Chapter 57 New Year’s Love and Secret Sorrows: Hirokazu’s Emotional Journey
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I was moving rhythmically above Manami. “Hirokazu-san… it’s so intense… Mana is going… No… I can’t stop…” She gasped as I quickened my pace. “No, no, no… I’m going!” Manami arched her back beneath me, letting out a sharp cry. At that exact moment, I released a heavy surge into the condom. We lay there, limbs tangled on the bed, our breathing heavy and synchronized in the quiet room.
”Oh, Hirokazu-san, Happy New Year,” she whispered. I blinked at my phone. “Wow, you’re right. Happy New Year, Manami. Let’s make this a great one.” Messages flooded in from Yuzuki, Emily, Kotoha-chan, and surprisingly, Mitsuhiko. Manami had begged for a New Year’s release, wanting to be filled as the clock struck twelve, but life isn’t a movie. We were still going strong well past midnight. “We crossed into the new year while still connected,” she giggled. I kissed her, thinking it was a good omen.
Since my parents passed away less than a year ago, I was technically in mourning. I sent polite replies to the girls, but to Mitsuhiko, I joked, “I’m in mourning, you know.” He apologized immediately but said he had something to discuss. We agreed to meet on the 3rd. Since I hadn’t introduced Manami to his mother yet, I decided she should come along. It was rare for Mitsuhiko to ask for advice.
Later that morning—well, today—we were set to visit Manami’s family. We shared a quick shower and fell into a deep sleep. When we woke, Manami insisted on wearing the kimono Yoshimi-san had gifted her. Seeing her dress herself, I realized again she was a super high school girl. However, my plan to go by bike was ruined by the silk layers; we had to take a taxi with Bogie¹ instead.
Manami’s mother was a woman of sense. She didn’t say “Happy New Year” and scolded Manami for wanting to go to a shrine while the family was in mourning. I had to explain the tradition to a confused Manami. “I’m sorry for not raising her better,” her mother sighed. I smiled, noting that she can’t help what she hasn’t experienced. Her mother fixed Manami’s kimono with a stern but loving hand. Watching them, I felt a pang of envy; I missed having someone to scold me like that. We spent the day eating Osechi² and Zouni³.
On the 3rd, we visited Mitsuhiko. His mother bowed repeatedly, asking Manami to look after ‘Hiro-chan.’ She felt like my own mother, and I felt tears stinging my eyes. Then, Mitsuhiko pulled us to his room. He looked deadly serious. “Does Miyama-san have a boyfriend?” he asked. My heart sank. He had fallen for Yuzuki. “Yuzuki has a boyfriend,” Manami answered firmly. Knowing that boyfriend was me, I could only apologize to my friend in my head.
After winter break, we held the First Anniversary Memorial Service⁴ for my parents. Yoshimi-san came all the way from her inn. She and Manami’s mother hit it off immediately, even planning a trip to her inn once I pass my university exams. “It’ll be a honeymoon for Hirokazu and Manami too!” Yoshimi chirped. Manami pouted about a honeymoon with her mom, so I promised her a private trip during Golden Week. That cheered her up instantly. Before leaving, Yoshimi-san signed the marriage registration form Watanabe-sensei had given me. Now, all we had to do was wait for graduation.
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Summary:
Hirokazu and Manami ring in the New Year with an intimate night before navigating family traditions. They visit Manami’s mother, where Hirokazu reflects on his lost parents while watching Manami get scolded. Later, they visit Mitsuhiko, who reveals a crush on Yuzuki, unaware that Hirokazu is her secret boyfriend. The chapter concludes with the parents’ one-year memorial service and the final signature on their marriage license.
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Character Insight:
Hirokazu’s growth is visible in his quiet endurance of grief. He finds comfort in the ‘normalcy’ of Manami’s family dynamics, even finding beauty in her being scolded because it represents the maternal guidance he no longer has. However, his loyalty is tested as he remains silent about his relationship with Yuzuki when his best friend Mitsuhiko confesses his feelings for her.
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Behind the Scene:
The author notes that it has been one month since the first posting, celebrating over 8,000 unique views and nearly 150 bookmarks. The chapter emphasizes the Japanese New Year customs of ‘Mochu’ (mourning) where celebratory greetings are avoided.
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T/L:
Notes:
• Mitsuhiko – The protagonist’s childhood friend. Hirokazu’s childhood best friend who attends a different high school known for baseball. He’s a good-natured jock and one of the few people who truly understands Hirokazu.
• Kotoha – Junior high school student, middle school 3rd year (short height). Daughter of Watanabe-sensei. Energetic, playful, short hair in a ponytail.
• Yoshimi – Inn proprietress, wearing a kimono, demure woman. Hiro’s childhood friend’s mother.
• Bogie – A dog whose name is inspired by Humphrey Bogart and serves as a convenient reason for Mana and Hiro to spend time together outside.
• Watanabe – The protagonist’s guardian. He is a lawyer who is skilled at dealing with difficult people and has a history with Yabuta’s father.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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