akewanchan

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] SSR Card Story - Haruhi Ichikawa "From the tip of the pen, an emerging talent"

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Part 1

Haruhi: I told you dude, didn’t say anything like that.

Taiga: Excuse me…?

Yashiro: (W-what’s happening…)

What was waiting for me after returning from going out was a tense atmosphere, with Tsukimoto-san and Ichikawa-kun at the center of it.

Haruhi: All I answered was that I’ll look over my sched and see ‘bout it. 

Taiga: …It is true that they didn’t outwardly ask you to go eat a cake at their place.

Taiga: However, from the way they were speaking, dropping by their place should’ve been the obvious conclusion to make, and you know that.

Yashiro: (Ah. Could this be about…)

The moment I was grasping the gist from picking apart what they were talking about, I unexpectedly made eye contact with Ichikawa-kun. 

Taiga: ? Haruhi, what are you loo—

Taiga: Eh, ah, Yashiro-san!?

Yashiro: Thank you for your hard work today. Is this about the design request?

Haruhi: You too. And yeah, it’s what we were just discussing, and how I got a “suggestion”. 

Just as I had thought, the mentioned “they” seems to be about that sweets shop who sent in a request for a design the other day. After falling in love with the event design Ichikawa-kun made for one of Aporia’s events, the owner went out of their way to reach out to him.

Haruhi: They were crazy excited ‘bout it, so accepted it ‘cuz refusing would be more tiring… Was too quick to judge on that.

Yashiro: By the way, what is the suggestion…?

Taiga: They kindly extended an invitation to the café they’re running next to the store, and from that they want the flavor of the cakes and time spent at the café to be incorporated into the design itself.

Haruhi: All I do is take on a commission and whip up something that’ll make ‘em happy. That’s all my job is.

Haruhi: And I told ‘em it’s not like that suggestion is gonna impact the quality of my work, so there’s no need to go that far.

Haruhi: Like, think about it, a guy who doesn’t like sweets that much taking the trouble to go all the way to that café… 

Taiga: But they also sell cakes that aren’t too sweet.

Taiga: Remember what Sei-san said? They were received well by people who aren’t too good with sweets, like you, and exploded in popularity.

Haruhi: Nah dude, ain’t like it’s guaranteed I’d have the same opinion.

Yashiro: (...It’s a hunch, but I wonder if it’s not the cake themselves that’s an issue for him.)

Looking for something to resolve the situation, I grabbed the proposal that was left onto the desk.

Yashiro: (! This is…)

Yashiro: Um, Ichikawa-kun.

Haruhi: …What?

Yashiro: (I’ll have to do my best here to sound as flat as possible to avoid coming off as pushy, no matter what… Alright, let’s go for it.)

Yashiro: How about going out to have some cake while getting a present for Okoge… would that work out for you?

Haruhi: Whatcha mean?

Yashiro: According to the proposal they’ve given us here, they also started with serving desserts supervised by veterinarians. 

Haruhi: Huh? Where did you… Found it, font's tiny.

Yashiro: Furthermore, it seems to be made-to-order, too.

Haruhi: ….Hmmm. Guess I could go if that’s what they’re offering. Also, had enough of Taiga chewing my ear off.

Taiga: You just really, really… don’t know when to shut up!

Part 2

Several days later after meeting with the client. It’s been decided that Ichikawa-kun will be going to the café to try out the cakes. And then—

Ai: Yashiro, go along with him. For market research.

Yuzuru: As a matter of fact, Ichikawa-kun himself had asked about it, too. He'd like to use your impressions for reference, Yashiro-san.

Yashiro: (I don’t have confidence in my ability to review food, but since he had asked to…)

Yashiro: I will do my utmost to fulfill his request.

Thus, on a day after it rained. Ichikawa-kun and I met up at Shibuya Station.

Haruhi: It’s a short walk from the station, right.

Yashiro: Yes. From the nearest station… it’s…

Haruhi: What, just be direct and tell me. I’ve come this far, ain’t gonna whine how I’ll go back home, so. 

Yashiro: …From the nearest station it’s a 15 minute walk, basically.

Haruhi: Do they even want us to get there or not?

Yashiro: Should we call a taxi?

Haruhi: Hmmmn… Nah, I’m good.

Haruhi: Took one earlier, but the car navigation broke down, and ended up giving instructions while looking at the app on my phone.

Haruhi: Was too much of a pain to keep talking, so in the end I got out of it halfway.

Yashiro: That’s… how do I say it, it must’ve been tough.

Haruhi: Either way, roads are really busy now ‘cuz of the rain earlier.

Haruhi: Dunno when it’ll arrive, and it’s enough to get stuck in traffic so I’ll bite the bullet and walk those 15 mins instead. 

Yashiro: Are you feeling well enough?

Haruhi: Well, 15 mins or something should be manageable, I think. Like, just barely, with difficulty, on death’s doorstep.

—With Ichikawa-kun saying that, we decided to start walking into the direction of the shop. 

Yashiro: Ichikawa-kun, how about we take a little break?

Haruhi: Quit it with that… If I stop my legs right now, I won’t be able to set one more step.

There’s a reason as to why Ichikawa-kun was completely exhausted.

It was as if a wave of constant misfortune hit him after leaving the station.

Haruhi: Ah, crap. Forgot my powerbank.

Haruhi: Geh… Got my socks wet from a puddle.

Haruhi: C’mon dude, ain’t no way mobile payment errors are a thing…

Yashiro: (Each one of these might be something trivial, but they all have their subtle effects…Ah.)

Just as I passed a sidelong glance to see how he was holding up, Ichikawa-kun became unsteady on his feet.

Yashiro: Ichikawa-kun!? Are you okay?

Haruhi: …And now my shoelaces came untied.

Yashiro: Eh.

Haruhi: Hasn’t this gotten way too ridiculous?

Ichikawa-kun let out a dry laugh while tying up his shoelaces.

Haruhi: Yashiro. Sorry, but lower the walking pace.

At that moment, Ichikawa-kun got interrupted by his smartphone ringing.

Haruhi: Uwah, and silent mode got turned off…

Haruhi: Yeah yeah, what’s it this time… ―Huh, Sei?

Part 3

Haruhi: One sec, gonna put you on speaker.

Haruhi: …What’s up, something happen?

Sei: “It is not a big deal, however… No, it is a matter of utmost importance, and must be treated as such.”

Sei: “...It slipped my mind to inform you before you had left.”

Haruhi: Sounds like it’s pretty bad from the way you’re talking.

Sei: “Fufu. Have you arrived at that aforementioned sweets shop yet?”

Sei: “You see, Taiga had grown curious about the cakes they have to offer, and if you don’t mind, may I ask you to bring a souvenir from there?”

Haruhi: ……

Yashiro: (What a peaceful turn of events.)

I darted a quick glance at Ichikawa-kun, and heard a sigh that sounded as if the air in his body left all at once. 

Haruhi: Siiiiiiiiiiiiiigh…

Haruhi: Gotcha, I’ll buy you one too while we’re at it.

Sei: “Thank you very much. I’m looking forward to it.”

Haruhi: …And now a side quest popped up too.

After the phone call ended, Ichikawa-kun grumbled while still holding his smartphone. Without complaining about how much of a pain it is… I could see the corners of his mouth turning up ever so slightly from the side. 

Haruhi: Yashiro, try this one.

With that, a plate with a small basque cheesecake was pushed towards me.

Yashiro: Ah, um…

Haruhi: Ah, not trying to force you, just want another impression besides my own, basically.

Haruhi: I’ve already eaten a piece, so.

Yashiro: …Then, if you don’t mind.

Haruhi: Go ahead.

Yashiro: (! Amazing, it’s melting inside my mouth…)

I was about to reach for one more bite, but then snapped back to my senses.

Yashiro: I’m sorry. I forgot about giving my thoughts on it.

Haruhi: Got that from just watching, no need for a food report.

Yashiro: (That’s a bit… embarrassing, I admit.)

Yashiro: What do you think, Ichikawa-kun?

Haruhi: ……

Ichikawa-kun silently looked down at the cake… and then directed his gaze at the inside of the shop from the terrace.

Haruhi: They want the flavor of the cakes and time spent at the café to be incorporated into the design itself... was it?

Haruhi: …Still think it wasn’t necessary to go this far for the sake of delivering something of quality.

Haruhi: But I guess I can understand what they were trying to convey, maybe.

Haruhi: It’s a cake after overcoming all that trouble— I’d be annoyed if that wasn’t the case, though.

Some days later. Ichikawa-kun’s finished design was received favorably by the client and the customers, and—

The production of merchandise quickly followed suit. 

[akewanchan]

realized askbox was closed the entire time... it's open now! sorry for the inconvenience. 🙂‍↕️

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] SR Card Story - Taiga Tsukimoto "Scorching seaside"

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Part 1

Female customer: You’re such a hottie~

Akehoshi: Why, thank ya very much. Yer quite the looker yourself, miss.

Female customer: Eeeh— That makes me like, so happy! Say, how about you ditch work for a lil’ bit?

Akehoshi: Gotta admit I’m dying to, but got a pile of stuff to take care of since I’m on the clock.

Akehoshi: The food here’s super delish, so make sure to enjoy it plenty in my stead.

Yashiro: (As you’d expect from Akehoshi-kun.)

Immediately after returning to the beach house to take a break with Shinkai-san,  I was stopped in my tracks by seeing Akehoshi-kun serving the customers. 

Shinkai-san, having a somewhat dumbfounded smile on his face, was also watching the scene before him unfold.

Soyogu: The way that guy goes with the flow is amazing. Between all the hustle and bustle of the beach house on top of that. 

Yashiro: It really is unbelievable.

Yashiro: (...Hm?)

Taiga: …

At that moment, I noticed Tsukimoto-san looking at Akehoshi-kun from not too far away. 

He quickly turned around and moved on, but I could see that he looked rather gloomy.

Soyogu: ...See that just now? Wonder what’s up with Taiga-san.

Yashiro: I’m wondering about that myself…

Afterwards, while eating with Shinkai-san in the back, Tsukimoto-san came to take a break at the right time. When asking what happened earlier, he seemed a little embarrassed as he explained the situation.

Taiga: My apologies for causing any needless concerns.

Taiga: …To be honest, a few customers had also talked to me a little while ago, but I wasn’t able to respond as smoothly as Akehoshi-kun did.

Taiga: Thank you for waiting. Here is your tropical juice as ordered.

Female customer 1: Wow, such a cute drink! And such a handsome server~!

Female customer 2: And he totally looks sooo great carrying those cute drinks decorated with flowers!

Taiga: Eh, ah,

Taiga: (It’s obvious that this is flattery. Thanking them would be strange. However, denying what the customer says would also be bad, wouldn’t it…?)

Taiga: (How am I supposed to answer here…!?)

Taiga: ……

Female customer 1: Um, everything okay there?

Female customer 2: Ah… sorry for suddenly bothering you like that. Thank you for the drinks!

Taiga: —Is what happened basically.

Taiga: I ended up thinking that, if I were able to respond as smoothly as Hinomiya-kun did, I wouldn’t have left things on a sour note with those customers. 

Part 2

Yashiro: So that’s what was on your mind.

Soyogu: While I’m sure Taiga-san’s aware of it already, ain’t Hinomiya a special case here?

Soyogu: There’s no way I’d be able to pull it off like him. That guy’s just operating on a whole different level. 

Taiga: ……

Soyogu: Besides, I’m sure they’re not thinking too deeply about it. No need for you to worry that much, Taiga-san.

Taiga: Yeah, probably.

Yashiro: (Tsukimoto-san has “but still” written all over his face. Since it’s about the customers, it’ll naturally weigh on his mind.)

Taiga: Oh, yeah. Shinkai-kun, how would you respond if a customer talked to you like that?

Taiga: Just for reference, I’d like to know if it’s not an issue.

Soyogu: How I’d do it? I wouldn’t think too much of it.

Soyogu: Even if they started complimenting me, I’d just give ‘em a smile and a cheers. More than enough, ain’t it?

Taiga & Yashiro: Oooh…

Yashiro: How do I say it, he's very charismatic…

Taiga: I see. Cheers, huh…　

Soyogu: Nah, you guys are taking it way too seriously. Well, you two are as serious as you can get. 

Soyogu: Anyway, ain’t everyone got their own personality and all?

Soyogu: People like you just the way you are, Taiga-san. I’d even go as far as saying you’re popular, too.

Taiga: Shinkai-kun… Thank you very much for cheering me up. 

Soyogu: Wasn’t like I was trying to, but you’re welcome.

And then, after our break ended and we returned to the front—

Female customer 1: Ah, it’s you, thanks for earlier~

Two female customers, who were just about to leave the beach house, called out to Tsukimoto-san.

Yashiro: (These must be customers who talked to Tsukimoto-san.)

Soyogu: Seems like they didn’t mind it in the slightest.

Yashiro: Indeed.

Female customer 1: Sorry for stepping out of line earlier. Ah, but the juice and food was delicious!

Female customer 2: We’re off to have some fun on the beach now, but we’ll come again when we need a break. 

Taiga: That’s…

Tsukimoto-san was startled to hear that coming from the customers, and then lowered his head.

Taiga: It truly delights me to hear that you enjoyed your time at our establishment. Thank you very much. 

Taiga: Please come by again!

With a polite attitude that could more or less serve as a textbook example, his words accompanied with a bow were very much like Tsukimoto-san, and then—

Female customers: …Puh, ahaha!

After a short pause, both of the women started laughing.

Female customer 1: Oh come on, I’m sorry but that’s way too formal for a beach house!

