Two weeks had passed since the company trip, and things had settled into a comfortable rhythm. Work was going well, and life at home had become much smoother. There were no unexpected surprises, no fights, no uncomfortable tension in the air. It felt… peaceful.
Keiko and Rin were doing fine. That alone was a relief.
Tonight, I had plans to meet up with Junpei. It had been a while since we last hung out properly, and honestly, I was looking forward to catching up with him. When I told Keiko that I'd be out late with Junpei, she just nodded, reminding me to be careful on my way back.
By the time I arrived at the café, Junpei was already seated, casually leaning back in his chair as he sipped on his drink. The place had a cozy atmosphere, warm lighting, and the comforting hum of people chatting in the background.
"Heyya, bro! What's up?" Junpei grinned as soon as he spotted me, his usual energetic self.
I smirked, sliding into the chair across from him. "Great, bro."
Junpei sighed dramatically and leaned in. "I can tell. You haven't been bugging me lately. Kinda weird, to be honest."
I chuckled. "Sounds like you missed me."
Junpei shot me a deadpan look. "No."
I laughed at his disgusted expression, and after ordering our drinks and food, we continued talking.
Junpei leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. "So, how did she find out about you?"
I sighed. "She’s sharp, man. She picked up on all the little things—my birthday, my habits, even the way I talk. Honestly, I thought I was being careful."
Junpei chuckled, shaking his head. "Told you. You're too damn transparent."
I shrugged. "Well, it doesn’t matter anymore. Everything worked out in the end."
He raised an eyebrow. "Huh. Look at you, all cocky now."
I smiled, but there was a trace of guilt lingering in my chest. "I look at them now—how happy they are—and I keep blaming myself for everything. I really took them for granted. I messed up so bad, man."
Junpei’s expression softened. "What matters is the present. You're doing your best now, aren’t you?"
I nodded, feeling grateful for his words. "Yeah. Thanks, Junpei."
Just then, our food arrived, and we started eating. After a few bites, I spoke again.
"By the way, Keiko's going to Hawaii for three months. So, I'll be living with Rin during that time."
Junpei nearly choked on his drink. "Wait, what?! For real? That’s wild. You better not mess this up, dude."
I let out a tired chuckle. "I know."
Junpei leaned back, shaking his head. "This is your chance, man. You need to earn Rin's trust again. Good luck."
I exhaled deeply. "Yeah… I hope I can."
Junpei smirked. "Damn, Keiko is seriously amazing, though."
I smiled. "Yeah, she is."
"Smart, hardworking, big-hearted… man, you really lucked out." Junpei grinned, then suddenly made a disgusted face. "But I swear, if you say something weird, I'm gonna—"
I smirked. "She’s also good in bed."
Junpei instantly recoiled. "Dude! I didn’t need to know that!"
I burst out laughing at his reaction. "You walked right into that one!"
Junpei groaned. "I swear, you’re annoying."
Still chuckling, I decided to turn the tables. "Anyway, what about you? Still with your girlfriend?"
Junpei narrowed his eyes. "What’s that supposed to mean?"
I smirked. "Come on, man. You never stay in a relationship for long."
Junpei scoffed. "Well, joke’s on you. We’re still going strong."
I raised an eyebrow. "Good to hear that."
Then, he hesitated for a second before scratching the back of his head. "...Actually, I proposed to her last week."
My eyes widened in shock. "Seriously?! Dude, that’s amazing! Congratulations!"
Junpei gave a sheepish smile. "Thanks, man. We’re planning the wedding for next year."
I grinned, reaching out to mess up his hair. "Look at you, finally settling down. Proud of you, man."
Junpei rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. "Yeah, yeah."
"You gotta introduce her to me sometime."
Junpei snorted. "And how exactly am I supposed to introduce you?"
I blinked, suddenly realizing my mistake. I’d gotten so used to Keiko knowing my secret that I forgot—Junpei’s fiancée had no idea who I really was.
"...Uh, you could say I’m your cousin?" I suggested awkwardly.
Junpei stared at me. "And why the hell would I introduce my girlfriend to my cousin?"
I had no response to that.
Junpei sighed. "Look, just chill. I’ll invite you and Keiko to the wedding. You’ll meet her then."
I nodded. "Fair enough. Hope you have a great one, man."
"Thanks."
After a moment, Junpei glanced at me again. "By the way… have you given up on going back to your real body?"
"Of course not." I answered immediately. "I still want to go back."
Junpei tapped his fingers on the table. "Do you remember anything weird before it happened? Like, what exactly were you doing that day?"
I frowned, trying to recall. "It was just a bad day, really. Got cut off at work, went home, fought with Rin, then…"
I trailed off.
Junpei waited, then asked, "Have you ever tried going back to that place? Where you collapsed in the snowstorm?"
I let out a long sigh. "I tried, man. I retraced my steps, crossed the same path a couple of times, even pretended to pass out there." I scoffed. "But obviously, nothing happened. I mean, there’s no snowstorm now, either."
Junpei sighed. "Maybe try again in winter?"
I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. "I’ll try. Maybe I need another damn snowstorm or something."
Junpei grinned. "Well, don’t die in one for real."
I chuckled. "Yeah, yeah."
After that, we kept chatting about random things—teasing each other, reminiscing about old times. It felt just like the old days, and for a moment, I forgot all my worries.
By the time we left the café, the night air was cool and refreshing.
"Take care, man," Junpei said, giving me a pat on the back.
"You too," I replied, smiling.
As I walked home, I felt lighter. No matter what happened, I had good people around me. And somehow, I’d figure things out.
Even if it took a while.