Slow Start ch9

p67
>The holidays begin.
>There were a lot more kids than I expected.
>Sorry for dragging you along with me.
>I just really wanted this.
>No, don't be.

>I'm just happy o see that you're having fun, Hina.
>Ehe.

>Eiko...

>Erm
>This is where you're supposed to make a retort.
>Like "What are you, my boyfriend" or something?
>It's embarrassing, right?
>Oh, you were joking.
>It's hard to tell when it's you, Eiko.

p68
>GW! (Golden Week!)

>Shopping (Events), shopping (events),
>shopping (events)
>and then more shopping (events)!

>Uha~

>It's heavy.
>I'm tired.
>But this is the best!

>On days off

>I throw away my need to open my eyes
>and just take my time sleeping until they naturally open.

>Ah
>Then I eat at my own pace.

>But...
>It's because of this pace that my breakfast lasts until sunset.
>I couldn't finish it...

p69
>We're here.

>Ah, Mo-
>Hazuki-san!

>Ah, Shion-chan! Long time, no see!
>Thank you for taking care of Hana!
>It's been a long time, Hazuki-san!
>I've been waiting forever for you to come by!
>Today as a special treat, I'll make your favorite...

>Man
>Shion-chan hasn't changed one bit. She still loves her Hazuki-san.

>...Oh.
>You haven't changed at all.
>I'm not gonna grow that suddenly.

>Your Dad's grown a bit, though.
>Eh?
>I gained 4 kilos.
>Eh?

p70
>Geez.
>Getting fatter is not the same as growing.
>Your mother...
>Ever since you left, she's hasn't gotten out of the habit of cooking meals for three people.

>I've been eating all of your portions, Hana
>so that's the portion I've grown by.
>Dad...

>Well, y'know.
>By the time you come home, she might've gotten into the habit of only cooking for two.
>Eh?
>Do I not get any dinner?

>I hope you'll return home
>before something like that happens.

>...
>Dad.

>That's right, Hana.
>Mom.
>While you've been gone
>Stuff like menus have seasonings have come a long way alongside your father's hopes.

>Our house curry has evolved from sweet and mild to medium spicy.
>Eeh?

p71
>You've gotten a little more cheerful.
>I'm relieved.

>H-
>Hey, Mom.
>While I've been away...

>The neighbors haven't been spreading rumors about me, have they?
>Have they been interrogating you about me, Mom?
>Nothing of the sort.
>It's not like the neighbors are that interested in you to begin with.

>That's right, Hana-chan.
>Shion-chan.
>I mean, look.

>You're not bothered by the fact I'm a university ronin, right?
>It's the same. It's fine not to worry about it.

>Shion-chan...

>Sorry. I can't think that way, after all.
>Ah.
>It's been a year since I've seen those eyes.

p72
>No, er, look.
>You can just get back on your feet at your own pace, Hana!!
>Right?

>That's right. Everyone's different.
>So don't worry about it!
>Shion-chan is Shion-chan!!
>Right?

>Mom, Dad...

>Even I have no reason not to be worried about anything!?
>Ah, yeah.
>I-I guess.

>Well, it's been a while since we had the whole family together.
>Let's have some fun today.

>hmm.
>What should we have for dinner?
>Wah
>It's been ages since I've had Mom's cooking!

>Since today's special
>I'll make anything you want, Hana.

>But it'll be medium spicy.
>Eeh?


p73
>Ah, oh yeah.
>You said you were playing with your friends on the last day of the holidays?

>Ah
>Y-
>Yeah...

>That's good.
>I'd like to meet them someday.
>...Yeah.

>I
>want to see them too.

>At the same time
>the friends she wanted to see...
>Man
>I got another haul of treasure today!

>Huh?
>It's Tama.

>Ufufu
>Ahaha
>Ehehe

>Ah.
>I guess I shouldn't call out to her right now.

p74
>Oh.

>Yes, hello?
>Kamuri?
>Eiko.
>Are you out right now?

>Yeah.
>I'm just on my way home from karaoke.
>...
>Thanks for your hard work.
>Aha, yeah.
>It was a bit tiring.

>When you get home
>you should probably get lots of sleep.
>Rest is important.
>Yeah, that's true.
>Thanks.
>Yep.
>Good night.
>Ah

>Kamuri!
>Could you stay with me a little longer?
>Sure.
>What's up?

>Wanna go home together
>til I get to my house?