Female customer 1: Though, if you’re that happy about it, then so am I.

Female customer 2: Hey, didn’t that like, make your heart skip a beat? He’s so adorbs!

Taiga: T-thank you very much…?

Female customer 1: We’ll totally come back again!

Taiga: ! 

Taiga: Thank you, I’m sincerely looking forward to your next visit.

Yashiro: (I’m glad, and Tsukimoto-san looks relieved, too.)

Being considerate about how other people feel and worrying about how to respond back, having it weigh on his mind that he might’ve made things awkward— all of it was a result of Tsukimoto-san’s sincere personality.

And it’s precisely because of that sincerity that he was able to make those customers smile.

Soyogu: Yeah, Taiga-san just being himself is the best kinda Taiga-san. 

Yashiro: I feel the same way.

Shinkai-san was looking at Tsukimoto-san with an adoring, warm look in his eyes, and I couldn’t help but wholeheartedly agree. 

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] R Card Story - Sei Okiya "As for poisonous flowers"

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Part 1

Taiga: Wait, Sei-san. Going for the neck is a bit much…

Sei: There’s no need to be afraid, you’ll be fine. I would never do anything awful to you, after all.

Taiga: OUCHouchouch!!!!!

Mao: Hey, is there anyone free at the—

Mao: …What are you doing?

Sei: I’m giving him a massage, as you can see.

Sei: I thought to let his muscles relax to prevent fatigue from taking over him, given how he moved a lot of heavy luggage around.

Taiga: Sei-san, my muscles have loosened up enough already— Guh….

Mao: Uwah…

Sei: By the way, Mao-kun, do you need something?

Mao: Yes. I was asked to run a shopping errand, but I need someone who’s able to carry a lot.

Sei: I see. In that case… 

Mao: Thanks for your help, Okiya-san.

Sei: It’s not a problem. Taiga had practically taken care of all the venue preparations, which is why there wasn’t much for me to do.

Sei: Thus, going on an errand is the least I could do.

Sei: Is this everything that was written on the shopping list?

Mao: No, there’s one more. Seems like we need some flowers.

Sei: (I’ve heard that all the flowers for this café event were all purchased in bulk, however…) 

Sei: What will these flowers be used for?

Mao: Table decoration. Looks like they want more variety. 

Mao: Well, their expectations were more along the lines of if there were any nice, cute flowers. Whether we do get any or not doesn’t seem to matter much. 

Sei: (Table decoration, hm.)

I surveyed the area while pondering, and then in the corner of my eye— a small, sweet flower that had caught my attention 

Sei: Mao-kun. If the only requirements are for it to be an appealing, charming flower—

Sei: Do you not agree this flower fits the bill?

Mao: …Lily of the valley?

Sei: Yes. A lovely flower, is it not?

I pointed at the small potted flower, and a pair of displeased eyes bored into me.

Mao: ……

Sei: Fufu, I know what you’re thinking. It’s not appropriate to have “poisonous flowers” in a place where people come to enjoy their meals.

Mao: That’s right.

Sei: However… It’s such an adorable flower, to the extent I wouldn’t hesitate to pick it out if it weren't harmful. 

Sei: Alas. No beautiful rose without a thorn, no sweet lily of the valley without poison.

Sei: I wonder, does it come at a cost because it is precious? Or rather, cannot it not be precious if it came without a cost? 

Sei: Regardless, “all that comes with a price”’ is quite intriguing indeed.

Mao: It’s without a doubt that there are good things in this world that won’t cost you anything.

Mao: I understand why you’d be interested in what “comes with a price” within that.

Mao: …Okiya-san, considering how you mastered giving “painful massages”, don’t tell me that’s—

Sei: There are various opinions when it comes to defining what’s something that comes at a cost or not.

Sei: …But it does make one wonder, doesn’t it.

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Personal Story - Soyogu Shinkai, Part 1

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

“...Moving onto the next topic. It’s been revealed that professional kickboxer Mine Eito passed away on the 4th of this month.”

“According to the statement from the company, the fighter had been doing nothing but complain to his family about his poor condition for several months now—”

At worst, you’ll lose your life. But one wrong step, and you’ll take one.

It’s the path I’ve chosen with determination, fully aware what came with it.

It wasn’t just me.

I’m sure he thought the same.

Soyogu: Apologies, comments, anything you didn’t ask for— you’ll get none of that from me. What you might do going forward, what you will or will not say, it’s all for you to do as you please with.

Soyogu: However, there is one thing I would like to ask.

Soyogu: Did Mine-san really suffer from a chronic illness?

???: It’s as the official announcement said. My brother's “worsening chronic illness” had claimed his life. 

Soyogu: …What about the reason behind it becoming worse?

???: The match against you has nothing to do with it, Shinkai-san. If anything, I believe having such a close match until the very end was his lifelong desire.

???: That’s why… let the sleeping dogs lie. For your sake, too. 

Soyogu: …

???: Shinkai-san, I must remind you that you’re a fighter with a future. Different from my brother who hadn’t been able to win any titles until his last breath. You cannot let this sway you from your path.

Soyogu: …Is that what they told you?

Soyogu: “That’s why, you shouldn’t tell him the truth.”

???: …In order to avoid any misunderstandings, I refrained from saying anything unnecessary. That is all. I’m certain my brother would think the same.

???: Because everyone wants to protect you. 

Soyogu: …Knew it. I knew it.

“Shinkai, calling it quits forreal? Y’know you’re just in your teens, yeah?”

“What a waste. Here I was thinking some amazing guy had shown up to make a scene."

“There’s no need to quit, it’s not like you killed him or something.”

“I mean, it’s not like the claim is without substance, it was a few days after that match.”

“Even then, putting Shinkai on the spot here makes me feel sorry for him, yanno. Don’t wanna kick someone while they’re down, but the difference of strength between them was freaking surreal. Dude pretty much already had the bag but Mine kept standing up over and over, and then disaster followed.”

“The company said that it had nothing to do with any wounds from the match, remember. This whole conversation is getting blown out of proportion, leave it be.”

He was a strong man.

Someone who loved fighting with everything he got in the ring.

No righteousness, no wickedness— it’s the result of both of us doing the job we had to do.

That’s all there is to it.

Unfortunately, in this hell we call society, ego is what makes the world go round. People decide by their emotions. Countless others make the judgment.

And as a result, I was forgiven, and protected.

Even though I didn’t beg, neither wished, for it.

Haruhi: —Uuugh, s’cold…

One night after Christmas had passed. I had come to meet with Sei-san at the house regarding the work that will start after the beginning of the year.

Instead of Sei-san, who would be coming home late due to the roads being a little busy, or Taiga-san, who had gone out to do some shopping, it was the rare sight of Ichikawa opening the door. As he retracted his hands back into his sleeves and was warming himself up, he quickly crawled back into the kotatsu.

Haruhi: There’s coffee Taiga brewed in that pot over there. If you wanna drink, it’s all self-service so go ahead.

Soyogu: In this one, huh. Might as well grab a cup.

Haruhi: M’kay, me too then.

Soyogu: Ain’t it self-service?

Haruhi: Depleted all my stamina leaving the kotatsu and opening the door.

Soyogu: You’re weak as hell.

Haruhi: Tell me something I don’t know.

I was surprised, but thinking it was stating the obvious, I grabbed two cups from the cupboard and poured coffee. I put a cup down in front of Haruhi, and then I took a seat at the counter.

Haruhi: Aren’t you cold?

Soyogu: Nah. Biked up a hill so my body temperature is pretty high at the moment.

Haruhi: Unlikely that we are the same kind of animal… Going by bike in this season is like, gonna freeze you on a hardcore level. 

Soyogu: I’m the one ‘round here that got a normal human body. Why the hell are you whining about the cold at room temperature to begin with?

Haruhi: It is winter.

Soyogu: (...Ah.)

Seemingly out of nowhere, a promo for a new year’s eve martial arts special started playing from the television.

Haruhi: …

Following where my eyes turned, Ichikawa threw a fleeting glimpse at the screen, and then silently looked back down at the phone in his hands.

Soyogu: …… These guys are humans just like you, y’know.

Haruhi: Well, you have chihuahuas and tosas, but both are still considered to be dogs. 

Soyogu: Got the self-awareness of a chihuahua, huh.

Haruhi: Dude, what kinda self-awareness does a chihuahua got?

While half-mindedly keeping the conversation going, that commercial had come to an end. My eyes stayed on the television, watching some quiz with celebrities I wasn’t all too familiar with, and not long after, Ichikawa opened his mouth.

Haruhi: …The quiz, wanna watch?

Soyogu: Nah. Feel free to change it if you want.

Haruhi: Tell me, Shinkai, you normally play games?

Soyogu: ? Aren’t you the gamer here?

Haruhi: I mean, I don’t mind playing. Just that, dunno what to say anymore so maybe we should just do something— is what I thought.

Haruhi: S’fine if you’re not up for it.

Soyogu: …Oooh. Guess we could, got nothing to do either way.

There’s a television with all kinds of programming, and got a cup of coffee. A situation that’s far from reaching a point where we’re so bored, there’s nothing else to talk about.

Soyogu: (...Under the guise of the conversation dying, that commercial is probably why he suggested it.)

Soyogu: (That part of him hasn’t changed, huh.)

Haruhi: Shinkai, you still at it? With martial arts.

Soyogu: (...Ah. This guy doesn’t know, huh.)

Soyogu: Nope. Quit.

Haruhi: … I see.

Haruhi: But if you quit, aren’t you like, still way too freakin’ huge?

Soyogu: …

Haruhi: You’re the only guy I could pick out of the crowd before I even entered.

Soyogu: …Haha.

Soyogu: Guess so.

A class reunion where we saw each other for the first time in several years. It’s all what I did while in middle school, but just a few years later I called it quits with “that”. 

Even after finding out, there wasn’t a single “why” or “when” coming out of him. Neither was there a strange air of concern.

He catches on quickly, which is exactly why he doesn’t carelessly interfere. From all the way back then, he’s still the same as ever— a guy with a good head on his shoulders.

If this world, the “world” of that time back then, was full of guys like him—

A thought that still crosses my mind from time to time.

Soyogu: (...Well. No meaning in mulling about it.)

Soyogu: (That in itself is gonna come with its own fair share of troubles.)

Haruhi: Anything you feel like playing?

Soyogu: Which one was that one again— the second one from the right, the go-kart looking one.

Haruhi: That’s Meri-kart.

Soyogu: I sometimes play that one ‘cuz of Shinobu bringing it with him when we’re drinking at the dorms.

Haruhi: C’mon man, that’s just drunk driving.

Soyogu: Now that you mention it— can’t say I ever drove sober.

Haruhi: Oh well, we’ll settle with this then. Anyone who wants steering assist?

Soyogu: Lemme drive normally. Keep the boring stuff like cutting corners outta it.

Haruhi: Eh. That’s fine but… isn’t losing what makes it boring?

Soyogu: Got some nerve in ya to say that.

Haruhi: Y’know, you look like the kinda guy to keep going until he wins, which is a freakin’ pain.

Soyogu: Obviously. Whether it’s a fight or whatever else, the last man standing wins.

Soyogu: If you lose, get ready to have protein on the menu everyday starting next year.

Haruhi: …I remembered that I have some urgent business so back to my room I gotta go.

Soyogu: Getting cold feet now or what?

There’s no point in regretting it.

Even if I threw away this power, it wouldn’t bring anything back.

That’s why I decided to become strong.

That I don’t “end up” being protected by anyone anymore. 

That I can carry the burden of all I have lost, and all I have taken, on my back.

If ego is what keeps this hell going, then I’ll take my own ego and smash through it, continuing to move forward.

Leaving a lingering trail, the color of tire marks engraving into my eyes.

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] R Card Story - Taiga Tsukimoto "An assortment of blessings"

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Taiga: (Eggs, shrimp, kombu… Okay, that should do it.)

Mikado: Fufu, getting stuff to make osechi? 

Taiga: ! Mikado-san.

Mikado: Sorry for like, suddenly calling out to you. I was at that kimono shop over there, looking around for a New Year’s kimono.

Mikado:  Once I left, I saw a familiar face busy with shopping, and just had to come say hi.

Taiga: That’s what you were up to, huh.

Taiga: If I’m not mistaken, that store over there is an old one that has been in business since the Edo period. 

Mikado: Correct.

Mikado: We’re talking about kimonos here, you know. So, thought it’d be a great idea to ask a vintage store with a long history behind it!

A laughing Mikado-san comfortably spreads his sleeves.

An eye-catching, stylish vermillion fabric adorned with somewhat large flowers in full bloom— a combination that makes you nod your head at how well it suited Mikado-san. 

Taiga: It suits you perfectly without a doubt.

Mikado: My, thank you. Being complimented so straightforwardly is making me blush.

Mikado: Though, Taiga-chan, you totally look wonderful yourself.

Mikado: This deep purple paired with a black long haori is stunning, it’s giving off a dignified impression.

Taiga: …You think so?

Mikado: Of course, a kimono in that kind of color is hard to pull off.

Mikado: Take more pride in yourself for being able to wear it without any reservations. 

Taiga: Thank you very much. It gives me confidence to hear that coming from you, Mikado-san.

Mikado: Geez, Taiga-chan. That's exactly what makes you cute.

Taiga: C-cute…?

Mikado: Fufu, reacting like that is just the cherry on top.

Mikado: Oh, actually I must apologize. I interrupted your shopping without meaning to.

Taiga: It’s fine, all that is left is to pay so it’s not a problem at all.

