Chapter 44: Beginning of summer

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Translator: Soafp

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“From April, I’m counting on you.” (Boss)

“Thank you. I look forward to working with you.” (Haru)

I got a job offer from Yoshino Construction, where I interned.

“For now, you’ll be working part-time until April. Make sure to do what you want while you still can.” (Boss)

“Do what I want? Well, for now, I need to finish my thesis.” (Haru)

“Now that you’ve received a job offer, make sure you graduate properly.” (Boss)

“Hahaha, I’ll be fine… probably.” (Haru)

“Hey, I’m serious. Should I talk to the HR manager about rescinding your offer?” (Boss)

“I promise to give it my best effort.” (Haru)

“Good. Keep it up.” (Boss)

---

“Sakura-chan, why don’t you eat at our place today?” (Natsu)

“That’s what I’m planning to do.” (Sakura)

“Good. Then, let's go shopping.” (Natsu)

“What are we making?” (Sakura)

“Hmm? It might be a little off-season, but I'm thinking of making stew. Haru-kun messaged earlier, saying he got a job offer, so it's a celebration.” (Natsu)

The stew you make is a feast.

(Because it's made with lots of love.)

“Onii-chan is becoming a working adult… It's kind of emotional.” (Sakura)

“Hahaha. Who's the elder sibling here? The other day, he was the only one in his part-time job who got hired for a project.” (Natsu)

“I'll make sure he doesn't get cocky.” (Sakura)

“Sakura-chan, you're always so tough on Haru-kun. You should compliment him sometimes.” (Natsu)

“You're too soft on him, Onee-chan. It might be too late, but the first step is always the most important.” (Sakura)

“Haru-kun is a caring person, so he'll be fine.” (Natsu)

“Well, yeah, that's true.” (Sakura)

“He's sensitive to other people’s pain.” (Natsu)

“He's been hurt a lot himself. If it weren't for you, onee-chan, he might still be hurting.” (Sakura)

“I've also been helped by him countless times. And we've had this conversation before, haven't we? Just admit it—tell him you love him, already.” (Natsu)

“Wha-! I won't!” (Sakura)

“Muu~ You're not honest with yourself, Sakura-chan.” (Natsu)

“Not everyone can be as open as you, Onee-chan!” (Sakura)

“Oh? So you admit it.” (Natsu)

“……” (Sakura)

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“I'm home.” (Haru)

“Welcome back, Haru-kun! Congratulations on the job offer!” (Natsu)

“Thanks, Na-chan.” (Haru)

“…Don't kiss each other so openly in front of your sister.” (Sakura)

“It's fine, we're at home.” (Natsu)

“Onee-chan seems to have left her sense of modesty somewhere.” (Sakura)

“I'm just being honest in front of Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

“Haa, fine. Do whatever you want.” (Sakura)

“Sakura-chan, be honest with the person you like, okay?” (Natsu)

“I-I don't have anyone I like!” (Sakura)

“I'm not talking about now. I mean in the future.” (Natsu)

“I've already taken all the advice you've given me to heart, Onee-chan.” (Sakura)

“Make sure to use it when the time comes, okay?” (Natsu)

“You don't have to tell me that!” (Sakura)

“Alright, alright. Dinner's ready, so Sakura-chan, help set the table.” (Natsu)

“Okay.” (Sakura)

“Oh! This looks amazing. It's all my favorite dishes. Na-chan, you're the best.” (Haru)

“It's a celebration for your job offer. I prepared all your favorites: stew, fried chicken cartilage, potato salad, and… me, Natsuki-chan.” (Natsu)

“…Onee-chan, you're not food.” (Sakura)

“Huh? You are not the dessert?” (Haru)

“Onii-chan?” (Sakura)

“It is me.” (Haru)

“Even if it’s not you, I still think men should take responsibility in these matters.” (Natsu)

“I’ll take responsibility and make her my wife, then.” (Haru)

“…Let's just eat before the food gets cold.” (Natsu)

It's not really a question of responsibility.

(But yeah, it kind of is.)

“Haru-kun, this is a gift to celebrate your job offer.” (Natsu)

“Thank you. Can I open it?” (Haru)

“Of course.” (Natsu)

“Alright, here I go… Oh, it’s a wristwatch.” (Haru)

“Yep. I thought it was something every working adult should have.” (Natsu)

“Thank you, Na-chan. But, don't you think this is a bit too fancy for a new employee?” (Haru)

“Not at all. I mean, you've been covering all the living expenses, even though I'm the one who’s already working. I have to do at least this much to make up for it.” (Natsu)

“You don't need to worry about that. You've been doing your best with the housework.” (Haru)

“And lately, you've been helping me out with that, too.” (Natsu)

“We're living together, so it's only natural, right? There’s no need to feel bad about it.” (Haru)

(If all husbands thought like you, there would be fewer marital fights.)

But then, some wives might stop doing anything altogether.

(The best way is to share the work equally.)

Yeah, seems like it.

“What about your thesis?” (Natsu)

“I'd like to forget about it for today.” (Haru)

“Hmm, I’ll allow it. But in return, Haru-kun, you have to let me pamper you… Shall I take a shower first?” (Natsu)

“Why don't we shower together for a change?” (Haru)

“Well, I can't tell you not to peek if we're in there together.” (Natsu)

“How about—” (Haru)

“It'd be a waste of time to shower separately! Let's go together!” (Natsu)

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“Natsu~” (Midori)

“Yes?” (Natsu)

“Hey, didn't your boyfriend really like cars?” (Midori)

“Yes, he loves them. He even signed up for a paid channel just to watch WRC.” (Natsu)

“Well, here's some good news for you both. There's a new car launch event by various manufacturers. I've got two press tickets, so you should go.” (Midori)

“…Is this for work?” (Natsu)

“Half work. You know our company doesn't deal with cars, right? Just check out if there's anything that might appeal to women.” (Midori)

“And that's only half work?” (Natsu)

“It means don't take it too seriously. It's in Mie Prefecture.” (Midori)

“Mie?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, there's a forest area with lots of waterfalls, and there's a mountain pass. Perfect for testing out new cars' performance, right?”(Midori)

“Uh-huh. And I can take Haru-kun with me?” (Natsu)

“You wouldn't understand the car stuff on your own, right? Think of him as your special advisor.” (Midori)

Is this work?

(Yep, it's work.)

“A new car launch event?” (Natsu)

“Yeah, it’s technically part of my job, but I feel uneasy going alone, so they said I should bring you along. Is that okay?” (Midori)

“Yeah, it’s fine.” (Midori

“Thanks! I'll let Shibata-san know.” (Natsu)

Time never stops, and the seasons continue to change.

Spring was about to come to an end.