Chapter 22: Goodness

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Translator: Soafp

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“Congrats on your job offer, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, thanks, Haru-kun. Though, to be honest, they'd already made me a verbal offer a while ago.” (Natsu)

That was before Golden Week, right?

(Yep. But now that it’s official, I can finally relax.)

“Now you just have to finish your thesis.” (Haru)

“Ugh, don't remind me. Just for today, let me forget about that.” (Natsu)

“Alright, alright. Let's eat something delicious and be happy.” (Haru)

“Fufu. You should be happy too.” (Natsu)

“It's funny that even though it's your celebration, you're the one who cooked. I'm useless, sorry.” (Haru)

“That's where my happiness lies, you know?” (Natsu)

“In making food?” (Haru)

“Exactly. You've heard the saying about winning someone's heart through their stomach, right? Eating is so important in life that it can influence a person's entire existence. The fact that I get to play that role makes me happy.” (Natsu)

You're such a romantic.

(Ah, but did you actually think I'm just obsessed with love?)

That's not fair.

(It's okay. The fact that you're by my side is what makes me happy.)

Me too.

“But starting next year, I should learn to do it too.” (Haru)

“Why?” (Natsu)

“Well, I might come home late from work sometimes, and I don't want to put all the burden on you, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Not at all. When I was alone, I sometimes found cooking a chore, but ever since I started cooking for you, no matter how tired I am, I've never found it difficult.” (Natsu)

“Really? It seems like a lot of work, though.” (Haru)

“I've told you many times, right? If my cooking makes you even a little bit happy, that's what brings me happiness.” (Natsu)

“Th-thank you.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, you're welcome.” (Natsu)

“…” (Haru)

“Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“…” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, what's on your mind?” (Natsu)

“I sometimes wonder… what would've happened to me if I hadn't met you, Na-chan. I probably still wouldn't be able to trust anyone. Like the other day, I might have turned away even when the cherry blossoms were blooming.” (Haru)

“…It's not quite fate, is it? It's more like… you happened to get into the same university as me. You happened to move into the room next to mine. If you call it coincidence, then that's all there is to it. But if you had even a little part in making those decisions, then maybe that means you chose me. I know that's a bit of an extreme way of looking at it, though.” (Natsu)

“Na-chan…” (Haru)

“But, the fact that we're together now isn't just a coincidence, right?” (Natsu)

“Right. You're the only one I want to be with, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“I'm happy I can be with you too, Haru-kun. Though I'm not too thrilled with how popular you've become in our club recently.” (Natsu)

(You know, with the way you handled that situation…)

Is that my fault?

(No, but… it's just jealousy!)

“So that was the famous honey trap, huh? I thought those only happened in dramas about high school teachers or something.” (Haru)

“Yeah… I really can only say I'm sorry about that.” (Natsu)

“I'm not mad.” (Haru)

“I know, but… if I'd stopped it beforehand…” (Natsu)

“Then wouldn't that have made things harder for you, Na-chan?” (Haru)

“I don't know… maybe.” (Natsu)

“Then it's fine. As long as it didn't affect you—” (Haru)

“My rivals have increased! Miki-chan has been talking to you a lot lately, hasn't she?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, maybe. But it's just small talk. She's not really a rival.” (Haru)

“It's not that I don't trust you, and I think it's only fair to recognize how great you are. But I can't help feeling a little jealous.” (Natsu)

That's kind of cute.

(I might be older, but I still get jealous, you know?)

I'm actually happy to hear that.

(Should I be flattered by that?)

“Jealousy is fine, but let's eat before your lovingly made dinner gets cold. Let's dig in.” (Haru)

“Yeah, let's eat, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“What is it?” (Haru)

“Eat lots, okay?” (Natsu)

“Of course.” (Haru)

“There's dessert too, you know?” (Natsu)

“Ah, right.” (Haru)

“Huh? Isn’t your reaction a bit weak?” (Natsu)

“Not at all. I’ll savor it thoroughly until morning, okay?” (Haru)

“Until morning?! Th-that might be a bit much. The flavor might wear off halfway through.” (Natsu)

“It’s not gum, you know.” (Haru)

“You’re right, it’s not gum, it’s Go—” (Natsu)

“Alright, alright, let's not go overboard, okay?” (Haru)

“…Okaaay.” (Natsu)

“Good. Oh, the potato salad is delicious!” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, you really like potato salad, huh?” (Natsu)

