Chapter 28: Interseasonal

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Translator: Soafp

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[Sakura Side]

“Sakura.” (Akiho)

It happened all of a sudden.

On her way home from school, Sakura found herself running late and hurried back. As she exited the train station and passed through the shopping district, her house came into view, but just before it, she noticed a figure.

[Could it be?] (Sakura)

“It’s been a while. So, you ended up becoming my junior.” (Akiho)

Akiho, who Sakura hadn’t seen in a long time, had a more mature and alluring presence than before.

“Sakura?” (Akiho)

“…Hello.” (Sakura)

Sakura couldn’t meet her gaze and looked down, trying to suppress the emotions rising within her.

“Still the same serious girl, huh? You probably stayed late for something like the student council, not just some club activity, right?” (Akiho)

“Do you need something?” (Sakura)

Sakura’s tone came out sharper than she intended, making Akiho smirk slightly.

“Looks like I’m not too popular anymore. But I guess that’s to be expected from a sister complex like you.” (Akiho)

“If you understand that, then don’t talk to me.” (Sakura)

If she understood her feelings, there was no need to hide them anymore. With that thought, Sakura looked up and glared at Akiho.

“Hahaha, you’re honest, aren’t you? I don't hate that about you, Sakura.” (Akiho)

“I hate how you always seem to mock people.” (Sakura)

Sakura tried to walk past her, but Akiho grabbed her arm.

“Let me go!” (Sakura)

Sakura quickly pulled her arm away and put some distance between them.

“I don’t have any business with you, Sakura. Well, never mind. Give me Haruto’s contact information.” (Akiho)

“What? As if I’d ever give that to you.” (Sakura)

She wouldn’t let Akiho get involved with Haruto again. There was no way she would allow her to bring misery back into her brother’s life, just when he had finally found happiness.

“Sakura, you’re still a child and don’t understand. Haruto would want to see me, you know? Are you going to get in the way of that?” (Akiho)

There was no hesitation in Akiho’s expression. She spoke as if this were the most natural thing in the world, which sent a shiver down Sakura’s spine.

“…Onii-chan has finally found happiness. Stay away from him!”

“What’s going on?” (Akiho’s father)

Just as Sakura was about to lunge at Akiho, a voice called out from behind her.

“Uncle.” (Sakura)

When Sakura turned around, she saw Akiho’s father standing there.

“…It’s nothing. See you later, Sakura.” (Akiho)

Akiho turned away and walked into her house.

“Sakura-chan…” (Sakura)

“Good evening.” (Akiho’s father)

Sakura gave a slight bow and was about to enter her own home when Akiho’s father stopped her.

“Wait, did Akiho say something rude to you?” (Akiho’s father)

Judging by Sakura’s behavior, he could tell something had happened between them. Seeing his daughter’s attitude, he decided it was better to ask Sakura directly.

“…Not particularly.” (Sakura)

She couldn’t say there wasn’t anything, but since she didn’t know what kind of stance Akiho’s father would take, she chose to be vague with her words.

“If Akiho says anything, please don’t take it to heart.” (Akiho’s father)

He didn’t want to say it was due to a mental illness. He didn’t want his daughter to be seen through a biased lens. He knew the trouble Akiho had caused Haruto and was aware of how close Sakura was to her brother. Even so, as a father, he had to protect his daughter.

In response to his request, Sakura simply gave a small nod and entered her home.

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[Haru side]

“…So, she asked for Haru-kun’s contact information.” (Natsu)

[Yeah, she said that Onii-chan would want to see her too.] (Sakura)

(I should have told this girl earlier.)

She was close by, after all.

