The Ennui of Being an Egg by Itohara Aki TL by boke ### TL notes indicated by hash tags like this: ### ### Page numbers indicated by —XX for example, page one is: —01 ### Panel numbers indicated by -X for example, panel one is: -1 ### sfx- means the following is a sound effect. ### hw- means the following is handwritten text. ### Unless otherwise noted, panel and text balloon flow is from upper right to lower left. ### This TL indexes on file number in case the page numbers don’t match. ### Sometimes my comments are snark or color, so feel free to ignore those. —00 -1 The Ennui of Being an Egg —02 -1 The Ennui of Being an Egg Contents The Ennui of Being an Egg Illustrations Spring is Coming (Short) Even on Sleepless Nights (Short) Rainy Day (Short) —04 -2 There’s… not enough. -3 Um, Aoda-san… Where should I take these documents? Ah, right. Take them to the reception table. -4 But hey, the count for the chairs doesn’t match. Huh? That’s weird. -5 Maybe we miscounted when we brought them over. I’ll check it out. Thank you! —05 -1 Sigh Brrring -2 Incoming Call Jun sfx- Briiing Hello, it’s Morita. -3 Hello, Iori-san? -4 Working hard, huh? I saw your text. Coming home late? Ah, yeah. Mm, no. Actually, I think I can come home early. And the event location is closer to home than work. Once I’m done with the setup, I’ll head home. Oh, wow! Ok, take care on the way home. -5 Call Ended -6 Someone from home? Oh! Chief! —06 -1 Thanks for re-checking the seat count. We really didn’t have enough, so we made sure to fix that. I can count on you, Morita-san! Ah, I was worried about that… I’m glad to hear it. -2 WhatWhatWhat? Morita-san, are you living with your boyfriend?! Huh? -3 It’s not… my boyfriend. -4 Wha? Wait up. You don’t have a boyfriend, Morita-san? sfx- Shuffles closer -5 I mean, you’re so cute and all! And I mean, at your age? sfx- Press Press Um… Well… -6 I mean the company rumors have it that you’re the next one to get married. What’s with that?! I mean, just in terms who might be next. —07 -1 “Who might be next”? Come on, simmer down. I mean, Morita-san lives with another woman, ok? -2 Eh…?! Ah? Hmmmm… It’s no problem, right? Each to their own. -3 As long as you focus on work, nothing to worry about here. Our workplace is, y’know, liberal, ok? Liberal. -4 Ah… sure. Thank you? -6 sfx- Click Clack Click Clack Morita-san… -7 Lives with another woman. I’m home. —08 -1 Hyaaa! -2 Jun?! What’s wrong?! -3 I… Iori-san! -4 Welcome home! Perfect timing! -5 One came out! Help me! “One”…? A cockroach! Here, take this! —09 -1 It’s the only thing I’ll ever ask you for! Kill it! You don’t have to waste your request like that. Just calm down. -2 Why do I have to being killing bugs ten seconds after I get home? -3 But, I’ll do it. sfx- Pshhhh Yeah, it’s true I’m living with a woman. -4 This one here. Thank you so much for helping me out! With Jun. -5 Iori-san, ready for dinner? They provided onigiri, so I ate. -6 Ok, I’ll just make a little something from leftovers. Thanks. —10 -1 Blug glug glug -2 It’s unusual for you to drink coffee this late. Will you be able to sleep? hm- Huh? It’s decaf. -3 Decaf… it has this vibe that pregnant women drink it, right? -4 Heheh In that case… We’ll never have a chance to have some. -6 How about chicken patties, ohitashi and kinpira? Leftovers are just fine. Jun is… —11 -1 A lesbian. And the situation is that she’s in love with me. -2 Nom -3 These meatballs are wonderful! Did you make them? Yup, I did! -4 You’re a genius! You should be proud of your cooking! C’mon, that’s over the top. -5 But, if you lay it on like that, it makes me motivated. Me? —12 -1 I’m… different than Jun, I think. —13 -1 Bento 10 side dishes -2 What do you want for dinner tomorrow? sfx- Flip -4 How about we make dinner together? Ok, so can you get eggs on the way home? sfx- Yay! Sure. —14 -2 But with what went down yesterday I’m now “one of those people” at work. -4 Recap Nothing to worry about here! -5 Chief… He’s a nice guy and all, but y’know… It just feels weird. -6 Like they’re saying “you’re not normal”. -7 Fret Fret Fret I mean, of course I’m happy he said that, but… -8 Ka-chak Hey, you heard that yesterday, right? What Morita-san and the chief were talking