Yajirobee (Balancing Toy) - Chapter 5
The chapter opens with Haru thinking about how she told Bonta that she likes his room and that's it's the best room in the house, while Bonta says to her that they should go and eat ramen. Haru is worried that she said something bad again to upset him. They walk out of Bonta's room and end up in another bedroom. When Haru asks if this is his parents' room, he tells her that it is and that it's a defect in the house. In order to get to his room, he has to go through his parents' room. Haru thinks that the house is interesting, but Bonta disagrees and tells her she's an idiot. Then, Haru is lying on the floor, exclaiming that there is no face in the ceiling. Bonta asks what is she doing and she explains that in their previous apartment, there were plenty of "The Scream" faces. Bonta replies that it's just the grain of wood. Haru wonders if she still a kid. She says that she used to be a little scared that they might take her away, but Seiji always stayed with her until she fell asleep. Bonta advises her not to talk about that kind of thing to others, like earlier when she said the futons were laid out next to each other, because some people will laugh. He tells her to just talk about normal things, something pure, like the sky is pretty today. Haru starts to shake with laughter, thinking that saying "the sky is pretty" doesn't really fit him. Bonta is a little put off by her laughter.
All of sudden, the door opens and someone starts shouting at Bonta about school. It's Bonta's mom. She stops shouting when she sees Haru. Haru greets the mom, saying that it's been awhile. Bonta asks his mom why she came home. His mom tells him that she came to get her insurance card because she's feeling under the weather and left work early. His mom also wants to know why Bonta is acting huffy, and he tells her that he's not. His mom goes off to find her insurance card, talking to herself, while Haru grabs Bonta's sleeve to stop him from following. Haru glares at Bonta and tells him to act more gentle towards his mom. He tells her that he is and talks about how in the past, his mom didn't want the dad smoking in front of him. Haru is surprised to hear him talking about his past since he told her that he didn't remember much. He tells her that he worried about his mom in the past. Bonta's mom joins the conversation and says that it's different. Bonta really liked his father and would copy him, even with dangerous things, and because he didn't stop, the mom got a little irritated. She then asks if Haru knows about the chocolate candy that looks like a cigarette. She says that Bonta would pretend to smoke with it. Bonta, looking annoyed, tells her that she should be embarrassed for talking about silly things. His mom smiles and agrees. Bonta starts to walk away and Haru chases after him, saying that he should go with his mom. He tells her that it's fine because his mom always goes by herself. Haru launches herself at Bonta and grabs onto him, saying that she thinks his mom will be happy if he treats her well. Bonta and his mom are both stunned. After that, Bonta and his mom are sitting at the entrance. Laughing, his mom asks if he's been fidgety lately because he's seeing Haru again. She says that she's been worried that he may leave their house. She starts to tell him something...
The scene changes to Seiji who looks happy because the weather is getting warmer. He and Kawabata are walking together when they see Towa. Seiji greets Towa and asks him if he cut his hair. Towa replies back that he did a little. Towa apologizes to Seiji, saying that he thought Seiji was Haru's older brother instead of Haru's dad and that his mom told him that Seiji would get angry about it. Seiji brushes his comments off. Towa thinks that Seiji is strange because he's seems happy about it. Towa tells Seiji that he and his mom also get mistaken as siblings. Seiji asks how she's doing and Towa replies that she went to the beauty shop before coming over because she wants to look pretty. Towa jokes around, saying that he's more pretty and that she can't win. Seiji just laughs but stops suddenly and tells Towa not to move. Right next to Towa's foot is a four-leaf clover. It's the first time that Seiji has seen a real one. Seiji picks up the four-leaf clover and says that the clover flowers will bloom soon. Towa agrees. Seiji tells Towa that he's going to make a stop before continuing on, and Towa asks where Haru is.
