Side story 3: You are precious to me

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Translator: Soafp

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“Well, I think it's only natural.” (Sakura)

“Eh, um, Mom?” (Haruka)

“Tsūn” (Natsu)

(Tsūn)

“I guess the timing was bad.” (Akiho)

“Onee-chan, you're being childish.” (Sakura)

(I'm always just a child, after all.)

But you're doing a great job as a mom.

“What's that, Sakura-chan! Just because you knew before me!” (Natsu)

“I just happened to run into Sakura-chan.” (Haruka)

“I was consulted, you know?” (Akiho)

“Geez! Akiho-chan, don't add fuel to the fire!” (Natsu)

(Hey! I wasn't consulted, you know?) (Natsu)

It's natural to be embarrassed at that age, right? (Haru)

(Well, even so, I wanted to be the first to know about the person my beloved child is dating!)

“But if I told Mom, you'd probably ask me to bring him over or dig into what kind of person he is.” (Haruka)

“Of course!” (Natsu)

“Ah, it's just like you, Onee-chan, to be so persistent.” (Akiho)

“Akiho? Isn't that a bit harsh?” (Natsu)

“Hmm? Isn't it the truth? By the way, my impression is—” (Akiho)

“Wait! Don't say it! I want to see and judge for myself.” (Natsu)

“See? You're indirectly telling me to bring him over.” (Akiho)

(I don't have anyone on my side.)

I'm always on your side, you know?

(…Yeah.)

That sounded a bit ambiguous.

(Yes!)

“Well, he did say he wants to come over.” (Haruka)

“Really? Then I need to go shopping for dinner.” (Natsu)

“Wait, Mom! It's too sudden for today! Please make a plan with more time!” (Haruka)

“Onee-chan, you're desperate.” (Sakura)

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“Nice to meet you, I'm Shiki Haruka.” (Shiki)

(So, what's your first impression?)

A quiet, good-looking young man.

(Oh, why do you have to say that?)

Okay, okay, I'm sorry.

(The vibe is a bit like you?)

Is that so?

(Maybe you subconsciously found someone who resembles Dad.)

Falling for someone who looks like Dad? A girl at that age would probably deny it with all her might.

(It’s just a blush cover-up.)

“Welcome. I'm Natsuki, Haruka's mother. Thank you for coming.” (Natsu)

“No, um, thank you for inviting me.” (Shiki)

Oya? Isn't something a bit off?

(Fufu, he's nervous in front of the parents of the one he loves.)

Is that so?

(Well, the real reason is?)

“Hmm? Shiki-kun, why are you so embarrassed?” (Natsu)

“Uh, is that so?” (Shiki)

“Staring like that.” (Natsu)

“Not staring, but—” (Shiki)

“Ah, you're captivated by Mom.” (Haruka)

“Hey! It's not like that! Don't say weird things, Haru-chan.” (Shiki)

“Ara. To think Shiki-kun is captivated by an old lady like me, you've got good taste.” (Natsu)

“No, it's not like that!”

Being annoying will get you disliked.

(That's awful! I was just trying to lighten the mood with a joke.)

“Ufufu, yes. Don't stay here forever; come inside.” (Natsu)

“Oh, yes. Excuse me.” (Shiki)

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“It's delicious. I'm enjoying Haruka's lunch too, but it clearly carries your taste, Mom.” (Shiki)

“Fufu, thank you. There's plenty, so have some more.” (Natsu)

“I still can't match Mom. You know, it's all about ‘years of experience.'” (Haruka)

“That's true. I still won't lose to Haruka, though.” (Natsu)

“Yes. Haru-chan's cooking is the best.” (Shiki)

“Hey, Shiki-kun?” (Haruka)

“Why are you blushing, Haruka? Isn't that how it is?” (Natsu)

“Yes. Haru-chan, that's just how it is.” (Shiki)

“Mou, even Shiki-kun. But thank you.” (Haruka)

“Well, you need to end with a ‘I love you' there.” (Natsu)

“Mom!” (Haruka)

Ah, you're just playing around.

(Because I'm happy. Oh, this kid really cares about our daughter.)

That's right.

(After all, she fell in love with someone who resembles her father.)

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“Mom, thank you for everything over the years.” (Haruka)

“Yes. Congratulations on your marriage.” (Natsu)

“Really, Haru-chan, you look beautiful.” (Sakura)

“Thank you, Sakura-chan.” (Haruka)

“It was my dream to do Haruka's makeup for her wedding, and it's finally come true.” (Akiho)

“Ahaha. Akiho-chan, you always said that. The dress makes the bride. As expected from a pro.” (Natsu)

“Don't be silly, it's because the base is good.” (Akiho)

“Really, a beautiful bride.” (Natsu)

(Is she the most beautiful?)

Unfortunately, she's second place.

(Then, who's first?)

Of course, it's you.

(Thank you. I love you.)

I love you too.

“Still, it's amazing. From high school, it was always just Shiki-kun.” (Akiho)

“Yes. We fought a lot, but I really couldn't think of anyone else but Shiki-kun.” (Haruka)

“Ara, are you bragging?” (Akiho)

“Yes, I am. Do you have a problem with that, Akiho-chan?” (Haruka)

“Okay, okay. As a romance advisor, I have no complaints.” (Akiho)

“I gave a lot of advice too, you know!” (Natsu)

“Why are you trying to compete, Onee-chan?” (Akiho)

“That's just how I am.” (Natsu)

(It's the truth, after all?)

“Yes, yes. It's all thanks to Mom. But—” (Haruka)

“Yes?” (Natsu)

“Now that I'm saying it, the first person I consulted with and the one I consulted the most was actually Dad.” (Haruka)

Oh, hey, shh!

(Huh? What? What's going on?)

Well? Isn't it a happy family?

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TL: That’s it folks. My opinion: It starts out well, but went downhill really quick. I don’t even understand the ending. Lucky, it was only 53 chapters otherwise I might have dropped it if it was more.

I am currently translating another project. You might have seen it at front page (or not). It is not a betrayal but a really good romcom with a protagonist determined to change his lifestyle (Reviews). Please give it a try: Chapter 1