Chapter 20: Intentions

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

“Huh?”

“What's wrong?” (Natsu)

“…I just realized that my growth spurt is over.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, you can really tell when we're standing next to each other. I used to cling to your arm while walking, but now I have to bend down a little.” (Natsu)

“W-Well… It does feel a bit awkward. It's been a while since someone clung to my arm like this.” (Haru)

You’re an expert at hugging, aren’t you?

(Only to you.)

“Now you're always clinging to Nii-san instead.” (Sakura)

“Fufu, are you jealous?” (Natsu)

“N-Not really… Besides, I don't need to grow anymore, right?” (Sakura)

“Hey, Sakura-chan, could you stop glaring at my ch*st like that?” (Natsu)

“Onee-chan, I think you're overthinking it. Just because my ch*st is a bit lacking doesn't mean I'm envious of you or anything.” (Sakura)

Was that a sensitive topic?

(It's delicate, so don't bring it up.)

If I do, I'll be seen as a creep, right?

(Yup.)

“Sakura-chan, how are things over there?” (Natsu)

“…Ever since that uncle came to apologize, aunty has been avoiding me. I feel bad saying this in front of you, but before that, she used to look at me with disdain.” (Sakura)

“I'm sorry, Sakura-chan. You went through such a tough time because of us.” (Natsu)

“No, Onee-chan, you and Nii-san didn't do anything wrong. I always believed that. But still… I just can't forgive that person. Even when that uncle brought her over to apologize, she was smiling like it was none of her concern. Because of her, Nii-san…” (Sakura)

“I see, so she really hasn't reflected on her actions. She probably doesn't even understand the gravity of what she did.” (Natsu)

We always knew that.

(…Still, it hurts.)

You don't need to involve yourself with them anymore.

(Yeah.)

You filled the void they left behind.

(That makes me happy.)

“I never thought I could hate someone so much. If I feel this way, I can't even imagine how much Nii-san suffered.” (Sakura)

“Yes… When I met Haru-kun again in April, he mistook me for ‘Akiho' at first. He ran to the bathroom and threw up right after.” (Natsu)

“Was it that bad?” (Sakura)

Normally, I wouldn't make that kind of mistake.

(It couldn't be helped, but it was still shocking.)

I'm sorry.

“It was really tough for a while. He didn't talk much and barely ate anything. But after summer, he slowly started talking to me more and finishing his meals. I was so happy, I even cried a little.” (Natsu)

I knew that.

(Ahaha, so you noticed.)

Yes.

Thank you.

“Onee-chan, please continue to take care of Nii-san.” (Sakura)

“Ah, hey! No need to bow your head. I'm staying with Haru-kun because I want to. I'm looking forward to you joining us in two years, Sakura-chan.” (Natsu)

“Yeah. I'll work hard in my studies.” (Sakura)

---

[Club Side]

“Alright! No guy could resist this!” (Hori)

In the clubroom of the “Runrunbu” walking club, a few members surrounded a female student.

“Um, Hori-kun, this is totally just your taste, isn't it?” (Yuki)

An upperclassman sighed as he looked at the female student at the center.

“No, no, this is the ideal JD (Joshi Daigakusei – female college student) fashion packed with male desires. It's not just my taste; it's what all guys want!” (Hori)

The girl he pointed at was dressed in a tight white knit dress, black thigh-high stockings, and long boots. Her innocent face contrasted sharply with her overly emphasized curves.

“Well, it's certainly sexy.” (President)

“As expected from you, President. We have to go bold if we want to win. This ‘Sexy Miki' version will definitely work, considering Haru-kun is used to hanging around Natsu-san. No ordinary girl would even catch his eye.” (Hori)

Yuki let out an exasperated sigh as she watched the scene unfold.

“Haa~ Are you really going to waste your time on something like this?” (Yuki)

“R-right, I might not be able to compete with Natsuki-san, but since there aren't many chances left, I want to talk to her as much as I can.” (Miki)

Miki clenched her fists, expressing her determination.