Taiga: While I’ve been making osechi for the house since around the end of the year, these turned out to be more popular than expected, so thought to make some more while I’m at it.

Mikado: Oho. You often hear about osechi being left over, but to want seconds is quite a feat in itself. 

Taiga: It surprised me too.

Taiga: Especially from Haruhi, when he’s far from the type to eat that much.

Mikado: Then that means it has to be like, mouthwateringly delicious. 

Mikado: Maybe I’ll also have to start volunteering as Sei’s assistant if that's how it is. 

Taiga: Haha, there’s no need to justify it, you’re always welcome to come over and hang out. 

Taiga: …Though, this works out. Since I already had plans to make a bunch of them, I’ll bring some over to Aporia as a New Year’s greeting. 

Mikado: Really? Now that makes me sooo happy!

Mikado: Though, it did sound like I was begging you to, I’m sorry for that. 

Taiga: Nah, if anything it makes it feel like it’s worth it to go that far.

Mikado: That’s great then. I’ll be waiting with much anticipation for Taiga-chan’s osechi.

Taiga: Thank you.

Seeing Mikado-san with such a pleasant, broad smile made me feel more refreshed than before.

It’s going to be a wonderful year.

—With that feeling welling up in my chest, I held the basket of ingredients close to my heart.

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] SSR Card Story - Taiga Tsukimoto "#8BCCD6"

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Part 1

Today is Tsukimoto-san’s birthday.

Sometime ago, at one of the usual meetings with the administration department, I was invited by Sei-san and Ichikawa-kun to join a surprise celebration. 

—Except things didn’t go as planned.

Taiga: Huh, what’s the matter?

Yashiro: (What do I do now?)

My mind went blank and I froze in place, not expecting I’d be running into Tsukimoto-san himself.

Yashiro: Uh, um, well.

Haruhi: …Time’s up.

Haruhi: Knew it that asking him to go buy stuff to stock up on wouldn’t cut it.

Sei: And I believed he’d stop by a café for a break afterwards, however, Taiga was one step ahead all this time.

Sei: To think he had already replenished all the daily necessities I had requested to be taken care of.

Taiga: What are you guys going on about?

Haruhi: What day do you think it is?

Taiga: …….

Taiga: …Don’t tell me.

Sei: Exactly as you thought. Happy birth—

Sei: No, it’s not the appropriate timing for that just yet. 

Yashiro: I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting Tsukimoto-san to show up.

Taiga: …I think I figured it out. You came here to surprise me for my birthday with these two.

Taiga: Is that right?

Yashiro: Precisely.

Haruhi: Not that you can call it a surprise at this point, though.

Sei: Let’s change up our plans instead since the cat’s out of the bag. 

Sei: For one day only, Taiga will take the role of the main character and be serviced by us for a change. 

Taiga: Eh.

Haruhi: Go laze off in your room.

Taiga: Wait, oi—

Both of them pushed Taiga from behind, guiding him towards his room. Tsukimoto-san looked bewildered during the whole trip, but he eventually was crammed inside his room and then it became quiet again. 

Sei: Now then, let us pull ourselves back together.

Yashiro: That took quite a lot of strength to pull off…

Haruhi: Dude here can pretty much pack a punch.

Sei: Oh my, oh my. I’ll have you know I’m gentle as they come, does it look like I am able to use such brute force?

Sei-san’s smile was indeed a kind one as he said that.

Yashiro: (But, how do I put it…)

Haruhi: Liar.

Yashiro: (He outright said it…)

Sei-san’s smile remained undisturbed even after directly being called out, and left things there with a light shrug.

Sei: I believe we should get going to procure the needed ingredients. May I ask you to take care of the decorations, Yashiro-san?

Sei: Anything that you may need has already been provided. 

Yashiro: I’ll take care of it.

After seeing them get ready and take their leave, I began working on my task without delay.

…And not long after that, I suddenly felt a pair of eyes on me.

Taiga: …………

Yashiro: !

Tsukimoto-san, who had been quietly peeking inside through the door gap, came into the room looking anxious.

Taiga: …Could you please let me help?

Part 2

Taiga: I just couldn’t ask them if it was okay to let me lend a hand, since I already made my promise.

Taiga: But not doing anything makes me feel restless…

Yashiro: (After keeping their feelings in consideration, he came to me instead… I think that’s his reasoning.)

Yashiro: I understand. I won’t say a word.

Taiga: Thank you very much! What may I help out with?

Yashiro: Hmm, could you take care of decorating that side? I’ll handle this part over here.

Taiga: Got it.

Taiga: …It’ll look more lively if we let these hang from around the ceiling. In that case I’ll move these floral decorations over here, and… 

Yashiro: (He really isn’t able to sit still.) 

Tsukimoto-san and I diligently continued to decorate together. Thanks to him, we were able to get it done pretty quickly.

Yashiro: You were of great help. Thank you.

Taiga: Not at all. I’ll go ahead and obediently withdraw to my room now.

Yashiro: (He’s looking pretty satisfied with himself.)

Within a few minutes after seeing off a content Tsukimoto-san, Sei-san and Ichikawa-kun had come back from their shopping trip.

Sei: …Oh my.

Haruhi: ……

While putting everything they had bought on the table, their eyes wandered around the decorated room. 

Yashiro: (Did they already realize…?)

Sei: This is truly some lovely decoration. Thank you for your work.

Haruhi: Looks real good. Got a sense of style to it.

Yashiro: (Seems like I’m in the clear for now.)

Yashiro: I’m glad to hear it’s to your satisfaction.

Sei: And now comes the food. Although it’s contained to arranging our assortment of hors d’oeuvres. 

Sei: If we were to begin with cooking everything ourselves, we’d be going until the early hours.

Haruhi: Gonna start on the cake so c’mon and help me out here.

Having said so, Ichikawa-kun took out the cake sponge, cream and strawberries from the bag.

Sei: I can hardly wait to show what I’m capable of.

Haruhi: Gonna do your usual food review, or?

Sei: I will leave that up to Taiga. He is the main character today, after all.

Yashiro: (That’s just going to put him on the spot.)

Yashiro: (...A part of me does want to hear his review, I admit.)

The two of them devoted themselves to preparing the cake.

After putting the fruits in between the cake sponge, and then having the cake decorated with cream, Ichikawa-kun’s hands stopped moving.

Haruhi: And, pause. Gonna call the main character over.

Yashiro: (Even though it’s not done yet…?)

Part 3

Tsukimoto-san, who showed up after being called by Ichikawa-kun, was looking puzzled in front of the cake that was only decorated with cream.

Taiga: From what I can see it’s unfinished, but is it already okay for me to be here?

Sei: I’d like to do the finishing touches together. I’m eager to see your sense of style at work. 

Sei: —The same way you did with the decorations here.

Yashiro: !

Taiga: Ah— …Got busted as you’d expect, huh.

Haruhi: Duh, no way Yashiro could reach that close to the ceiling.

Sei: Besides, she had finished decorating a bit too swiftly before our return.

Haruhi: I mean, should’ve seen it coming that this guy can’t sit still even if it kills him.

Taiga: Okay, now you’re exaggerating…

Sei: For him to want to make the preparations together, regardless whether he’s the leading actor or not, is indeed what you’d expect from Taiga.

Sei: And dragging the main character into it all is much like us, too. Wouldn't you agree?

Taiga: …Yeah. Alright, time to go all out.

Tsukimoto-san picked up the strawberries, and transformed the cake into a beautiful one within moments. Standing before a cake that was on par with a commercial one, Ichikawa-kun took out something.

Haruhi: And here’s something made without Taiga’s involvement.

That being a chocolate plate with “Taiga, Happy birthday” written on it by Ichikawa-kun.

The letters were a little bit uneven, perhaps from writing with a chocolate pen he was unfamiliar with.

Taiga: …This is…

Sei: The party has yet to start, remember? The tears ought to be saved for later.

Taiga: Haha, you’re right.

Sei: Now then, I wish you a wonderful birthday.

Yashiro: Happy birthday, Tsukimoto-san.

Haruhi: HBD. Would’ve been better to say that after blowing out the candles, though.

Taiga: I’m happy to hear it no matter when you guys say it.

Taiga: Thanks everyone. I’ve enjoyed them all so far, but I’m having a blast with this year’s birthday.

Haruhi: Dude, you’re gonna say it was the best again next year.

Sei: Fufu, I can imagine it already.

Sei: Alright, it’s time for us to dig in. I’d be delighted if you could provide us with a food report.

Taiga: Huh!?

Haruhi: Sei’s gonna judge so good luck with getting that perfect score. 

Taiga: But having someone criticize what I think when I'm eating is just straight up weird.

And the birthday party packed with all kinds of emotions had finally begun.

Tsukimoto-san had a serious look on his face at first, but the moment he took a bite of the cake, a smile broke out on his face. The other two steadily watching over him seemed to be enjoying themselves, too.

Everyone was happy.

[akewanchan]

hi i transferred my blog to a different account, so if there are any broken links or issues, please let me know! it should be fine i think, though...?

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 10

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

That weekend. Kanno-kun dropped by like always, as if nothing had happened.

Taiga: …Come on in.

Yuragi: ‘Scuse me.

Okoge: Meow.

Yuragi: Yeah, I’m good. And Okoge?

Okoge: Mya.

Yuragi: Is that so? Cute.

Taiga: (What kind of conversation is this…?)

Haruhi: How’re your knees?

Yuragi: Got scabby.

Haruhi: Ain’t that quick?

Yuragi: ‘Cuz I slept a lot. The other day, Kou gave me a pillow on my birthday, and I’ve been able to immediately fall asleep in the staff room, too. 

Haruhi: Dude, you sound like you never slept before receiving it.

Yuragi: …? Room’s, kinda cold…

Yuragi: Taiga. It’s cold.

Taiga: Eh? Ah, I was airing out the room until a little while ago.

Yuragi: Aaah. That’s why Sei isn’t in the kotatsu.

Taiga: No, that’s not the case at all. He’s just working…

Taiga: ……

Having said that much, I could see the depressed face of Sei-san who returned to his room once I had opened the window before my eyes. 

Taiga: …Guess I’ll turn up the airconditioner’s temperature a little.

Yuragi: Ok.

Haruhi: Whaaa? Even though I also said it was cold earlier.

Taiga: Haruhi, it’s because I told you to not get into the kotatsu while dressed up warmly since you easily get hot flashes, but you didn’t listen and asked me to turn it up anyway. 

Taiga: C’mon, it’s done now. Off with your jacket.

Yuragi: ….”Haruhi”.

Haruhi: Hm?

Yuragi: He became that.

Taiga: Ah… well. For the time being, I guess.

Haruhi: For the time being, eh.

Taiga: It’s for the time being, right?

Yuragi: I see.

Taiga: Take a seat if you’re not going to Haruhi’s room. I’ll pour some tea.

Yuragi: Okay.

Taiga: (Ah…)

Haruhi: …..

Kanno-kun walked over here without sitting down, and we were facing each other over the counter.

Yuragi: ……

Taiga: (...I have to apologize.)

Taiga: Kanno-kun. The other day I…

The moment I was about to apologize, Kanno-kun suddenly gave me a piece of candy.

Taiga: …?

Yuragi: Eat it

Taiga: Ah… thanks.

Yuragi: Sorry for before.

Taiga: !

Yuragi: Neither of you were in the wrong, but all I thought was that I had to stop you and Haruhi breaking out in a fight.

Yuragi: But that day, when you looked at me, I made a face as if you didn’t something really bad.

Yuragi: Taiga, you didn’t do anything like that. I’m sorry.

Taiga: ….No. I’m the one that has to apologize, I’m genuinely sorry.

Taiga: It was the only way I could get it out though. But it wasn’t that I was mad at Haruhi.

Yuragi: Yeah. You were worried, I understood that.

Taiga: !

Yuragi: That’s why it made me happy. Thanks.

Taiga: …Kanno-kun…

Yuragi: Yuragi.

Taiga: Huh?

Yuragi: Since Haruhi became Haruhi, I wanna become Yuragi too.

Taiga: Become, you say.

Haruhi: Not call me that or something, huh.

Yuragi: I said it before. If I did, Taiga wouldn’t do it.

Yuragi: How did you do it, Haruhi?

Haruhi: Did nothing. Sei just skillfully coerced us.

Haruhi: He’s got all the attributes of a senior, superior and religious cult founder maxed out, so Taiga wouldn’t win against Sei in his entire lifetime.

Taiga: What are you going on about?

Haruhi: Exposing the truth. You’d probs buy counterfeit vases from him if he were to sell these.

Taiga: Sei-san wouldn’t sell something like counterfeit vases.

Haruhi: That’s what all the believers say.

Yuragi: Got it. I’ll ask Sei then.

Taiga: No, hold up. That’s a strange conclusion to come to.

Yuragi: ...Ah.

Taiga: ?

Taiga: (—Oh.)

After finishing up whatever he had to say to me, he crawled into the kotatsu right next to Haruhi and let his voice out unintentionally. My heart jumped when I realized his gaze was focused on the coffee stain from that time.

Even if he wanted to stop us from fighting, the fact that I made his hands and voice tremble without meaning doesn’t change.

Although I instantly broke out in a cold sweat, worried that he’ll remember that moment again—

Yuragi: …..

Taiga: (...Huh?)

His face suddenly broke out in a gentle smile.

Yuragi: Look.

Haruhi: What?

Yuragi: Here. Looks like a kitty stretching out.

Yuragi: Cute.

Taiga: ……

Haruhi: I don’t get it.

Yuragi: You will. Here’s the head, this is the tail.