about? -9 sfx- Jolt —15 -1 The thing about her living with a woman? I knew that. It’s the person who used to be in production but left last year. So she used to work here? And now they’re talking about me. -2 Morita-san’s about 35, right? I guess marriage is out of the picture then. Shut. up. I don’t need you in my business. -3 Mm, But isn’t it that they are lesbians? Ah… -4 What should we do… if she comes on to us? Huh? You think she looks at us that way? -5 Nope. I don’t. Actually… —16 -1 sfx- Slam Hey! I’m not a lesbian! -2 Well, it’d be nice if I could say that, but… what would that even give me? -3 Even setting aside the fact that two women in the prime of life living together does not mean they are lesbians I’ve never once considered myself a lesbian. It sucks to be discriminated against, but that not even what I’m talking about. -4 What should I say…? It’s just presumptuous for them to say that. -5 Huh? Hey wait a sec… -6 Morita-san had a boyfriend before, right? hw- YouGottaBeKiddingMe I can’t believe they know that… —17 -1 I did used to live with a boyfriend. I also gave marriage some thought. -2 But the sex never worked out. -3 So you’ll never be able to do it? -4 I’m sorry. But I can’t. -5 You can’t, huh… -6 Ok, I guess that’s that then. -8 That was bitter. I always ended up hurting him. -9 I’m just someone who can’t love or be loved by someone sexually. —18 -1 I’m defective. -2 That’s not true at all. -3 Back then, the one who lifted my spirits up was Jun. It’s all good. -4 It was one year ago… sfx- Clink So that’s what’s you’re dealing with… —19 -1 You broke up over the sex thing, huh? But there are people in the world who don’t like sex. -2 I’m sorry to bring up something so personal… It’s fine! -3 Jun was my kohai at work. Different departments, different ages, but strangely, we got along. We were frequent drinking buddies. I bet there’s more women that struggle with it than we think. But no one talks about it. -4 But, I feel like I’ve done something bad. I ended up spilling everything to her. -5 Normally, this is the kind of thing you don’t talk to anyone about. You think that way because you’re sweet and diligent, Iori-san. -6 Well, what about you, Jun? Do you hate sex? -7 Eh? Eheheh She doesn’t… —20 -1 Iori-san, even though we were in different department, you often looked out for me. You really take care of business, and everyone admires you. They trust you. I really respect and like you, Iori-san. -2 So it’s not that you’re defective. Please don’t say such awful things. -3 Yeah… Thanks. -4 Each and every human has areas where they are not perfect, yeah? That’s right! —21 -1 As for me, I’m a woman who loves women. sfx- Bam -2 Since you’ve broken up with your boyfriend, how about living with me? I’ll make you dinner everyday. Eh… Eh? And just like that, I ended up living with Jun. Huh? -3 Iori-san, where’s the eggs? -4 Ah! Ah… -5 I forgot. sfx- Slump Oh, you… —22 -1 Shhaaaa -2 What on the menu today? Clam miso soup and meatballs. I’ll help out. -3 It’s smells great. sfx- Sizzle -4 The reason I thought it’d be worth trying out living with Jun was If it’s a woman, I might be able to fall in love. No, no. That’s not how it went down… -5 I just thought I wouldn’t be up to dating a guy for a while. But I didn’t have a huge desire to live on my own, either. I’m someone who needs a partner. -8 I’m not smitten. I don’t have romantic feelings, but… —23 -1 But I also am not afraid here. Even knowing Jun is a lesbian. -2 Look, Iori-san! This carrot is heart shaped! Well, it’s because she’s like this. -3 It’s ok. I can trust her. She knows I can’t do the sex thing. If I just stay in my shell, it’s just too lonely. -4 sfx- Chop Chop Chop Chop sfx- Pat Pat Since you came home early, we have time to hang out. Yeah. sfx- Shaaa -5 sxf- Beep The laundry’s done. I’ll go hang it up. I’ll take care of washing up and setting the table. -6 Thanks for the meal. I realized it after moving in, but living with a woman is low stress. -7 I’m sure it depends on the person, though… —24 -1 I’m sure we get along so well because it’s Jun. hw- Ahhh -2 Ow! Hot! sfx- Phooo You really can’t eat hot stuff -2 But um, I’m sorry I forgot the eggs. It’s no problem! We’ll get by. So don’t