Bonta and Haru are at their old apartment building. Bonta mentions that the building looks really run down and Haru agrees. She says that if the place gets cleaned up, it would actually look fresh. Bonta apologizes for bringing her to see the apartment, but she says that it's okay because it's kind of nostalgic. He replies that it's too early to get nostalgic. He goes on to say that it seems that his mother is pregnant, so he's going to have a sibling. Bonta really likes kids, so normally he would be happy about it, but it's still a shock. Haru puts her arm around his shoulder and gives him a hug from the side. Bonta mentions that the age gap between him and his sibling-to-be will be around the same age difference as Seiji and Haru. Flustered, Haru wonders why he's using that as a comparison. He asks her if she knows how it is for a guy to raise a child. He says that he will be the one to look after his brother or sister from now and that his dad doesn't even know about the pregnancy yet. She starts to ask him about his dad, but he cuts her off and says that his dad is still "Inoue" and that he will talk to his dad about it today. He thinks that his mom is using the pregnancy as a motive to reconcile with his dad, but it doesn't really bother him if this is the last time she manipulates him. He also hopes that his parents stay healthy because it's troublesome to look after old people and he hopes they figure out quickly what they want to do with the house in the future. Bonta then changes the subject and talks about their former landlord and how he always dressed in carpenter clothes. Haru giggles. He tells her to stop laughing because it's rude and he doesn't get the meaning. Haru responds that it's because he suddenly started talking about nostalgic things. Suddenly someone calls out to them. It's their former landlord, dressed in carpenter clothes. He tells that that it's good timing because he has something he wants to give to Haru. Bonta starts to laugh and says that it's no good and leaves for his part-time job as Haru starts to protest. The landlord tells her to come to his apartment, while Bonta smiles and tells her, "good luck". Haru is happy that Bonta talked with her about many things and by just being there with him, she feels reassured. The landlord asks Haru how Seiji is doing and says that he feels bad about evicting them from the apartment. She tells him that they're fine, and the landlord gives her pictures that he took of the place before it gets demolished. Haru then wonders if she can exist like that for Seiji.
Bonta's dad is taking a smoke break with a co-worker. He suddenly notices that the cigarettes aren't real, but chocolate. He bursts out laughing and the co-workers want to know what's wrong. He tells them it's nothing. When Haru meets up with Towa, he tells her that she's late. He smiles and says that the weather is nice today and that he likes springtime. Haru gives Chie's good luck charm to Towa and tells him that she's returning it and he should hold on to it instead. He replies that he has exams next, so it makes sense. Haru mutters that isn't what she meant. They look at the crowd of people under the cherry blossom trees and remark that lively is better. They see Seiji, Chie, and Kawabata. Haru mentions to Towa that his mom is beautiful and then wonders why she said that. Towa replies that Seiji is a kind person. They exchange phone number. He then gives her a comic book, but she says that it was hers to begin with. He's surprised to discover that she's born in the summer since he thought that it was in the spring. He tells her that the name "Haru" is cute. Haru blushes and says that "Towa" is a nice name, too, while he laughs. Haru thinks that Towa is weak, but a good guy. Towa tells her that he's happy so he will give her one more thing. He reaches forward and tucks a flower behind her ear, saying that a clover is a promise that a flower will bloom. Haru realizes that kind people tend to gather around Seiji.
Chie peeks around the tree and calls out to Haru. Chie tells Haru that she looks different with her hair tied but thinks it's cute. Chie asks Haru if she's interested in cosmetics. She hands Haru a bag and tells her not to say anything to Seiji since guys don't understand. Haru thanks her. Chie notices the camera that Haru is holding and comments that it looks expensive. Haru tells her Seiji said that anything was fine, so she got the camera from him. Haru then asks Chie if she's being kind to her because Haru is a special person to Seiji. When Chie said earlier that she was a good-for-nothing woman, was that the reason, because Haru doesn't think so. Chie just stares at Haru and then pulls at Haru's cheeks and plays with her hair. Chie then sighs and says that she gives up. She completely dug a hole for herself. Chie explains that it's true she used to like Seiji but she was rejected and he already had a girlfriend. Right now, she's happy. Chie says that she's a people-pleaser, so even in front of someone she used to like, she wants to look good which can mean various things and can be misunderstood. She's sorry for that. Haru wonders if the feeling of liking someone goes away with time and Chie replies that it probably depends on the situation. Haru tells Chie that she just learned that after being apart, once people get back together, there's the possibility that they can create a child. Chie is shocked. Haru thinks to herself that although she wants Seiji to know, there is one thing she doesn't want him to find out. Chie continues to talk to Haru and says that she thinks the reason why she was rejected was probably because Haru's mother was Seiji's girlfriend. Chie feels that she has something to teach Haru going forward. Haru feels that guys really cherish memories. Chie says that if Haru can at least understand that, then she's already becoming a little more like an adult. Haru feels that love seems difficult, and Chie is worried about Haru. Chie thinks that once Towa is aware of it, it will be troubling.
Seiji is on the phone, talking with his father about the grandmother. After he gets off the phone, Haru asks about the grandmother. Seiji tells her that his grandmother strained her back, so he's going to visit her after work tomorrow. He tells her that his grandmother doesn't get sick, so she should live a long time. However, if he doesn't go to see her, she will pester him about it. Haru stares at Seiji and then blushes, saying that when it becomes summer, she's going to ask Seiji's grandfather for a favor. That if he happens to see her mom, please tell her thanks. Seiji looks at her, stunned. Haru wonders if Seiji's grandfather will listen. She wants her mom to hear. The things she's learning about that she didn't know about her mom. The things that she can do going forward.
