Chapter 83: Matching Things Are Justice.

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Translator: Soafp

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As they stepped off the train and exited the station, the sun pierced down on them. The sky was a perfect blue, the sun blazing overhead.

Sora put on her hat and reached out her hand to Ginji.

“Let's hold hands.”

“Yeah.”

Her slender, pale fingers were enveloped by his rough hand. Sora, in high spirits, twirled in her white dress as she walked.

She took long strides, and her gait could hardly be described as ladylike, but that only made Ginji feel more at ease.

“Should we buy it at the shopping mall? We can grab a meal there too.”

“That's fine, but I know a cool little shop. Want to stop by?”

She pinched the brim of her hat and looked up at Ginji, a glint of confidence in her eyes.

“Oh? I thought you got everything online?”

“I usually do, but… I like stores that carry handmade goods. I sometimes visit to pick out art pieces when I need to send something for my dad's errands.”

Sora tugged Ginji's hand and turned off the main street that led to the shopping mall, heading down a narrow alley.

“Your dad's the one who sets up events overseas, right?”

“Yeah… Mom left and hardly ever comes back home.”

It was rare for Sora to talk about her parents. Ginji sensed a resigned, dry loneliness in her profile and gently squeezed her hand.

“Ginji?”

She looked up to see Ginji gazing at her with a serious expression.

“It must've been lonely. You've done well.”

Instinctively, Sora felt the usual words rise to her throat—“I'm used to it.” “It doesn't bother me.” “Whatever.” But Ginji's words were so sincere that…

“…Yeah, it was lonely. And you’re a bad guy for reaching out to a girl like that.”

No matter how much she tried to resist, she always found herself being honest in front of him. Even if she added a little jab to hide her embarrassment…

“Heh, I didn't mean to, but I'll take responsibility.”

And with a line like that, Ginji really was a bad guy. She muttered under her breath so he wouldn't hear.

“You better be ready.”

After all, she had no intention of ever letting go of this hand.

“Did you say something?”

“Nope~ Come on, we’re almost there.”

They walked for a few more minutes, away from the shopping mall, until they reached a street lined with small restaurants and mom-and-pop stores. Among them was a shop with a sliding door labeled “いろり”(Irori) in hiragana. They stepped inside.

The interior was cool with air conditioning, though a faint dusty smell lingered. The aisles were narrow due to the random placement of shelves, and the lighting was dim. Sora liked the place for that.

“This is it. The cramped vibe is kind of comforting, don't you think? Like a secret base. Or maybe a witch's hideout.”

“It's too cramped. What even is this shop?”

It was no wonder Ginji was confused. The place didn't sell tableware; instead, foreign folk crafts were scattered around, giving it an odd, sketchy feel. But just as Sora said, the unique atmosphere had a kind of magical allure.

“It's just a regular miscellaneous goods store. They sell online too. I think the decor and layout reflect the shopkeeper's personal taste.”

“Well, that ruins the secret base vibe…”

Following Sora deeper into the store, they passed between shelves until they reached a small counter where an old woman with her hair tied up sat in an armchair.

“…Welcome.”

She shot them a sharp look.

“Hey there.”

Ginji bowed his head in greeting.

“…Ginji.”

Even though she had proudly led him here, Sora now quietly hid behind Ginji at the sight of the shopkeeper.

“Hey, what am I supposed to do here?”

“Move forward.”

Sora pushed Ginji forward and then stepped out from behind him.

“…We're looking for some tableware. A couple of dinner plates and square ceramic dishes, and also some mugs. I… I know I can choose from the catalog too.”

Sora's voice was a bit high-pitched and nervous.

“You know how things work here?”

The shopkeeper took out her glasses and peered closely at Sora.

“I've been here a few times before.”

“Hmph, don't remember you. Here, take the catalog. Some things aren't listed, so just tell me what you want.”

With the thick catalog in hand, Sora moved to a corner of the counter.

“You pick from this, and they bring it out from the back. Last time I came, I was dressed like a boy. I was so nervous.”

“Well, no wonder she didn't recognize you. Still, the stuff on display really is just for decoration, huh?”

“Apparently, you can buy them, but they're pricey.”

“I see. By the way, I've got about 8,000 yen on me today. Spent like I was diving off Kiyomizu Temple. If we go over that, I'll need Mom to hook me up with another part-time job.”

“…It's fine, it's fine.”

Sora averted her gaze.

“Don't look away… Just so you know, I'm not letting my girlfriend pay for me.”

“But good tableware definitely boosts the quality of the meal. I don't want to compromise.”

“We're going for the cheap stuff.”

“Aww, but it's a gift! I just want the square plates to be Shigaraki ware. The salad bowls and regular plates can be something simple that's dishwasher-safe!”

Sora clung to Ginji's arm, pleading with eyes full of determination. Ginji started to sweat.

He realized this was the “over-giver” switch being flipped…

“How much are those Shigaraki ones?”

“…Around 20,000 yen.”

“Nope.”

“It's okay! My dad sends me way more money than I can spend. Like, kinda overwhelming amounts.”

Clinging like a burr to Ginji, Sora tried to beg her way through, but Ginji pulled her off flatly.

“Your dad sends that money because he worries about his only daughter. I'm not letting you blow it on something like this. It's for you. We're sticking to today's budget for the dishes.”

If he let her buy expensive dishes now, how could he ever face her father in the future? Ginji groaned internally. He even considered bailing and heading to a home goods store instead.

“…Then, if I earn my own money, can I spend it on you? I'll buy everything you need… That sounds kind of nice.”

Sora looked deadly serious. Ginji wanted to stop her immediately.

“Calm down, Sora. We're supposed to support each other, remember?”

“Okay. Got it. Today we'll settle for something cheap. But we can still be picky about the design, right?”

Ginji watched her nod and had a feeling: Wait, since we started dating, hasn't her ‘over-giver' mode gotten worse…?

Anyway, the disaster of buying high-end dishware was averted for now, so he decided to put that worry aside.

“Let's just tell the shopkeeper our budget and ask for recommendations.”

“That might be best. We'll get a set of cheap plates and then buy cups and chopsticks as more personal items.”

“We should've started with that.”

So they consulted the shopkeeper, flipped through the catalog, and ended up buying matching chopsticks and mugs.

“You're buying some too, Sora?”

“Yup! Because matching is justice!”

With their purchases in a paper bag, Sora clung happily to Ginji's arm. They left the shop and headed back toward the shopping mall to buy cheap plates. As they walked, Ginji spoke.

“It's strange, isn't it?”

“What is?”

“I never cared about dishes before, but matching with my girlfriend… It really makes me happy.”

Seeing Ginji smiling and raising the paper bag, Sora stared at him blankly, then suddenly threw herself into him and rubbed her head against his chest.

Ginji felt the stares of those around them, but seeing Sora like that, he just blushed slightly and gently patted her head.

“…You know, today I made space in the cupboard for your dishes. Until now, I always kept everything that wasn't mine on the top shelves.”

“I see. Thanks.”

“No, I should be thanking you. I love you, Ginji.”

There were a few unused plates in Sora's cupboard. They were up high, out of reach. In the lower area, only dishes Sora used were kept.

Ginji understood what that meant.

“I love you too, Sora.”

He couldn't replace her parents—but he could stay by the side of this lonely girl.

And to show that, Ginji kept gently stroking the head of the teary-eyed Sora.