Chapter 27: Circle

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Translator: Soafp

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[Sakura Side]

“See you later!” (Sakura)

Lately, Sakura had been feeling an odd gaze on her.

When she looked toward the second floor of the neighboring house, she noticed the curtains swaying.

“Again?”(Sakura)

She frowned suspiciously but continued walking to school.

Even though they lived next door, Sakura and Akiho weren't particularly close. Since they were little, Sakura had mostly spent time with her older brother Haruto or her Senpai Natsuki. Akiho and Touma rarely interacted with her.

So why was Akiho suddenly watching her? If it were back when she was dating Haruto, it might have made sense, but it had already been three years since they broke up. It was hard to believe she had any reason to involve herself now, and Sakura certainly didn't want to be involved.

“Better safe than sorry.”(Sakura)

She needed to make sure Haruto didn't get caught up in any trouble again.

And she didn't want to be the one to start any fires.

“I should talk to Natsuki Onee-chan about this soon.”(Sakura)

---

“Natsuki-san, congratulations on your graduation!” (Miki)

“Miki-chan, thank you~! I somehow managed to graduate! This bouquet is beautiful!” (Natsu)

“Isn't it? I asked them to put my gratitude into the bouquet!” (Miki)

“Pink roses, dahlias, gerberas, and baby's breath. Fufufu, a bouquet full of appreciation.” (Natsu)

“You've always been so kind to me, even though I've caused you trouble. From now on, I'll take on the role of watching over Furukawa-kun at university, so you don't have to worry!” (Miki)

Watching over me?

(Don't worry about it.)

“Haha, it's fine. I'm not worried at all. Actually, I think that ‘weapon' of yours is more likely to be a cause for concern!” (Natsu)

“Wha—? A weapon? No way! I only let people I really like touch me!” (Miki)

“Ara~, Miki-chan, you've got a bit of a romantic side, don't you?” (Yuki)

“Yuki-san! Congratulations on your graduation!” (Miki)

“Thanks! Though, unlike Natsu, it was a breeze for me.” (Yuki)

“Uwa~, that's… well, I was going to call it obnoxious, but since it's true, I'll hold back.” (Natsu)

“Wise decision. But more importantly, Miki-chan, who exactly does that heart of yours belong to?” (Yuki)

“I-I didn't say it belongs to anyone!” (Miki)

“Ara, ara, such an innocent reaction. Natsu used to be shy too, but now she's a full-blown carnivore when it comes to Haruto-kun.” (Yuki)

“Hey! Don't just drag me into this out of nowhere!” (Natsu)

“You're not denying it, though?” (Yuki)

“Why would I? It's only for my beloved boyfriend, so what's the problem?” (Natsu)

“Ugh, that confidence is so annoying. So, when's the wedding, Mrs. Confident?” (Yuki)

“Wha—? A wedding? We're planning to do it after Haru-kun graduates.” (Natsu)

“Wait, seriously? You're already at that stage?” (Yuki)

So you hadn't mentioned it yet.

(I just hadn't found the right time.)

Knowing you, I thought you would've told them right away.

(…Yeah, I guess.)

“Ehehehe. We've even made a provisional reservation at a venue.” (Natsu)

“Natsu-san, seriously! You're really getting married?!” (Hori)

“Pipe down, Hori-kun! I'm the one asking the questions right now, so back off!” (Yuki)

“Hey, don't treat me like a dog! But seriously, this is big news—I want to hear it too!” (Natsu)

“Alright, alright, both Yuki and Hori-kun, calm down. So you want to know about me and Haru-kun, right? Okay, I'll tell you all the juicy details.” (Natsu)

This is embarrassing.

(Why?)

It feels like having our secrets exposed.

