Chapter 36: Bud

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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“It’s been such a long time since I’ve been to campus!” (Natsu)

“You were here until March, weren't you?” (Haru)

You’re a bit forgetful, aren't you?

(Let me bask in my feelings for a bit!)

“The campus sure is big, huh?”

“Especially compared to high school. Anywhere you want to check out? Maybe the café or the cafeteria?” (Natsu)

“Now I understand why Na-chan wanted to come here.” (Haru)

“Hey, Haru-kun, don't look at me like that!” (Natsu)

“Well, it’s very like you, Onee-chan.” (Sakura)

“Even Sakura-chan's joining in.” (Natsu)

(It's where I have the most memories, after all.)

You can't help it.

“Then how about we head to the café? We can figure out where to go next while we relax with some tea.” (Haru)

“See, Haru-kun knows what's up.” (Natsu)

“It’s hard to tell who's the older one between you two.” (Sakura)

“True enough.”

“…I'm not sure whether to feel flattered or not.” (Natsu)

“Why not just take it as being cute?” (Haru)

“…Nii-san, you're quite something too.” (Sakura)

Is she exasperated?

(Seems like it.)

“Natsuki-san!” (Miki)

“Oh, Miki-chan! What are you doing here?” (Natsu)

“Uh, isn't that my line?” (Miki)

“Sorry, Ito-san. Na-chan's just tired today.” (Haru)

“It's Naito, actually. And—wait, Natsuki-san, why do you look so scary?” (Miki)

“Hmm. Seems like you and Haru-kun have gotten pretty close since I graduated. Care to fill me in on the details?” (Natsu)

That's normal, isn't it?

(I have no idea.)

Even when you’re jealous, you’re adorable.

(That's exactly the problem!)

“As always, nothing to worry about. No one's trying to make a move on Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Na-chan’s the only one who pays me any attention.” (Haru)

“Could you two stop flirting in front of me? It's so embarrassing!” (Sakura)

“Oh, your little sister? Natsuki-san’s? Or Haru-kun’s?” (Miki)

“Fufufu, both!” (Natsu)

“Eh?” (Miki)

“Onee-chan, you’re confusing her. Sorry about that. I'm Sakura Furukawa. I'm here for the open campus as I'm hoping to attend this university.” (Sakura)

“Furukawa-kun’s sister? I'm Naito, in the same department as your brother. If you end up enrolling, how about joining our club?” (Miki)

“Miki-chan's quick to recruit, huh?” (Natsu)

“That’s all thanks to Yuki-san's training! Anyway, ask Natsuki-san if you want to know more. I'm off to visit Okage Yokocho now. Natsuki-san, let’s have tea together sometime!” (Miki)

(I should've asked a bit more about you two.)

There's nothing worth asking.

(Oh, really?)

“Ah, this brings back memories of the club.” (Natsu)

“You mean the city walks?” (Sakura)

“Yeah. If you're interested, Sakura-chan, feel free to join. I tried to invite Haru-kun a few times back then.” (Natsu)

“Ah, this brings back memories of the club.” (Miki)

“Sorry about that. I couldn't go much after we started hanging out.” (Haru)

“That's okay. I only wanted to be with you anyway.” (Natsu)

“Still, looking back, I wonder if I made you miss out on things.” (Haru)

“I think you should work on your teamwork skills a bit more, Nii-san.” (Sakura)

“I'd like to think I meet the bare minimum.” (Haru)

“Fufufu, but we visited so many places together, right? For me, those are the more important memories.” (Natsu)

“Um, can I go explore by myself for a bit?” (???)

---

“Hey, Sakura-chan, have you seen Akiho since then?” (Natsu)

“I've seen her around, but she hasn't come up to talk to me.” (Sakura)

Her goal was already accomplished.

(Though I'm glad nothing happened.)

“I see… Sorry for all the trouble back then.” (Natsu)

“No, it's fine. Isn't it harder for you now with work, Onee-chan? Is Nii-san helping out properly?” (Sakura)

(Seems she was worried about you too.)

It seems like she thinks you've been bothering me.

(Not even a little!)

“That's nothing to worry about. He's a very thoughtful person. He's always looking out for me.” (Natsu)

“Then that's good. I was surprised when I heard you two got engaged, but I'm glad to see it's going well.” (Sakura)

“Sakura-chan, you sound just like a mom!” (Natsu)

“N-no, I don't! I'm just worried that you might be overdoing it.” (Sakura)

“But Haru-kun would never do that, right?” (Natsu)

“…Right.” (Sakura)

“You really trust him, don't you? Ah, we're here.” (Natsu)

(She's hoping to stay at the same apartment where we reunited.)

It probably makes her feel more secure.

(Yeah. She'll be able to hear firsthand experiences, after all.)

“Let's see… Oh, it looks like there's a vacant room.” (Sakura)

“The one Haru-kun used to rent is available. Hopefully, it stays open until next year.” (Natsu)

“We'll have to sign the contract as soon as we can.” (Sakura)

“What are the odds?” (Natsu)

“Better than they were for Nii-san, I think.” (Sakura)

“Fufu, didn't they call Haru-kun a miracle back then?” (Natsu)

“He barely studied until spring. He was either on his phone or playing games at home.” (Sakura)

“Really? He doesn't play games at all now.” (Natsu)

“Because he'd get scolded by Onee-chan if he did.” (Sakura)

“I wouldn't scold him, you know?” (Natsu)

“Just pout?” (Sakura)

“Maybe… Yeah, sometimes.” (Natsu)

“Honestly. So is Onee-chan cooking dinner?” (Sakura)

“Since Haru-kun's working part-time, he gets home later than I do most of the time.” (Natsu)

“Don't push yourself too hard, okay? Sometimes you have to rely on him, you know?” (Sakura)

“Hmm? I rely on him all the time?” (Natsu)

“…I think the ‘relying' I'm talking about and what you're doing are two different things.” (Sakura)

“Hahaha. Yeah, I know what you mean. But don't worry, I do rely on him in that way too.” (Natsu)

“Part-time work and a full-time job aren't the same, though. You've got to split the workload properly. It's important to start out right.” (Sakura)

“Yes, yes, I'll do it right, little sis-in-law.” (Natsu)

“Eh? Is that how you're going to say it? Fine then, I'll make sure to live up to that title and give you a hard time as a sister-in-law!” (Sakura)

“Please be gentle with me. Oh, excuse me for a sec, hello?” (Natsu)

So, you left me behind for an investigation, huh?

(Not like there's anything you need to hide, right?)

Nope, nothing comes to mind.

“Sorry about that, it was a work call.” (Natsu)

“Don't worry about it.” (Sakura)

“I was supposed to go to Gifu tomorrow, but now I'm heading to Toyota instead.” (Natsu)

“Toyota? That's where the headquarters of Koromo Motors is, right?” (Sakura)

“Yeah. Someone else was supposed to go, but since there's a festival at the factory, they thought it would be a good chance to cover that too. I've never done anything other than restaurant reviews, so they're sending me as well.” (Natsu)

(Koromo Motors, huh?)