“And what did your father say?” (Natsu)

[Uncle? He just said not to let it bother me if she said anything.] (Sakura)

“That’s all?”(Natsu)

[…Yeah. That’s all.] (Sakura)

“He didn't mention the most important thing, then.” (Natsu)

[What?] (Sakura)

“Apparently, she’s started saying strange things again.” (Natsu)

[Like what happened today?] (Sakura)

“Yeah. She keeps saying ‘I wants to see Haru-kun, he's waiting for me’.” (Natsu)

[How could she? How could she be so selfish? Does she not realize how much pain she caused my brother?!] (Sakura)

“Dad noticed something was off right away because he knows about our relationship. He tried to take her to the hospital, but she refused. So, he just went for a consultation by himself. Delusional disorder.” (Natsu)

[Delusional?] (Sakura)

“She's been through a lot, too. It seems it really messed with her mind. But that doesn't mean I'm going to let her see Haruto.” (Natsu)

[Yeah, I feel the same.] (Sakura)

“Still, just in case something happens, if she tries to contact you again, give her my number. But for the most part, you should just ignore her.” (Natsu)

[Onee-chan…] (Sakura)

“Hmm?” (Natsu)

[I love both Onii-chan and you very much.] (Sakura)

“…But don't push yourself too hard. Remember, if something happens to you, it would make us really sad.” (Natsu)

[Okay.] (Sakura)

“Alright, make sure to keep in touch, even if nothing happens.” (Natsu)

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“Hey, Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“What is it, Na-chan?”

(I told you not to push yourself.)

I’m not pushing myself, really.

“When did you manage to switch to a van?” (Natsu)

“Well, the Peugeot wouldn't have fit everyone, especially with all the luggage.” (Haru)

“That's why I said it was okay, though.” (Natsu)

“I just wanted to spend as much time as possible with you, Na-chan, because I'm going to miss you… Does that reason work for you?” (Haru)

“You didn't have to add that last part.” (Natsu)

(You’re such a shy guy.)

You're just too straightforward.

“Yuki, good morning.” (Natsu)

“Good morning, Natsu. Haruto-kun, did you get a new car?” (Yuki)

“Oh, it's a rental he got for us.” (Natsu)

“Kyaa! Natsu, your boyfriend is amazing. So thoughtful!” (Ryoko)

“Ryoko, tone it down a bit.” (Satomi)

“Satomi, that's a little harsh, don't you think?” (Ryoko)

“Good morning, senpai. You're all so lively this morning.” (Haru)

“Good morning, Haruto-kun. And just so you know, the only loud one here is Ryoko.” (Yuki)

“Ahahaha, I'll go ahead and load up the luggage, so everyone, please get in the car.” (Haru)

“No way! You're even playing the porter? Natsu, it's so unfair that you have such an awesome boyfriend!” (Yuki)

“Are you sure you want to say that? I might tell Matsuda-kun. Although, I won't deny Haru-kun is pretty great.” (Natsu)

“Natsu! Hey, Natsu!” (Yuki)

“What is it, Yuki? Don't pull on my hand like that.” (Natsu)

“That ring on your left ring finger!” (Yuki)

“Eh? A ring?” (Ryoka)

“Ehehehe, nice, right? I got it at graduation. He said it's to mark me as his.” (Natsu)

“Na-chan! You didn't have to say that part, did you?” (Haru)

“Kyaa! As expected of Natsu's fiancé!” (Ryoka)

“Ryoko, please, be quiet for a bit.” (Satomi)

“Even Satomi is being harsh now.” (Ryoka)

“Haruto-kun, that smirk on your face is really annoying.” (Yuki)

“Uh, I don't know what to say.” (Haru)

(Can't be helped.)

Well, yeah.

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“Did everyone get everything?” (Haru)

“Yeah, I'm good. Thanks, Haruto-kun. Natsu looks like she wants to give you a goodbye kiss, so we'll go ahead.” (Yuki)

“Fufufu, as expected, Yuki knows me so well.” (Natsu)

“Try not to take too long.” (Haru)

“Thank you, Haru-kun. I'll bring you back a souvenir, so look forward to it.” (Natsu)

“Sure. I'm looking forward to hearing your stories.” (Haru)

“What? About the souvenir?” (Natsu)

“Stay safe Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Mm… We'll continue this when I get back, okay?” (Natsu)

“…I'm really looking forward to it.” (Haru)