Under the blue sky, on the green grass,
I watched as Mai and Ah-nee playfully interacted with Papa-sanâs daughter.
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The delicious smell of grilling meat wafted from the grill.
Sitting alongside Papa-san, who lives in the same apartment, I sipped on juice.
Although our timing coincided, we decided to barbecue together since we had the chance.
Come to think of it, this kind of interaction might be the first since coming to America.
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At that moment, Angu Ogu joined us.
In her hands, she carried a massive chunk of meat.
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While they arrange our meat, they ask, >
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Upon seeing the colossal chunk of meat on the grill, Angu Ogu was shocked.
After trembling for a moment, he faced Papa-san.
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They argued vehemently.
It doesnât matter to me if I say that, Iâll surely get involved, so Iâll stay silent.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
In Japan, they say âNo politics and baseball talkâ, but in America, it seems to be about barbecues.
And they arenât really fighting; itâs more like playful banter.
Itâs like the mushroom and bamboo shoot war in Japan.
While smiling wryly, I was suddenly pulled by the arm.
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Papa-sanâs daughter seemed to be inviting me.
Hmm, I donât really understand how to interact with kids.
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Reluctantly, I was led away, arm in arm.
While spreading toys on the grass, the girl said, >
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What is this embarrassing play!?
Forced into a baby move by a little girl, my head was being petted.
Mai and Ah-nee, donât look at me!
Stop with the affectionate gaze!
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I sneak a glance at Ah-nee.
Usually, I wouldnât mind, but after hearing that storyâ¦
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ââ¦I see. âOkayâ it is!â
Ai-onee-chan gives a lively thumbs up.
No way, you absolutely donât understand anything!
âUm, Ah-nee? Iâm supposed to be Papa, and Ah-nee is supposed to be Mama, right?â
Unable to help it, I translate the girlâs English and convey it to them.
In an instant, Ah-neeâs face turns bright red, and she freezes.
âY-you want me to marry Iroha-chan!?â
âN-no, itâs just a âroleâ! Itâs just pretend!â
âOh, right, yeah! I totally get it!â
Again, it becomes an awkward atmosphere.
Seeing us like that, Mai was shivering.
âU-uh⦠this⦠itâs really going to be like this!? Little girl, I want a role for Mai too!â
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The girl points at Mai and says.
It was an innocent, sparkling gaze without malice.
âW-what? A dog? Um, not that, Iroha-chanâsâ¦â
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Repeatedly, the girl declared.
This time, with a different meaning, the surroundings fell into silence.
ââ¦Uwahhh!â
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K-kids can be cruel, huh?
I quietly averted my eyes from Mai.