Chapter 37: Foreplay

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

“Good morning, Natsu. Sorry for the sudden change.” (Shibata)

“Oh, Shibata-san. Good morning! Fujita-san always tells me that schedule changes are common, so I'm fine.” (Natsu)

(We often had additional interviews without prior notice.)

Without prior notice?

(They'd decide on the spot.)

“Fufufu, speaking so boldly when you're the one who breaks the schedule.” (Shibata)

“Shibata-san, you’re sounding like a villain!” (Natsu)

“Oh, sorry about that. So, did you do your homework for today?” (Shibata)

“Of course! I've been to Korankei as a student, so I already had some background knowledge.” (Natsu)

“Good. Now, just make sure to do your job well as a reporter.” (Shibata)

“Got it. By the way, who's my partner today?” (Natsu)

“Oh, my bad. It's me. I spoke as if I were sending you off.” (Shibata)

“Well, that's something that happens a lot, right?” (Natsu)

“Natsu, that's not really a proper way to cover it.” (Shibata)

“Aw, come on! That's not true!” (Natsu)

You seem to get along well with this person.

(What do you mean by that?)

The part where you’re unaware of it?

(That's rude!)

To whom?

“The schedule is as I sent it yesterday. We'll start from the back and finish up with the festival at the Motomachi factory. The event committee will be assisting us.” (Shibata)

“Understood.” (Natsu)

“This is mu first time with you, Nimi-san. Looking forward to working with you today!” (Kamiya)

“Nice to meet you, Kamiya-san.” (Natsu)

“Even though she's young, Mi-chan’s got real talent. She's been winning contests since she was a student, so Natsu, you should learn a lot from her.” (Shibata)

“You have no respect for your seniors! Did you know I'm more senior than Shiba-chan?” (Kamiya)

“Eh? Really? You two seem so close, I thought you were the same age.” (Natsu)

“No, no, I'm still in my twenties, but Mi-chan's already hit thirty.” (Shibata)

“Alright! I'll take that fight! Shiba-chan, let's go outside!” (Kamiya)

“Hey, you two, we're on the highway, so please just sit quietly.” (Natsu)

---

“Alright, we're good to go here.” (Natsu)

“Thank you for your cooperation today.” (Shibata)

“Nimi-san, how are things?” (Kamiya)

“I've scribbled down everything for now. I'll polish it up later.” (Natsu)

“You need to be able to organize your thoughts while you're interviewing. But for now, just keep gaining experience.” (Kamiya)

“Yes, I'll do my best.” (Natsu)

“Okay, there's a lot of traveling today, so let's keep things efficient. I'll go grab some gohei-mochi, so wait in the car.” (Kamiya)

“Uh, huh?” (Natsu)

“Come on, let's move!” (Shibata)

“But I'm the most junior here, so I should go get it.” (Natsu)

“Natsu, you're the driver. Rest when you can. You need balance in your life.” (Shibata)

“Ah, understood. Though, that probably depends on the partner, so I'll follow that rule with Shibata-san.” (Natsu)

“Well, you're not wrong there. Oh! Mi-chan's back!” (Kamiya)

“Sorry for the wait! Fresh off the grill! Let's eat up and get to the next place!” (Shibata)

She seems like a carefree person.

(Well, everyone calls her Mi-chan, even juniors. But she's really respected by everyone.)

“Kamiya-san, thank you for the food.” (Natsu)

“Go ahead! Make sure to get plenty of miso all over your mouth while you eat.” (Kamiya)

---

“Alright, we arrived at a good time. The event committee said they'd be in the tent… Ah, there it is! I'll go greet them real quick.” (Shibata)

“Got it. Nimi-san, let's get ready for the interview.” (Kamiya)

“Understood. I just need my tablet, so I'll carry the camera bag.” (Natsu)

“Are you sure? It's pretty heavy.” (Kamiya)

“I'm fine! I may not look like it, but… wait, what?” (Natsu)

“Nimi-san?” (Kamiya)

(I wished I had seen it wrong.)

