Chapter 21: Honey Trap

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Translator: Soafp

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“That's fine, you know. It's not like I'm picky about what I eat.” (Haru)

“No way! I'm the one who cooks Haru-kun's meals, you hear?” (Natsu)

“Don't overdo it.” (Haru)

“I'm not! I'm looking forward to him eating it. Make sure to warm it up before you eat it.” (Natsu)

“Seriously. Thanks a lot.” (Haru)

“Okay, I'm off then.” (Natsu)

“Have a good day, and do your best.” (Haru)

I'm not going to dive into that sea of people again.

(It's a bit of a fearsome experience for a new student, isn't it?)

It might even be a little traumatic.

“B-but before that. Mm!” (Natsu)

“Yeah, yeah, your mouth?” (Haru)

“Mm!” (Natsu)

(Like a lovey-dovey newlywed couple)

Yeah, yeah.

---

“Good morning!” (Natsu)

“Natsuki-san, good morning.” (Miki)

“I'm so glad! I was really nervous whether you'd come or not.” (Yuki)

“Huh? Didn't I reply to Yuki that I'd come?” (Natsu)

“I told her too. That you wouldn't make it to the welcome party but would come for recruitment. Now it sounds like I'm the culprit.” (Hori)

When you arrived at the club house, several people were already gathered.

“Natsuki-san, is Haruto-kun working today?” (Miki)

“From the afternoon. He said he'll be working until 9 PM today, so I'll have plenty of time to prepare dinner.” (Natsu)

“Natsuki-san, you're like a full-time housewife. You're living together, right? That's so nice—such a sweet life. Your boyfriend seems so kind. Does he help with housework?” (Miki)

“You're envious, aren't you? He helps with everything except cooking and laundry.” (Natsu)

“Stop making Natsu talk about how sweet her life is. She'll never stop once she starts talking about Haruto-kun.” (Yuki)

“What's wrong with you, Yuki? Everyone's interested, so let her talk.” (Natsu)

What kind of talk was it?

(It's just small talk.)

It seems suspicious.

“There's no time for that now. Let's save it for another opportunity.” (Hori)

“Another opportunity?” (Natsu)

“Oh, Nimi, long time no see. I'm counting on you to work hard today.” (President)

“Hello, Nagura-kun. Sorry I haven't been around much.” (Natsu)

“Well, it's to be expected. There's always a few who don't show up as much in our year.” (President)

“Yeah, I'll do my best today.” (Natsu)

“I'm counting on you.” (President)

You were trusted.

(It's a matter of personal charisma.)

Is that so?

(Huh? It's a bit embarrassing when you accept that so honestly.)

Really?

Because it's the truth.

“Natsu-san, just like last year, I'm your partner.” (Hori)

“Ufufu, I'll leave it to you, Hori-kun.” (Natsu)

“Got it. This year, I'll aim for a 70:30 ratio with more girls.” (Hori)

“That's why I told you to stop making those repulsive comments, Hori-kun.” (Yuki)

“What's that, Yuki-san? I'm known as a popular guy, you know? Always getting pulled into mixers.” (Hori)

“Yeah, I bet.” (Yuki)

“Yes, it's true. When Hori-senpai is at a mixer, it's easier for everyone else.” (Miki)

“Okay, okay. Yuki and Miki-chan, let’s put aside Hori-kun’s popularity for now.” (Natsu)

“Natsu-san?” (Yuki)

Is he popular?

(He might be a rare find.)

Heh~

---

“Phew, great job, everyone. So, we got 32 names on the list. I'd say that's a big haul for the first day.” (President)

“You can't talk about today's success without mentioning my contribution, can you, President?” (Hori)

“Uh, well, I wouldn't say it's zero. You and Nimi got 15 people, right? But they're all guys.” (President)

“Ugh.” (Hori)

“It's definitely thanks to Natsu. Now, the question is how many of them will stick around. We'll have to secure them properly at the welcome party.” (Yuki)

“Hahaha. I didn't do much, really. I can't attend the welcome party, so I'm counting on all of you.” (Natsu)

Even though you love drinking.

(There's nothing I love more than you.)

Are you going to eat?

(I will. Thank you for the meal.)

“Natsu-san, you really should come to the welcome party.” (Hori)

“Sorry, Hori-kun. I've decided not to go to any more drinking parties.” (Natsu)

“Natsuki-san, does your boyfriend dislike it? Is he being possessive?” (Miki)

“He doesn't mind, and he's not possessive at all! If anything, I wish he'd be a little more jealous!” (Natsu)

“Come on, Natsu. He's taking good care of you. Should I tell Haruto-kun?” (Yuki)

“Eh? Yuki, do you think he's taking good care of me too? That's right, isn't it? Even though he's younger, he's so mature and always puts me first—” (Natsu)

“Okay, okay, stop! We don't need another love story. Just leave the welcome party to us. You just keep enjoying your time with Haruto-kun.” (Yuki)

---

“Huh?” (Natsu)

“So, you know, the younger members really want you to come. They're thinking of getting Haruto-kun to convince you, but they know you'll refuse if they just ask directly, so they're planning to set a honey trap to find some weakness.” (Yuki)

“Wait a minute, Yuki! Are you saying they're going to cause trouble for Haru-kun? If they do that, I'll quit the club right now!” (Natsu)

“W-wait, calm down, Natsu. I understand why you're angry, but you should consider the juniors' feelings too. Sure, what they're planning is just a nuisance and pointless, but it shows how much they admire you.”(Yuki)

“But it has nothing to do with Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“I agree, it would be a real bother for him.”(Yuki)