“I love the texture of the thick-cut ham.” (Haru)

“The secret ingredient is—” (Natsu)

“Love, right?” (Haru)

“Let me say it!” (Natsu)

---

“Welcome, oh, it's you guys.” (Yuki)

“Hey, Yuki, we're still customers, you know?” (Natsu)

“Oh, my apologies. Please, have a seat by the window.” (Yuki)

“Sure thing. Let's go.” (Natsu)

“Yuki-san, that uniform looks cute on you.” (Miki)

“Thanks, Miki-chan. For complimenting the uniform.” (Yuki)

“N-no! I mean, Yuki-san, you look cute in that uniform!” (Miki)

“Yes, yes, thank you, thank you.” (Yuki)

“Hey, Yuki, don't tease the juniors. That's workplace harassment, you know?” (Natsu)

“Oh? Natsu, remember those words well.” (Yuki)

Girls can be scary sometimes.

(Do you think so?)

Sorry.

It's nothing.

(Really?)

“Finally, we get to have a girls’ night out.” (Natsu)

“Yes, with everyone busy with job hunting and thesis preparations, it’s been hard to find time.” (Miki)

“Thesis, huh? I wonder if I'll be able to graduate.” (Natsu)

“Natsu-san, is your thesis not going well?” (Miki)

“Haha, please don't ask.” (Natsu)

“Sorry to keep you waiting~.” (Yuki)

“Oh, Yuki, you must be tired.” (Natsu)

“I've been busy since this morning~.” (Yuki)

“Yuki-san, good job today. You started in the morning?” (Miki)

“Yeah, that's right, Shizuku. Unlike Natsu, I don't have a boyfriend, so I have to work hard and earn money.” (Yuki)

Senpai has always been working, right?

(Yeah, sometimes even skipping lectures to work.)

“A boyfriend, huh… I'm so jealous of you, Natsu-chan.” (Miki)

“Miki-chan's been saying that a lot lately. She’s always saying how she's jealous of Natsu.” (Yuki)

“H-hey, Shii! Don't say things that could be misunderstood!” (Miki)

“Eh? Miki-chan, is it really a misunderstanding?” (Yuki)

“S-stop it, Yuki-san! I'm just jealous of how happy Natsu-san looks, not that I want Furukawa-kun as my boyfriend or anything!” (Miki)

“Hmm? I never mentioned Haruto-kun's name, did I? Right, Natsu?” (Yuki)

“Huh? Me? I'm not jealous of Miki-chan or anything.” (Natsu)

“Whoa, Natsu-san, what are you doing, sabotaging yourself like that?” (Miki)

“You're too honest. Look, you've scared poor Miki-chan.” (Yuki)

“I-I swear, I'm not trying to steal Furukawa-kun from you, Natsu-san!”

“…Really?” (Natsu)

“Natsu?” (Yuki)

“Do you really not think that way?” (Natsu)

“Natsu-san?” (Miki)

“Are you really sure you’re not aiming for Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

No one’s aiming for me.

(You stay quiet.)

…Yes.

“Y-yes, I did think he was a really nice guy, and I imagined that having someone like him as a boyfriend would make me happy. But I never considered trying to take him from you, Natsu-san!” (Miki)

“Haru-kun is a wonderful guy, you know?” (Natsu)

“I know.” (Miki)

“Being with Haru-kun makes me so happy.” (Natsu)

“Ugh! I-I can imagine.” (Miki)

“And yet, you’re still not aiming for him?” (Natsu)

“…Honestly, I think Furukawa-kun only has eyes for you, Natsu-san.” (Miki)

“Oh, yeah, it’s pretty clear that Haruto-kun is totally devoted to Natsu.” (Yuki)

“R-really? You think so?” (Natsu)

“Definitely. But if I could at least be friends with him, I'd be really happy. Natsu-san, would you allow that?” (Miki)

“Huh? That’s not really something for me to decide. And you know, Miki-chan, I’m actually happy that Haru-kun is appreciated. To be honest, I do get a bit jealous, but still, it makes me glad when someone recognizes how great he is.” (Natsu)

“I understand him best, though.” (Yuki)

“Yuki, don't stir things up. But you know, Miki…” (Natsu)

“Yeah, Natsu-san, I understand. I’ll make sure to keep an appropriate distance when interacting with Furukawa-kun.” (Miki)

“Fufufu, okay. I might get a little jealous, but I'll do my best to hold back, alright?” (Natsu)