Yuragi: You can see it, right?

Taiga: …Right.

The same eyes that were looking at Haruhi shifted towards me, without a single sign of fear or uneasiness in them. With feelings overcoming me that I couldn’t put into words, I replied with the one word I could manage to get out.

Sei: ……

Shizuka: “Okiya-san?”

Sei: Ah, excuse me. When I was thinking there’s some kind of draft, I saw the door wasn’t fully closed. It’s fine now.

Sei: I understand that we will be kept under surveillance for a little while. I’ll make sure to report any happenings.

Shizuka: “I’d appreciate it. In that case—”

Sei: Incidentally, Fushimi-kun. Do you have a few moments to spare right now, if that’s alright with you?

Shizuka: “If it’s a little bit.”

Sei: When I mentioned that you were the one that had coordinated the plants at the entrance, Taiga said that he wanted to receive some pointers from you.

Shizuka: “...Huuuh.”

Sei: I wonder what that “huh” is for.

Shizuka: “So he can say these kinds of things, is what I thought.”

Sei: Fufu. Indeed. Yet it’s still a long way from here on out..

Sei: That being said, would it be fine to go hand the phone over to him?

Shizuka: …That’s fine. Go ahead

Those feelings of inferiority and conflict remain in my heart without a change. I fear that one day, I’ll cause the kind of trouble for them that cannot be undone.

But, if someone like me is needed for some reason. If there’s a role for me that I can fulfill.

Just for a bit longer, for the time being— While devoting myself to what I can do, I will try to live here.

Not as family, not as mutual patrons, but together.

Yuragi: What are today’s sweets?

Taiga: Pancakes.

Yuragi: I want them cat-shaped.

Taiga: Though you’d say that, so I bought pancake molds.

Haruhi: Okay, now you’re just spoiling him.

Yuragi: I want Okoge’s face drawn on too.

Taiga: Ask Haruhi for that.

Haruhi: Hey. What’s with that pass?

Yuragi: Thanks, Haruhi.

Haruhi: Whaaa…?

I couldn’t help but smile at Haruhi who wouldn’t say no, despite making a face as if he was deeply bothered by it. Outside of the window, soft sunlight shone on the frozen, piled up snow.

All these lumps that won’t melt away, seemed to be faintly shining instead.

---

Taiga: …Listen up. I’ll leave the futon and sheets here. Properly put these on yourself, okay. Also what’re you sleeping around for, they’re gonna be here soon

Haruhi: Mgh…

Taiga: Answer with your eyes open, you—

Taiga: ! Coming!

Haruhi: (Even if you reply they won’t hear you from the outside… Wait, maybe they can? ‘Cuz he’s that loud?)

Sei: Thank you for your hard work.

Taiga: Please, come on in

Yashiro: Pardon my intrusion

Yuragi: Taiga, cookie.

Taiga: I’m not a cookie. Go wash your hands first.

Taiga: —Haruhi!

Haruhi: …..

Okoge: Meow.

Haruhi: …I am getting up. Don’t press my stomach, you’re heavy.

Sei: Is he taking an afternoon nap?

Taiga: No, yet again he just barely woke up.

Taiga: I’m so sorry for how he’s always acting undisciplined…

Yashiro: No, no need to. I seriously don’t mind at all… 

Haruhi: Is he a nagging ma or something… 

Okoge: Maaaw.

Haruhi: Did you just say ma?

Okoge: ?

Taiga: HARUHI!!

Haruhi: Dude, I can hear you. Coming.

Haruhi: Sigh. He seriously… doesn’t shut up—

Navigation Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 (x) -> Next chapter <- Previous chapter Masterpost

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 9

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

By now it didn’t matter what people thought of me if they came to know about it. Though, letting him know might get him wrapped up in something, or even end up stirring up anxiety in his daily life, and I wanted to avoid that.

Taiga: (That’s why I have to convey it in a way so that doesn’t happen.)

Taiga: …About that…

Haruhi: …. Nevermind, s’fine. Ignore what I said

Taiga: ! Wait. You got it wrong. Ichikawa-kun, you sat down to properly talk about it, so it’s only right that I do it too. 

Haruhi: I didn’t go on about stuff I didn’t wanna say though. I don’t get it, but gotta be something you're not too eager to share, yeah?

Taiga: I mean, but—

Haruhi: That this was the same guy who looked at us from a distance ‘cuz it was as if we would die the moment he got closer—

Haruhi: Simply wondered what had happened for you to make such an unusual face, and snap at us just like that.

Haruhi: That’s why it’s whatever. I won’t ask.

Taiga: ……. But…

Haruhi: My bad for making you feel that conflicted, but I’m good, for real. And it’s not like I thought it was a pain so I gave up.

Haruhi: Throwing out anything and everything out there ain’t always a good thing, is all I wanna say.

Haruhi: Well… Have to admit that in your case, it’s way too extreme and should be more like, just throwing out a lil’ bit is too much instead.

Taiga: Extreme?

Haruhi: Despite apologizing for making me give up on saying something, can’t say there’s anything coming from your side. 

Taiga: That’s… not true.

Haruhi: Ah-hah. Someone’s self-aware.

Taiga: No, I said it’s not true—

Haruhi: That right now is the same thing as saying it’s true.

Taiga: …..

Haruhi: No need to make that kinda grrr face. I’m not criticizing you, only throwing your own words right back at you, Tsukimoto-san.

Haruhi: “No need to force yourself. And don’t hold back either.” Remember.

Taiga: …Huh?

Haruhi: You the type of guy that forgets what he said?

Taiga: Ah, no… I remember. I do remember it, but—

Haruhi: Well, Tsukimoto-san’s the type of guy to say that to anyone, yeah. But I was pretty grateful to hear these words directed at me.

Taiga: …..

Haruhi: Rather than it’s okay to say it, it’s more like, no point in worrying about it all so it’s okay to not do it.

Haruhi: Tell me as many times as you want to, if I don’t agree with it then I won’t listen. 

Taiga: Eh…?

Haruhi: Talking back and wrapping it up. If you don’t agree with that part, then no problem with saying it one more time.

Taiga: (Saying it one more time…)

Taiga: ……

Haruhi: Huh, what’cha laughing for?

Taiga: Ichikawa-kun, you really… don’t hold back at all. 

Haruhi: It’s not like that's my aim here.

Haruhi: It’s a different story if it’s someone you’d only see once a year, but if you’re walking on eggshells around the person you’re living with, it’s gonna take some years of your life. 

Haruhi: Telling each other to shut up is enough for it to be just fine, I think.

Taiga: That part right there is exactly what I meant earlier.

Taiga: (...Don’t agree, don’t listen. Get shot at, and shoot back, huh.)

“Not family, not mutual patrons. Friends.”

Even if what he said was completely different, without knowing why, the words Okiya-san told me overlapped with his for a moment.

Taiga: …I want to sort out everything properly in my head and tell you about everything I feel like I have to talk about.

Haruhi: ……

I thought that it was no use for me after all. I believed the only way to protect the peace of this place was to leave it behind. 

Still. Besides that— one more path I could choose opened in front of me.

Taiga: That’s why I would like to have some time. I promise I’ll tell you.

Haruhi: …’Kay. I don’t really get it, but well. I get it.

Haruhi: Please do it whenever the time’s right and to your satisfaction.

Taiga: Thanks.

Haruhi: ‘Kay, that’s that. Okiya-san’s waiting, how about we get going?

Haruhi: Going out of the way to have a blanket too and all, seems like you were brimming with excitement to stay the night.

Taiga: Ah, no.

Taiga: (Now that he mentioned it, seriously where did this— …Ah.)

Taiga: Ichikawa-kun. Have you seen Manami-kun?

Haruhi: Manami-kun… ah, there. Left the key for cleaning. Looks like he went back home quite some time ago.

Taiga: …… Right.

I recalled Shige from the time he wasn’t capable of being upfront with thanking me, and always left sweets or cigarettes behind as a gift while I was sleeping.

Taiga: ….Appreciate it.

Haruhi: ?

Taiga: Nah, it’s nothing

Taiga: Thanks. Let’s head back

Sei: —Aah. That reminds me.

Sei: I’ve heard that the Administrative Department has been officially established.

Haruhi & Taiga: Huh

After we came back home.

Right as we finished up telling each other goodnight and heading to each of our rooms, Okiya-san said something as if he just remembered it.

Haruhi: Is now the time for it?

Sei: Sorry. It completely slipped my mind. Neither did I want to miss the chance to tell both of you.

Sei: A department leader needs to get decided before the department is up and running, thus I wanted to discuss it. 

Taiga: Aah, a department leader.

Haruhi: Discuss it, huh… Then, why not Tsukimoto-san.

Taiga: Huh?

Sei: Ooh, seems as if we’re on the same page, Ichikawa-kun. I had the exact same idea. 

Taiga: !? No way, obviously it should be Okiya-san…!?

Taiga: Leaving him aside, the fact that Ichikawa-kun also… 

Haruhi: It’s not “Okiya-san’s my pick”, neither “If Okiya-san’s fine with that”, but rather how Okiya-san himself came to us to discuss who to pick.

Haruhi: I’m sure the higher ups got their eyes on me and you. But do you think that out of these two options, it’ll be me?

Taiga: …Maybe.

Haruhi: Said it before, that right now is the same as saying no.

Sei: To tell you the truth, I declined the offer myself. The role of supporting fits me more than one of a leader.

Sei: That’s why, if you’re fine with it, I would like to ask you, Tsukimoto-kun. Naturally, I promise that you won’t end up being the only one shouldering all the responsibilities. 

Taiga: It is truly an honor I’m being considered, but—

Taiga: (...There’s more than enough replacements for accounting, and if there ends up being some kind of trouble with the family, I can quit. But, in the case that I’m the department leader.)

Taiga: (If I take charge, it won’t be that easy.)

Taiga: I am far from someone that is qualified for such an important role.

Haruhi: ……

Sei: I made my judgment based on how I can confide in you, Tsukimoto-kun. Would you believe in me if I said that, then? 

Taiga: Okiya-san…

Sei: These past three months, you’ve been supporting Ichikawa-kun and I with a firm sense of responsibility and even meticulous consideration.

Sei: It would be most reassuring if you could show this power of yours to protect the department, as its department leader.

Taiga: (...Protect, the department.)

Taiga: Would you let me take it under consideration for a little while?

Sei: Of course

Sei: Regardless of what becomes of the role of the department leader, I would like for you to live more without holding back hereafter, Tsukimoto-kun.

Taiga: !

Without holding back— I subconsciously looked in Ichikawa-kun’s direction when I heard those words. “Told ya” was written all over this face.

Taiga: Without holding back, huh.

Sei: Yes. Perhaps it would serve you best if you could be aware of “not holding yourself back”, in the case thinking of acting upon it isn’t quite it. 

Taiga: Become aware of not holding…Uh, okay?

Sei: Fufu. No need to mull over it that much. 

Sei: However, indeed. Whenever you find yourself in a pinch, I ask you to actively make the choice to “rely on those around you”, as we say. 

Sei: Aporia is, after all, a place where everyone comes together to protect an environment free of inconvenience for all those involved.

Taiga: …Yeah, you’re right.

Sei: Indeed.

Haruhi: ……

Sei: Which leads us to this. In order for Tsukimoto-kun to become less reserved—

Sei: How about we all tentatively stop calling each other by our last names and omit the honorifics? 

Taiga: Huh?

Sei: What do you think, Ichikawa-kun?

Haruhi: Don’t just pass it to me outta nowhere.

Haruhi: Wasn’t like I was being polite to begin with, neither am I picky about how we call each other, so I don’t care. Think this will be enough for something to come outta it?

Sei: I cannot say if it will take care of itself. Yet, at times it is important to start with what’s on the outside.

Sei: No matter how brightly the sun shines, the sunlight won’t reach a room without windows.

Sei: ….Aaah. Look.

Haruhi: ?

Taiga: (...Ah.)

With these words, Okiya-san looked towards the window. Through the gap of the curtains, sunlight was coming inside.

Sei: That makes it a second time we “speak of the devil” this month.

Taiga: …Right.

Opening the curtains, we saw the broad sky stretching out beyond.

What a lovely morning, isn’t itー Okiya-san laughed.

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[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 8

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Taiga: Why… what are you doing here?

Haruhi: Aaah… I’ll leave out the details ‘cuz it’ll get too long, but Okiya-san got contacted by Kise-san, and then Okiya-san drove us here.

Taiga: !

Haruhi: Said it’ll be cold when heading back if he turned the engine off, so he’s waiting in the car.

Haruhi: And y’know, “why” and “what are you doing here” are pretty much my lines. 

Taiga: ……

Haruhi: I’ll go cool off my head, eh. Doesn’t matter how much you were seething, but it’s the kinda temperature that’d cool you off in 5 seconds. Not to mention in these clothes too.

Haruhi: Seeing how you weren’t coming back home at all we wondered how far you went, but to think you ended up in Shibuya.

Taiga: …… How’s Kanno-kun?

Haruhi: Went back home after taking a bath. He’s got a shift at the cafe tomorrow, and didn’t have plans to stay over to begin with today.

Haruhi: He got in contact with Hinomiya-kun, who’s his roommate more or less, and said he’ll stay up and wait for him. Before coming here we went to the dorm and dropped him off without any issues.

Haruhi: He did look like a dejected cat with its paws stretched out, but well. Things seemed fine on the contrary.

Taiga: I see… Glad to hear that.

Taiga: The fact that I scared him won’t change though, so nothing about this is actually fine.

