"Yahoooo, finally! I am free!"
Junpei's voice echoed through the small apartment as he spun around dramatically, arms flailing in excitement. It was as if he was the one moving out, not me.
I winced, covering both my ears. "You're too loud, man," I grumbled.
Junpei ignored me, still grinning like an idiot. "This is a historical day! April 22nd! The day Ryuko finally leaves the nest!" He wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "My little chick is all grown up..."
"Chick?" I gave him a deadpan stare.
"Hey, you lived with me for two months. That makes me your wise and experienced guardian." He puffed out his chest.
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, thanks for being my annoying uncle."
Junpei burst into laughter before throwing an arm around my shoulder. "All jokes aside, good luck, man. Living alone is a whole new experience. But you’ll do fine. And hey, if you get lonely, you can always text me.”
I smirked. "Are you gonna miss me?"
Junpei gasped, clutching his chest dramatically. "Miss you? Pfft, please. I’ll finally get some peace and quiet!"
Junpei grinned mischievously and wiggled his eyebrows at me. "I'm gonna have a lovey-dovey time with my girlfriend~!" he sang, dramatically hugging himself as if lost in a romantic fantasy.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "Right, right."
He gave me a quick salute. "Well, soldier, go forth and start your new life!"
I returned the salute. "Thanks for everything, Junpei."
With that, I grabbed my bags, took a final look at the apartment I had called home for the past two months, and stepped out into the next chapter of my life.
---
When I arrived at my new apartment, I stood at the doorway for a moment, taking in the space and letting the reality of living alone finally sink in.
This small apartment reminded me of the first time I moved in with Keiko. Back then, I could only afford a tiny, run-down place, barely big enough for the two of us.
The walls were thin, the floor creaked with every step, and the kitchen was so small that cooking felt like a battle. But it was home.
I took on double jobs just to make ends meet, working late into the night so I could provide for both Keiko and our newborn, Rin.
Those days were exhausting. Every sleepless night, every sacrifice—it was all just to see Keiko smile and to hold Rin in my arms.
Now, standing in this new apartment, I let out a deep sigh. An unfamiliar feeling settled in my chest.
It wasn’t excitement.
It wasn’t sadness.
Just… something I couldn’t quite describe.
I let out a sigh and started unboxing my things. "Two months," I murmured to myself. "And I already have this much stuff?" Most of it was clothes, but still, it felt like a lot.
As I arranged my belongings, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror.
For two months, I had lived as Ryuko.
And no one suspected a thing.
I let out a small chuckle. "I guess I’m doing a pretty good job at being a girl, huh?" Maybe people just thought I was a bit of a messy, tomboyish woman.
Before I knew it, time had slipped away. My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten yet.
"Dinner time already?" I sighed, grabbing my phone.
And that's when I saw the message.
From Keiko.
Keiko: How did your move go?
A part of me tensed. Did something happen at the restaurant?
I quickly replied.
Me: It was okay. Just not familiar with living alone yet.
Now that I thought about it, this was my first time ever living alone.
First, I lived with my parents. Then with Keiko. Then with Junpei.
And now…
Alone.
My phone vibrated again.
Keiko: Good. I hope you'll be fine living alone.
I stared at the message a little longer than I should have. She was fast at typing, huh?
Another message popped up.
Keiko: Aki keeps saying we should celebrate your new place. Do you want to?
I smirked. Of course, Aki would be the one suggesting a party.
A little get-together didn’t sound like a bad idea.
Me: Sure. Maybe tomorrow after work, we can have a little party here.
A reply came almost instantly.
Keiko: Ok.
Then, another message.
Keiko: Ryuko, just tell me if you need help with anything.
I felt warmth spread through me at her words.
Had she always been this caring?
Did I just never notice before?
Or… did she see me as a little daughter now? Like Rin?
That thought made my stomach twist in a way I didn’t like.
I shook my head and replied.
Me: Thanks a lot, Keiko. See you tomorrow.
I put my phone down and leaned back against the couch, staring at the ceiling.
Even though I was in a new place…
Even though I was alone now…
For some reason, I feel a bit lonely.