The chapter opens with Haru thinking about how she told Bonta that she likes his room and that's it's the best room in the house, while Bonta says to her that they should go and eat ramen. Haru is worried that she said something bad again to upset him. They walk out of Bonta's room and end up in another bedroom. When Haru asks if this is his parents' room, he tells her that it is and that it's a defect in the house. In order to get to his room, he has to go through his parents' room. Haru thinks that the house is interesting, but Bonta disagrees and tells her she's an idiot. Then, Haru is lying on the floor, exclaiming that there is no face in the ceiling. Bonta asks what is she doing and she explains that in their previous apartment, there were plenty of "The Scream" faces. Bonta replies that it's just the grain of wood. Haru wonders if she still a kid. She says that she used to be a little scared that they might take her away, but Seiji always stayed with her until she fell asleep. Bonta advises her not to talk about that kind of thing to others, like earlier when she said the futons were laid out next to each other, because some people will laugh. He tells her to just talk about normal things, something pure, like the sky is pretty today. Haru starts to shake with laughter, thinking that saying "the sky is pretty" doesn't really fit him. Bonta is a little put off by her laughter.
All of sudden, the door opens and someone starts shouting at Bonta about school. It's Bonta's mom. She stops shouting when she sees Haru. Haru greets the mom, saying that it's been awhile. Bonta asks his mom why she came home. His mom tells him that she came to get her insurance card because she's feeling under the weather and left work early. His mom also wants to know why Bonta is acting huffy, and he tells her that he's not. His mom goes off to find her insurance card, talking to herself, while Haru grabs Bonta's sleeve to stop him from following. Haru glares at Bonta and tells him to act more gentle towards his mom. He tells her that he is and talks about how in the past, his mom didn't want the dad smoking in front of him. Haru is surprised to hear him talking about his past since he told her that he didn't remember much. He tells her that he worried about his mom in the past. Bonta's mom joins the conversation and says that it's different. Bonta really liked his father and would copy him, even with dangerous things, and because he didn't stop, the mom got a little irritated. She then asks if Haru knows about the chocolate candy that looks like a cigarette. She says that Bonta would pretend to smoke with it. Bonta, looking annoyed, tells her that she should be embarrassed for talking about silly things. His mom smiles and agrees. Bonta starts to walk away and Haru chases after him, saying that he should go with his mom. He tells her that it's fine because his mom always goes by herself. Haru launches herself at Bonta and grabs onto him, saying that she thinks his mom will be happy if he treats her well. Bonta and his mom are both stunned. After that, Bonta and his mom are sitting at the entrance. Laughing, his mom asks if he's been fidgety lately because he's seeing Haru again. She says that she's been worried that he may leave their house. She starts to tell him something...
The scene changes to Seiji who looks happy because the weather is getting warmer. He and Kawabata are walking together when they see Towa. Seiji greets Towa and asks him if he cut his hair. Towa replies back that he did a little. Towa apologizes to Seiji, saying that he thought Seiji was Haru's older brother instead of Haru's dad and that his mom told him that Seiji would get angry about it. Seiji brushes his comments off. Towa thinks that Seiji is strange because he's seems happy about it. Towa tells Seiji that he and his mom also get mistaken as siblings. Seiji asks how she's doing and Towa replies that she went to the beauty shop before coming over because she wants to look pretty. Towa jokes around, saying that he's more pretty and that she can't win. Seiji just laughs but stops suddenly and tells Towa not to move. Right next to Towa's foot is a four-leaf clover. It's the first time that Seiji has seen a real one. Seiji picks up the four-leaf clover and says that the clover flowers will bloom soon. Towa agrees. Seiji tells Towa that he's going to make a stop before continuing on, and Towa asks where Haru is.