Taiga: But, if it’s true that Kanno-kun was able to head back home where he’d feel safe— Then I can settle with that. 

Haruhi: …. So?

Taiga: Huh?

Haruhi: Cooled off? Your head, and all.

Taiga: …As you’d expect.

Haruhi: As I expected.

It’s exactly because I calmed down that I had no idea what I should do. How much I should do, how I should apologize, my thoughts just wouldn’t sort themselves out. My gaze fell below as I stewed about how hopeless it was, but then Ichikawa-kun straight up hit me with those words without backing out.

Haruhi: —I’m sorry.

Taiga: …Eh?

Taiga: (...Sorry— did he say sorry? Just now?)

Taiga: Why are you apologizing, Ichikawa-kun?

Haruhi: An apology for how I lied about it being “nothing”.

Taiga: !

Haruhi: I’ll talk, but lemme just start off with saying it’s genuinely nothing criminal. Probs completely different from what you imagined, Tsukimoto-san. 

Taiga: …Then, what was it? What actually happened?

Haruhi: I just so happened to run into Yuragi right after shopping. Accompanied him and then went all over the place since there was a cat somewhere. 

Haruhi: When approaching the last spot, whether you’d call it good or bad timing… we ran into a cat getting abandoned.

Taiga: ! A cat getting…

Haruhi: A small black kitty. Probably had just been born

Haruhi: The owner? If you can call him that, Yuragi called out to him. Wasn’t like he was confrontational from the get go, but, like… All he could go on ‘bout was a bunch of irresponsible nonsense.

Haruhi: So. In the end Yuragi lost his temper and grabbed him, as you’d expect I had to put a stop to it but I couldn’t, and we both ended up tripping.

Taiga: …Kanno-kun lost his…

He’s fickle and can be a little difficult at times, but in a good way, he doesn't have that many emotional ups and downs, making him an amicable kid. Though, it’s not like I didn’t believe it.

Any kid that can direct such kindness to anyone, can also direct the same amount of anger towards anyone else for the sake of protecting something in the same vein, it’s a natural course of action.

Haruhi: The guy used that chance to run away, then it started to pour and the abandoned kitten was growing weaker.

Haruhi: First gotta search for a veterinary hospital, bring it there, getting treatment for it s’good and all but where do we go from there… 

Haruhi: And while we’re taking care of all that, it ended up being that late. And that’s it, the whole story.

Taiga: That’s what happened…

Haruhi: Different from what you thought, right.

Taiga: Yeah. It was different, and I kinda understand the reason why you didn’t say anything either, Ichikawa-kun.

Taiga: It was my fault. My bad.

Haruhi: Eh?

Taiga: Given the way I pressed for answers, you thought I would’ve put all the blame on Kanno-kun for what happened today if you did explain, no?

Haruhi: …I didn’t think about it that far. S’more like how explaining all of it is a pain.

Haruhi: But I know that’s where I made the wrong choice, I’m reflecting on it.

Haruhi: It’ll become a pain before I even say anything, so keep my mouth shut and leave it at that— I’m more or less aware of what I tend to do. 

Haruhi: Well, y’know. Wasn't a good call.

Taiga: (...Ah.)

Yuragi: I don’t know, Haruhi says he’s used to it. But what I see is that he gave up.

Taiga: You mean, about his physical condition?

Yuragi: Yeah. In a way.

Yuragi: But what’s painful is telling others.

Taiga: ….Gh

Haruhi: By the way, Yuragi wanted to properly talk about it, and after you left, he was repeatedly mumbling how something should’ve been said.

Haruhi: Wouldn’t stop scolding me and all…

Taiga: Sorry.

Haruhi: Eh?

Taiga: I’m seriously sorry!

Haruhi: Wait, what’s suddenly gotten… it’s fine, don’t gotta repeatedly apologize that much now. Not to mention how crazy the angle you bow your head is at

Taiga: I made you believe nothing will come out of it even if you say something— I made you give up. I’m sorry. 

Haruhi: Huh…?

Taiga: Thank you for telling me.

Haruhi: ……

Haruhi: Didn't think for one single ounce that you owed me an apology. Was aiming more for a “no worries, we good” kinda feeling. 

Haruhi: But can I ask one thing in exchange for my “you’re welcome”?

Taiga: If I can answer.

Haruhi: Tsukimoto-san, what did you think happened to us?

Taiga: ……

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[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 7

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

While I had thought the rain stopped, snow was gently falling from the sky.

Taiga: (...I got emotional, raised my voice too. Everything I did was the worst thing I could do.)

Kanno-kun’s looking frightened, Okiya-san’s bewildered expression. Not to mention, Ichikawa-kun staring at me with a dumbfounded look— all of their faces came to mind.

Yuzuru: No matter what the circumstances are, staff safety comes first. 

Yuzuru: An attitude that strives to create an environment free of anxiety and inconvenience for everyone involved, and to continue to put in the effort to maintain it.

Yuzuru: At Aporia, these are the two values we hold dear in particular. 

I clenched my fist as I recalled the words Kise-san had said to me on the day I signed the contract.

Taiga: (This problem goes further than my promise regarding the Yamayoshi family. I got flustered all on my own, pressed for answers. Ruined everything…)

There’s no way I can ever go back there. I’m too ashamed to face any of those three.

Taiga: (...If anything, I should use this chance to take my leave. From that house, but also… from Aporia.)

Taiga: (Being together with others, protecting a place free of worry. I can’t do it after—)

Taiga: A-achoo.

Taiga: ……

Taiga: (...Even then, no way I can spend the entire night here, huh. Somewhere where I could stay until morning would work… Forgot my wallet, though.)

With my head having cooled off a little, thinking back on how upset I got earlier just made me groan. Being fed up with myself for only being capable of having vain regrets, I took out my smartphone which was barely in my pocket. 

Taiga: (...Ah.)

There was a message regarding tomorrow’s work from Kise-san from about 5 minutes ago. Seeing the notification reminded me about the office.

Taiga:  (Right, the office. At this hour it should be…)

Taiga: …

Struggling to properly type a message since my fingers have grown numb, I called him instead before it would become too late, even if I knew it would be a nuisance at this hour.

Sooner than I expected, the ongoing call noise got interrupted.

Yuzuru: “Hello. Good evening, it’s Kise.”

Taiga: Ah… good evening, it’s Tsukimoto. My apologies for calling so late.

Yuzuru: “It’s no trouble at all. I would like to apologize myself for contacting you this late, was there something you needed?”

Taiga: No, the message you sent was clear enough. I understood everything without any issue.

Taiga: I’m sorry, but it’s actually about, uh, a completely different matter. I’m close to Shibuya at the moment. Missed the last train. 

Yuzuru: “Aah, you mean… you can’t get back home? Getting a taxi in this weather isn’t easy either.”

Taiga: Yes… I’m sincerely sorry for this being about my personal circumstances. May I ask if it is no problem to drop by the office and wait for the first train of the day?

Yuzuru: “Eh?”

Taiga: Ah… of course there’s the matter of the keys so I’m not trying to ask for something unreasonable!

Taiga: I remembered how I heard before that Manami-kun from the Watchdog Department takes care of cleaning the office and cafe late at night.

Taiga: Supposing he’s still there, I would like to be able to stay in a place where I wouldn’t bother anyone else, if I’ll be able to enter and leave the office without making anyone else go out of their way. 

Taiga: Neither will I overstay, in order to not cause any trouble for you and the others tomorrow. 

Taiga: I’ll properly, take my leave. 

Yuzuru: “.....”

There’s not a chance someone like him, who has a sharp sense towards the subtleties of other people, wouldn’t notice the lie I told while shamefully stumbling over my words. Still, Kise-san didn’t press any further, and readily gave his approval. I was grateful for his consideration, but once again, I felt a little pathetic.

30 minutes later after that. While walking in the direction of Shibuya I managed to grab a taxi, and I visited the office for the first time in months. 

Taiga: (Good thing I made it. Thought I was done for after having two taxis in a row tell me they can’t take electronic payments.)

Taiga: (Actually I remembered electronic payments were a thing while I was on the phone with Kise-san, so I should’ve just gone to a net cafe or anywhere else instead… Caused even more trouble than needed… Seriously, I’m so…) 

Taiga: (...Haah. Alright.)

Taiga: Excuse me.

Urara: …Hah?

Taiga: (Huh?)

Urara: What’cha dressed that lightly for. Have you gone crazy or what?

Taiga: Ah, well… haha…

Taiga: Manami-kun, right. Nice to meet you. I’m Tsukimoto from the main office.

Taiga: My apologies for intruding while you were working.

Urara: If you're intruding then get your ass back home. Also, way too late. Weren’t you nearby?

Taiga: I’m truly sorry for… ah.

Taiga: ! Don’t tell me, I made you wait while you had finished cleaning…?

Urara: Hah? Think I get this done that fast? Gonna take care of the store right now

Urara: Was told to leave the place open until you came.

Taiga: ….Oh?

Urara: Once I start over there I won’t be able to hear a thing from here. No way I can just head out with the door open.

Taiga: Ah… makes sense. Right. Sorry.

Taiga: (Rather than taking it seriously, it’s more like he’s got actual common sense in him. The way he lashed out right out of the gate made me think he was just some little shit, though…) 

Urara: Geez, am I some freakin’ security bozo or what.

Taiga: (Yeah, he is a lil’ shit.)

Urara: Lights that way, tea there. Rare’s already asleep so no touching his cage

Urara: S’annoying to talk to me while I’m busy so if there’s anything, spit it out now.

Taiga: Nah, I’m fine. Thanks.

Urara: …Hmph. And don’t get outta the office until I’m back.

Taiga: Ah. Sorry, Manami-kun, I don’t have any questions but I have this. If you don’t mind.

Urara: Ahn? The hell’s that.

Taiga: Tea and mini sweet bean jelly.

Urara: Wha?

Taiga: A conbini was the only place I stopped at, so my bad for it being something simple. Refreshments as an apology for bothering you while you’re working. 

Urara: Refreshments…?

Taiga: Heard that you’re always taking care of it on your own. Must be tough, right?

Taiga: So thanks for your hard work, too.

Urara: …!

Urara: Wha…haaah? Got nothing up there or what? Also freakin’ tea and sweet bean jelly… you some ol’ geezer lounging on a porch or what…

Taiga: Ol’ geezer, huh.

Taiga: I heard from Kise-san that meals are provided, and you’re not someone that really eats chocolate, so this is what I decided on. 

Taiga: Sorry, they’re too bitter after all, huh. I’ll go buy something else until you're done. What would you like? 

Urara: Don’t need anything. And don’t go pointlessly dawdling ‘round.

Taiga: Eh?

Taiga: Ah.

Urara: Got off track. And get your ass to bed already.

Manami-kun snatched the bag from my hand, and took his leave without adding anything else. The way he opened and closed the door was surprisingly quiet. 

Taiga: ……

Taiga: (Such an irritable kid. Thought it felt oddly nostalgic for some reason, but it’s because he’s kinda like Shige when I first met him, huh.)

Taiga: (Even if he was the one at a disadvantage, I’d make my fists do the talking whenever I was with him and he didn’t show an ounce of courtesy. Well, normally you shouldn’t be able to do this to other people’s kids to begin with…) 

Taiga: (Whether it’s putting people in place with words, or by steadily knocking sense into them, Fushimi-san must have it rough.)

Taiga: …Well. None of my business

I sat down on the sofa, and it was as if my body remembered how tired it was with how heavy I suddenly felt. 

Taiga: (...I’m beat…)

My eyes wandered around the room absent-mindedly. It was a thoroughly cleaned and tidy office. Not only is it clean, but the air’s nice too. A proper workplace maintained and established by respectable people.

A place I don’t deserve to be in.

Taiga: (...From the beginning. From then I knew.)

My consciousness yielded to the drowsiness that came back, and faded away in the blink of an eye. Sounds I could faintly hear became distant little by little, and eventually it was quiet.

But then—

“…san…”

“...Tsukimoto-san, c’mon.”

Taiga: …?

Someone called out my name.

Taiga: …Ngh…

Taiga: (...Huh. A blanket? Where did I—)

Haruhi: Oh. You’re awake.

Taiga: Aah.. Ichikawa-kun….

Taiga: …Huh?

Haruhi: Still half asleep, aren't cha

Taiga: …Whahtuh—!?

Haruhi: Wha?

Taiga: (Why, is Ichikawa-kun…!?)

Navigation Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 (x) / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 -> Next chapter <- Previous chapter Masterpost

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 6

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Sei: …I see. That’s how it was.

Sei: That’s what’s been weighing on your mind. Tsukimoto-kun.

Okiya-san had listened to my story until the very end, and paused there for a little while. And then, he said the following with a gentle smile on his face.

Sei: Tsukimoto-kun, do you think the reason I lended this room to you was out of “sympathy”?

Taiga: …Huh?

Sei: Or perhaps, do you think it is too much for one person to live alone in this house, so in order to bury the desolation that comes with it, I invited you and Ichikawa-kun?

Taiga: Uh, no. I wasn’t thinking about it like that.

Sei: Then I’m glad. Both of those aren’t the reason why.

Sei: What I simply thought was, what if this place could become indispensable for you two.

Taiga: (An indispensable place…)

Sei: Let’s live together as a family, open your hearts and treat it as your very own home― is not the intention behind my words.

Sei: Both of you have your own family that you treasure. There is no need for make-believe, is there.

Sei: Although, it is precisely because of that― That we can become good friends.

Taiga: …Friends?

Sei: Yes. Not family, not mutual patrons. Friends. 

