[color=darkorange]"Yes, feel free,"[/color] Chunjiro answers, enjoying the feeling of walking side-by-side with his new wife. He hopes this can continue, that Haru never feels like things must be rushed. [i]Baby steps.[/i] They'll get to know each other like this, in a steady and laid-back fashion. 

Walking down the dirt road to the market, Chunjiro makes sure to stand tall and watch his posture; even now, the curious gazes of the townspeople are upon them, although they are much less noticeable than the ones at the wedding. Rather than being the main attraction, this is mere curiosity, and Chunjiro can take comfort in knowing the novelty of being newly-married will pass with time. At most, Haru will have to deal with congratulations for a few days. And, with luck, no nosy questions.

"Chun-san! Nice to see you out and about!" calls Hiro, the shopkeeper of the vegetable stall, as they walk into the busy marketplace--here, the townspeople are too busy buying and selling to notice the new arrivals. Chunjiro bows respectfully, greeting him.

[color=darkorange]"Yeah! It's good to return to normal life,"[/color] he says, accepting the baskets that Hiro prepares for him each week. Peeking inside, he confirms the contents: cabbage, daikon, and other fresh, green vegetables ready to be delivered to each of his clients. Despite having already eaten, he's already fantasizing about lunch, and what Haru might make for them; he's excited to see what she can do with ingredients other than rice, since she seemed so excited about cooking and buying vegetables.

"And this is your wife, eh?" Chunjiro looks up from the basket to see Hiro looking curiously at Haru. Chunjiro scrambles to introduce her.

[color=darkorange]"Y-yes! This is Haru. Haru-san, this is Hiro."[/color] It still feels weird to introduce her as his wife. He supposes it, too, will come with time. Perhaps they already know each other. Chunjiro wouldn't put it past Hiro; the shopkeeper is friendly, popular with the ladies, and good with his words. Chunjiro envies that freedom; his own words are getting jumbled quite often lately, whereas Hiro's never falter. They're been friends for a long time, despite Hiro being a few years older than him.

"Ah, well, it's nice to meet you, Oka-san," Hiro says, smiling. "I hope Chunjiro is treating you well, he's a bit of a simple guy, but I'm sure he's trying his best."

[color=darkorange]"H-Hiro!"[/color] Chunjiro blushes, hoping Haru doesn't take the words too seriously--well, he [i]is[/i] a simple guy, but it's embarrassing to hear it said out loud! And besides, he knows she gets nervous when answering questions... Should he tell Hiro to stop? Will she be alright...? He's worrying too much, isn't he. She can take care of herself, probably. 

[color=darkorange]"A-anyway, we should probably be going now,"[/color] Chunjiro says cautiously, shifting the baskets around to give him a better view of his surroundings, and of Haru. [color=darkorange]"It was good talking to you, Hiro."[/color] 

"You too. And Oka-san, don't forget to come back for your own groceries later~"