Extra 2: Haruka: encounter 2

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Translator: Soafp

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“I’m home~” (Haruka)

“Oh, Haruka, you’re back early today.” (Sakura)

“Huh? Why is Sakura-chan here?” (Haruka)

I live with my mom and my aunt—no, with Sakura-chan. My mom works at a publishing company, and Sakura-chan is involved in real estate.

“I have to work this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, so I'm adjusting my schedule during the week.” (Sakura)

“I see. Well, today's my day with Akiho-chan, so I'll change and then head out.” (Haruka)

“Hmm, me too. I'll take you there, so change quickly.” (Sakura)

“Okay!” (Haruka)

I returned to my room, took off my uniform, and pulled out my casual clothes from the closet.

“Make sure to hang up your uniform properly.” (Sakura)

My behavior is well-known. I hung up my sailor suit, changed into a knit sweater and checkered culottes, and put on knee-high socks. All set.

“Sakura-chan, sorry to keep you waiting.” (Haruka)

I called out to Sakura-chan, who was relaxing in the living room, and she stared at me intently.

“What, what is it?” (Haruka)

Her intense gaze made me feel a bit uneasy.

“Oh, sorry. I just thought that Haruka has become even more like Onee-chan now that she’s in high school. Truly, like mother, like daughter.” (Sakura)

“R-Really?” (Haruka)

“Yeah. Haruka, you're popular at school, right? I haven't heard any gossip about you, though. What's going on?” (Sakura)

“Hahaha. More importantly, we need to hurry so we don't miss our reservation time!” (Haruka)

“Oh, right. Let's talk more about it in the car.” (Sakura)

She's not letting it go.

---

“Welcome, Haruka-chan! It's been a while, Sakura-chan.” (Akiho)

When we arrived at “Metamorphose,” where Akihiko-chan works, the manager greeted us with a smile.

“Ayumu-san, hello~” (Haruka)

“Ara, Haruka-chan, even as a high school student, you still can't remember names? You need to study more.” (Ayumi)

Ayumu-san's smile is very intimidating, but I still find myself teasing her.

“Manager, it's been a while. We're counting on you today.” (Sakura)

Sakura-chan seems to be a fan of Ayumu-san, having been a regular for ten years. Although Akiho-chan used to take care of her, I've become her new stylist.

“Both of you, come on in. Please have a seat.” (Ayumi)

Busy drying her hands with a towel, Aunt Akiho guided us to our seats.

“Now, Haruka, what will we do today? Since you're in high school now, do you want to try something different?” (Akiho)

“Hmm? I think I'll stick with the usual.” (Haruka)

“Such a safe choice—just like Haruto. Got it.” (Akiho)

In the mirror in front of me, my face and Akiho-chan's face were reflected side by side. I resemble my mom so much that sometimes people mistake Akiho-chan and me for sisters.

“Dad? I can't really tell.” (Haruka)

“Though you look like Onee-chan, your behavior patterns might be more like your dad's, don't you think, Sakura?” (Haruka)

Akiho-san turned to Sakura-chan, who was pondering with her hand on her chin.

“Come to think of it, that might be true. Onii-chan didn't take many risks either.” (Sakura)

“Really? I've always been told I'm just like Mom, so I'm a bit happy.” (Haruka)

“Though we're not complimenting the content.” (Akiho)

“That's something like Onee-chan.” (Sakura)

Sakura-chan couldn't help but laugh with Akiho-san, and we exchanged smiles.

“Pfft, haha.” (Sakura)

“Hey, that's not fair~. I'll make sure to tell Mom when we get home.” (Haruka)

Mou, I just don't know Dad, so…

---

“Crap, crap!” (Haruka)

“Good morning, Haruka.” (Natsu)

“Good morning! But that's not the point, Mom. Why didn't you wake me up?” (Haruka)

When I got back from the salon, I talked to Mom a lot about Dad. About his love for cars and how surprisingly popular he was.

Since Mom was so chatty, I didn't get to bed until after 2 AM.

I hurriedly changed into my uniform and sat down at the table.

“Let's eat.” (Natsu)

No matter how little time I have, Mom always says I should eat properly.

“Oh, right. About the conversation from yesterday…” (Natsu)

“Ah, sorry, Mom. I'm really short on time! I'll listen to it in detail another day.” (Haruka)

I found out yesterday that when Mom starts talking about Dad, she can’t stop. She still loves him dearly.

