look! The penguins are taking a walk!” (Natsu)

“Ah, yeah. I see them. But calm down a little, okay? You're such a beautiful woman, but you act just like a little kid.” (Haru)

“It's fine. Age doesn't matter when you're having fun. Sure, there's a time and place for everything, but when you're happy, you should express it. I'm having fun because I'm with you, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Haa… Thanks.” (Haru)

“Thank you too.” (Natsu)

(As long as I'm with you, even a walk in the local park can be enjoyable.)

I’m not playing house with you.

(You used to love it.)

“Where are the orcas—” (Haru)

“Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

I was surprised.

(…Yeah.)

“Let's go.” (Haru)

“Eh? Haru-kun? There's no need to rush. The orcas aren't going anywhere.” (Natsu)

I never expected to see him here.

“Haru-kun? Haru-kun?! Are you okay? You're pale. What happened?” (Natsu)

“Just as I thought. Na-chan, it's been a while. For a second there, I thought I saw Akiho.” (Toma)

“…Toma-kun? Why are you here?” (Natsu)

“Oh, I got assigned to the factory over here.” (Toma)

“This is the worst.” (Haru)

It's really unbelievable.

“Huh?” (Natsu)

(I don't understand why you suddenly got so upset.)

“Can you get lost, trash?” (Haru)

“It’s you Haruto, right? Wow, you took her little sister, and now you're after her too? You're really something. So, are you actually able to satisfy her this time? A guy like you doesn't deserve Na-chan—” (Toma)

Slap!

“Enough. Don't you realize how much you're hurting others?” (Natsu)

“That hurt, damn it. I don't give a crap. It's all about who wins in the end.” (Toma)

(I slapped him without thinking. I lost my cool.)

“You're scum, Toma. Why don't you just disappear? I bet you dumped Akiho too. Nothing you say matters to me.” (Haru)

“Oh, you really get it, don't you, Haruto? Yeah, I got tired of that clingy girl.” (Toma)

[Hey Toma, what are you doing leaving your girlfriend alone?] (Random person)

“Ou, sorry.” (Toma)

“Wait, your ‘girlfriend’?” (Natsu)

“Oops. Call down Na-chan. Akiho and I are over, so you don't get to butt in. I'm sure we won't see each other again, so go ahead and talk all you want.” (Toma)

(I feel a bit sorry for her.)

It's just karma coming back to bite her.