The Matter of Starting to Live Together With a Long-Time Friend From High School After Becoming a Working Adult

“”Thank you for the meal.””

After we had neatly finished our lunch, we both put our hands together. Indeed, saying a greeting after finishing a meal is important.

“Well then, let’s do the dishes――”

The moment I tried to stand up, my phone rang. The name of the editor from the publishing house I’m currently working with appeared on the screen.

“I’ll take care of it, so you can go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

In this case, I’ll take Arikura’s words to heart and answer the phone.

“Hello… Yes, thank you for your hard work. Yes… huh, an urgent article? The details by email—understood. I’ll check it right away.”

I turn off my smartphone and start up my work desktop PC. Indeed, an email had arrived.

And after opening it and checking for a few minutes—I let out a deep sigh.

“I’m sorry, Arikura. I think you heard me, but…”

“You got a job, huh?”

“It’s urgent.”

I can’t believe work came in at this timing. Moreover, the person I originally asked for is unreachable, so they urgently asked me to write it instead.

In short, did they run away—though I could say they “flew” away? The meaning is the same, though.

“I have to finish this by 5 PM today, so I’ll go after I finish it.”

“Understood. I’ll head back first. I don’t want to be in the way.”

“Finish it as soon as possible.”

From what I can see, it seems like Arikura is also regaining quite a bit of energy, which is a relief. This might be considered a kind of accident as well, but—well, it’s definitely on the lighter side.

“Well then, I’m going to start working now, so if you have any messages, please leave a note.”

“Got it. See you later.”

“Yeah!”

Arikura didn’t ask unnecessary questions and seemed to understand various things. This is where she truly excels.

Since I’ve been considerate and waited, I need to work hard and get my tasks done too.

“Alright—let’s do this!”

I let out a voice to pump myself up and then started writing the article.

◇◇◇

“…I’ve completely lost track of time.”

Swaying on the train heading to Meguro, I let out a deep sigh.

After that, I somehow managed to finish the manuscript by the deadline. However, there were several revisions from the editor, and I got a bit flustered trying to make those corrections. As a result, I left home a few hours later than planned, and here I am now.

Fortunately, the projects I was originally working on had their deadlines extended. I also transferred the data to my laptop and brought it securely, so there were no issues with the work.

I packed my clothes as well. I chose them so they could be worn both for going out and for staying in, but it still ended up being quite a lot of luggage.

――This Boston bag hasn’t seen the light of day in quite a while.

The large black bag I’m holding on my lap, to be honest, is something I bought back in high school. I got it in preparation for a school trip.

Even during my university days, I was always being taken care of in one way or another.

After all, I had moved out of my parents’ house and was living alone in a student dormitory. It was a great help when I returned home during summer vacations and such.

And even after starting my job, I still had my quiet moments.

When I participated in an overnight training session, it was also quite useful. At that time, I excitedly predicted that it would come in handy when I eventually went on business trips.

In the end, such an opportunity never came.

――So, since my current lifestyle began, I really haven’t been using it at all.

I really never have the chance to go anywhere overnight. I don’t even have a hobby of traveling, and these days, going back to my hometown is just a day trip.

I shoved it to the back of the closet and completely neglected it.

It’s been over two years, so I briefly worried that it might not work anymore, but it didn’t seem to have any issues at first glance.

If I store a bag incorrectly, it can easily get moldy.

In that regard, this thing is just seasoned, but it’s still going strong. All things considered, things really do last a long time, don’t they?

[Next is Shirokanedai――]

Oops, before I know it, I will be in Meguro soon.

It’ll probably be past nine by the time we get there—Arikura is probably starving. I sent a message telling her to eat something since it would be late, but she replied that she’d wait until Katase-kun arrived.

She even sent a stamp showing her unwavering determination.

It’s just a deformed rabbit doing a pose that looks the part, but the amazing thing is that I can immediately tell what it represents just by looking at it.

Thanks to that, I couldn’t help but laugh too.

――Hmm? I just got another message from Arikura.

I had the sound off, so I didn’t notice it at all. It’s basic etiquette to have my phone on silent mode when riding the train. Good kids, make sure to remember this well.

Well, that aside――

[Since I had a spare new futon, Katase-kun’s bed is all set too♪]

Such a message was sent along with a selfie. The content itself is very easy to understand and good, but there is clearly a part that I want to point out.

――This feels completely like laying a futon next to Arikura’s bed, doesn’t it?

As if it’s the most natural thing in the world, we’re heading to sleep in the same room. Just like last night, I would be fine with just a blanket on the sofa.

This selfie of Arikura—she seems oddly full of confidence.

At this point, it doesn’t matter what I say. It’s better to think that way. Besides, I’ve decided to support her this time. It’s only right to let her do as she pleases, even if just a little.

She just got tired of thinking, right? That’s not entirely wrong.

[We will arrive at Meguro soon――]

While I was thinking that, it seems I have arrived.

With the Boston bag slung over my shoulder, I got off the train. As expected, since it was already past nine, there were fewer people.

Even so… what should I do for dinner?

Fortunately, I had a hearty lunch, so something light should be fine. Maybe just the side dishes without the rice.

Oh, how about a chicken hot pot with plenty of bean sprouts?

Then it should be healthy, and it will fill us up just enough for a good night’s sleep. Since it’s late, let’s skip dessert. Yeah, let’s go with this!

In that way, the menu was decided, and I happily exited the ticket gate. It was at that moment.

“Huh~? Could it be that you’re Arikura-senpai’s boyfriend?”

I couldn’t help but grimace when I heard the woman’s excessively sweet voice.

No, no, why did I stop here? I could have just kept going without any problem!

I turned around, hoping against hope that it was a case of mistaken identity.

“Just as I thought♪ I’m really good at remembering people’s faces♪”

Without a doubt, it was that troublesome kouhai that Arikura was dealing with. In a bad way, my prediction had hit the mark perfectly at that moment.