“Aah, Miki-chan, that's not really what I meant…” (Yuki)

“Well, well, Amamiya, let her do as she likes. Nimi, who was the center of attention in the club, is gone now, so I understand how they feel.” (President)

“But still, Nagura-kun, don't you think it's wrong to drag an unrelated person like Haruto-kun into this? Besides, it's a waste of time, isn't it?” (Yuki)

Yuki was confident. Although her relationship with Haruto wasn't particularly deep, she had heard enough stories from her best friend, most of which were just love stories, to know that Haruto wouldn't be swayed by any woman other than Natsuki.

“Miki-chan, if you feel like you're in danger, call me immediately. I'll be there in no time.” (Hori)

“Thank you, Hori-senpai. I understand, so could you please step back a bit?” (Miki)

Miki, whose hands were enveloped by Hori's in his excitement, found herself uncomfortably close to him. As their distance shrank, Hori's gaze naturally fell to the ch*st exposed by Miki's low-cut dress, and his breath became noticeably heavier. Realizing this, Miki's expression turned to one of clear disgust.

“Oh, sorry!” (Miki)

Hori hastily pulled away, but it was too late—his actions hadn't gone unnoticed by the other club members, who were now giving him cold stares.

“You're the worst, Hori-kun. You just wanted to satisfy your own desires by using Miki-chan, didn't you? You didn't secretly take any pictures, did you?” (Yuki)

Yuki's suspicious gaze made Hori falter, but he knew he had to clear his name, so he handed over his smartphone to Yuki.

“Check it if you want. I'm innocent, okay? It's not my fault if I accidentally saw something when she bent over, but I didn't take any photos or anything like that, alright?” (Hori)

“In that case, you should avoid making such shady moves. Look, Miki-chan is completely turned off.” (Yuki)

“I didn't dress like this for Hori-senpai's sake. I did it so I could spend time with Natsuki-san. Don't misunderstand.” (Miki)

Miki's eyes were cold, as if she were looking at something filthy.

“S-Sorry…” (Hori)

“Miki-chan, let's leave it at that for now. If he tries anything weird again, I'll personally deal with it.” (Yuki)

“Well, if Yuki-san says so…” (Miki)

“Alright then, let's focus on the recruitment effort for now. If we don't get new members, there's no point in having the welcome party. Hori, I'm counting on you.” (President)

Encouraged by Nagura's words, Hori responded with a thumbs-up.

---

[Natsu Side]

“Hello? Yuki, what's up?” (Natsu)

[Sorry, Natsu. Do you have a moment?] (Yuki)

“I'm on a date with my cute little sister, so make it quick.” (Natsu)

[Huh? Wait, but…] (Yuki)

“To be precise, she's my future sister, I suppose. Right now, she's more like a little sister-in-law.” (Natsu)

So she knew?

(We're best friends, after all. I told her that my relationship with my sister wasn't the best.)

[Oh, I see, you mean Haruto-kun's sister. I'm surprised you can say something like that in front of her.] (Yuki)

“I've known her since she was little. She just asked me to take care of her brother.” (Natsu)

[Alright, alright. Let's save the lovey-dovey stories for later, okay?] (Yuki)

“What's with that?” (Natsu)

Is it really a lovey-dovey story?

(Hmm, I guess it is?)

[Let's get to the point. Natsu, you're coming to the club recruitment event, right?] (Yuki)

That crowd is intense.

(It was crazy when I joined too.)

“Yeah, I'll be there.” (Natsu)

[But you're not attending the welcome party, right?] (Yuki)

“Ah, yeah. Sorry, Yuki. It's just like I explained before. I know some might think I'm being antisocial or that it's irresponsible for someone in a leadership role in the club, but I'm not going to let Haru-kun eat dinner alone in his room. If it comes down to that, I'll quit the club.” (Natsu)

Sorry about that.

(Don't apologize. I just wanted to be with you.)

[Fufufu, in the end, you can't help but talk about how much you care for him. But I do need you to help with the recruitment, so please take care of that.] (Yuki)

“Got it.” (Natsu)

“I'm sorry, Sakura-chan.” (Natsu)

“It's okay, don't worry about it. Was that about the club?” (Sakura)

“Yeah, I'm in a walking club. They were just reminding me to help recruit new members at the entrance ceremony next week.” (Natsu)

“There might be some boys joining just because they're interested in you, Onee-chan.” (Sakura)

“Fufufu, too bad for them. I'll just tell them I already have a boyfriend I'm crazy about.” (Natsu)