Chapter 24: Your Season

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Translator: Soafp

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“Hey, Furukawa-kun, can you help me pick up some deliveries?” (Boss)

“From the sales office?” (Haru)

“Yeah. It'll delay your clock-out time by about 30 minutes, but is that okay?” (Boss)

“That's no problem.” (Haru)

After two years on the job, I've been entrusted with various tasks.

(You're efficient and responsible.)

High praise?

(That's objectively speaking.)

And subjectively?

(You don't spoil me enough.)

You're such a needy person.

(I won't deny that.)

“Furukawa-kun, how about becoming a contract employee?” (Boss)

“How's that different from being a part-timer?” (Haru)

“The main difference is a fixed salary. Also, most of the work involves outside sales. The hours are flexible, so even a lot of housewives work here.” (Boss)

“A fixed salary, huh? Let me think about it.” (Haru)

Being a part-timer wasn't really a problem.

(You weren't supporting a family back then.)

Wait, was I unnecessary?

(No need for such a lame joke.)

---

“I'm home.” (Haru)

“Welcome back. I was worried since you were late, thinking something might have happened.” (Natsu)

“Sorry, I was asked to help with some outside deliveries.” (Haru)

“That's okay. You couldn't contact me, so it's understandable. I'll heat up the food—mmm, mmmph.” (Natsu)

“Thanks. That was delicious.” (Haru)

“…Come on, we're just about to have dinner. So do it again, okay?” (Natsu)

“Let's eat first and then take our time.” (Haru)

“No, no. This is your fault, so you have to take responsibility.” (Natsu)

“Alright, alright.” (Haru)

You switch gears so easily.

(You're the one who flips the switch.)

“Hey, Haru-kun, how about we explore the area tomorrow? We've been going out by car a lot lately, and aside from the nearby supermarket, we haven't really explored since we moved in.” (Natsu)

“Well, you've been busy with your thesis, so…” (Haru)

“Hahahaha, so you were being considerate. Thank you.” (Natsu)

“If you're okay with it, I'm in.” (Haru)

“Yeah, let's sleep in since it's our day off and head out around lunchtime.” (Natsu)

Even though you say that, you'll probably wake up early to do the housework.

(It's a habit at this point.)

“Don't look at me like I'm an old person! Besides, you didn't let me sleep tonight!” (Natsu)

“…” (Haru)

“Don't look at me like that!” (Natsu)

“Well, I was just kidding.” (Haru)

---

“You're already asleep, huh?” (Haru)

“…Mmm, Su~usu~u…” (Natsu)

“Well, you always wake up early. Thank you for everything.” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“…Hmm?” (Haru)

“Good morning. It's already 8 o'clock, so let's get up and have breakfast.” (Natsu)

“Hmm? Fuwaa~—morning, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Good morning. Go get dressed and wash your face. I'll have breakfast ready.” (Natsu)

“Got it.” (Haru)

“Oh, we're having a Japanese-style breakfast this morning. Feels like we're at a ryokan.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, I started prepping last night. Let's eat while it's still warm.” (Natsu)

“Mmm, thanks for the meal” (Haru)

“Thanks for the meal.” (Natsu)

You always had such high standards when it came to food.

(It wasn't that big of a deal. I just tried to master the basics of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cooking.)

You had me completely hooked with your cooking.

(Oh? Just your stomach?)

Haha.

I wonder.

(Ah, you’re not being honest, are you?)

“Which direction should we go today?” (Haru)

“Hmm, how about heading west of the university? It’s mostly residential, so we don’t go there often, but there are some shops scattered around. We might find some hidden gems.” (Natsu)

“That’s true, we usually just pass through that area. It would be nice to discover something new.” (Haru)

“Do you think we’ll find something interesting?” (Natsu)

“You're really curious, aren't you?” (Haru)

“Yeah, discovering something I didn't know before is exciting, especially when I get to explore with you. I'm really looking forward to it!” (Natsu)

---

“Here you go, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Thanks! It's still really hot, isn't it?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, it's technically still summer. Make sure you drink that.” (Haru)

“I will. You should also stay hydrated and take in some salt, okay?” (Natsu)

“I'm fine. But man, summers in Nagoya are so humid.” (Haru)

“Yeah, I didn't see any kids playing in the park earlier.” (Natsu)

They’re all playing indoors, I guess.

(It's too hot to let them play outside.)

“Hey, Haru-kun, isn't that a park over there?” (Natsu)

“Hmm? Oh yeah, I think so. There's some shade. Should we check it out?” (Haru)

“Yeah, let's go.” (Natsu)

“There's a gazebo here. That's nice. Let's have our lunch here, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Hey, Na-chan, what time did you wake up today? I know you went to bed before me, but you were up by six, weren't you?” (Haru)

“I was so excited that I woke up early.” (Natsu)

You're just like a kid before a field trip.

(Kids don't do what we did before bed.)

Well, you do go to bed early and wake up early.

(Don't treat me like I'm old!)