worry about it. -3 Y’know, Iori-san… Supporting a working woman like you and living together has been my dream. So I’m really happy right now. -4 Really? What about a working man…? If you like the supporting role…? Well, I do think that guys who can do their work rock. -5 But, women who work are a whole different thing. At least for me. —25 -1 To be honest, I don’t really get it. Even though I’m a woman, how can a woman only love other women… or… How does sexual attraction in same sex couples work? -2 I don’t really have a focused desire, unlike guys, so I don’t get it. She’s pretty touchy feely though… -3 But maybe that’s why it’s so comfy to be together. -4 Tick Tick Tick Tick -5 Iori-san. The bath’s ready… —26 -1 Zzz Zzz -2 You’re all tuckered out, huh… -5 Hey, Morita-san! —27 -1 You wanna go on a group date? -2 Hah? -3 It’s tonight, so… sfx- Beam Huh? Wha? Sorry, Morita-san! Hey, Sakaki, hold up! -4 sfx- Whisper Whisper C’mon, Sakaki! Why are you even inviting Morita-san? Huh? Well, someone just dropped out at the last minute. Morita-san’s single… Oh, does she have someone? Well, that’s fine too. -5 Not that! She is, y’know… She’s a lesbian ### make “lesbian” very small type hw- Teeny Tiny Voice sfx- Stunned Huh? I mean, that’s why! —28 -1 I mean she’s not interested in guys, so for making up the numbers in a group date, what could be better? sfx- Good thinkin’ huh? hw- Morita-san’s nice, and she’s a good listener -2 Is that what you meant? ###bold and italicize “that” -3 So, Morita-san… I’m not going. -4 Ahahaha -5 I can’t believe the stuff your co-workers say! I’m sure they didn’t mean anything by it, though. Yeah, geez. Kinda refreshing they can put it out there like that, though. hw- It was a kinda funny sfx- Shhhaaa -6 Well, they say those things because you don’t deny them. Listen, at this rate, they’ll lump you in with me. -7 sfx- Pause I… I don’t see the need to agree with or deny things. —29 -1 I mean, it is true I am living with a lesbian. -2 And, it’s not like I only love women either. -3 I’ve never once thought of myself as a lesbian. Jun is just special. So… Just what am I? -4 And just what are my intentions in living with her? —30 -1 But I’m happy you turned the group date down. I would hate it if you went. -2 Ah, but, um… But I’m not trying to hold you back or anything…! -4 It’s my fault. It’s because I’m not clear that I’m making Jun say that. -5 We… We haven’t made any promises to each other, right? Huh? —31 -1 So it’s not that you’re defective. Please don’t say such awful things. I like you. -2 Even though Jun accepts me for who I am and I need that. -3 I want to make Jun happy. I want to put her at ease. -4 Um, so… —32 -1 I’m not going to the group date. Jun, you’re the one who says you love me. We do live together under the same roof. Basically, I consider myself to be your girlfriend, ok? -4 sfx- Smash The dish! The dish broke! —33 -1 Ahaah… You liked this one too… But, are you ok? -2 I’m… I’m so happy! -4 Well, I don’t think we’re just friends. -5 sfx- Hug! Wh-whoa! -6 Iori-san… —34 -1 Nuzzle -2 Shiver -3 Huh? -4 Hehe sfx- Whish -5 So just now… No, don’t worry about it. -6 I’ll get the dustpan. sfx- Whish -7 Whew -8 She guessed what was going on there. She never does anything that might upset me. —35 -1 Even though I can’t just keep on ignoring that part of her. -2 Jun, you’re my knight. sfx- Haah Don’t you think I’m more of a lady? -3 Passions igniting. The more I like her, the more I feel sorry for this state of affairs. -4 I’m sorry… I’m sorry I’m like this. -5 Jun, it’s ok to get mad at me. I’m always over-relying on your sweetness. —36 -1 Honestly, you secretly want more physical contact and are hoping for it, right? -2 sfx- Whish Jun… -3 Jun, What do you really want? What do you really want me to do for you? -5 Um… well… Hmm… Yeah, so… —37 -1 I want you… to love yourself more, Iori-san. -2 You worry about all sorts of things. That you’re different. That maybe that you don’t fit into the typical definition of “normal”. -3 I want you to forgive yourself for that. Please. —38 -1 Sfx- Drip -2 Juuuun… Why do you have such a big heart? sfx- There There -3 I mean, I’m a lesbian. So I have all sort of places where I’m different from