Mutsumi

...

Uika

Oh, Mutsumi-chan. You're here early.

Uika

What are you reading?

Mutsumi

This.

Uika

"An Easy Guide to Growing Plants: Flowers and Vegetables." Are you growing something?

Mutsumi

Bitter melons. Cucumbers a little while ago.

Uika

Um... Do you like plants from the gourd family?

Mutsumi

No. That's just what we're growing in gardening club.

Uika

Right, you're in gardening club, aren't you, Mutsumi-chan? I bet your school has a big garden plot.

Mutsumi

Garden plot?

Uika

It doesn't?

Mutsumi

We grow them in planters. There are flower beds, though.

Uika

Right... It is a school in the city.

Mutsumi

A garden plot seems hard to manage. I'm not ready for that yet.

Uika

(Mutsumi-chan... I feel like she's talking more than usual. That makes me kind of happy.)

Uika

Do you grow anything at home?

Mutsumi

No.

Uika

I see. I guess growing plants at home can be hard too.

Uika

I tried keeping a houseplant after I moved to Tokyo... But I'm worried I won't be able to keep it alive.

Mutsumi

Why?

Uika

You know, when work gets busy, I'm not home much. So I can't always take care of it on a set schedule.

Uika

I've always kind of admired rooms full of plants... Ahaha.

Mutsumi

...

Mutsumi

Some plants don't need much care.

Uika

Huh?

Mutsumi

According to this book...

Mutsumi

It says pothos is good for beginners.

Uika

Let me see... Wow, the leaves are heart-shaped. That's cute.

Mutsumi

Keep it out of direct sunlight. And don't water it too often.

Uika

I didn't know there were houseplants like that. I'll think about it.

Uika

Um, Mutsumi-chan... If it's okay, could I ask you for advice again sometime?

Mutsumi

Yeah...

Mutsumi

I can't answer everything, though.

Uika

Thanks, Mutsumi-chan.