Her First Friend (初めての友人, Hajimete no Yuujin?) is the second chapter of Volume 4 of the My Happy Marriage novel.
Summary[]
Miyo dreams of a moment from her mother's past. In the dream, Sumi, who is in her early teens, appears cheerful and is playfully reprimanding Naoshi Usui for fighting again, which left his opponent hospitalized. Usui, looking like a student at the time, explains that he was merely defending himself as the other person had started the fight. As they continue their playful conversation, Miyo can sense the deep love that Naoshi has for Sumi, and it's clear that Sumi also reciprocates that affection. This dream raises questions in Miyo's mind about the nature of their relationship and whether Naoshi might be her biological father.
The day after the meeting, Miyo starts accompanying Kiyoka to work. She feels restless just sitting around while being protected and wants to contribute in some way, as well as insecure at seeing the familiar relationship between Kiyoka and Kaoruko. At first, Kiyoka refuses but eventually agrees, suggesting that Kaoruko take her on a tour of the building first. As Miyo heads off, Kiyoka grapples with his desire to keep her close but reminds himself that she's changing and he shouldn't try to control her every move.
During their tour of the building, Kaoruko shares her surprise to see Kiyoka's different behavior around Miyo compared to his usual strict demeanor at work. She suggests becoming friends, which Miyo enthusiastically accepts. They explore various areas of the building, including the kitchenette, office, records room, courtyard, main kitchen, cafeteria, and finally, the dojo. Some of them, like the kitchenette, are in a terrible state, as they were never cleaned by the soldiers. Throughout the tour, Miyo encounters soldiers who stare at her rudely and with suspicion. Kaoruko explains that women with combat-related Gifts are allowed to join the military, but they are rare, and most of them are stationed in the old capital. Female soldiers are still expected to marry and give birth to the next generation of Gift-users. In the dojo, Mukadeyama invites Kaoruko to spar with a soldier, and during the match, he warns Miyo about the soldiers' negative opinions of her as a civilian woman and a Usuba. Miyo wonders if her desire to be useful is actually selfishness on her part. Kaoruko wins the spar but faces misogynic comments from the soldiers.
Once the sun sets, Miyo and Kiyoka return home together. Yurie, having already prepared dinner, notices Miyo's fatigue and offers her a bowl of amazake. As it is already dark outside, Kiyoka suggests dropping Yurie off and insists Miyo to come along for safety. Miyo can't help but compare the way he treats her to the trust he has for Kaoruko. After safely delivering Yurie to her family, Miyo and Kiyoka walk back home together. Miyo asks him if she should stop making his lunch, as she heard the cafeteria food is delicious. Finding her question ridiculous, Kiyoka says he eat her lunches because he enjoys them, much more than any cafeteria food and encourages her to continue making them. They continue their journey hand in hand.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Miyo Saimori
- Sumi Usuba (dream)
- Naoshi Usui (dream)
- Kiyoka Kudou
- Kaoruko Jinnouchi
- Mukadeyama
- Soldier
- Yurie
Mentioned characters[]
Chapter Notes[]
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