Taiga: ……

Sei: You, and Ichikawa-kun, and naturally me too, all have something that we lack. I believe it would be nice if we could live together in the way that we overlook each other, rather than compensating for each other.

Sei: No one is responsible for anyone else, each living their own life under one shared roof.

Sei: Ofcourse, I am not forcing you to do so. None of you will get locked up with the key tossed away, so please live wherever you would like to live. 

Sei: All I can do is merely hope that it will be in this very house.

Taiga: …Thank you very much.

Sei: My pleasure.

While looking at Okiya-san who delivered these words with a gentle smile, I feel like I understood all over again as to why someone from a different department like him was chosen to look after me and Ichikawa-kun.

Taiga: (...He has the ability to be entrusted with the role of “looking after others”.)

Without crossing any drawn lines, without prodding around unprovoked. While showing that there’s “a hand to lend out”, just being here is all there is to it. The fact that this is the kind of distance I had wished for, was surely something that he realized by now.

Sei: Now then, both of us had one too many drinks for today. Let us call it a night around here. 

Sei: The problem is…

Taiga: ?

Sei: How do I prepare myself to leave this paradise, that is.

Taiga: …Haha. Saying that with such a serious look. Okiya-san, are you the type who gets glued to the kotatsu?

Sei: Indeed. I would like to stay as is until spring comes, if possible.

Sei: I regret I didn’t turn on the heating in my room before settling down here.

Taiga: Should I go turn it on for you?

Sei: No, no need to go that far. That one must take responsibility for their own mistakes is something people say for a reason. 

Taiga: Now you’re overexaggerating.

Sei: You think so?

Taiga: Yeah.

Sei: Is that so? So what one needs is not glasses, but a mirror.

Taiga: …? What’s this about?

Sei: It is not your eyesight failing, but rather a matter of your point of view. Along these lines.

Sei: Fufu… Living a good life, is after all, something considerably beyond one’s control. 

Sei: Yet— that is exactly why it’s beloved, isn’t it. 

I wasn’t able to understand the full extent of Okiya-san’s musings. And I didn’t think it was only because of the alcohol getting to my head. Believing that each word had something woven into them, even without fully grasping it, I put said words into my head as is to avoid breaking their shape as much as possible. 

I want to spend time on them, repeatedly touching back upon them, to come to understand them.

A few days after that peaceful evening.

On the night before Christmas Eve, something happened.

—Something I caused.

Taiga: …..

—Knock knock.

Sei: It’s Okiya

Taiga: Yes? Come in.

Sei: Ah, good. You weren’t asleep? 

Taiga: Yeah, not at all… Ah.

Taiga: (Coffee…)

Sei: It’s getting even colder tonight. Which is why I brewed a little more than usual, and wondered if you would like some.

Taiga: Sorry for the trouble and thanks. I appreciate it.

Sei: Are you fine with it being black?

Taiga: Yes.

Taiga: …..

Sei: Ichikawa-kun—

Taiga: !

Sei: Is quite a bit late tonight, isn’t he. Have you heard anything from him?

Taiga: …No. Not in particular.

It was around 2 o’clock in the afternoon when he said some of the equipment he uses for work wasn’t working as well, so he’ll go out to do some shopping. 

I don’t know how far he went to buy whatever he needed, but it’s the first time he hadn’t returned back home at this hour. Even though the rain that had been going on since dusk stopped a little while ago, it wasn’t even close to 5 degrees outside. 

Taiga: (Wouldn’t be a problem if he was in some restaurant, or at someone’s house, but—)

—...Click.

Sei & Taiga: !

Hearing that sound, Okiya-san and I looked in the same direction.

It was certainly Ichikawa-kun’s voice you could somewhat hear coming through the door that was partially left open. 

Sei: What a relief. Speak of the devil, as they say.

Taiga: ….Right. Oh, is that Kanno-kun too?

Sei: Oh my, indeed. So they were together.

Haruhi: ….’m baaack. Okiya-san, you awake?

Sei: Welcome back. I’m on the second floor, I’m heading down right now.

Seeing off Okiya-san who left the room after he replied, I automatically let out a sigh of relief. 

However—

Sei: —What in the world has happened to you two…?

Taiga: …?

Haruhi: …Thought I was gonna freeze to death for real.

Sei: The bath is being filled with hot water right now.. For the time being, please wipe yourselves off properly and then go warm up in the kotatsu. Once the disinfection has been taken care of, we’ll do the rest of the treatment once you're out of the bath. 

Sei: Now, here you go. I’ve put sugar and milk in Kanno-kun’s cup.

Yuragi: Thanks

Taiga: (...What…?)

Okiya-san’s surprised voice had caught my attention a little, so I headed downstairs.

The moment I saw Ichikawa-kun and Kanno-kun just as they were about to get into the kotatsu, I was left speechless.

Yuragi: Taiga

Haruhi: Eh? Aah…

Both had a bath towel draped over them, probably from being caught in the rain. Their clothes were awfully dirty, and looking closer, both had fresh wounds on their hands and cheeks. To make it worse, the knees of Kanno-kun’s pants were stained a reddish brown.

Taiga: What’s the meaning of this…! What happened? Are you hurt?

Yuragi: …This is—

Haruhi: Nothing.

Taiga: !

Haruhi: Got caught in the rain, messed around and just tumbled over.

Taiga: Just tumbled over…?

Yuragi: Haruhi.

Haruhi: S’fine.

Taiga: Seriously, what happened?

Yuragi: …Taiga?

Sei: …..

I haven’t told anyone about this place. That other place is irrelevant to me to begin with.

Taiga: (...”So, if it’s no problem just for a little while longer until I leave”?)

A murderous impulse towards myself welled up within me for not having learned my lesson and thinking so naively. The more you don’t want to think about it, the more it will weigh on your mind instead.

Don’t tell me, by any chance—

That this is my fault again. 

Haruhi: … Even if you ask again, I’ll answer the same, y’know.

Haruhi: It’s nothing.

Taiga: …No way in hell it’s just nothing!

Haruhi: !

Yuragi: …!

Taiga: I’m asking because I don’t believe that Kanno-kun, who was worried that much about you the other day, would be someone to mess around to the point of hurting himself and you of all people. 

Haruhi: ……

Taiga: Even if there was genuinely nothing to it, what’s with this attitude of just ending the conversion all on your own—

Taiga: (...What was that?)

There was a sound of something falling over with a clack, and then a few moments after that I felt something weakly pulling from behind.

Kanno-kun had grabbed my clothes as he was looking down.

Yuragi: Stop it.

Haruhi: …Yuragi?

Yuragi: It’s my fault. Don’t be mad at Haruhi.

Taiga: (...Ah.)

Yuragi: Sorry.

The realisation of how his hand and his voice was trembling made my blood run cold, and I recollected myself.

Yuragi: I’m sorry…

Sei: Kanno-kun. It’s okay.

Haruhi: …..

Taiga: (...Aaah.)

Watching the coffee from the cup spreading out on the kotatsu, the thought of how I can’t take any of this back crossed my mind. 

Taiga: …Sorry.

Taiga: I’ll go cool off my head.

Navigation Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 (x) / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 -> Next chapter <- Previous chapter Masterpost

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 5

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

“It is a bit much to drink it all by myself, so I would appreciate it if you could accompany me.”

My mind drew a blank on how to properly reject Okiya-san, who invited me with a smile, so I answered just for a little bit, with the intention of heading back to my room soon. 

My mistake was that I didn’t say just for one drink, though.

And beyond my expectations, Okiya-san can hold his drink.

But I have to say― the shochu I hadn’t drank in a while was delicious to a surprising degree.

Sei: …Oh my. So this’ll be our last drink.

Taiga: Seems like it, sorry. Thanks. 

What remained of the shochu in the bottle Okiya-san was tilting, poured into my glass until the last drop. I thought to balance it out with some water, but the bucket had nothing but small fragments of ice left, so I let it be and drank it the way it was. 

Sei: I must say you know how to hold your liquor, Tsukimoto-kun. Mika-san and the others would be delighted to hear about this.

Taiga: Nah, could say the same, Okiya-san. You're looking pretty sober yourself there. And you drank during dinner too, right? 

Sei: Indeed. Which is why I’m quite drunk.

Sei: I am the type of person to get depressed when I get too drunk, which is why usually I try to keep this in mind, but who knew alcohol goes down just like water on such a delightful night.

Taiga: Depressed? Can’t imagine that.

Sei: Awfully pessimistic, I must emphasize. Although this about the current negotiation department gatherings, no one is that much of a heavy drinker in general, so neither does anyone get that drunk.

Sei: When I had barely just joined Aporia, we had the tradition of gathering together after work and having a toast, and we’d stay up until morning if we had off from work the next day. Those who were there for it back then know it all too well. 

Sei: Were it to rain tomorrow, I’d be sorrowful to the point of despair, or anxious how winter will follow suit after fall for the rest of my life. 

Sei: I once carelessly drank from a cocktail that had been diluted due to the melted ice, and I silently wept about how something so unpalatable could exist in this world. 

Taiga: Ahaha. That just makes it even more impossible to imagine. Would wanna see if it was true, although it’s kind of rude to admit that. 

Sei: As far as I’m concerned, all I can do is pray that side of me doesn’t reveal itself, if possible. Well, if we ever have another chance to drink like this again, it might be a mere matter of time.

Taiga: Right.

Sei: Time flies, doesn’t it? It’s already been three months since you two came here. 

Taiga: …..

Sei: How is it? Living here.

I laughed half-heartedly as I gulped down my drink to Okiya-san’s gentle question.

With my head getting foggy, I looked for some kind of inoffensive reply.

Taiga: It is a wonderful house. Moreover, the fact that it’s within the city centre. Okiya-san’s still young but this is pretty amazing― is what has been on my mind the entire time. 

Sei: There is nothing remarkable about that. It’s merely something I inherited from someone else.

Taiga: Is that so?

Sei: Have you heard of the name Okiya Fubuki? An author that mainly writes mystery and horror. 

Taiga: Heard of it, more like that she’s an influential figure anyone would know. Many of her works had been adapted to… 

Taiga: …Okiya?

Sei: That’s my grandmother.

Taiga: Huh!?

Sei: Just like the meaning of her first name, she is a fierce person akin to a raging blizzard. Perhaps difficult, or perhaps something else.

Sei: In exchange to obtain the talent to spin an incomparable tale with a clear mind, one could say she’s someone that threw her compassion away into a ditch of her previous life. 

Taiga: (Ditch of her previous life...)

Sei: Strangers aside, I can say with confidence she is someone that doesn’t want to get involved with family and relatives, and while it might be because I just so happened to be interested in books, she did treat me with fondness as long as I can remember. 

Sei: Before any disputes could arise around inheritance, I obtained this house by gift inter vivos. I’ve been told it’s a house she bought to serve as a workplace.

Taiga: So that’s the whole story… The matter of inheritance regarding someone who spent a whole lifetime amassing wealth, let alone individually, does seem to come with its own fair share of complicated issues. 

Taiga: To prevent you from getting swallowed up in all the trouble. you could say it’s a testimony of love from your grandmother. This entire house, I mean. 

Sei: Love… Fufu, indeed.

Sei: However, rather than not getting involved, I think it’s simply more along the lines of, “I don’t want to concern myself with it, but I’ll need a bystander regarding everything that goes hand in hand with chaos.” and “If you make me, then somebody will do.”

Sei: So no other candidates fit the bill besides me, I believe. 

Taiga: Ah, sorry for that. Rather than love, it’s more like from a place of trust.

Sei: ...You have a wonderful way with words.

Taiga: Eh? Haha… Nah, just drunk. Sorry, acted as if I knew what I’m rambling about.

Sei: Not at all. I’m delighted.

Sei: To hear something like that from someone as straightforward as you, I feel like I have become a little bit more worthy myself.

Taiga: It’s not just a feeling, you are a respectable person. 

Sei: It’s an honor.

Taiga: …Seriously though. You’re barely any older than me, and yet you’re completely different than me.

Sei: Tsukimoto-kun, from what I see you’re quite the respectable man yourself. 

Taiga: As if. I have nothing that I can be proud of to other people.

Sei: My my. What an awfully low self-assessment. 

Taiga: I’m the kind of human who has trouble renting one single room. Let alone owning a house.

Sei: Finding one is a matter of luck being in your favor. As I said before, searching for a suitable place is something that takes some time, after all. 

Taiga: …Okiya-san, you probably already know about it. My birthplace, that is.

Sei: ….Well then.

Without a yes or a no, Okiya-san put down his glass. 

Even though I felt my mood fading away and growing colder, my loose lips let all of my hazy thoughts slip, spilling all the unnecessary stuff out.

I noticed I was drunker than I thought, but unfortunately it was too late. 

Taiga: It wasn’t like I was lost within my own ideals. It’s just, if I’ll be causing trouble wherever I go, nowhere was all I could choose.

Sei: …The trouble being, the relations to your family?

Taiga: (Aah. Knew he’d ask.)

Taiga: …There was a guy I’d feed. Every once in a while.

Sei: Make him meals, you mean?

Taiga: Was a guy I’ve been looking after since middle school, and even if I cut ties with that place, he’s still always worrying about me, and he’d come to restlessly aim around nearby. Alright fine, come get your food and head back home― I’d tell him. And then I’d bring him to my room. 

Taiga: Anyway he’s a cocky guy, all he knows is to snap at other people, except for me. That’s why he wasn’t able to get along well with those around him.

Sei: I’d say you still see him as your cute little brother, Tsukimoto-kun.

Taiga: …But, it’s clear as day he’s someone from that bunch. Rumors of that ended up spreading around from somewhere. 

