Chapter 35: Ally

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Translator: Soafp

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“I am Haruto Furukawa. I’ll be here for a week, nice to meet you all.” (Haru)

“Nice to meet you, Furukawa-kun. For now, you'll be helping out in the planning and sales department.” (???)

During the internship, I was assigned to the department focused on regional revitalization, just as I had hoped.

(It's a popular department, right?)

Yeah, it's one of the company's signature projects.

The project leader is the company president himself, and his daughter occasionally came by to help.

(Were they cute?)

Yeah, they were both beautiful.

(Oh~)

You asked me yourself, so what's with that reaction?

(That's when you say, “Not as cute as you,” you know?)

Not as cute as you.

(You're not putting any heart into it!)

Stop making baseless accusations.

“Furukawa-kun, let's head to the site.” (???)

“The site? You mean the field?” (Haru)

“Yeah, we're working on a project to revitalize a depopulated town right now. It's easier to understand if you see it firsthand.” (???)

I found it incredibly inspiring.

(Nothing beats being on-site, huh?)

Exactly.

“I'm home.” (Haru)

“Welcome back, Haru-kun. Good job today.” (Natsu)

“Thanks, Na-chan. You too.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, it feels like we're a married couple, doesn't it?” (Natsu)

“You seem happy.” (Haru)

“Of course! Oh, do you want to take a bath? Have dinner? Or maybe… mmm?” (Natsu)

“Sometimes dessert first is nice, right?” (Haru)

“…But the food will get cold, so after dinner, please.” (Natsu)

“Oh? That's a rare thing for you to say.” (Haru)

“Mou, you're the one saying something rare!” (Natsu)

“Na-chan, you're the offensive type, so your defense is weak.” (Haru)

“Is that… true?” (Natsu)

“You're not aware of it, huh?” (Haru)

“Ugh, Haru-kun is bullying me!” (Natsu)

“Haha, I'll go change for now.” (Haru)

The internship ended without a hitch, and I've got a clearer picture of my future.

(It was worth going, right?)

Yeah, it really was.

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“Natsu~” (Yuki)

“Oh, Yuki, long time no see.” (Natsu)

“You've gotten even prettier in just a short time. Did you get a little cosmetic work done?” (Yuki)

(I didn't, okay?)

I know, I know.

“I wouldn't do that. You're looking quite grown-up yourself, Yuki.” (Natsu)

“Oh, I've always been the elegant older sister type, you know?” (Yuki)

“Uh, I've never heard anyone say that.” (Natsu)

“That's because you're always too busy flirting with Haruto-kun.” (Yuki)

(Well, I can't really deny that, can I?)

We don't do that in front of everyone, do we?

(…Probably not?)

“Probably?” (Natsu)

“How's work? You're at the legal affairs office now, right?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, there's so much to learn. Human rights issues, inheritance issues, rights disputes, and I have to handle counter services too, so I'm practicing my customer service smile.” (Yuki)

“Didn't you already learn that during your part-time job?” (Natsu)

“That wasn't enough. I deal with not just regular people, but also professionals like judicial scriveners and land and house surveyors. You can't come off as too subservient, but you also can't let them look down on you.” (Yuki)

“Wow, sounds like you've got a lot to think about. That's impressive, Yuki.” (Natsu)

“Well, the smile you give to Haruto-kun won't work on everyone, so save it for home, alright?” (Yuki)

“What's that supposed to mean?” (Natsu)

“It means other men might get the wrong idea. You're quite the heartbreaker, Natsu.” (Yuki)

“I'm not causing trouble for anyone!” (Natsu)

Maybe you just don't realize it?

(Don't make me sound like a femme fatale!)

Well, you are a bit oblivious.

(You're one to talk!)

“Back in school, I can't even count how many people asked me to introduce them to you.” (Yuki)

“People asked me to introduce them to you too, Yuki.” (Natsu)

“Really? I guess we're both heartbreakers, huh?” (Yuki)

“What are you even talking about? My head's starting to hurt.” (Natsu)

“Anyway, how's your sister been?” (Yuki)

“What do you mean? I haven't really been in contact with her or my dad lately.” (Natsu)

“Did something happen?” (Yuki)

“Well, to put it simply, Dad’s on my sister’s side.” (Natsu)

“I see, so no allies at home. That's okay, I’ll be your mama now.” (Yuki)

“Couldn’t you just be my ally like a normal person?” (Natsu)

“But a mama can comfort you better, no?” (Yuki)

“That's Haru-kun's job.” (Natsu)

As much as needed.

(Alright, then, here.)

Pat, pat.

(Ehehe.)

“Jokes aside, if anything comes up, feel free to reach out. I might not be able to do much, but I can always listen.” (Yuki)

“Thanks, Yuki. But there are people on my side at home, too.” (Natsu)

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[Nii-san? I’ll be arriving at 2:30.] (Sakura)

“Got it. What about lunch?” (Haru)

[I’m planning to eat on the bullet train.] (Sakura)

“Alright, I'll have lunch first too, and I'll pick you up at the Shinkansen exit. Message me once you're through the gate.” (Haru)

[Will do. Drive safely, okay?] (Sakura)

When she arrived for the university's open campus and to check out potential dorms, she looked a bit more mature.

(She's a girl after all. Could it be love?)

Hmm, doesn't seem like it.

(You never know! It's the age of falling in love with love.)

Speaking from experience?

(…Who knows?)

“Nii-san.” (Sakura)

“Good job. Where is Natsuki Onee-chan?” (Sakura)

“She's at work. She said she's rushing home because she's excited to see Sakura.” (Haru)

“I see. Could you stop by the supermarket first? Dinner—” (Sakura)

“Na-chan said she might say that, but she also left a message: ‘Let's cook together when I get home.'” (Haru)

“But she'll be tired from work.” (Sakura)

“She wants to cook together.” (Haru)

Her cooking skills are still a bit… unknown.

(If she puts her mind to it, she'll be fine. If she ever gets a boyfriend, she might even become a master chef!)

“I'm home!” (Natsu)

“Onee-chan!” (Sakura)

“Sakura-chan, welcome! How have you been—” (Natsu)

“Na-chan, what's wrong?” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, we've got a problem!” (Natsu)

“What?” (Haru)

“Sakura-chan is in love!” (Natsu)

“Huh? No, I'm not! I'm a student preparing for exams; I don't have time for love!” (Sakura)

“Na-chan's intuition, huh?” (Haru)

“But look! She's gotten so pretty! It has to be love!” (Natsu)

“I'm not! I swear! Just because you’re all happy doesn’t mean you have to turn me into some love-struck girl!” (Sakura)

“Well, I won't deny that I'm happy.” (Natsu)

“Na-chan, hugging me in front of my sister is a bit embarrassing.” (Haru)

“I just wanted to show her how happy I am. Sakura-chan, when you're in college, make sure you find someone like Haru-kun!” (Natsu)

“Someone like Nii-san… That's a bit…” (Sakura)

She gave me a wry smile.

(It wasn't such an odd thing to say, though.)

“Well, anyway. Sakura-chan, shall we start cooking?” (Natsu)