Chapter 38: The real thing

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Translator: Soafp

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“Long time no see… Toma. Since the aquarium, right?” (Haru)

“…You're really being rude. It's supposed to be a date with Na-chan, so show some restraint.” (Toma)

“I didn't invite you on a date.” (Natsu)

“Still as distant as ever, huh? Well, whatever. Just let me order something.” (Toma)

(So laid-back.)

That’s just like him.

“Here you go. This is Mori-Izo.” (Toma)

“As expected from a promising young employee of a major company.” (Haru)

“Senior employees taught me well. And you're a student from a prestigious national university, right?” (Toma)

“Just a regular student.” (Haru)

“Well, whatever. Let's just start with a toast—” (Toma)

“We're not doing that.” (Natsu)

“Hahaha, of course. So, what's the real reason you invited me, Na-chan?” (Toma)

“…It's about Akiho.” (Natsu)

“Oh, that's an unexpected reason. You weren't that close, were you?” (Toma)

“Maybe not, but she's family.” (Natsu)

“So? What do you want to know? The reason for the breakup?” (Toma)

“…Let's start with that.” (Natsu)

(He's quite relaxed about this.)

He must have been quite sure of himself.

He probably thought we knew nothing.

“Well, it's simple. It was because of the long distance. I guess I wasn't that into her after all.” (Toma)

“That's a safe answer.” (Haru)

“Well, it's not like I stole her from you or anything. It's just how things are.” (Toma)

“I wonder about that.” (Haru)

“Did you talk to Akiho?” (Natsu)

“No, not really. It would've been a hassle if she started crying.” (Toma)

“Whose fault is that!” (Natsu)

“Na-chan.” (Toma)

“You’re to blame, right? It’s not her.” (Natsu)

“You are the worst!” (Haru)

“Yare yare.” (Toma)

(People can be so cruel.)

Maybe so.

“It was just boredom, wasn't it?” (Haru)

“…You really understand.” (Toma)

“I had a feeling.” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, how can you stay so calm?” (Natsu)

“Na-chan's the reason I'm calm.” (Haru)

(Does being around excited people make him more calm?)

That might be part of it.

But the biggest reason is probably the sense of reassurance.

“So that's not all, right? The fact that Akiho's name came up means you must have heard something.” (Toma)

“Exactly! What's up with the fact that she was attacked and photographed, then blackmailed?” (Natsu)

“Oh, she told you about that. I thought she'd take it to the grave.” (Toma)

“From the way you're talking, it sounds like it's true.” (Haru)

“Well, yeah. But Haruto, you're partly responsible too.” (Toma)

(That's an outrageous excuse!)

Let's calm down.

“Haruto was worried that he couldn't embrace her. She thought she wasn't attractive. So I told her that I'd make him want her, even if it had to be forced.” (Toma)

“…I can't believe it.” (Natsu)

“Taking photos aswell.” (Haru)

“Well, it's a common tactic, right? Blackmailing with photos. After a couple of times, she started inviting me herself. She got hooked on my skills.” (Toma)

“How disgusting!” (Natsu)

“Na-chan, calm down for now.” (Haru)

“A stupid girl is easy to handle but lacks charm. You, Na-chan, are full of charm.” (Toma)

“Such a lack of boundaries.” (Haru)

“I don't want to hear that from you. After her little sister, now going for the big sister… isn't that a bit much? It's not like I did anything with Akiho.” (Toma)

“Na-chan.” (Haru)

“What?” (Natsu)

“Can you leave first?” (Haru)

“Huh?” (Natsu)

“Just go. Make sure to use a taxi.” (Haru)

“Hey, come on. I don't want to drink alone with a guy in a private room.” (Toma)

“Well, don't say that. It's only for a short while.” (Haru)

“Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“…” (Haru)

“Okay, I'll see you later.” (Natsu)

(You're a bad person, aren't you?)

Maybe so.

“Well then. Let's have a straightforward talk, partner.” (Haru)

“That's a nostalgic way to address me.” (Toma)

“You were the one who started calling me that, Toma.” (Haru)

“Was I? I don't remember.” (Toma)

“Whatever. How's work going? Your industry is shaking with various corruption issues, right?” (Haru)

“…That has nothing to do with us.” (Toma)

“Yeah, Koro didn't have any corruption issues.” (Haru)

“What are you trying to say?” (Toma)

“Even if there's no corruption, there was still a breach of propriety.” (Haru)

(Referring to the affair with the actress of a certain high-ranking official.)

Right.

“An affair with the executive? Complaining about that would be unreasonable.” (Toma)

“Well, it was probably consensual. But what about r*pe?” (Haru)

“Huh?” (Toma)

“Even if you're just a regular employee, a Koro employee committing r*pe and blackmailing someone would make delicious news for the media, don't you think?” (Haru)

“Hmph! Is that what you're getting at? Can you even prove it?” (Toma)

“Didn't you confess?” (Haru)

“How do you… you recorded it, didn't you? Show me your phone.” (Toma)

“You're an idiot. Do you think I sent Na-chan home early for no reason?” (Haru)

“Well prepared, aren't you? But just having an audio recording isn't enough evidence. It could be doctored.” (Toma)

“Experts can verify it.” (Haru)

“Would you really spend the cost on that?” (Toma)

“Is it really just audio?” (Haru)

“Huh? You wouldn't have a camera with you…” (Toma)

“Who knows? But if I have the pictures of Akiho, that should be enough evidence.” (Haru)

“So you're even trying to take out my trump card. You don't owe Akiho anything.” (Toma)

“Don't misunderstand. It's not for Akiho.” (Haru)

“It's for Na-chan, then.” (Toma)

“I care a little, since they're sisters. And now you can't easily make a move.” (Haru)

“I see. So you went to university and learned some devious tricks, huh?” (Toma)

“Devious tricks? I don't want to hear that from you.” (Haru)

“Say what you want.” (Toma)

“Don't worry. Neither Na-chan nor I have any intention of dealing with you in the future. You wouldn't want to lose the social standing you worked so hard to gain, right?” (Haru)

“…” (Toma)

“Make sure not to get stabbed by Akiho. See you. I'll settle the bill for you.” (Haru)

(What was he thinking?)

Who knows? He doesn't seem to be reflecting at all.

“…You're getting too cocky!” (Toma)

“How should I settle this score with you?” (Haru)

I won't let him harm you no matter what.

(I didn't want you to get hurt.)

This wasn't the end yet.