Chapter 19: Popular

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

“An iron plate?” (Haru)

“Yes, it seems it originated in Nagoya. They spread a thin omelet over the entire iron plate and then put Napolitan pasta on top. It’s called Iron Plate Napolitan.” (Natsu)

“Na-chan, why are you making that smug face?” (Haru)

When you talk about cooking, you get really talkative, huh?

(You only speak confidently when you’re sure of yourself.)

I see.

“Well, it's not that bad. Oh, and Sakura-chan, the reason for using the iron plate is to keep it warm while you're eating. They want you to enjoy it while it’s still hot.” (Natsu)

“Cooking is love, right? That's why Onee-chan's cooking is so delicious. I'm learning a lot.” (Sakura)

“Hehe, that's right, Sakura-chan. My cooking is overflowing with love for you and Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

(Did you know that?)

Of course.

(Really?)

I'm filled with gratitude.

(…Yeah.)

“But, you know, introducing the iron plate was also a way to differentiate from other places. The omelet works well with the iron plate, and considering the impact… Why are you both giving me that look?” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, let’s keep it at love.” (Natsu)

“Nii-san, please make sure to feel Onee-chan's love.” (Sakura)

“Why do I feel like the bad guy here?” (Haru)

(Well, it’s to be expected, right?)

I definitely feel your love.

(I wish you'd feel it more.)

Did you feel my love?

(Of course.)

“Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“Yes, yes. I love you, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Hmm? That feels a bit light. Haru-kun, say it again!” (Natsu)

“Ugh, fine. Na-chan?” (Haru)

“What is it, Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“I love you.” (Haru)

“Ah, uhh, I-I love you too.” (Natsu)

Why am I getting embarrassed when asking for it?

(Well, that's that. This is this.)

“What is this farce? It's so cliché it's a bit off-putting.” (Sakura)

“Fufun, Sakura-chan, make sure to find a wonderful boyfriend too.” (Natsu)

“I won't do such a cliché thing.” (Sakura)

(But it's not a cliché.)

Showing my sister being affectionate is a bit much, though.

(But isn't it heartwarming?)

I don’t think so.

(Oh, come on, ‘yeah' is fine.)

“By the way, Sakura-chan, do you have someone you like? Or do you actually have a boyfriend?” (Natsu)

“Isn't it okay if I don't talk about myself?” (Sakura)

“Don't be so obvious in avoiding the question. Na-chan can be persistent.” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, don't be so harsh! Could you not be so relentless?” (Natsu)

“Well, it's not that different, is it?” (Haru)

“Alright, I get it. Since we've established that you two get along well, let's eat before it gets cold. The iron plate will get cold too, after all.” (Sakura)

“That's true. So, how about Sakura-chan's cold feelings? If you get a boyfriend, come visit us for a double date. That would be fun.” (Natsu)

“‘”Absolutely not.'”” (Haru and Sakura)

No way

(Yes way)

“I want to! I want to go on a date with Sakura-chan!” (Natsu)

“Then if you two go on a date, that solves the problem, right?” (Haru)

“Hmm? Hmm, I see. Fine, let's compromise on that. So, tomorrow I'll go on a date with Sakura-chan, and Haru-kun, you stay at home.” (Natsu)

“Alright, alright. I have work from the morning anyway.” (Haru)

“That works out then. Sakura-chan, is that okay?” (Natsu)

“Ah, yes. I'm looking forward to going out with Onee-chan. I was planning to go home tomorrow, but I'll change it to the day after.” (Sakura)

“I'm so excited! Sakura-chan, do you have any places you want to go? An amusement park? Zoo? Aquarium? Oh, walking around town or window shopping is fine too. We could look for clothes that suit you.” (Natsu)

---

[Club Side]

“Haa? Natsu-san is not coming to the welcome party either?” (Hori)

“Hori-kun, shut up! It's not that surprising, is it? You didn't come to the farewell party either.” (Yuki)

The club Natsuki belongs to is working to recruit new students as the new semester approaches.

“I think we should be selective about who does the recruiting. First impressions are important, right? So, Hori, I'm sorry.” (Nagura)

“W-What do you mean, President? If I don't take the front row, we won't win this battle!” (Hori)

At the club house, in addition to Natsu’s close friends, about ten members including President Kaname Nagura and junior Hori were gathered. Including ghost members, more than 80 people were registered.

“Who are you planning to compete with? Even last year, you failed to recruit Haruto-kun.” (Yuki)

Yuki, who was sighing and blaming Hori, was also scolded by President Nagura.

“Well, anyway, he wasn't planning to join any circle. So, the result would have been the same no matter who tried to recruit him. This year, let's show him something different.” (Nagura)

“Ugh! President Nagura, please don't raise the bar so high. I'll do my best, but the results…?” (Yuki)

Yuki, who had lost her previous enthusiasm, held her head in her hands.

“Um, Natsu-san's boyfriend is Furukawa-kun from the Economics Department, right? I'm in the same seminar as him. How about asking him to persuade Natsu-san?” (Miki)

“Well, Miki-chan, if Natsu finds out, she'll get angry. It's about dragging an unrelated Haruto-kun into it.” (Yuki)

“I see. So, we should take advantage of his weakness?” (Hori)

“Hori-kun, do you have some dirt on Haruto-kun?” (Yuki)

“No way, I'm going to set it up from now on.” (Hori)

Yuki's face twisted with a sense of dread.

“Can I ask what Hori-kun's plan is, just for reference?” (Yuki)

“Of course. We'll use a honey trap on that weak-looking first-year student. Once we have the evidence, we'll negotiate. How's that? Perfect, right?” (Hori)

In the club house, the mood turned sour as this plan received some support.

“I'll do it! I want to drink with Natsu-san! Leave it to me.” (Miki)

“No, no, Miki-chan. Please don't. It'll end up being something we can't undo.” (Yuki)

“Don't worry, Yuki-san. I'll handle it carefully so Natsu-san doesn't find out!” (Miki)