Chapter 41: Visit

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Translator: Soafp

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[Akiho Side]

“Hello, I'm Akiho Nimi. Thank you for your support.” (Akiho)

With the new fiscal year, Akiho had left her previous job at a beauty salon where she had worked for two years and transitioned to a new position at a salon that also offered makeup and nail services, aiming to become a hair and makeup artist.

She had started living alone in Nagoya, away from her family, because her relationship with her sister wasn't great, so she relied on the network she had built herself to start her new life.

Her new workplace had been introduced to her by the owner of her previous salon, and she learned that the store manager was a classmate from beauty school.

“Hi, this is Akiho-chan, our new recruit. Everyone, please be nice to her!” (???)

The manager, who had a background in judo, had a typical muscular build. However, his personality was gentle, and he was fond of cute things, fitting into the “onii” (older brother) category.

“I am Mochizuki, your chief. Nice to meet you.” (Mochizuki)

“Yes, nice to meet you.” (Akiho)

“Alright, Akiho-chan, I'll leave you with Midori-chan. Since you've done hair and makeup before, please start by showing what you can do.” (Mochizuki)

“Understood. Well then, there are quite a few reservations today, so I'll have you handle the customers without a specific stylist assigned.” (Midori)

“Thank you very much.” (Akiho)

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“It's been a while.” (Natsu)

“Yes, it has been a while, Natsu-chan. You've become quite a grown-up woman since the last time we met.” (Haru’s mother)

“Ahaha, thank you. The last time we met, I was still in my school uniform.” (Natsu)

“Thank you for coming to help, Natsu-chan. I've heard from Sakura that Haruto has been quite a help as well. Thank you again.” (Haru’s mother)

“It's nothing.” (Natsu)

“You're helping out, right? Well, you might not see it that way, but you are.” (Haru’s mother)

“Haru-kun is doing a lot as well. By the way, how much do you know about the situation, uncle and aunt?” (Natsu)

“Hmm? I haven't heard anything from Haruto. I only know from Sakura that you're living together.” (Haru’s mother)

“I see. Is it okay if you acknowledge that we're living together?” (Natsu)

“Since you're living on money you've earned yourself and Natsu-chan is an adult, honestly, there's nothing we can say.” (Haru’s mother)

“Thank you.” (Natsu)

“I'm really sorry. Our family issues have caused a lot of trouble for you.” (Haru’s mother)

“It's fine. We have similar issues at home. Plus, the cause is with Akiho.” (Natsu)

“She has changed quite a bit. She used to be such a quiet child.” (Haru’s mother)

“…” (Natsu)

“How about Toma-kun? I haven't seen him for a while.” (Haru’s mother)

“He seems to be living there for work.” (Natsu)

“Even though he was always elusive, he was quite capable.” (Haru’s mother)

“Yes.” (Natsu)

“Natsu-chan, do your parents know about your living situation?” (Haru’s mother)

“I've told my father about the cohabitation.” (Natsu)

“Did he approve?” (Haru’s mother)

“Yes, it's fine.” (Natsu)

“Even if it's okay for him, it's different for a girl. Considering the future, it's not that simple.” (Haru’s mother)

“Could you not talk to me about it, uncle? I don't have anyone like that to worry about.” (Natsu)

“Probably, Natsu-san was thinking the same thing.” (Haru’s mother)

“Ahaha, that might be true. But for us, we're living together considering the future as well.” (Natsu)

“I'm sorry. I've been noticing your left hand for a while now…” (Haru’s mother)

“This? It's an engagement ring from Haru-kun. He chose a simple design so that I could wear it every day.” (Natsu)

Choosing it was quite a challenge, you know?

(You made a lot of effort, and it was worth it.)

I can't forget the look on your face back then.

(…It was the happiest moment of my life.)

“Have you gotten engaged?”

“Yes, we're planning to get married after Haru-kun graduates.” (Natsu)

“Such an important matter… Well, considering Haruto's feelings, I suppose it can't be helped.” (Haru’s mother)

“I've told Haru-kun that I would inform you today. He has agreed to it as well.” (Natsu)

“…I see. I apologize once again.” (Haru’s mother)

“No, no. I haven’t informed my parents yet either. I'm planning to send them a postcard afterward.” (Natsu)

“I believe it should be communicated in advance.” (Haru’s mother)

“I can't discuss the details, but I can't inform them beforehand.” (Natsu)

Is it because of her?

(Yes. I know for sure that my father will oppose it.)

“Is there a possibility of opposition?” (Haru’s mother)

“Yes, but it's for reasons unrelated to us.” (Natsu)

“Could it be related to Akiho-chan?” (Haru’s mother)

“…” (Natsu)

“Mom, let's not interfere. Onee-chan has thought this through carefully.” (Sakura)

“I understand, but marriage isn't just a matter for the two of them.” (Haru’s mother)

“I understand.” (Haru’s Father)

“Father?” (Sakura)

“Natsuki-chan, you two can do what you want. Haruto will probably hate it, but if anything happens, please rely on me. Would you like to go?” (Haru’s Father)

“…Yes.” (Natsu)

“Father.” (Sakura)

“You too, don't say anything until Akiho-san says something.” (Haru’s Father)

“I haven't been involved much recently.” (Sakura)

“I'm sorry for causing trouble for both of you.” (Natsu)

“Onee-chan?” (Sakura)

“Natsu-chan, please lift your head. We only have gratitude for you.” (Haru’s mother)

“That's right, Onee-chan. You're the one who helped Nii-san get back on his feet.” (Sakura)

Indeed, meeting you is why I can continue living.