Chapter 40: Change

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Translator: Soafp

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[Akiho Side]

“Who's this?” (Akiho)

[Who else would it be? It's your ex.] (Toma)

“What?” (Akiho)

[Hah, looks like you've become quite important.] (Toma)

“I'm going to hang up.” (Akiho)

It was a call from an unknown number, which usually would go unanswered. However, since Akiho was fiddling with her phone, she accidentally answered it, and the caller turned out to be someone who had left her.

[Don't rush. It's been a while, so let's have a little chat.] (Toma)

The person on the other end was not like she remembered. Toma, unable to gauge the pace of the conversation, tried to stall for time.

“I have nothing to talk about with you.” (Akiho)

[Well, wait. I apologize for leaving without saying anything.] (Toma)

“Apologize? I'm actually grateful.” (Akiho)

[Grateful?]

Toma was confused by the unexpected response, but of course, it was meant sarcastically.

“We were forced into that relationship from the start. I'm relieved to be free from it.” (Akiho)

[Oh, is that so? I expected you'd at least have some grievances.] (Toma)

“Grievances? Oh, I have them. You're the reason Haruto left me.” (Akiho)

[Hey, hey. You dumped me on your own, didn't you? I was just looking for a fling.] (Toma)

“You're really a piece of trash.” (Akiho)

Even though she knew it, hearing the harsh truth made her feel disheartened. Toma was indeed the worst.

[Watch your mouth. I have your weaknesses. I can broadcast them to the world whenever I want.] (Toma)

“Weaknesses?” (Akiho)

[Imagine seeing your most embarrassing moments. You'd be unable to step outside.] (Toma)

“I'm aware of my own foolishness, but you're even worse. Do whatever you want.” (Akiho)

Akiho wasn't provoking or being self-destructive. Toma couldn't keep up with Akiho's change, so he struggled to take control of the conversation.

[You think I can't do anything? Fine, I'll post it online with your real name—] (Toma)

“Real name.” (Akiho)

[Huh?] (Toma)

“Since I'm an adult now, my real name will come up. That photo you have is a criminal record for you, right? If it gets published and I sue, your name will be broadcasted as a criminal.” (Akiho)

[What did you say?] (Toma)

“I realized something.” (Akiho)

[Huh?] (Toma)

“I realized that I only have Haruto. Only Haruto understands me.” (Akiho)

The statement felt out of place for Toma, who knew about her relationship with Natsu.

“In the end, Haruto is the only one for me.” (Akiho)

[…You've completely lost it.] (Toma)

“You wouldn't understand, being someone without love.” (Akiho)

[No, no. You're seriously messed up… Did Haruto tell you something? Is that why you're so confident?] (Toma)

Akiho must have heard about the recent events from Natsu. As he regretted being outmaneuvered, Toma declared,

“Haruto? I'm going to Haruto in spring. Don't interfere this time.” (Akiho)

[…] (Toma)

“Don't contact me again. I'm blocking you.” (Akiho)

Beep, beep.

Akiho made her declaration and ended the call.

“Ah, I feel so relieved. Now I can go to Haruto without any worries.” (Akiho)

Akiho's face was bright, as if a burden had been lifted. She had no lingering sadness.

---

“Excuse me.” (Sakura)

“Sakura-chan, welcome!” (Natsu)

“You didn't have to come all the way here for the exam.” (Haru)

(She wanted to be blessed by the place.)

Blessed by what?

(The good luck of the successful candidates.)

Ah, I see.

“You could have taken the exam locally, right? There was no need to come all the way here.” (Haru)

“She wants her favorite Onii-chan to encourage her. Can't you understand that?” (Natsu)

“Onee-chan?” (Sakura)

“Was that wrong?” (Natsu)

“Well, I did expect to be encouraged by Onee-chan, but I didn't think about it for Nii-san…” (Sakura)

“It's unnecessary now. Don't worry. I know you've done your best. Effort never betrays. I'm not worried at all.” (Haru)

“…Yeah. I'll do my best.” (Sakura)

“Haru-kun, you're quite the siscon, aren't you?” (Natsu)

“Hey, hey, why are you getting jealous?” (Haru)

“I'm not jealous. Just be prepared for me to be extra affectionate later.” (Natsu)

“Since I'm here too, please keep it moderate.” (Sakura)

“…Including your real sister, three of us is a bit much.” (Natsu)

“What are you talking about? I'll make sure to give you a proper punishment later, so be ready.” (Haru)

“Haru-kun, you're so naughty.” (Natsu)

“I think I might have made a mistake in my choice.” (Haru)

“It's because you said something strange.” (Natsu)

(Didn’t you realize it was your fault?)

“Make sure you don't make mistakes on the exam.” (Natsu)

“…Onee-chan.” (Sakura)

“Haha, Sakura-chan came all this way, so we should make sure she eats something that will give her energy. I've prepared everything perfectly, so look forward to it.” (Natsu)

“Please make separate menus for the two of us.” (Haru)

“Why?” (Natsu)

---

Sakura is blooming.

(That's it?)

That's it.

(I got a call from her.)

She's shy, you know.

(Well, I won't deny that.)

“Did you finalize the contract?” (Haru)

[The room where Onee-chan used to live is available.] (Sakura)

“I see. When is the move?” (Haru)

[On the 1st. Will you come help?] (Sakura)

“Ah.” (Haru)

[I understand.] (Sakura)

“I haven't said anything yet.”” (Haru)

[I know and I asked you, so I’m saying I understand] (Sakura)

“…Sorry.” (Haru)

[It's not your fault.] (Sakura)

“It's about not being able to help.” (Haru)

[That's okay. I'll probably ask for help once I'm living there. I'll count on you then.] (Sakura)

“Got it. What about your driver's license?” (Haru)

[It depends on the traffic situation, but is it inconvenient without one?] (Sakura)

“Compared to living in the city, yes.” (Haru)

[I'll decide after seeing how things are.] (Sakura)

“Find someone who can give you a ride.” (Haru)

[That's unnecessary.] (Sakura)

“Alright, alright.” (Haru)

[What about Onee-chan?] (Sakura)

“I think she'll be back soon.” (Haru)

(Did you have a secret meeting while I was gone?)

It was a phone call.

(Uh, cheating!)

She's my sister.

(A siscon, huh?)

And a brocon too.

“I am home.” (Natsu)

“Welcome back.” (Haru)

“Sakura-chan told me the room was settled.” (Natsu)

“Yeah, I just got the call.” (Haru)

“Is that so? When is the move?” (Natsu)

“On the 1st.” (Haru)

“That's pretty close. I'm off that day, so I could help… What about Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“I probably won't go.” (Haru)

“I see. Can I go then?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, go ahead.” (Haru)

“Of course, your parents will come too, right?” (Natsu)

“Probably.” (Haru)

“Yeah, right. Haru-kun, is it okay if we talk about us?” (Natsu)

“Hmm, I'll leave that to Na-chan.” (Haru)

“Okay, I've got it.” (Natsu)

Spring is here again.