“Huh?” (Natsu)

(I wanted to believe it was a mistake.)

“Na-chan, is that you?” (Toma)

“…Toma-kun.” (Natsu)

“I'm back. I got permission for the interview. Natsu?” (Shibata)

“Oh, you’re with the interview crew? Na-chan?” (Toma)

“Um, and you are? Someone Natsu knows?” (Shibata)

“I’m her childhood friend. I'm Imai, part of the Summer Festival Committee. Na-chan and I grew up together.” (Toma)

“Childhood friend? So, are you Natsu's fiancé?” (Shibata)

“Fufufu. Of course not, Shibata-san. There’s no way Haru-kun is this frivolous. Just because we’re childhood friends doesn’t mean we’re close.” (Natsu)

“Oh, I see. Well, don't forget we're here for work. Mi-chan, can you take a picture with Natsu? And Imai-san, would you mind giving us a comment?” (Shibata)

“Oh, sure. I'm nervous about being interviewed by such a beauty.” (Toma)

“Nimi-san, let’s go.” (Kamiya)

“Oh, yes, sorry.” (Natsu)

The world is small, isn't it?

(I definitely felt that. I knew I'd run into someone familiar eventually.)

“Seems like there's something going on.” (Kamiya)

“Huh?” (Natsu)

“Childhood friend. Leave him to Shiba-chan. You focus on your work.” (Kamiya)

“…Thank you.” (Natsu)

“Haha, no problem. Make sure to rely on your seniors. I've got plenty of life experience.” (Kamiya)

“As expected of someone in their late thirties.” (Natsu)

“Hold on a minute! I'm still in my thirties! Don't just go raising my age group!” (Kamiya)

---

“I see, so you're opening this event to the public to build relationships with local residents who support you on a daily basis.”

“That's right. After all, we're not just employees, we're members of the local community. It's important to show that, not just in words but in actions too.”

“That's what you'd expect from a global company like Koromo Motors. You're not only focused on your own business but also on contributing to the community.”

“It's a philosophy passed down through generations of senior employees.”

“Impressive. It's about time. Thank you very much for your time today.”

“No, thank you. By the way, when will the article be published?”

“It's scheduled for next month's issue. We'll send a copy to the committee chairperson, so please share it with everyone.”

“Oh, you'll send us a copy? Thanks a lot.” (Kamiya)

“Alright, we'll be heading out now. Mi-chan, Natsu, let's get going?” (Shibata)

“Yep, all set here.” (Natsu)

“Thank you, Ito-san, Imai-san, for your time today.”

“Oh, Na-chan.” (Toma)

“…What?” (Natsu)

“Since we're here, why don't we go out for drinks later?” (Toma)

“I'm still working.” (Natsu)

“That's fine, we can go after you finish. I still have cleanup to do anyway.” (Toma)

(I can't believe he's asking me out while we're working.)

It's because he has no sense of boundaries.

“Before that, why are you and Imai-kun…” (Kamiya)

“Natsu?” (Shibata)

“…Alright. Meet me at Waji in Sakae at 9 PM.” (Natsu)

“Oh! Date confirmed! Well, at least give me your number.” (Toma)

“No need. If you don't show up, that's that. Just search the place on your phone. I'll make the reservation under my name.” (Natsu)

“…Got it. This okay?” (Toma)

“That's it. I'll wait 30 minutes, but if you're late, I'm leaving.” (Natsu)

“Yeah, yeah. I'm looking forward to it.” (Toma)

“…” (Natsu)

“Natsu, are you okay?”

“What do you mean?” (Natsu)

“You said you're not very close with that childhood friend.”

“Yeah, but I'm fine.” (Natsu)

“Really? Just be careful, alright?”

(I felt like it was something I couldn't avoid.)

(Leaving things unresolved wasn't an option.)

I kind of get that.

(That's why I…)

“Welcome.” (???)

“Excuse me. I should have a reservation under the name Nimi.” (Toma)

“Ah, yes. Your companion is already here. Let me show you to your seat.” (???)

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Na-chan—wait. Hey, it's been a while.” (Toma)