“Ahh, this is so relaxing.” (Natsu)

“It's a bit hot, but having a picnic in a park surrounded by trees, with your homemade lunch, feels pretty luxurious.” (Haru)

“Make sure you add in the luxury of being with someone you love, too.” (Natsu)

“Every day feels like a luxury.” (Haru)

“For both of us, right?” (Natsu)

---

“Haru-kun! Haru-kun!” (Natsu)

“What is it?” (Haru)

“Look! Doesn't this place look so European and stylish?” (Natsu)

You were so excited.

(How could I not be?)

Because you're a romantic?

(There you go, teasing me again.)

“Heh, is that a church? Or maybe a wedding venue?” (Haru)

“Yeah, it looks like it. Doesn't this big staircase in the middle remind you of Roman Holiday?” (Natsu)

“Oh, I think I see what you mean.” (Haru)

“It's so beautiful. A wedding venue, huh?”

“Na-chan, Na-chan. You're so excited that people are laughing at you.” (Haru)

“What? Where?” (Natsu)

“Look, there's someone up at the top of the stairs.” (Haru)

“Hello!” (Worker)

“Oh, hello!” (Haru)

“Would you like to come in and have a look around?” (Worker)

“Can we?” (Haru)

“It seems like your girlfriend likes the place, so please, feel free.” (Worker)

“Yay, Haru-kun! Let's check it out!” (Natsu)

“Haha, I'm glad you're happy, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Right this way, please.” (Worker)

---

“The outside staircase had a nice vibe, but this chapel is lovely too.” (Natsu)

“Thank you. Right now, it's undecorated, but during ceremonies, it's adorned with flowers, lights, and candles.” (Worker)

“Wow, that must create a whole different atmosphere.” (Natsu)

“It does. We also host gospel concerts here regularly, so feel free to come by if you're interested.” (Worker)

“Really? Haru-kun, let's come and see one sometime.” (Natsu)

“Sure, that sounds fun.” (Haru)

“You two seem so close. I'm a little jealous. Are you students?” (Worker)

“Yes, we are. Sorry, it might be a while before we're ready, but can we make a reservation?” (Haru)

“Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“Ara! Of course, we can take your reservation.” (Worker)

“Please make the reservation for April three years from now, aligning it with my graduation.” (Haru)

“Yes, then I will have you look at the reception hall first before proceeding with the formal reservation.” (Worker)

“Wait, Haru-kun? Reservation…” (Natsu)

“Hmm? Not okay?” (Haru)

“Not that it’s not okay! It’s not that it’s not okay, but…” (Natsu)

“But?” (Haru)

“…Is that okay? I mean, you haven’t even proposed yet.” (Natsu)

I jumped the gun, didn’t you?

(Really, things have a proper order, you know?)

Ah, I’ve heard that before.

(Mou!)

“I thought that's what we were working towards when we started living together. But as for the proposal, just wait a little longer.” (Haru)

“…Sniff, m-mou. Haru-kun, the order is messed up.” (Natsu)

“When you show me that kind of face…” (Haru)

“Eh?” (Natsu)

“It was a happy-looking smile.” (Haru)

“Ah, what?” (Natsu)

“You don’t seem to be aware yourself.” (Haru)

“It’s fine to make a tentative reservation. Let’s make a formal contract one year before the planned date.” (Worker)

“Na-chan?” (Haru)

“Ah. Yes, please.” (Natsu)

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“Please have a seat over here. We will prepare everything, and if you'd like, we have photos of previous ceremonies, so feel free to take a look.” (Worker)

“Look, look, Haru-kun! It’s really wonderful!” (Natsu)

“Oh, they even do the lighting up.” (Haru)

“The dresses are beautiful~ This bride looks so young—wait? It’s Kiyoka-chan.” (Natsu)

“Huh?” (Haru)

“Kiyoka-chan is in the picture.” (Natsu)

“Oh, which girl? The one next to her looks familiar somehow.” (Haru)

“Aah? Ah! The couple we met at Shikibu-an before!” (Natsu)

“Ah, the morning session! I see, that’s right.” (Haru)

The world is a small place, isn’t it?

(Yeah. We don’t see them often just because they live nearby.)

“Do you know any of the people in the photos?” (Worker)

“Yes, it’s this photo.” (Natsu)

“Ara, you mean Kurashige-sama and Koken-sama who had their ceremony in March. I was the one in charge of it. They held the ceremony to coincide with the wife's high school graduation.” (Worker)

“A high school student! That’s young. Haru-kun, when should we have the ceremony?” (Natsu)

“You're really clinging to this.” (Haru)

“I want to be called your wife too. Haru-kun’s wife.” (Natsu)

“Don’t rush, don’t rush. I haven’t even proposed yet.” (Haru)

“Don’t imitate me.” (Natsu)

“Ufufu. Please let me be in charge of your wedding ceremony. Sorry for the late introduction. I’m Sasaki. I’m looking forward to seeing your wife in her wedding dress.” (Sasaki)