S1E4: Move In (Part 1)

Flashback on

I pulled the curtain, then sighed. She’s not supposed to be here.

“Julie...”

“It’s fine, I'm happy for your relationship, and I...” she furrowed her brow.

“What relationship!?” I took a deep breath. “Did you think Ryota, and I were a couple!?” I sighed in defeat.

I know I’m selfish, but... can you respect my feelings? It hurts me whenever I see you and him together. Did you understand that Rumi!? “Look...”

“I rejected him.” Huh!? Why did you reject him anyway? He... “Let’s we’re... celebrating new year together.” Did she just... ask me for a date!?

“D-did you not go to that party?” She sighed. Her face turned gloomy. “O-okay... let’s celebrate it together. Just us.” She’s nodding her head, with crinkles on her face.

She waved her hand before going out of the theater room. “See you at your treehouse!”

Flashback off

I took a deep breath, then looked at her. “What are you looking at?” I’m chuckling. You still that girl, Rumi. I put my laptop on the coffee table, then shook my head.

“Can you give me some... opinion? I'm dead end.” I speak.

She sat next to me, then pulled me closer. “What do you want me to do?” Her glasses were still in her eyes.

Her view changed to my laptop, then she read my draft. “Oh... you’re working on a new story.”

“Yes...” I stood up, then walked to the kitchen. “I... need something to... you know...” She hummed as if she understood. “Unblocked the...”

“I get it, sweetheart.” She said as she focused on scrolling through the page. “It’s awesome, but... you miss your plot here.” I took a seat next to her, then put two bottles of cold beer.

“Do you have any comment about that? Please don’t bias.” I take a sip of my beer.

She grabbed her bottle, then looked at me. “Really? Why do you think I will be biased, hm? You’re asking for an opinion.”

She’s got a point. Ha... maybe, I’m still not used to it. I rubbed my eyes, held her hand tight. Rumi, if you know what I’ve been through all this time. Will you consider me? All the thoughts about marrying you keep me awake.

What should I do, Rumi?

“Julie, are you alright?” I can see your wrinkled face every time.

“I just...” I rubbed my face roughly, then sighed. Maybe it’s time to be more transparent to her. “Well, I’ve been thinking about what if we move in together? Since... we’re official now...”

She’s chuckling and shows me a crinkle in her eyes. That’s unexpected. “I was thinking that too, Julie. Do you remember we climbed your tree house and promise when we’re growing up?”

I’m chuckling, nodding my head. “Yeah, I remember.” She rested her head on my chest. Only a silence and typing sound echoing inside this room. I don’t know what she’s thinking right now.

Maybe she doesn’t want to move in, but why? My rent cost is also cheaper than hers. Besides, I bought this place with my money. Argh! I don’t like being trapped inside this awkward moment. I saved my work, then closed the monitor.

Alright! I should be the one who discussed it. “So... What do you think? Are you agree or do we need to discuss it further?”

She nodded her head, then looked at me. “Do you know what? What if... we’re moved to another town?” She played with my fingers. “Sometimes... I just feel tired with all the shit...”

I pecked her lips. “Okay... let’s search property online. What do you think?” I took out my phone and we were looking at a small apartment.

Flashback on

“Rumi!” I’m looking at her as I brought her a big white plastic bag. She climbed down the stairs. “I... bought us... a lot of snacks!”

My eyes shining as I showed her all her favorite snacks. “Julie, you don’t have to. What if...”

“My dad said it’s fine! He already knows you.” She sighed. A sly smile draws on her face. “Besides... I want to celebrate the new year... with you. It will become my first year... to celebrate something with... uh... my special person.”

She sighed and showed me a text message from her mom. “Maybe... we could...” right. We’re still students anyway. We could work part-time, but we can’t afford a fancy condominium.

“It’s alright, I get it.” I tried not to shed a tear in front of her.

“Julie...” I climbed the stairs, then put the snack inside the tree house. “I'll be coming back after the party!” Don’t come back. It will make me guilty even more.

1 minute before the countdown, I was still laying there as I stared into the ceiling. Suddenly, I heard her calling my name. I’m looking at her as she’s running towards our treehouse.

“Julie!” I pulled her hand. “I’m bringing you this...” She took out her bento box, then opened the lid.

“Did you...”

“Yes, I sneak out from the party because...” because? “...I’m bored.” Bored? Your parents brought you to Yamaguchi Cruise to see the fireworks you called bored?! What kind of person are you?

“Why you...”

“Because it’s also my first time too that I am celebrating a new year with someone special.” Our gaze met. We’re staring at each other. The sound of the countdown from the radio kept us company.

10...

9...

8...

7...

6...

5...

“When we’re growing up in the future, let's move in together.” She held my hand tight, as we were waiting for fireworks.

4...

3...

“Okay, deal.” Our fingers intertwined, then I pulled her closer. “What’s the reason behind it, anyway? We’re never being apart?”

Her face reddened as the moonlight shined through the wide window. “Y-yes...” I’m chuckling. It’s cute.

Everything about her is cute. I hope she knows how much I want her.

2...

1...

Flashback off

I printed our choices, then pinned it on my mind board. “Honestly, I’m still surprised that we’re... going to move in.” She pokes my shoulder.

I crossed my arms over my chest, as I leaned my head on her shoulder. Staring at the potential place we’re going to choose.

“First, I should discuss it with the agency first, then... we’re moving in. You should... tell all your clients too, right?”

“Hm...” She sighed, then wrote something on my sticky note and stuck it on the center of the board. “What do you think? It’s... the best investment.”

I’m straightening my posture. I never expected her to orchestrate this. Serenade Cafe, huh? It’s a perfect name for a cafe. Well, I take it from now.