Taiga: “That’s horrifying”― People who lived in that apartment building for years moved away, with that being the reason.

Sei: ….. And that’s why you also moved.

Taiga: Yeah.

I didn’t know. I didn’t realize. “I’m already different” is what I selfishly claimed.

Only being there frightened people, made them avoid me. An existence that harms other people’s peaceful lives―

Can’t even say how much I regret the realization, which had come too late, that society still sees me as human connected to “that”.

Taiga: …While thinking how I cannot get involved because I’ll be a nuisance, I can’t give up on becoming the kind of “normal” that wouldn’t bother anyone. And desperately so.

Taiga: A fool that only thinks about himself, that’s what I am. That’s why I can't see what’s happening around me. Can say the same regarding Ichikawa-kun.

Taiga: It’s pathetic.

Sei: ……

Taiga: Ah… sorry. For everything I said. Must’ve ruined your enjoyment of the alcohol you looked forward to drinking!

Taiga: Anyway these were the circumstances why I couldn’t come to an agreement with the next place, so I’m deeply grateful for your offer, Okiya-san. Seriously. 

Taiga: In the end I took advantage of your kindness and ended up staying here… As soon as I find the right place, I’ll leave at once.

Before I cause any trouble.

No matter what happens, don’t get close to what’s unnecessary.

To never destroy someone’s everyday life, someone’s happiness, without realizing I have, ever again.  

Taiga: So until then, just for a little while longer. Thank you for your continuous support. 

Sei: ……

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[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 4

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

I hurried down the stairs, and Okoge was sitting in front of the door where Ichikawa-kun wasn’t coming out of. It seemed to be patiently waiting until the door opened, without moving a single inch.

Taiga: (...It understands that Ichikawa-kun is inside, huh.)

Taiga: Can you let me take over for a little bit? Sorry.

Okoge: ….Meow.

Yuragi: Come.

Taiga: Ichikawa-kun. I’ve heard a little bit of what’s going on from Kanno-kun. Everything okay there?

Haruhi: ……….Gh…….

Taiga: (...Is he throwing up?)

Haruhi: ….eav….. me, be.

Taiga: Sorry, I can’t hear you well. What’s wrong? Is there anything you want?

Haruhi: ……

Ichikawa-kun’s words were unclear due to being separated by the door, and given how you could barely hear him holding back his nausea, my gut told me his breathing was gradually getting weaker.

Taiga: (Already 30 minutes, in this cold…) 

Taiga: …Ichikawa-kun. Sorry.

Taiga: I’m opening the door.

Yuragi: It’s locked.

Taiga: I know.

I took out the 10 yen coin I had brought from my room out of my pocket, and inserted it into the narrow gap. 

Yuragi: ….Ah,

The lock opened with a light click without needing to try too many times. 

Okoge: Meow.

Okoge leaped from Kanno-kun’s arms and rubbed itself against Ichikawa-kun. A feeble hand lowered itself with no effort, and sluggishly stroked Okoge’s head. 

Haruhi: …S’fine to just leave me be.

Taiga: ….!

Ichikawa-kun was on the floor, his mouth covered with the other hand as he slowly turned around, and I felt my own face turn pale at the sight of his being drained of color. 

Taiga: We’re going to the hospital. Maybe an ambulance is best.

Haruhi: No need… Just stop, I’m fine.

Taiga: ….Are you feeling unwell? Have you eaten anything other than what you usually eat?

Haruhi: No. Didn’t throw up, got nothing to throw up either.

Taiga: (Just the sensation, then…)

Taiga: What about hydration?

Haruhi: Hydration…? I dunno, but same as always…

Haruhi: Anyway, it’s nothing for real. Even if there was, dunno, it’s just how it is. How I am. 

Haruhi: It is what it is, kinda deal… 

Taiga: What it is?

Yuragi: …It’s not an illness, but there aren’t many days where he feels well. For Haruhi, it’s normal.

Taiga: “Normal”, huh

Haruhi: …..That’s basically it. I’m already fine. So whatever, thanks…

Taiga: …As if I can just leave it at this.

Taiga: Kanno-kun, could you get a wash bowl and a towel from the bathroom, also water from the fridge. I’m sure there's still an unopened 500ml bottle of water.

Yuragi: Got it.

Taiga: Can you stand?

Haruhi: No way.

Taiga: Alright.

Haruhi: Eh.

I raised Ichikawa-kun’s limp arm and put it around my shoulder. I held up his body with the intention of supporting him, but I felt like he floated a little instead when standing up.

Taiga: (H-he’s… light, no, just bones…? What the― does this guy even have all of his internal organs…)

Haruhi: Hold it…. wait, don’t shake me, it’ll come out.

Taiga: That’s fine. If you feel like puking, then go ahead.

Haruhi: Dude, are you stupid…? What do you think would happen if I did that right now… Seriously, lemme go.

Taiga: It’s really not a big deal. Cleaning up won’t take that much time anyway.

Taiga: More importantly, it’d be more of a problem if you stayed in such a cold place any longer while feeling unwell. If you’re struggling because you can’t throw up, just go lie down in your room for a bit.

Haruhi: …..

Taiga: If walking is too much, I’ll carry you. Which one’s easier for you?

Haruhi: ….I’ll walk. Gimme a break.

Haruhi: …Guh.

Taiga: No need to force yourself. And don’t hold back either.

I rubbed Ichikawa-kun’s back as he immediately crouched down after trying to walk on his own. I sat there quietly, my blood running cold at the sensation of his back— feeling as if I was touching his spine directly.

Yuragi: Welcome back.

Taiga: Thanks. And Ichikawa-kun is…

Haruhi: …..

Taiga: (...Good.)

It was about an hour after I made sure Ichikawa-kun had regained himself a little and went out to get groceries. Coming back to his room, Okoge was still refusing to leave his side, with Kanno-kun on the side snuggled up close. 

Taiga: Was everything okay?

Yuragi: Yeah. He drank some water little by little after. Also gave him a piece of candy he asked me for. He ate it.

Taiga: I see.

Taiga: (Was planning on taking him to the hospital if he ended up throwing up from drinking water. But, I see he’s doing okay for the time being.)

Taiga: …Kanno-kun. About how we talked about Ichikawa-kun’s condition and all earlier.

Taiga: You mentioned he doesn’t have many good days, right?

Yuragi: Yeah, he’ll feel nauseous like today, or have a headache, or stomach pain. Easily gets fevers too, sensation of anemia, vertigo… Also told me that even on days where he feels nothing like that, he’s still sluggish for some reason.

Yuragi: Been like that since forever, sounds like.

Taiga: ….Since forever.

Yuragi: Said that he doesn’t even think he feels bad anymore, too. Like, he’s used to it.

Yuragi: But… painful things are painful, if there’s anything I could do, I don’t mind at all. 

Yuragi: I don’t know, Haruhi says he’s used to it. But what I see is that he gave up.

Taiga: You mean, about his physical condition?

Yuragi: Yeah. In a way.

Yuragi: But what’s painful is telling others.

Taiga: ……

Yuragi: Even if you say it, nothing will come out of it— maybe that’s what he thinks.

Taiga: (Even if, nothing…. huh.)

Yuragi: I wanna stay over today. Can I?

Taiga: …You’ll have to ask Okiya-san if you can, but I’ll call him instead. If you’re here, I’m sure it’ll be reassuring for Ichikawa-kun. 

Yuragi: Yeah. Thanks.

Taiga: Nah. I ought to be the one thanking you.

Although he doesn’t come out of his room and I rarely see him, we had been living together for three months and I was none the wiser. Obviously I didn’t know. I wasn’t trying to find out to begin with.

All this time, while I was turning my head the other way— Just how many times had something like this happened before today.

How many times was he forced to give up, how “nothing will come out” of it even if he did say something.

Taiga: Thank you for telling me about it.

Compared to you, I’m deeply ashamed of how self-centered I am, it’s pathetic. 

Without saying anything else, I swallowed the words that would trouble Kanno-kun.

Taiga: (Ah… He’s back home.)

That night.

After almost being done with cleaning up after dinner, I heard the sound of the entrance door opening while I was washing the last pot. And shortly after, the door to the living room opened.

Taiga: Welcome back. Good work out there.

Sei: Thank you. My apologies for coming back so late.

Sei: Oh my! You brought out the kotatsu. I appreciate it.

Taiga: Yeah. I thought it would benefit Ichikawa-kun to not get cold when he comes downstairs… Though he was in his room for the entire day in the end, so I hadn’t turned it on. 

Sei: It’s not a problem. The real pleasure of the kotatsu is the process of slowly warming oneself up after all. 

Sei: How was Ichikawa-kun’s condition after that?

Taiga: Looked like he got a bit better. Once he went to bed and woke up, he was able to eat something light, and moved around without any issues. Decided I’ll keep an eye out for how he’ll be holding up tonight. 

Taiga: And Kanno-kun was by his side the entire time. I think they’re both resting at the moment.

Sei: I see. I’m truly grateful that you were around in the house today, Tsukimoto-san.

Taiga: Far from it. It’s shameful to say, but… if Kanno-kun wasn’t around, I probably wouldn’t even have been able to notice what was going on. 

Sei: …Is that so?

Sei: Whatever you may think, it is a fact that you didn’t hesitate to put your work aside and prioritize supporting Ichikawa-kun and Kanno-kun today.

Sei: I am the one who took on the role of supporting you two, however you were of great help when that was meant to be my responsibility. I cannot thank you enough for it. 

Taiga: No, I… I mean, you were quite busy yourself today, no? You’ve been in meetings the entire day since noon, including a dinner meeting.

Sei: Indeed, it was a very meaningful time. While it was someone I had met for the first time, we had quite some lively discussions about things besides work… 

Sei: Ah, that reminds me, Tsukimoto-kun. Can you drink shochu?

Taiga: ? Yeah.  I mean, it’s more along the lines that I like it. It's the one I drink the most out of all alcohol. 

Sei: My goodness. That works out perfectly. That person I mentioned had given me quite a few bottles today. From what I was told, their family are alcohol brewers.

Sei: If you don’t mind, how about we have a drink or two together. 

Taiga: Eh…?

Navigation Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 (x) / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 -> Next chapter <- Previous chapter Masterpost

[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 3

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Haruhi: ‘Morning.

Taiga: ….You say so, but aren’t you about to go to sleep, Ichikawa-kun?

Haruhi: Aaah— Yea.

Taiga: (No joke that day and night is reversed for him…)

Ichikawa-kun, whose face was white as a sheet as always, listlessly came down the stairs, made his way to the kitchen to open the fridge, and once he saw there was nothing, he closed it again. 

Taiga: …Want to eat something?

Haruhi: Eh?

Taiga: Though simple stuff is the most I can do, want me to whip up something?

Haruhi: Nah. I’m good.

He refused without hesitation despite the slightly confused look on his face, afterwards he went to grab a handful of cod roe rice crackers from the box, which was the only kind of food he always had around for himself, and left the kitchen.

Taiga: (Only two rice crackers…?)

It’s not my place to say anything. I knew that, and yet.

Ichikawa-kun’s beloved cat was rubbing against his legs, and once again, I had caught a glimpse of his legs that were almost no different than toothpicks, peeking out from under the hem of his pants—

Taiga: …!

Before I even realized what I was doing, I called out to him again.

Taiga: Cod roe!?

Haruhi: Huh?

Taiga: Ah… Ichikawa-kun, do you happen to like it. Um, cod roe.

Haruhi: ……..?

Haruhi: I guess……..

Taiga: …Right… Cod roe’s, delicious, yeah…….

Haruhi: …If you wanna eat a rice cracker, it’s no prob. Got more than enough.

Taiga: Ah, I’m sorry. That’s what I was getting at! I’m good… my bad.

Haruhi: Not like you gotta apologize. Well, whatever, cya.

Taiga: Goodnight. Sleep well.

Haruhi: Sure.

Taiga: …..

Taiga: (What did I just do… I’m so… But it’s not like I can leave it be, if that’s all he eats there’s no way it’s good for his body no matter what you think of it.)

Taiga: (I shrugged it off as something along the lines of how kids these days are just extremely thin, but when compared to Kanno-kun who’s roughly the same height and plenty thin himself, his physique still differs by a large margin— Seriously, what's up with these legs?)

Taiga: (EAT!!! Your FOOD!!! Or you’ll DIE!!!)

Taiga: ……Haaaah…

Taiga: …Cod roe, huh.

---

Haruhi: …Yaaawn... Huh.

Haruhi: (....? What’s up with this huge onigiri?)

“To Okiya-san, Ichikawa-kun: I’ve accidentally made too much for lunch, so please feel free to take your share. There’s cod roe on the inside. (All of them were made while using gloves). There’s also cod roe tarama salad and a pot of pork miso soup in the fridge, feel free to take some.” -Tsukimoto

Haruhi: ….. Aaah… 

---

Taiga: —Oh…! It works, neither does it get stuck when I open it.

Shizuka: Are the contents fine?

Taiga: Uh… um, yes! It’s okay, yeah! All the numbers I had put in until yesterday are all there. Phew, what a relief… 

Taiga: Thank you very much, you truly were a big help. 

After I “overdid it a little” while making lunch, I started working as I usually do. 

Then in the early evening the accounting system had suddenly crashed, and I couldn’t get it to work properly again no matter how many times I tried. I flipped through the entire manual I had received, but despite all my attempts, it was an error that wouldn’t go away. 

Fushimi-san accepted my message and went out of his way to adjust his plans to come over, which had taken a little less than under an hour to put everything back on track again.