“Sorry, Natsu, but first things first—just tell us the important part! You're really getting married?” (Yuki)

“Yep! Though, there are a few circumstances, so it's mostly just between the two of us for now. But we've found a lovely venue, and I can't wait for Haru-kun's graduation!” (Natsu)

“No, no, you just graduated today. Can you really wait another two years?” (Yuki)

“Even I can handle two years… right?” (Natsu)

“You’re not too confident about that, are you?” (Yuki)

“But you’re already living together, so it’s not like much will change, right? No need to rush.” (Hori)

“Chi chi chi, you don't get it, Hori-kun. Being a wife has a different meaning. It's not like being a girlfriend, which is such an unstable status. A wife is recognized both legally and socially, you know?” (Natsu)

“Come on, there's no point in explaining this to Hori-kun. He doesn't understand a woman's heart.” (Yuki)

“Hey, that's harsh! I was popular back in high school, you know!” (Hori)

“Past glories that no one remembers.” (Yuki)

“Anyway, never mind Hori-senpai. Natsuki-san, please make sure to invite me to the wedding. I'll make sure to remind Furukawa-kun too!” (Miki)

“Hahaha, thanks, Miki-chan.” (Natsu)

---

“Congratulations on your graduation.” (Haru)

“Thank you, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Aren’t you going to the graduation party? There’s still time if you want to go.” (Haru)

“Mou. I'd rather spend this celebration with you, Haru-kun. Besides, my close friends are staying nearby, so I can see them anytime.” (Natsu)

“Hmm. But the first place you want to go is the supermarket? And in that outfit?” (Haru)

“Hm? Well, since I got all dressed up, wouldn't it be a waste to change right away? Or… do you want to help me out of it?” (Natsu)

“Alright, alright, I’ll help you.” (Haru)

“Mou! Isn't there something else you should be saying? Your fiancée is in a traditional hakama, you know?” (Natsu)

You look beautiful in that green kimono and gray hakama.

(It's a short-sleeved kimono. Thank you.)

“You’re wearing boots too? Very modern.” (Haru)

“Yeah. I considered sandals, but I'm more used to boots, and they're cuter.” (Natsu)

“You’re always beautiful, but today you’re especially stunning.” (Haru)

“Ehehehe. Thanks. You can hold me if you want.” (Natsu)

“It’ll wrinkle your outfit, though.” (Haru)

“Then hold me gently.” (Natsu)

“Got it.” (Haru)

(That made me so happy.)

Really?

(Yeah, I worked hard during university, you know?)

I see.

(Being in your arms made it all feel worth it.)

You deserve it.

“By the way, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Yes, Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“Could you close your eyes?” (Haru)

“Hmm? Okay.” (Natsu)

“Alright, just a second… There we go. You can open them now.” (Haru)

“…Haru-kun? Is this…” (Natsu)

“Na-chan, will you marry me?” (Haru)

“…Heh… Ahh…” (Natsu)

“There’ll be a lot of new encounters once we start working, right? Consider this a little preemptive move. I just wanted to stake my claim that Na-chan belongs to me.” (Haru)

“…Idiot. I’m already yours, through and through.” (Natsu)

“Hahaha. So, your answer?” (Haru)

(Like you need to ask.)

You have to say it out loud.

“Yes. I will be your wife, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Yes. But like we agreed, the wedding will be in two years. It’s a popular choice, so I've made an early reservation.” (Haru)

“Canceling isn't an option, you know?” (Natsu)

“I wouldn't dream of it.” (Haru)

“Mmm!” (Natsu)

“Hmm? Yes, yes.” (Haru)

(Here's a kiss as your reservation bonus.)

Every day will be a bonus.

---

“Hey there, Sakura-chan. Long time no see.” (Natsu)

(The next day, she contacted me.)

That's unusual.

[Onee-chan, is now a good time?] (Sakura)

“Yeah, it is.” (Natsu)

[What about Nii-san?] (Sakura)

“He's at work right now.” (Natsu)

[That might be perfect, actually. There's something I want to talk to you about.] (Sakura)

“What's with the formal tone?” (Natsu)

[Akiho-san came to see me.] (Sakura)