Chapter 16: Something that doesn’t matter

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Translator: Soafp

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“Dad?” (Natsu)

(It’s the first time I’ve been contacted by my family since I moved out.)

[How are you?] (Natsu’s father)

“…I’m alright, I guess.” (Natsu)

He’s a quiet guy.

[Actually–] (Natsu’s father)

“No. I’m sorry, but I can’t do it.” (Natsu)

[Well, I know you and Akiho don’t get along very well, but maybe she’s trying to make up with you by suggesting this.] (Natsu’s father)

(He’s being too optimistic.)

He probably doesn’t understand the situation.

“Well, I don’t think that’s the case. Besides, there’s a reason I don’t want Akiho to come here.” (Natsu)

[A reason? What is it?] (Natsu’s father)

(It’s the most important thing to me.)

“Dad, how much do you know about Akiho and Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

[Haruto-kun? I heard they broke up because Haruto-kun cheated on her.] (Natsu’s father)

“If you ‘heard’ about it, that means you weren’t there yourself, right?” (Natsu)

[Yeah. I only heard it from your mother.] (Natsu’s father)

“I see. Well, Dad, about that—” (Natsu)

(I told him the truth, and even sent a photo of Haruto and me together at the illumination event.)

[…I understand.] (Natsu’s father)

“Haru-kun has become my junior at university.” (Natsu)

[So that’s why you don’t want them to meet?] (Natsu’s father)

“That’s the main reason. But why is Akiho so eager to come here?” (Natsu)

[She said she wants to become independent, but she’s worried about being on her own at first, so she thought it would be a good idea to stay with you.] (Natsu’s father)

(That’s impossible.)

She’s very good at lying.

(Yes, that’s right.)

“What about Toma-kun? Aren’t they dating?” (Natsu)

[It seems so. I think he’s there with you right now.] (Natsu’s father)

“Isn’t that the real reason she wants to come?” (Natsu)

[That might be part of it. Maybe the long-distance relationship is getting hard for her.] (Natsu’s father)

“If that’s her main reason, then she shouldn’t come. You might not believe this, but—” (Natsu)

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[Akiho Side]

“Dad, have you thought about it?” (Akiho)

As soon as her father returned home, Akiho appeared in the living room, her eyes full of expectation. Unlike her mother, who had always been attached to her sister, Akiho had always believed that her father was on her side, and thought he would support her decision to live on her own.

“Akiho, I didn’t hear it directly from you, but why do you want to live alone in Nagoya?” (Natsu’s father)

“Because Onee-chan is there. I won’t be getting paid immediately, and until I get used to it, I thought I could rely on her. I’m an adult now, and this could be a good opportunity to make amends with her, don’t you think?” (Akiho)

She had prepared this reason in advance, knowing that her parents would find it hard to oppose if she claimed she wanted to reconcile with her sister.

“I see. Have you talked to Natsuki about it?” (Natsu’s father)

“Not yet. I wanted to get your permission first.” (Akiho)

“She said no.” (Natsu’s father)

“Eh?” (Akiho)

“Natsuki said she doesn’t want you to come.” (Natsu’s father)

Her father’s tone grew firmer, and Akiho’s mother flinched upon hearing that Natsuki had expressed her strong opposition.

“Why not?” (Akiho)

“Did you know that Haruto-kun has enrolled at Natsuki’s university?” (Natsu’s father)

“Eh? Really?” (Akiho)

“Natsuki doesn’t want you to meet Haruto-kun. Do you know why?” (Natsu’s father)

Akiho glanced sideways at her mother, who quickly averted her eyes.

That small gesture made her father realize that her mother was complicit in whatever had happened.

“I was trying to be considerate—” (Akiho)

“Haruto-kun was so hurt by being betrayed by you two that he became distrustful of people. And now it’s about you and Toma-kun.” (Natsu’s father)

“…I see. So it’s already come to light. That means Onee-chan must have heard it from Haruto. Well, it doesn't really matter now. Anyway, my job situation is a separate issue, right? I’m already dating Toma, so Haruto is irrelevant.” (Akiho)

Slap!

A sharp pain ran across Akiho's cheek.

“I cannot, as a parent, permit someone who doesn’t understand the pain of others to approach someone who’s trying to recover. Besides, it would only bring trouble to Natsuki as well.” (Natsu’s father)

Akiho pressed her hand against her stinging cheek, glaring at her father as she spoke.

“I’ve already said it doesn't matter to me! You wouldn’t understand the feelings of a woman who wants to be near her long-distance boyfriend.” (Akiho)

Her father asked in a tone meant to calm his agitated daughter.

“Are you really Toma-kun’s girlfriend?” (Natsu’s father)

“Of course! It’s just that you don’t know.” (Akiho)

“Are you keeping in touch properly? When was the last time you saw him?” (Natsu’s father)

Akiho’s tone became even more forceful as her father struck a nerve.

“That has nothing to do with you!” (Akiho)

“That’s true. But as parents, we can't just say goodbye because you made a mistake. We need to correct and guide you.” (Natsu’s father)

“Enough! I'm leaving whether you like it or not!” (Akiho)

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[Haruto PoV]

“Ha? Ah, I see.” (Haru)

[Haruto, how can you react like this?] (Haru’s mother)

The first phone call I got from my mother after living alone was an apology.

[It turns out you weren't at fault. I'm sorry I misunderstood.] (Haru’s mother)

(Dad must have apologized.)

“Is that all? Bye.” (Haru)

[Wait a minute, Har—] (Haru’s mother)

I don't need an apology.

What I need is only you.

(…Yeah.)

“Was it auntie?” (Natsu)

“Yes. Your father came to apologize. He said he's sorry for not believing me.” (Haru)

“I see.” (Natsu)

“Na-chan, did you know?” (Haru)

“He told me that Akiho wants to live together here, but it's better if she doesn't meet you, so I honestly said that I don't want her to come.” (Natsu)

“…together huh?” (Haru)

“Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“Then, how about living together with me?” (Haru)