Our Life That Begins with a Convenient Relationship - Chapter 19

After getting out of the bath, the two of us settled down in the living room. Naturally, our conversation turned to our “future life together.”

We mostly talked about the rules of the apartment. This included things I didn’t know yet, like rules for common areas, how to receive packages, and information about the neighbors.

She opened her tablet and slid her fingers lightly across the screen, explaining everything to me like she was giving a business presentation.

“Also, you aren’t allowed to hang laundry on the balcony in this building. The management company gets very angry because they say it ruins the beautiful appearance of the building.”

“I see… I’ll be careful not to hang anything out there. So, I assume there’s a dryer?”

“Yes, there is a dryer in the bathroom, so please use that. I’ll show you how to operate it later. Also, if you use a drying rack by the window, you can still get some sunlight on your clothes.”

I couldn’t help but smile at her business-like tone.

I only knew her as a regular at the izakaya, so seeing this professional side of her was fresh. She explained every detail so politely. I suppose that’s what makes her a team leader; she was quite persuasive.

However, almost all these household tasks—laundry, cleaning, taking out the trash, and preparing meals—would be my responsibility from now on. In reality, my position was basically like a housekeeper.

I actually preferred it that way, and it made my heart feel a little warm.

“Oh, and there is a specific place for the trash. I’ll show you where it is next time.”

“Thanks.”

…Wait, if she knows where the trash goes, how did her place become such a disaster?

Still, I was grateful that she was taking this so seriously.

There was me, who had lived alone for almost half my life, and her, who had built a professional career but had almost zero life skills. We could balance each other out, but it was obvious our daily habits would clash eventually. That’s why it was important to agree on “house rules” at the start.

I glanced at the wall clock. The hands had already passed my usual bedtime.

“Oh, look at the time.”

When I whispered that, Sakura-san’s eyes went wide. “You’re right,” she said, looking surprised.

I stood up to go to sleep, but then it hit me.

That’s right. The spare room she gave me only had my change of clothes and a few basic belongings. Of course, I hadn’t brought any bedding.

I wondered if there was a spare set somewhere, so I spoke up.

“Sakura-san, do you have any extra blankets or futons I could use?”

“Oh, yes! This way!”

She jumped up immediately and led me to her own bedroom.

She pulled a set of bedding out of the closet. And for some reason, she started laying it out right next to her bed.

“…Um, Sakura-san?”

“Oh, don’t worry, I aired these out the other day so they are clean! I don’t know if the pillow will suit you, but please use this one.”

“Yes, thank you. But that’s not what I meant. You could have just let me carry it to the other room.”

When I said that, she looked blank for a moment, then looked away and mumbled.

“W-well… it’s fine, isn’t it? Just for tonight.”

“? Well, okay.”

It was true; I didn’t really mind being together just for tonight. It wasn’t the first time I’d slept near her. Thinking back to when we slept next to each other at that love hotel, tonight was much more relaxing. Back then, I was so sleepy from muscle pain and exhaustion that I didn’t have the energy to worry about her.

Compared to our distance back then, this was much healthier and quieter.

Once we finished getting ready for bed, we turned off the lights. Sakura-san was on the bed and I was on the floor, lying parallel to each other.

We were close enough to talk naturally if we turned toward each other. But unlike that other time, I couldn’t hear her breathing or feel her touch. It was just the right amount of space.

I thought I should just go to sleep quickly.

However, Sakura-san wasn’t done talking yet. She shifted around on her bed and spoke to me.

“Kyoko-san, do you usually fall asleep easily?”

Her voice echoed softly. She sounded like she was asking the ceiling. I gave a small, wry smile.

“Usually, yes. But since this is a new environment, it might take a little while tonight.”

As I said that, something occurred to me. I wasn’t sure if it was the right time to say it, but I decided to bring it up now.

“By the way, can I ask one thing?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“You don’t have to call me by my last name, you know?”

There was a short silence. Then, I saw her big, round eyes looking at me from the bed.

Since she learned my family name, she had always called me “Sakurai-san.” I didn’t hate being called by my last name, but we were living together in a marriage-like relationship even if it was a fake marriage. Staying on a last-name basis felt too formal and strange.

“I-Is it okay!?”

“Of course. It’s a bit late to say this, but it’s weird if I’m the only one using first names, right?”

When I said that with a laugh, she suddenly sat up. Then, with a huge smile on her face.

“Okay! Kyoko-san!”

Her voice sounded incredibly bouncy. It was strange! She was so happy just because I let her use my first name.

But seeing that smile made my chest feel warm too.

Ah! Living with this girl is definitely going to be lively and a bit noisy, but never boring. I had a feeling about that.

“Well then, let’s unpack and go shopping together tomorrow. Good night.”

“Yes! Good night!”

—Good night. The moment I said those words, a nostalgic feeling spread through my chest. When was the last time I said that to someone before going to sleep?

…It must have been before I left my parents’ house. Back then, saying “good night” was a natural part of life. But since I started living alone, I never said that word, and I never heard it.

Just having a reply made me feel so warm and slightly giddy.

I buried my face in the blankets and laughed quietly.

The sound of quiet breathing, the scent of unfamiliar blankets, and the reality that someone else was sharing this time with me.

—Just that was enough to make my heart feel full.

With my eyes closed, I thought to myself: I might actually be looking forward to the morning in this room tomorrow.