Chapter 33: Before the storm…

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

I wasn't really thinking much about getting a job.

(Because you already had an income.)

But I still felt like I needed to work outside.

(To face the harsh realities of the world, right?)

Yeah, exactly.

“Getting a job, huh?” (Haru)

“Furukawa-kun, do you have any companies in mind?” (Miki)

“Oh, uh…” (Haru)

“Could it be that you still haven’t remembered my name?” (Miki)

“Haha, sorry. You're the one in the same club as Na-chan, right?” (Haru)

“We've been in the same seminar since our first year. It's Miki, Miki Naito. Please remember it already.” (Miki)

“Naito-san, right. Got it, I'll remember.” (Haru)

“Really…” (Miki)

(Eeh?)

But we didn't really have any interactions.

(You were in the same seminar, right?)

Isn’t that how it usually is?

(I don't think that's how it usually is.)

“So, back to the topic, have you started job hunting?” (Miki)

“Not yet. What about you, Itou-san?” (Haru)

“It's Naito! Are you making this a running joke?” (Miki)

“If I don't see you, it won't be a problem.” (Haru)

(Did you really say that to her?)

Was that weird?

(It's just like you, I guess.)

“That's a bit harsh, don't you think?” (Miki)

Yeah, she probably looked pretty annoyed.

(Can't be helped.)

“Furukawa-kun, you're planning to get a job around here, right?” (Miki)

“That's the plan.” (Haru)

There aren't really any other options.

(Because I'm here, right?)

---

“What? You haven't decided yet, Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“Actually, no. I thought it'd be fine as long as I had an income, but since I'm going to be with you, I figured I should at least make it official.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, thank you for thinking of me.” (Natsu)

“Government offices, banks, securities firms… Hmm, none of those seem right.” (Haru)

(A novelist? Illustrator? Actor?)

Not likely.

(Definitely not.)

“A government job might suit you, though. Should I support you?” (Natsu)

“Come on, I can't be a kept man. I mean, I do have some income already.” (Haru)

“True. You can do whatever you want, but, you know?” (Natsu)

“Hmm?” (Haru)

“I'd like to be with you as much as possible, so I'm not too keen on the idea of you being sent away on a long-term assignment.” (Natsu)

“Yeah, you've got your job too. If I want to avoid transfers, maybe I should look for a local company.” (Haru)

“Haha, sorry for adding more pressure. Really, just do what makes you happy. If it comes to it, I'll follow you wherever you go.” (Natsu)

(I can't imagine being apart from you.)

You're such a cuddler.

(I think it's perfectly normal.)

---

After you started working, I found myself going on walks more often.

(That's healthy.)

Just like the times we used to walk together.

(Those were good times.)

Sometimes I'd go a little farther, just to explore.

(I wish we could have walked together.)

“The park, huh? So many kids here.” (Natsu)

It might've been after school, but the big park near the station was full of kids playing.

“There aren't any particularly special playgrounds here, yet…” (Haru)

Even though people talk about declining birth rates, kids still gather where there's a place to play.

(These days, kids don't play outside as much.)

“Maybe it's part of urban development? The park's perimeter isn't walled off; there's just a small fence, making it feel pretty open. It faces a busy street, so maybe that's why it's better.” (Natsu)

Normally, I wouldn't even notice a park like this.

(Did something catch your attention?)

That's right.

“Urban development, huh?” (Haru)

(Did something click?)

Sort of.

“Maybe I'll look into it.” (Haru)

(That's a surprising choice.)

Maybe so.

“Hmm, a regional revitalization project. It's a local company, so it doesn't look like there'll be any transfers.” (Haru)

“Job hunting?” (Natsu)

“Hmm? Maybe? It just caught my interest.” (Haru)

“Can I see?” (Natsu)

“Sure.” (Haru)

“A construction company? Haru-kun, are you thinking of becoming an architect?” (Natsu)

“Not exactly. It looks like this company is involved in a regional revitalization project, creating family-friendly communities.” (Haru)

“Heh, that sounds great. Hmm, Yoshino Construction, huh? They're pretty well-known around here.” (Natsu)

“Right? And no transfers, it seems.” (Haru)

“That's an unexpected choice.” (Natsu)

“Is it? I just got the idea while taking a walk.” (Haru)

“Oh! I wish I could've gone on that walk with you. Haru-kun, let's go exploring together on your next day off. It's been a while.” (Natsu)

“But you're already doing that for work, aren't you?” (Haru)

“Work is work. You're not there with me, after all.” (Natsu)

---

[Toma Side]

“This is Imai. I've come from the Tahara plant.” (Toma)

“Oh, nice to meet you. Do you drink?” (???)

“Well, in moderation.” (Toma)

“We're planning a welcome party this weekend, so be sure to join us. In the meantime, get to know the rest of the team.” (???)

“Got it.” (Toma)

There are surprisingly a lot of young women here. For Toma, it was a favorable environment at his new workplace.

“Imai-kun, nice to meet you.” (???)

“Likewise. There sure are a lot of beautiful women at this plant.” (Toma)

“I wouldn't know since I haven't been to any other plants, but is that so?” (???)

“Starting with Machida-san.” (Toma)

“What? Not at all. But I'll take it as a compliment.” (Machida?)

“Haha, no need to be so wary. Maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but I think you're cute, Satomi-san.” (Toma)

“Oh, you're good at this, Imai-kun. But flattery won't get you anything.” (Satomi)

“That's not my intention. By the way, could you recommend some good places to eat around here? I live alone, so I'd love to know some good spots.” (Toma)

“Hmm? What should I do?” (Satomi)

“Just some recommendations would be fine.” (Toma)

“Oh? I thought you were inviting me out.” (Satomi)

“If you're up for it, I'd love to. How about tomorrow?” (Toma)

“Just dinner, okay?” (Satomi)

“Of course.” (Toma)

For now, at least. I'm not some kid who jumps the gun. I'll gradually close the distance and lower her guard.

Ever since Toma started working, he had begun to enjoy the game of romantic pursuit.

Being adults, they both knew better than to do anything careless. The most important thing was self-preservation.

“I've landed a job at a big company, so I should aim high.” (Toma)

Once you reach a certain position, success will follow. What's important now is to solidify his position within the company.

“Now, how should I play it tomorrow? It'll be good practice, at least. She's nowhere near Na-chan's level of difficulty, anyway.” (Toma)