normal. But I accept myself for it. -4 If you look at it in that light, everyone is different. It’s not a big deal. Don’t you think? -5 It’s easier to live that way. —39 -1 But… I… I worry that you’re unsatisfied, Jun. That I won’t be able to meet your expectations. -3 Sfx- Smile It’s not like that. -4 I told you before my dreams are being achieved. I just want you be happier, Iori-san. —40 -1 To have work. -2 To have a sense of completion. To be able to live in health. -3 To be able to live with the one you love. -4 Not focusing on what you don’t have. But counting your blessings. Oh, hey Morita-san! -5 How about it? Got the number of chairs right this time. I’m sorry, I always worry and come to count. -6 Yeah, It’s all good. —41 -1 Morita-san! Let’s go on a group date! -2 Hey! Sakaki…! You’re bothering Morita-san again. But I wanna hang out with her! -3 Sorry, I’m not going to any group date, but… If you want, let's all go out to dinner sometime. Yay! -4 Ah, but don’t you go falling for us. H-hey! Sakaki! Sorry, Morita-san! -5 Not going to happen. —42 -1 …mart -3 I got eggs! -4 I’m home! -5 Ah, Welcome home. —43 -2 Crack -3 Whoa! Hey, look! -4 Once again, these days where nothing happens… -5 There’s two yolks! Wha? That’s so cool! These little moments of happiness. I’ll count them up with you. —44 -1 The Ennui of Being an Egg Thank you very much for reading! Aki —46 -1 Even on Sleepless Nights I can’t sleep… sfx- Mmph -2 Click -3 I’ll just get up until I get sleepy again. -4 Hmm Hmm-hm -5 Curry! Curry! We’re having curry tomoroooow! sfx- Spin Spin —47 -1 Viva Curry! sxf- Dramatic pause! -2 Waugh -3 hw- You surprised me You’re up late, Iori-san. What are you doing? Um… That’s what I want to ask. -4 My deadline’s tight, so I was working! I just finished, and was about to go to bed. You’re wired for it being so late. What about you, Iori-san? —48 -1 I just couldn’t sleep. I thought I’d get up until I get tired again. -2 I’ll hang out with you. -3 It’s fine! Go to bed. It’s ok. I have the day off tomorrow. But… -4 But when you can’t sleep, that the time people get lonely, right? —49 -1 Please don’t go being all lonely by yourself. I mean, I’m here too, you know. -3 I used to hate it when I couldn’t sleep. But things are different now. So we’re having curry tomorrow? I wanna have your curry, Iori-san. So I’m making it? I live with a absolute sweetheart now. —50 -1 Jun-chan 26 years old Graphic Designer The Ennui of Being an Egg Iori-san 31 years old Event planner —52 -1 Rainy Day -2 Shhaaa -3 Oh, geez… -4 Rain… -5 And after it let up as forecast too… I forgot my umbrella… -6 Iori-san! -7 Welcome back! Jun! —53 -1 hw- Here You didn’t take an umbrella today, right? Huh? Wow! -2 I can’t believe you noticed! I just happened to. -3 I’m glad I made it in time. -4 You just have a cheap vinyl one, huh? -5 Where your usual one? It broke. hw- Wha…? You’re kinda rough on your stuff, Jun. —54 -1 Ah-choo -2 Waft -3 Oh no! Did you just come out of the bath? Ah, Yeah. -4 I would just hate it if you got wet, Iori-san sfx- Shiver Shiver sfx- Serious! -5 It will all be for nothing if you catch a cold! sfx- Shoomf —55 -2 This way you’ll be a little be warmer, right? -3 …nn Iori-san… -4 You’d totally be the type to undress and keep me warm in a blizzard. Don’t be stupid… —56 -1 Shaaa -2 I wonder how long it’s been since I’ve shared an umbrella with someone? -3 Maybe not since I was a student. When you become an adult, not much opportunity anymore. -4 This takes me back… Yup, sure does. -5 Once back in school, four of us crammed under one umbrella. We all got wet. Yeah, four is pushing it. hw- Heh heh —57 -1 I’m sorry I’m walking so slow. Is it hard to walk with me? -2 What are you even saying? Can you lay off the stupid come backs? “Stupid come back”?! -3 The world might tag us as “friends” So no problem? None! Nada! it might tag us as “lovers”. -5 We’ll spend our days searching for what our relationship means. -6 I’m home. —58 -1 But, really, thank you! I really appreciate you coming to get me. -3 Kiss -4 Huh? —59 -2 hw- Okay! I’ll warm up the bath water for you. Huh?! Um, what was that just now…? sfx- Tippy tap -3 The fee for coming to get you? -4 Surprise attacks are unfair… My bad!