Chapter 39: Determination

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Translator: Soafp

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“Welcome back.” (Haru)

“Haru-kun!” (Natsu)

It seems I made you worry.

(I'm always worried.)

“Are you okay? Nothing wrong? More importantly, how did it go?” (Natsu)

“I'm fine. Everything was recorded properly.” (Haru)

“That's great. I was anxious because it was so sudden, but I'm glad it went well.” (Natsu)

“Sorry for making you miss work.” (Haru)

“This took priority. I'm glad you didn't rush off alone.” (Natsu)

Getting too worked up isn't good either.

(I thought I stayed calm?)

You didn't jump in alone.

“Whether or not to press charges depends on Akiho. We managed to set up a safety net, so that's good. Let's hope he doesn't try anything further.” (Haru)

“Right. Should we tell Akiho about this?” (Natsu)

“…If there's a chance.” (Haru)

“I see.” (Natsu)

“It won't change anything.” (Haru)

“Huh?” (Natsu)

“Regardless of the facts, it doesn't change anything. You're still next to me, right?” (Haru)

“…Yeah. But…” (Natsu)

“Are you feeling bad for Akiho?” (Haru)

“Honestly, I don't know. But I don't feel good about it.” (Natsu)

“Yeah. But we can't go back to the past. We can only accept the present. We can only change the future, right?” (Haru)

“That means…” (Natsu)

“Our future won't change, right? Only Akiho's future will. But she has to change it herself.” (Haru)

“I see…” (Natsu)

“Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere.” (Haru)

“Yeah, I trust you. So, please don't do anything dangerous, okay?” (Natsu)

“Got it.” (Haru)

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[Toma side]

“Hah, what an arrogant guy.” (Toma)

Toma, left alone in the private room, chugged the shochu he had been drinking.

He had seen Haruto's dignified appearance for the first time in a while.

Lately, he had only seen a weak side of him, so he had forgotten that Haruto was originally a bright and reliable person. Back in middle school, Haruto was trusted by teachers and adults because of his solid character.

“Now that we're adults, things won't go like I did with Akiho.” (Toma)

It was thoughtless to let him hold cards that worked against him. While Haruto's presence was expected, having him cross-check everything was completely unexpected.

“What should I do… I don't have to push myself, but I can't just let this go.” (Toma)

Toma didn't need to be fixated on Natsuki. In fact, it only brought disadvantages now.

He twirled his glass, staring at the swirling shochu while recalling Haruto's expression from earlier.

“Hah! Acting so tough just because there's a woman around.” (Toma)

He imagined Haruto's face over the now-empty glass, the same look he had when he realized Akiho had betrayed him in the local shopping district.

“Maybe I can still use Akiho if I play it right.” (Toma)

Although he had thrown it away as a hassle, if he could control Akiho, who was a source of risk, he would be overwhelmingly advantaged.

“If I handle her a bit forcefully, she'll probably listen.” (Toma)

He called the waiter to add beer and snacks to change his mood.

“Thank you for waiting. Here's the beer and doteni.” (Toma)

He savored the doteni that had arrived.

“Delicious, as expected from a place selected by an editor. Looks like I'll have a good time here. With everything.”

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“Natsu!” (Kamiya)

“Oh, good morning.” (Shibata)

“Good morning. How was it after that last night? Was everything alright?” (Kamiya)

“Ah, I see. You heard from Shibata-san. I was with Haru-kun, so there was no problem.” (Natsu)

“Ara, no way. Who asked you to brag? I was worried and couldn't sleep at all.” (Shibata)

“I'm sorry about that. By the way, Shibata-san, what time did you go to bed?” (Natsu)

“Let's see… I think I went to bed around 2.” (Shibata)

“Isn't that just your usual time?” (Kamiya)

A joke?

“Ahaha! I did worry a little, but I thought that if he invited Natsu, there must be a good chance. So, it turns out it was your boyfriend?” (Shibata)

“Sorry, that's not it.” (Natsu)

“Huh? It's not? Then what did you do?”

“What I meant is not ‘boyfriend' but ‘fiancé.' He's my fiancé, you know?” (Natsu)

“Huh? So, it's still bragging? And you said ‘important' twice, didn't you?”

(Isn't it important?)

Ah, well, hmm? What do you think?

(It's important! It's important!)

You said it twice!

“Fufufu. I'll be sure to invite you to the wedding.” (Natsu)

“You're such a cheeky junior! Showing off to me, a single person? Fine, I'll make sure Natsu grows into a proper company drone.” (Shibata)

“No, no, wait! Shibata-san, didn't you have a boyfriend you were dating with the intent to marry?” (Natsu)

“When are you talking about? I was dumped six months ago! Constant rescheduling! No matter how many times I rescheduled, I couldn't go on a date, and he said he couldn't marry someone who'd turn into a company drone!” (Shibata)

“Eh, eh…” (Natsu)

“Fufu, even Natsu will turn into a… Ouch!” (Shibata)

“What are you doing, bullying your junior? That's power harassment!” (Kamiya)

“Ouch! What are you doing this morning, Mi-chan?” (Shibata)

“Good morning, Kamiya-san. Thank you for all the lessons yesterday.” (Natsu)

“Good morning, Nimi-san. Thanks for your hard work yesterday.” (Kamiya)

“Hey, Mi-chan! Am I being ignored?” (Shibata)

“I—am—the—senpai!” (???)

“G-good morning.” (Shibata)

“Nimi-san, don't end up like this, okay?” (Fujita)

“Yes.” (Natsu)

“‘Yes' is not enough! Deny it!” (Fujita)

“Mou, I'm caught in the middle here.” (Natsu)

“Newbie, worry about it.” (Fujita)

“That's not where I should be worrying!” (Natsu)

“Well, it's fine. I won't let only Natsu be happy!” (Shibata)

“Oh? I'm happy too.” (Kamiya)

“Kamiya-san, are you married?” (Natsu)

“Yes, it's been two years. Still very much in love.” (Kamiya)

“Tch!” (Shibata)

“Don't click your tongue, Shibata-chan. Let's not stand around chatting. We should get to the office quickly.” (Fujita)

People around you are so interesting.

(Is that so?)

“I am back.” (Natsu)

“Welcome home. You were late today.” (Haru)

“I took longer than expected to finish the article from yesterday's interview. Sorry for leaving the housework to you.” (Natsu)

“It's fine. You've been handling everything until now. From now on, let's divide the chores properly.” (Haru)

“For the wedding?” (Natsu)

“Yes. Let's make sure we don't overwork ourselves.” (Haru)

“Understood.” (Natsu)

Things that have changed and things that haven't since you started working.

(I've added more burden, haven't I?)

It's about dividing tasks.

For our future together, right?