“Then—” (Natsu)

“But a honey trap wouldn't work anyway, would it?”(Yuki)

“Huh?” (Natsu)

“Because it's Haruto-kun.”(Yuki)

“Yeah.” (Natsu)

“Natsu's boyfriend.”(Yuki)

“That's right.” (Natsu)

“A boyfriend who loves Natsu more than anything.”(Yuki)

“Y-you get it.” (Natsu)

“He's the boyfriend of the same Natsu who just shot down a bunch of freshman guys today.”(Yuki)

“That part I don't really understand.” (Natsu)

“Anyway, Haruto-kun has no interest in anyone but you, so a honey trap would be pointless, right?”(Yuki)

“Y-yeah. There's no way my Haru-kun, who loves me so much, would be interested in another girl.” (Natsu)

“Exactly. So could you just turn a blind eye this once? You can even let Haruto-kun know in advance, and I'll make sure to apologize properly.”(Yuki)

“…Yuki.” (Natsu)

“That way, the kids might be satisfied.”(Yuki)

“Maybe it's my fault, but my feelings haven't changed. I want to stay close to Haru-kun. I think sharing a meal with someone, no, with someone important, is really significant. Eating is living, right? When Haru-kun first started school, he didn't eat much, but now he even asks for seconds. I want to be by his side, supporting him as he lives on, especially after everything he's been through.” (Natsu)

Having meals with you was a special time for me.

(It was a happy time for me too.)

“I understand how you feel, Natsu.”

“Thanks. About that honey trap thing, there's no point in doing it, right?” (Natsu)

“None.”(Yuki)

“Are they still going to do it?” (Natsu)

“I'm against it.”(Yuki)

“Haa… Fine. If it helps them come to terms with it, then okay. But if they do anything more than that…” (Natsu)

“I know. I won't let them go that far.”(Yuki)

“Okay.” (Natsu)

“Sorry, Natsu. I'll treat you and Haruto-kun to breakfast next time.” (Yuki)

“Cheap! You're so stingy.” (Natsu)

“It's delicious, though.” (Yuki)

“I know, but still!” (Natsu)

“Well, well, it’s fine, isn’t it? Oh, by the way, the one setting the trap is Miki-chan. That girl's got a bigger ch*st than you, Natsu.” (Yuki)

“What?” (Natsu)

---

“Alright, Miki-chan, there's no one around him now. Don't miss this chance!” (Hori)

“I-I'm going.” (Miki)

“U-um, Furukawa-kun?” (Miki)

“Yes?” (Haru)

“Uh, c-can I sit here?” (Miki)

“Sure. No one's sitting here.” (Haru)

“Th-thanks. Excuse me then.” (Miki)

“Nice! First hurdle cleared. Now she just needs to seduce him with her dynamite body!” (Hori)

“Hori-senpai, I'm confiscating your binoculars and camera.” (???)

“Wait, wait! Without a camera, we can't get the evidence shots!” (Hori)

“You don't need to take them. We'll handle that.” (???)

“But—” (Hori)

“Do you want me to tell Yuki-san?” (???)

“Hey!” (Hori)

“Shh! Miki's making her move.” (???)

“Furukawa-kun, you're living with Natsuki-san, right?” (Miki)

“Yeah, you’re in the same club as Na-chan, right? I thought I'd seen you around before.” (Haru)

“Uh, I'm actually in the same seminar too…” (Miki)

“Really? Sorry, I might not remember many people from the seminar.” (Haru)

“He seems kind of clueless, but she's showing just the right amount of cleavage.” (???)

“But her boyfriend isn't looking at all. It's not like he's trying not to look—he just doesn't seem interested.” (???)

“No way. Who wouldn't be interested in that dynamite body? Any guy would be.” (Hori)

“But, we're talking about Natsuki-san's boyfriend here.” (???)

“Well, yeah, true.” (???)

“Um, Furukawa-kun, you probably don't even know my name…” (Miki)

“Ah, sorry, I don't.” (Haru)

“Oh, I see…” (Miki)

“I'm really sorry. Oh, right, here, you can use this.” (Haru)

“Huh? Is this your jacket?” (Miki)

“You must be cold in a sleeveless top. Besides, dressing like that doesn't really show off your charm. You'd look better with less exposure.” (Haru)

“Oh, th-thank you.” (Miki)

“Could you give that to Na-chan for me? I'll explain to her later. Thanks.” (Haru)

“Ou…” (Miki)

---

“So, he didn't pay you any attention at all.” (Hori)

“…Yes.” (Miki)

“See? I told you it was pointless.” (Yuki)

“No, it was just bad luck this time! Next time for sure!” (Hori)

“There won't be a next time.” (Natsu)

“Huh? Natsu-san?” (Hori)

(I was watching the whole time.)

Who were you watching?

(Hmm? Hmm~?)

“Are you satisfied now? If you keep this up, I'm going to get really mad.” (Natsu)

“…I'm sorry.” (Miki)

“Alright. I'm sorry too. But, I've made up my mind. I won't be attending any more drinking parties. But, I'm okay with daytime tea gatherings, so let's have a girls’ gathering next time, okay?” (Natsu)

“Natsuki-san!” (Miki)

“Hey, Natsu-san! Don't just naturally leave me out!” (Hori)

“Yuki says she's got a lecture lined up for you, Hori-kun.” (Natsu)

“…Seriously?” (Hori)

So he got scolded in the end.

(Yeah, well, the hunter became the hunted after all.)

“Huh? Miki-chan, do you have a fever? Your face is all red.” (Natsu)