Bonta and Haru are at their old apartment building. Bonta mentions that the building looks really run down and Haru agrees. She says that if the place gets cleaned up, it would actually look fresh. Bonta apologizes for bringing her to see the apartment, but she says that it's okay because it's kind of nostalgic. He replies that it's too early to get nostalgic. He goes on to say that it seems that his mother is pregnant, so he's going to have a sibling. Bonta really likes kids, so normally he would be happy about it, but it's still a shock. Haru puts her arm around his shoulder and gives him a hug from the side. Bonta mentions that the age gap between him and his sibling-to-be will be around the same age difference as Seiji and Haru. Flustered, Haru wonders why he's using that as a comparison. He asks her if she knows how it is for a guy to raise a child. He says that he will be the one to look after his brother or sister from now and that his dad doesn't even know about the pregnancy yet. She starts to ask him about his dad, but he cuts her off and says that his dad is still "Inoue" and that he will talk to his dad about it today. He thinks that his mom is using the pregnancy as a motive to reconcile with his dad, but it doesn't really bother him if this is the last time she manipulates him. He also hopes that his parents stay healthy because it's troublesome to look after old people and he hopes they figure out quickly what they want to do with the house in the future. Bonta then changes the subject and talks about their former landlord and how he always dressed in carpenter clothes. Haru giggles. He tells her to stop laughing because it's rude and he doesn't get the meaning. Haru responds that it's because he suddenly started talking about nostalgic things. Suddenly someone calls out to them. It's their former landlord, dressed in carpenter clothes. He tells that that it's good timing because he has something he wants to give to Haru. Bonta starts to laugh and says that it's no good and leaves for his part-time job as Haru starts to protest. The landlord tells her to come to his apartment, while Bonta smiles and tells her, "good luck". Haru is happy that Bonta talked with her about many things and by just being there with him, she feels reassured. The landlord asks Haru how Seiji is doing and says that he feels bad about evicting them from the apartment. She tells him that they're fine, and the landlord gives her pictures that he took of the place before it gets demolished. Haru then wonders if she can exist like that for Seiji.
Bonta's dad is taking a smoke break with a co-worker. He suddenly notices that the cigarettes aren't real, but chocolate. He bursts out laughing and the co-workers want to know what's wrong. He tells them it's nothing. When Haru meets up with Towa, he tells her that she's late. He smiles and says that the weather is nice today and that he likes springtime. Haru gives Chie's good luck charm to Towa and tells him that she's returning it and he should hold on to it instead. He replies that he has exams next, so it makes sense. Haru mutters that isn't what she meant. They look at the crowd of people under the cherry blossom trees and remark that lively is better. They see Seiji, Chie, and Kawabata. Haru mentions to Towa that his mom is beautiful and then wonders why she said that. Towa replies that Seiji is a kind person. They exchange phone number. He then gives her a comic book, but she says that it was hers to begin with. He's surprised to discover that she's born in the summer since he thought that it was in the spring. He tells her that the name "Haru" is cute. Haru blushes and says that "Towa" is a nice name, too, while he laughs. Haru thinks that Towa is weak, but a good guy. Towa tells her that he's happy so he will give her one more thing. He reaches forward and tucks a flower behind her ear, saying that a clover is a promise that a flower will bloom. Haru realizes that kind people tend to gather around Seiji.
Chie peeks around the tree and calls out to Haru. Chie tells Haru that she looks different with her hair tied but thinks it's cute. Chie asks Haru if she's interested in cosmetics. She hands Haru a bag and tells her not to say anything to Seiji since guys don't understand. Haru thanks her. Chie notices the camera that Haru is holding and comments that it looks expensive. Haru tells her Seiji said that anything was fine, so she got the camera from him. Haru then asks Chie if she's being kind to her because Haru is a special person to Seiji. When Chie said earlier that she was a good-for-nothing woman, was that the reason, because Haru doesn't think so. Chie just stares at Haru and then pulls at Haru's cheeks and plays with her hair. Chie then sighs and says that she gives up. She completely dug a hole for herself. Chie explains that it's true she used to like Seiji but she was rejected and he already had a girlfriend. Right now, she's happy. Chie says that she's a people-pleaser, so even in front of someone she used to like, she wants to look good which can mean various things and can be misunderstood. She's sorry for that. Haru wonders if the feeling of liking someone goes away with time and Chie replies that it probably depends on the situation. Haru tells Chie that she just learned that after being apart, once people get back together, there's the possibility that they can create a child. Chie is shocked. Haru thinks to herself that although she wants Seiji to know, there is one thing she doesn't want him to find out. Chie continues to talk to Haru and says that she thinks the reason why she was rejected was probably because Haru's mother was Seiji's girlfriend. Chie feels that she has something to teach Haru going forward. Haru feels that guys really cherish memories. Chie says that if Haru can at least understand that, then she's already becoming a little more like an adult. Haru feels that love seems difficult, and Chie is worried about Haru. Chie thinks that once Towa is aware of it, it will be troubling.
Seiji is on the phone, talking with his father about the grandmother. After he gets off the phone, Haru asks about the grandmother. Seiji tells her that his grandmother strained her back, so he's going to visit her after work tomorrow. He tells her that his grandmother doesn't get sick, so she should live a long time. However, if he doesn't go to see her, she will pester him about it. Haru stares at Seiji and then blushes, saying that when it becomes summer, she's going to ask Seiji's grandfather for a favor. That if he happens to see her mom, please tell her thanks. Seiji looks at her, stunned. Haru wonders if Seiji's grandfather will listen. She wants her mom to hear. The things she's learning about that she didn't know about her mom. The things that she can do going forward.