Taiga: My apologies for suddenly calling you to come over while you were busy.

Shizuka: I said it when I arrived, but it’s nothing. Was just doing some work, that’s all.

Shizuka: Everything seems to be okay, but if some kind of error pops up again, just call me. I made it so I can control it remotely, and will be able to deal with it without making you wait next time. 

Taiga: Got it. I would prefer if I could avoid troubling you as much as possible, though… 

Shizuka: I do have a hunch that it also looks like a problem with the machine itself, so if anything else happens, consult Okiya-san to take a look inside.

Taiga: Okiya-san, you say?

Shizuka: That man can pick his own parts and build a whole PC from scratch all on his own.

Taiga: ! You mean that…!?

Taiga: Sorry, I had no idea

Shizuka: ? What you’re using right now seems to be a commercially available laptop. Doesn’t really matter if you didn’t… Ah.

Shizuka: Sorry if it came over as a snide remark about how you didn’t know. Wasn’t my intention.

Taiga: Ah, I meant it in the way that I should’ve talked to Okiya-san first before calling you over, Fushimi-san. My apologies for my lack of understanding.

Taiga: It seems like he’s quite busy with his translator job at the moment. When things have calmed down for him and this lil’ guy here keeps malfunctioning, I’ll ask him to look over it.

Shizuka: …I see.

Taiga:  —Are you going back by bus?

Shizuka: No, just until the station. Mika will pick me up while he’s on the way to work.

Shizuka: Alright, I’ll take my… Ah, that reminds me.

Taiga: Yes?

Shizuka: About the verdure at the entrance, who’s taking care of them?

Taiga: Verdure…? Ah, the planters at the entrance, you mean. It looks like the season for them has ended but I’m watering them, more or less.

Shizuka: Except for the flowers, these aren’t the type to wilt when the season changes. They ought to recover if you take care of them.

Taiga: ! I’m sorry, thank you so much for telling me. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I can’t say I have experience in looking after plants… 

Shizuka: Okiya-san should roughly know what has been planted there, so don’t hold back with asking.

Taiga: Ah, true. Gotcha. I’ll also try to look into it and check the parts I don’t fully grasp yet.

Shizuka: …Right.

Taiga: ….?

For some reason, Fushimi-san let out a small sigh with an indescribable expression on his face, however since he had nothing else left to say, he took his leave by excusing himself for intruding. 

Taiga: (...Still, he knew just from looking. Does that mean Fushimi-san is also knowledgeable in plants?)

Taiga: (Just the SE stuff alone must be a lot on his plate to study…)

Taiga: …Ah.

I went to the kitchen to pour some coffee and take a breather. The two plates I had put on the counter were both gone, and in return there were some notes left.

“I will happily accept these. All of the dishes were absolutely delicious. The cod roe tarama salad was especially superb, I ate a little bit too much without realizing. Thank you very much for the delightful meal.” -Okiya

Taiga: (I’m glad it seemed to be to his liking. So if this Okiya-san’s, then this one is—)

Taiga: !

There was one more note. The moment I read the first line, I felt my entire body break out in a cold sweat. 

“Sorry, can’t eat onions.”

Taiga: ….!

Taiga: (...I put them in. I put them in without thinking. In the salad, in the pork miso soup too.)

Taiga: (Agh, I should’ve asked beforehand, is it some allergy…? Would be a relief if it wasn’t anything though.)

There was no point in looking at it now, yet I opened the fridge for no real reason. Half of the salad was left in the bowl, and then the pot of miso soup was covered with a glass lid. Aside from that, a plate with two onigiri was taking up space on Ichikawa-kun’s shelf. 

Taiga: (....He went out of his way to put what he didn’t eat on his shelf, huh.)

Taiga: (Actually. If Ichikawa-kun couldn’t stomach this, Okiya-san sure ate a lot, didn’t he?) 

I re-examined Ichikawa-kun’s note.

“Sorry, can’t eat onions. The cod roe was good. I’ll eat the rest later.”

Taiga: ……

I had relentlessly put in stuff that he couldn’t eat, not to mention how it was a stupid amount, too. All of this must have been a nuisance to deal with. Yet while thinking how regretful I felt for making this much of a fuss about Ichikawa-kun, I kept reading those two notes over and over.

“Thank you very much for the delicious meal.”

“‘Was good.”

A warm sensation spreaded throughout my chest at the words I hadn’t heard in quite some time now.

I couldn’t find myself to throw these away so I took them back to my room, but as you’d expect, hanging them up where you could see them wasn’t all that manly. Instead I tucked them in a book I wouldn’t be reading for a while, and then quickly hid it away in a drawer. In order to make sure they don’t tear while opening and closing it.

—Then, on a day in the middle of December, after quite some time had passed since.

Taiga: ….

―(Knock knock)

???: Can I?

Taiga: …Yeah?

My hands stopped when I heard a voice calling out. I had a feeling it would be Kanno-kun opening the door and stepping inside.

Taiga: (This is unusual…)

Apparently, he heard about how there’s a cat being kept in this house from someone, and has been coming to visit with that in mind every now and then. Although he basically never leaves Ichikawa-kun’s room while he’s here. At the very least, there hasn’t been a single time where he went out of his way to come to me while I’m working. 

Yuragi: Sorry to bother during work.

Taiga: It’s okay, but what’s up? If it’s about today’s share of sweets, they’re in their usual spot in the kitchen.

Yuragi: I ate them. Was yummy.

Taiga: Aah….

Taiga: (Sweets aside, is there something he wants from me specifically then…?)

Yuragi: Haruhi won’t come back from the toilet.

Taiga: Eh?

Yuragi: He looked unwell since the moment I saw today. But, it’s already been 30 mins.

Yuragi: Barely responds when I call out to him, and I don’t know how to help.

Yuragi: Taiga, I want you to come.

Taiga: …!

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[akewanchan]

[Break My Case] Prequel: Soft sunlight on the deep snow - Part 2

Translation by akewanchan. Source is mobile game Break My Case.

Sei: —Thank you for your patience.

Sei: Nice to meet you. I am Okiya Sei.

Sei: I belong to the Negotiation Department in charge of Human Resources, and today I will be explaining a variety of things. I look forward to working with you.

Taiga: I’m Tsukimoto Taiga. Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule for me. Pleased to meet you.

Sei: Here, have a seat. Make yourself at home.

Taiga: Thank you.

Sei: Now then, let us begin without further ado. Please listen while looking over here.

Sei: Firstly, Aporia is separated into four different departments as you can see, however Tsukimoto-kun will be assigned to the “Administrative Division” that has been temporarily set up at the Main Office. 

Sei: ….Although I believe you have been informed about this before signing the contract.

Taiga: Yes. I’ve been briefed about that.

Sei: Two people will be assigned to this division. The other person is also a fresh recruit, a man named Ichikawa Haruhi-kun.

Sei: He will be in charge of design and public relations. As for his age, he’s one year younger than you.

Taiga: (Design and public relations… His work is completely different.)

Sei: Once both of your probation periods ends and there doesn’t seem to be any problems, a new department called the “Administrative Department” will be created around the beginning of the year, and including myself, all three of us will be transferred over there.

Taiga: Administrative department… 

Sei: Even after the transfer, the contents of your work ought to remain the same, so please be at ease. 

Taiga: Does that mean you will be transferring from the Negotiation Department?

Sei: Indeed. It’s partly because of that, that I’ll be the point of contact for both of you during this time, an exception where I'm in charge while at a different department. 

Sei: If there’s anything that’s troubling you, even if trivial, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Sei: Well then, the next point of discussion is the employee benefits.

With these words, Okiya-san tapped the tablet, and continued his explanation while going through the various slides containing all the information.

Taiga:  (—Ah.)

On the newly displayed slide where there were items summarized in an easy to understand way, one word caught my eye.

Taiga: So there’s a dorm.

Sei: ? Indeed. Unfortunately there are no vacancies as of now, however we’ve established a system that serves as support with rent instead. 

Taiga: (All rooms are taken…)

Taiga: I see… Thank you very much.

Sei: ….

Taiga: My apologies for interrupting before you had a chance to explain further.

Sei: It’s alright. Don’t worry about it.

Sei: Are you considering moving?

Taiga: ! Uh…

Sei: I was merely wondering if you were interested in moving into the dorms if there were any rooms available. 

Taiga: Ah, no, uh… right. If there were any— is what I thought.

Sei: I see. Then, if you’d like to, how about coming to the house? 

Taiga: ….House?

Sei: Although currently it’s not operating as a dorm. It’s a single-family home with vacant rooms.

Taiga: Single-family home… Uh, hold on, do you mean that this is your own house?

Sei: Indeed.

Taiga: (Wait wait wait…! The hell is this guy going on about!?)

Sei: It’s in Nakano-Sakaue, which is a little bit far from the office, however it’s one bus ride away so commuting shouldn’t pose much problems. 

Taiga: I truly appreciate the offer you’ve given me, but obviously I cannot trouble you this much… Haha…  

Taiga: (He is joking, right?)

Sei: There are three rooms on the second floor, with all of them being vacant so there’s truly no need to be that considerate. I must add, the walls, windows and doors aren’t completely soundproof but I believe they’re sufficient enough. 

Taiga: Um, I…

Sei: Ah, my apologies. It’s in the case if you’d like to, of course. It is not a problem either if you don’t think about it thoroughly, and use it as a stopgap until you find your next home.

Taiga: Eh?

Sei: Finding a fitting residence is seldom something you can quickly decide on, it is something that takes time after all.

Sei: “Live until you find the next one, and once you do, leave” has its own heaps of troubles that comes with, no?

Taiga: !

Sei: Supposing this is what’s troubling you, please don’t hold yourself back at all.

Taiga: …

Taiga: (In charge of Human Resources. Right. It’s natural that my circumstances were shared with him, so it’s not strange to think he’s able to make his guesses.)

After much hesitation, I declared my “parent’s home” when I signed down the contract.

Although I vowed to strictly adhere to the few conditions I had been presented to, it doesn’t change the fact that I am not ordinary.

Taiga: (But, even so, this guy… Is he making this proposal because he knows?)

Isn’t that frightening?

Inviting this kind of person into your own home.

Sei: Since we’re at it, I’ll try to also get in touch with Ichikawa-kun. 

Taiga: Eh.

Sei: The other day he told me he’s also planning on moving right before it was time to renew his lease, but is having some trouble finding a place that meets his requirements.

Taiga: That’s… quite the coincidence.

Taiga: (But, wait, hold on a sec. This is a bit much—)

Sei: Although it is not the same kind of work, deepening your bonds with others assigned at the same department as you is not a bad idea now, is it?

Sei: Ah, however. There is one important thing I must confirm with you, Tsukimoto-kun.

Taiga: Confirm… with me?

Sei: Tsukimoto-kun—

Sei: Are you fond of cats?

Taiga: …Cats?

Contrary to my feelings of wanting to withdraw, the day of moving out of the room I lived in came closer and closer, eventually I ended up borrowing a room from the second floor, starting my new life here.

Okiya-san, me and Ichikawa-kun, who accepted Okiya-san’s proposal around the same time as I did— the three of us. Or to be more accurate, the three of us and the one cat Ichikawa-kun owns, all of us are living together.

Taiga: (...Ichikawa-kun is the type that doesn’t hold back, huh.)

Thinking about this while I looked around the living room, which had been transformed into a suitable place for cats in such a short amount of time, I put my palms together in front of the lined up rice bowl, miso soup, lightly pickled vegetables and leftover stew from yesterday on the counter. 

Taiga: Time to dig in.

The two of them are night owls, bumping into them at this time of the day in the living room is rare. And it’s most likely neither have the habit of eating breakfast.

Ichikawa-kun has a terribly small appetite in the morning, and the shelf reserved for him in the fridge is practically always empty, and if there’s something it’s nothing but drinks. At first I thought he was the type that always buys food instead of cooking, but given how I never see him eating, let alone any signs that he had some kind of meal, has obviously started to make me a little bit worried about him. 

Taiga: (And even if he were to eat outside of the house, he doesn’t go out that much now… Well, it’s not like I am in the position to tell him that it should be better for him to eat properly.)

Taiga: (Maybe they just happened to eat that much when being together, it’s probably more normal if someone doesn’t stuff themselves like that.)

“—Yum…! This is damn delicious, young master. I could eat this for the rest of my life, yer a genius! Gimme more!”

“Looking to get iced, you lil’ brat? Eat yer grub in peace and serve yer own damn food.”

“Aaahn? Shuddup you country bumpkin of a yankee. Brat this and brat that, it don’t make much of a difference, yanno. Jealous me and young master over here are best buds?”

“The fuck’s that now!? Know yer place you worthless runt… If he’s good pals with some youngster fresh off the damn farm, then me and all the other guys here are brothers in arms with young master! Who d’ya think changed young masters diapers, huh!”

“Goddamn obvious that wasn’t you, all you can do is put on airs as if you’re the bossman ‘round here, you freakin’ aloha sharksucker.” 

“Also who cares about diapers, only know how to cling onto former glory or sumn’? What matters is right now, right here!”

“Ouch—”

Taiga: Don’t point yer chopsticks at others, you buncha morons. Sheesh, at least keep it calm while eating your grub… 

Taiga: Had enough of this so gimme yer bowl, Shige. Just how hungry are ya.

“Heheh. Enough to eat a horse!”

Taiga: …..

Taiga: !

Okoge: Meow, meow.

Haruhi: Follow me all you want, just know there’s nothing. Yawn…

Haruhi: Ah.

Taiga: …Good morning.

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