An after-rain with a rainbow - Episode 1

"That's not what I meant. I said that I haven’t made headway yet. I mean, aren't you in a similar situation? Can you not look down on me?"

Author: Kanata Haruka

Characters: Izumi, Shu

Season: Winter

Izumi: Huh... Is that... Shu by any chance?

Shu: Is that you, Sena? Have you also just gotten off the plane, or are you on your way back to Florence?

Izumi: I've just returned from Florence. So I premuse you’ve just returned from France?

Shu: That's right, I'm waiting for the Shuttle Bus here.

Izumi: Hmm. In that case, I'll wait next to you. I never imagined meeting Itsuki at a place like this.

Shu: I could say the same to you, but I keep seeing you whenever I return to Japan.

Izumi: I just returned to Japan due to a new job. Seriously, I wish they’d just let me concentrate on work abroad...

Shu: Is it rude to suggest that you pick a job, then?

Didn’t you say that you now know your place in the modeling world?

Izumi: That's not what I meant. I said that I haven’t made headway yet. I mean, aren't you in a similar situation? Can you not look down on me?

Shu: Excuse me then, it’s true I am in no place to speak for others on that.

Izumi: Haa, seems you really have mellowed out quite a bit. It's fine; I'll forgive you for your honesty.

So, it seems you’ve also returned here for work, huh?

Shu: Yes, I have a small job here. I’ll be flying back to Paris after about a week.

Izumi: Almost the same length of stay (as me), huh? It's tough when you're called in so often, even for work.

Shu: I agree. I'm still dealing with jet lag. After so many trips back and forth, my body is unable to adjust to the different time zones.

However, I have no intention of neglecting work for that reason. On the other hand, after so many travels to Japan, the decision of whether or not to purchase a souvenir has become a source of worry for me.

Izumi: Ah~ Didn’t you mention attending a salon before? Is that where you’re bringing souvenirs to??

Shu: Yes. However, there is no souvenir culture in France. In this country’s culture, you are to bring a gift when you are invited to a friend/acquaintance’s house.

I joined a salon where art lovers gather. So, I’m expected to bring a souvenir with me to the salon with a certain sense of style and taste.

As a result, whenever I visit my home country, I’ve bought numerous souvenirs that Japan is proud of Japan’s pride. The difficulties of choosing goods are gradually increasing.

Izumi: I know that feeling too. I feel like I have to buy something better than the one I brought before.

But if you feel so obligated, why not buy it in Paris?

I used to buy souvenirs for those in "Knights" whenever I felt like it. I don't want them to think it's a regular thing, so I've been refraining from doing it too often.

Even if I don't buy any, there are some strange souvenirs that Leo-kun buys out of curiosity.

Shu: Hm, I'm sure you'll be fine with that, but I don't think I'm sure you might be satisfied with that, but I can’t say the same for me..

My friends in Paris are really interested in Japanese culture and are excited to see what I bring next.

It’s strange for me to say myself/I might not be the right person to say this, but I believe it's because of it, I’ve been able to grow my relationships in Paris, despite not having many opportunities to interact with other people.

Considering this, I can't refrain from buying souvenirs when I return home. Although I don't want to waste too much of my time on this.

Izumi: I see. I understand the situation, but I never expected you to be so mindful about other people…𝅘𝅥𝅮

Shu: What are you grinning about? Stop it, it'll damage your beautiful face.

Izumi: The fact that I have a beautiful face won’t change no matter how much I smile. Don't tell me I’ll ruin what can’t be ruined.

Either way, so a souvenir, huh? If you're interested in Japanese culture, souvenirs that reflect that would be great.

Izumi: It’s shocking how little I can come up with. Every time I go souvenir shopping, I realize how little I know about Japan.

Even if it is your own culture, there are many things you don’t understand unless you study it again. It might be best to ask someone who’s well-versed in Japanese culture.

Shu: Do you have any idea who such a person might be?

Izumi: Hmm… Thinking back from when we co-starred in [Midnight Butlers], maybe Kanzaki might be a good choice?

If I recall properly, I think I heard something about him utilizing Kabuki movements for his acting after the filming.

He often uses unusual, old terminology, so I'd be surprised if he's not familiar with Japanese culture.

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Translated by: @art_herolic
Proofread by: @mika_enstars

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Pub: 22 Oct 2023 15:33 UTC
Edit: 30 Oct 2023 13:13 UTC
Views: 727