Chapter 32: Grain

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Translator: Soafp

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“Hey, rookie! You can’t do interviews in those shoes!” (Fujita)

(At first, I was just holding everyone back.)

Well, you were a rookie.

“Sorry, I’ll change them right away.” (Natsu)

“Hey, rookie, do you carry a spare pair of shoes with you?” (Fujita)

“I have a pair of commuting shoes. I walk one station’s worth.” (Natsu)

“Oh, pretty healthy for someone so young.” (Fujita)

“Shibata-san told me this job’s all about stamina.” (Natsu)

(She was in my university club.)

She invited you to join, right?

(I made sure to ask. I said, ‘Please look after me.’)

It’s hard to imagine you as someone’s junior.

(Really? I had a reputation as a cute junior, you know?)

I’m not sure whether to take that literally.

(Ah, you’re doubting me!)

I'm not denying the “cute” part.

(Hahaha, thank you.)

“Oh, right, you’re Shibata’s junior. I’ll make sure to train you properly, so be ready.” (Fujita)

“Yes, thank you for your guidance.” (Natsu)

---

“Natsu, let’s go for lunch.” (Shibata)

“Shibata-san, could you wait just a second? I just need to organize my notes from this morning… Alright, thanks for waiting.” (Natsu)

“How's work going? Fujita-san seems to be giving you a hard time.” (Shibata)

(Fujita-san, who's training me, also trained Shibata-san.)

So she’s a veteran, huh?

(She could have been an editor-in-chief, but she turned it down because she loves fieldwork so much.)

“Sometimes her loud voice startles me, but I'm learning a lot.” (Natsu)

“Haha, her natural voice is loud. But I think she's the best at training newbies. When I was new, she really made me think. ‘Feel it, think it, and never let your guard down on the scene,’ she'd say.” (Shibata)

“Even so, she’s got such a calm presence during interviews. The contrast really surprised me at first.” (Natsu)

“True. I was more surprised by that shiny thing on your left ring finger.” (Shibata)

(There's no need to hide it.)

It's like a good luck charm.

“Hehehehe. I’m engaged.” (Natsu)

“Ara ara. When's the wedding?” (Shibata)

“He's still a student, so we're planning it for after he graduates next year.” (Natsu)

“I see. And what about your job after you get married?” (Shibata)

“I'm definitely going to keep working! Even if we have kids, I'd like to work from home.” (Natsu)

“Well then, make sure Fujita-san really trains you well. You can't work from home if you're only halfway trained.” (Shibata)

“I'll be fine. I'm doing this for him too, so I'll give it my all.” (Natsu)

“You're really smitten, aren't you?” (Shibata)

---

“Phew, I'm so tired.” (Natsu)

“Good job today.” (Haru)

“Yeah, I walked a lot today too. ‘Experience is everything! If you don’t know the field, you have no right to lead!’ I’ve heard that a million times.” (Natsu)

Nowadays, people tend to rely on information too much.

(She said, ‘Express what you feel yourself. Don't just imitate others.’)

They had high expectations of you.

(Maybe?)

“You have tomorrow off, right? It's been a while since you could relax.” (Haru)

“But it's a weekday, so you have university and work. We'll be like ships passing in the night.” (Natsu)

“That's only if we weren't living together. Come here.” (Haru)

“Mmm! Ahh, being wrapped up in you feels so good.” (Natsu)

“You're working hard at both your job and the housework, so there's not much I can do for you. I'll offer a lap pillow or an arm pillow anytime.” (Haru)

“Really? Then I'll take a chest pillow, please.” (Natsu)

“Huh? That wasn't an option.” (Haru)

“Just do it already.” (Natsu)

“Alright, alright.” (Haru)

“Make sure to give me a proper squeeze, okay?” (Natsu)

“You’re such a cuddler.” (Haru)

“At least let me be when I’m tired.” (Natsu)

“Oh? Only when you’re tired, huh?” (Haru)

“Just comfort me already.” (Natsu)

“Can’t be helped.” (Haru)

(Because you hold me like this, I can work hard.)

I’m honored to be of service.

“So, are you getting used to work?” (Haru)

“Hmm? Not quite yet. I used to just walk around the city because I liked it, but now that it’s part of my job, I have to look at things differently—like considering the location or the age demographics of the residents.” (Natsu)

“Yeah, I guess just liking it isn’t enough.” (Haru)

“Exactly. So, for now, I’m trying to break down my old preconceptions. My mentor, Fujita-san, gives me a lot of feedback, and I want to become independent as soon as possible.” (Natsu)

“You have a tendency to overwork yourself, so don't push too hard, okay?” (Haru)

“I know. But I need to learn quickly if I want to be able to work from home. I also need to get better with computers.” (Natsu)

“Telework?” (Haru)

“Yeah! I'd like to be at that level within two years if possible.” (Natsu)

“…And the reason is?” (Haru)

“I want us to have kids soon.” (Natsu)

(A child as kind as you.)

A child as warm as you.

“I enjoy being just the two of us, but if we have kids when we’re young, they’ll grow up and leave the nest sooner, right? That way, we can enjoy life together again after raising them.” (Natsu)

“You’re amazing, Na-chan. You already have your life plan all figured out.” (Haru)

“Of course! I want two kids. Ideally, a girl first and then a boy.” (Natsu)

“That's up to fate, though.” (Haru)

“According to Shibata-san, when you’re drunk, you’re more likely to have a girl.” (Natsu)

“Is there any basis for that?” (Haru)

“It’s just based on the experience of someone Shibata-san knows, so not much of a basis.” (Natsu)

As long as they take after you, I’m happy either way.

(I hope they take after you.)

You seem most vibrant when you’re busy.

(Because I know exactly what I need to do.)

“Alright, thanks for getting the rice. I’ll get dinner ready quickly, so hang tight.” (Natsu)

“Hmm? I thought we were starting with dessert?” (Haru)

“You perv.” (Natsu)

“So, no dessert today then?” (Haru)

“Dessert comes last. I need to prepare everything properly first.” (Natsu)

“Isn’t that a bit outdated?” (Haru)

“I’m preparing something really sweet, so dinner first!” (Natsu)

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[Akiho Side]

“Alright, looks good.” (Akiho)

“Let me see? Hmm, you did well. You really captured the model’s features.” (Boss)

“Thank you!” (Akiho)

“Starting next month, Aki-chan will be doing some of the cuts too.” (Boss)

“Yes, I’ll do my best.” (Akiho)

“Haha. That’s another step closer to your dream.” (Boss)

“I’m still a long way off. Next time, let me do the owner’s makeup too!” (Akiho)

“Sure, maybe for a date or something?” (Boss)

“Is that your polite way of saying no?” (Akiho)

“Aki-chan, you’re getting cheeky, huh?” (Boss)

“Hahaha. Make it happen soon!” (Akiho)

“Ugh! I'll do my best.” (Boss)

“Everything is going according to plan. I’ll be over there in March, so just wait a little longer, Haruto.” (Akiho)