Chapter 45: Haru, Natsu, Toma, Akiho

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Translator: Soafp

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[Akiho Side]

“A new car launch event?” (Akiho)

“Yes. Cars and beautiful women go hand in hand, don't they? You and Midori will be doing the hair and makeup for those kittens.” (Ayumi)

“Models?” (Akiho)

“Since it’s a rare event where domestic car manufacturers are holding a joint new car launch, there'll be a lot of bigwigs attending. So, make sure you put in the effort.” (Ayumi)

“Oh no, Ayumu-san, don't put pressure on me!” (Midori)

“Ah, you're such an airhead.” (Ayumi)

“Eek! A-Ayumu-san? How many kittens will we be handling?” (Midori)

“Each manufacturer will probably have one or two, so there shouldn't be more than ten. You'll be splitting the work with four people, so you'll probably handle at least two.” (Ayumi)

“So, at minimum, I'll be in charge of two. Got it, I'll give it my all.” (Akiho)

When Akiho expressed her determination in an unusually physical way, both the manager and the chief looked at her with a sense of pride.

“Akiho-chan, you’ve become more expressive, haven’t you?” (Ayumi)

“Huh? Really?” (Akiho)

“Yes. When you first came here, you would smile on the surface, but it felt like a part of you was still cold inside. Ayumi and I were worried about you.” (Ayumi)

Since joining this store, Akiho had found a sense of fulfillment in her work and was becoming more passionate about it. As pointed out, she had indeed been somewhat indifferent not too long ago. But the joy of being needed at this store made her eager to meet the expectations of the manager and others.

“Have I changed?” (Akiho)

“I think so. Compared to when you first started, you’re much more charming now. Haven't you noticed? The number of clients specifically requesting you has increased a lot. You're even in the top three in terms of requests. If you don't have confidence, it's unfair to the other artists here.” (Ayumi)

“Oh.” (Akiho)

“Wh-What's wrong? Ayumu-san, why'd you make her cry?” (Midori)

“Ara, I'm not scolding her.” (Ayumi)

“Your face looks scary!” (Midori)

“Alright! Midori, step outside! You need some re-education!” (Ayumi)

“I'm sorry! I got carried away!” (Midori)

Seeing the usual scene unfold made Akiho smile.

“Haha.” (Akiho)

“See! You made her laugh at me, Ayumi-san!” (Midori)

“Oh, don't be silly. It's your funny face.” (Ayumi)

“Haha, you two really get along so well.” (Akiho)

“Well, we're not bad.” (Ayumi)

“I'm really glad I came here.” (Akiho)

After her life was turned upside down by Toma, Akiho had felt like she was walking in darkness for a long time. But now, she felt truly comfortable in this environment. She was needed, she was acknowledged. Back when she was constantly compared to her sister and grew up with a sense of inferiority, Haruto had been her only understanding friend. But now, she had the reassurance that there were people who recognized her worth. Wanting to be useful to them had become Akiho's source of joy.

“Ayumi-san, I'll do my best at the new car launch.” (Akiho)

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[Toma Side]

“Yo, Imai. I heard things didn't go well for you at the new car launch.” (???)

“Yeah. It's all about the media and behaving around the bigwigs.” (Toma)

The joint new car launch by domestic manufacturers was a first-of-its-kind event, so it garnered a lot of media attention.

“Well, I guess they don't want rowdy guys like us there.” (???)

“And here I was thinking it was my chance to get close to the models.” (Toma)

“Oh! Good news for you, Imai-kun.” (???)

“What is it?” (Toma)

“One of the guys in my group managed to get into the event staff. And apparently, they need a little excitement, so he's going to sneak us in.” (???)

“That's good news.” (Toma)

“Man, I feel like having some yakiniku.” (???)

“Tch! Fine, I'll treat you. But you're on your own once we're there.” (Toma)

“That's what I was gonna say!” (???)

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[Haru PoV]

“Na-chan, are you okay?” (Haru)

“Yeah, I’m just feeling a little sluggish.” (Natsu)

“What about the hospital?” (Haru)

“Hmm, it’s hard to explain, so I’ll wait and see for a bit.” (Natsu)

(I think it was because of that time.)

Probably.

(It was different from usual.)

“Wow, even though we left early, the parking lot's full?” (Haru)

“Parking is reserved, so we're fine.” (Natsu)

“Really?” (Haru)

“Yeah, just show this at the entrance.” (Natsu)

“Oh, it came with the invitation.” (Haru)

“We still have some time, so let's check out the venue while sightseeing.” (Natsu)

“Got it.” (Haru)

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[Akiho Side]

“Akiho, next is Minami-san's hair, please.” (???)

“Got it. Minami-san, please have a seat here.” (Akiho)

“Okay, thanks.” (Minami)

“To avoid messing up your makeup, please use a straw when you drink.” (Akiho)

“I’m not an amateur, don’t worry.” (Minami)

“Haha, my apologies.” (Akiho)

“Oh, you're beautiful, you know? You could make it as a model. If you’re interested, I could introduce you to my agency.” (Minami)

“No, no. I love my current job.” (Akiho)

“Is that so? Opportunities to be in the spotlight aren't equal for everyone, you know?” (Minami)

“Our job is to support from behind the scenes.” (Akiho)

“Hmm, fair enough. Well, whatever.” (Minami)

“Alright, I’m done!” (Akiho)

“Hmm? I like this. I’m impressed. Would you like to become my personal stylist?” (Minami)

“Your personal stylist?” (Akiho)

“I'm a contract model, you know? You'd get a lot more chances for people to see your work.” (Minami)

“It’s an attractive offer, but I'm still learning. Once I've mastered my craft here, I'll reconsider.” (Akiho)

“That's a shame. I was hoping to get you now. But I see, you turned me down quite gracefully.” (Minami)

“Haha.” (Akiho)

“Akiho, are you finished?” (Minami)

“All set. Minami-san, it's your turn.” (Akiho)

“Okay, time to get to work.” (Minami)

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[Haru PoV]

“I’m glad we found seats.” (Haru)

“Yeah, I'm a little tired.” (Natsu)

“Shall I carry you back in a princess carry?” (Haru)

“That would be way too embarrassing.” (Natsu)

“Haha, even Na-chan would be…” (Haru)

“Haru-kun?” (Natsu)

“…Look, down to the left of the stage.” (Haru)

“Down to the left? …Is that Akiho?” (Natsu)

“It is, right? Maybe she’s staff?” (Haru)

“Since there are models, that could be it.” (Natsu)

“I never imagined we'd run into her here.” (Haru)

“…” (Natsu)

“What’s wrong, Na-chan? Are you feeling worse?” (Haru)

“It’s a nightmare.” (Natsu)

“Huh?” (Haru)

“Over there.” (Natsu)

(I never thought this coincidence would happen.)

It was fate.

(That's a fate I didn't need.)

We met because we were meant to.

“…Toma…” (Haru)