“I'm off!” (Haruka)

I rushed out and headed to school.

Whoosh!

“Ah!” (Haruka)

A sudden gust of wind blew up my skirt.

I hurriedly tried to hold it down and looked around. I caught eyes with a boy in a school uniform who was at the park.

“D-did you see?” (Haruka)

“…Sakura.” (???)

“Eh?” (Haruka)

I was wearing pink underwear today. Did he really see—?

“I was looking at the cherry blossoms.” (???)

“Cherry blossoms?” (Haruka)

“Yeah, they're almost all gone, but I thought the way they're falling now is beautiful.” (???)

“Ah, r-right.” (Haruka)

“Heh, yes.” (???)

He seemed so warm and gentle. Even though the cherry blossoms are almost gone, they're still nice.

“By the way, are you in a hurry?” (???)

That reminded me of how urgent things were.

“Ah! I'm running late! You're from the same school, right? We need to hurry!” (Haruka)

“If you rush too much, you might end up exposing more.” (???)

I suddenly braked and turned to check him out.

“Hey, what's your name?” (Haruka)

I need to make sure I don't get caught.

“Me? Shiki.” (Shiki)

“Shiki?” (Haruka)

“Shiki Haruka.” (Shiki)

“Eh? Is Haruka your last name?” (Haruka)

“Is that strange?” (Shiki)

“Oh, no. I'm Haruka. Haruka Furukawa.”(Haruka)

“I see. So your name is Haruka.” (Shiki)

“Yeah, but hey, you need to hurry too or you'll be late!”(Haruka)

“Oh, I'm a second-year, so we're meeting at the station for an off-campus study today.” (Shiki)

“Ah! So you're a senior. My apologies.” (Haruka)

I bowed awkwardly, feeling embarrassed.

“Hmm? Don't worry about it. Just be careful not to trip, Haruka-chan.” (Shiki)

---

“I wanted to have a love like Mom's had.” (Haruka)

“Was it different from what you imagined?” (Shiki)

“I don't know. Being with you, Shiki-kun, makes me feel relaxed, like I'm not nervous. I can be myself, but there's no thrill.” (Haruka)

“Do you want that thrill?” (Shiki)

“Hmm? Maybe not.” (Haruka)

“What's that?” (Shiki)

“Because I'm happy right now.” (Haruka)

“Well, it would be a problem if you weren't.” (Shiki)

“Hey, Shiki-kun.” (Haruka)

“Hmm?” (Shiki)

“I hope tomorrow's ceremony goes well.” (Haruka)

---

“Now, the bride will deliver a message of gratitude to her mother.” (???)

I stood in front of my mother, desperately holding back tears. I'm sure I look just like her right now.

“Mom, raising me alone… If I say that, will Sakura-chan and Akiho-chan get mad?” (Haruka)

I glanced sideways at Sakura-chan and Akiho-chan, who were nodding in agreement.

“Thank you for always giving me so much love, so I wouldn't feel lonely without Dad. It really did reach me, you know? Dad, I'm sure he's still watching over us. Mom told me that Dad is always by my side.” (Haruka)

“The wind blowing means Dad is calling us.” (Haruka)

I wonder if it was Dad who made sure I met Shiki-kun?

---

[Natsu PoV]

“I'm home!” (Natsu)

(Not that anyone would answer.)

After Haruka's wedding, I came back home alone. Since it was already evening, the room was filled with the glow of the setting sun.

“Ah, Haruka looked so beautiful. Right, Haru-kun? You think so too?” (Natsu)

There's no way I'd get a reply from the photo. Yet, that smile still dominates my heart.

“Hey, Haru-kun. Our child has grown up and left the nest.” (Natsu)

I couldn't have done it alone. Sakura-chan, Akiho, and so many others helped out.

“It's okay now, right? I can go to you now, can't I?” (Natsu)

Sakura-chan is already gone from this house. Now, this room is empty without Haruka.

“Haru-kun.” (Natsu)

Riiiiiiing, riiiing, riiiing.

The sound of the old-fashioned telephone ringing filled the room.

“Yes?” (Natsu)

[Hello, is this Furukawa-san? I'm Katagiri from the Mie Prefectural Police. I was the one in charge of your husband's case.]

My heart skipped a beat.