Part 2

I never would've thought I’d … end up running barefoot through HAMA chasing a cat with a fish in its mouth while out shopping for dinner.

Nagi-kun, the moment you left the supermarket, you were attacked with an incredible force…

But I’m glad we found your shoes and got the fish back intact, packaging and all!

Mm. We were able to protect everyone’s dinner. All that’s left is to return to the HAMA House.

But, Shunin. Make sure to keep an eye out. If it comes to it, I’ll be the decoy cat toy.

It’ll be fine. Though… I’ll keep an eye on your back just to be safe, Nagi-kun.

If I had a Shunin Guard, any bad luck would just turn around and go away.

Even then, who would’ve thought a rogue calico cat would end up landing right on top of your head, Nagi-kun…

I didn’t think something like this would happen to me again, either.

Again? Has this happened before?

Mhm. I mentioned it yesterday during the Dazzlive, about when I was late to my school entrance ceremony. A cat was involved.

Really!?

At that time, I was still in the care of the orphanage.

I was rushing to the ceremony in my baggy, hand-me-down uniform when I came across an old lady in distress because a button on her blouse had popped off. So I gave the old lady a button and hurried on—

This time, a scary senpai picked a fight with me because my collar was too open. He grabbed me by the collar and my second button flew off. All this was before the entrance ceremony even started. And right at that moment, from the very top of a hill, was frozen tuna…

(Nagi-kun has really had all sorts of experiences…)

I was sent flying by a ton of frozen tuna that had slid by, and got stuck in a tree, where I found a cat that couldn’t get down.

I managed to rescue it, but it must have liked the roundness of my head, because it wouldn’t get off me at all.

I looked at the clock, and the ceremony had already started.

So that was the reason…! And then? What happened?

I didn’t know what to do, but in the end, the truck driver who came to collect the frozen tuna kindly drove me to school.

And when the teacher angrily asked me why I was late, the driver explained the situation.

A reporter from the local newspaper, who happened to be there for his son’s entrance ceremony, offered to write an article about it, and it ended up in the paper. Even the teachers at the orphanage were surprised.

I see… the day of the entrance ceremony must have been tough. But I’m glad that there were people who were kind to you, Nagi-kun.

…Yeah. Looking back now, I realise that I’ve been surrounded by kind people my whole life.

It’s the same now. I’m helped by the support of our customers, the kindness of everyone at HAMA Tours, and everyone in L4mps.

Yesterday, I received so many well-wishes and gifts.
I’ve got to pour ice water over my head again today. I mean it. Like I’m diving into the Sea of Okhotsk¹.

It’s been hot lately, so I think it's okay, but… it seems bad for your health, so do it in moderation, okay?

And… that.

Of course, you’re always helping me too, Shunin. Thank you so much.

No, no. I’m the one who’s always being helped by you, Nagi-kun. Every day is fun and happy when I’m with you.

Once again, happy birthday!

…Mm.

I wonder if this year’s birthday was a good one for you, Nagi-kun?

Yeah. Very. Just being able to carry matching supermarket bags and go back to the same house is enough for me.

Definitely a happy day.

Welcome home, Nagi, Shunin.

We’re back! We got the fish!

Ooh, we’ve been waitin’. Everything else is ready, so let’s hurry up n’ make dinner.

Seriously. Are you sure you didn’t just push all the prep work onto Yodaka-san?

I’d never do that. Right, Yodaka?

(... I’m home, and welcome back.)

(The aroma of food on the table. The sound of the pot simmering.)

(I’m living in a frame of happiness at this very moment…)

Nagi? What’s wrong?

Ah… no. It's nothing. Let me serve the dishes.

(——Tonight, I’ll definitely give out pink gerberas.)

(With the utmost gratitude.)