Chapter Text
I took in a few deep breaths, desperately trying to keep myself calm.
Hitori: “Today’s the day…”
My heart was racing as the bright summer sun beamed down on me.
Hitori: “Doing this in the summer’s gotta be some kind of crime against introverts…”
My wait wasn’t long however, as before I had time to complain any more I heard two honks from a truck horn.
Hitori: “Oh.”
Nijika: “Bocchi!”
Hitori: “Ah, N-Nijika! T-Thank you for coming all the way down here…”
Nijika: “It’s fine, it’s fine! Let’s grab your stuff and get out of here, okay? Kita’s already down there.”
Hitori: “O-Oh, okay!”
That’s right. Today was a special day. Today was the day… That I’d be moving in with my girlfriend… Ikuyo Kita.
——————————————————————————————————————————
It all came about from a date back in April, and a conversation I would never forget.
We were roaming the streets around Kita’s house. Our date was almost over, but neither of us really wanted it to be, so we simply kept walking together. We’d been around this place a million times by this point, but it didn’t matter. We’d wait until we could see the shining stars if we felt like it. And during these walks, we’d talk about all kinds of meaningless things, just because we liked hearing each other’s voices. But today was different…
Kita: “Sorry for making you come down here all the time lately.”
Hitori: “Eh? A-Ah, n-no! I-It’s fine! I know university keeps you busy… A two hour commute would just be too much to ask of you!”
Kita: “But you do that.”
Hitori: “I-I don’t go to school though…”
Kita: “Yeah, but you’re always writing for us or recording for YooTube right? It’s not like that isn’t tiring on its own.”
Hitori: “Mm, w-well, I-I’m used to being tired… A-And besides! Now that you’re done, you’ll be able to come over, right? S-So don’t worry!”
Kita was hesitant for a moment. She gave me a smile that was an attempt at reassurance, but I could tell there was more she wanted to say. Sensing this, she let go of my hand and walked in front of me. After a dramatic pause, she twisted around in an instant, a real smile showing on her face.
Kita: “Say, Hitori… Wanna move in together?”
Hitori: “Eh?… EH!?”
D…Did I hear that right?! M-Move in together?!
Before my mind could drift off into its own delusions, Kita began to explain her reasoning.
Kita: “We spend most of our time going to each other’s houses already. With you out of school, that’s a two hour trip each time for one of us. And when I’m in school, it’s almost exclusively you… When you’re already down here that often anyways, why don’t we find a place? Nothing too crazy of course! Just a modest apartment, and one where we can set up a recording room for you-“
Hitori: “O-Oh, n-no, t-that’s okay, I can just use a closet.”
Kita: “I don’t think the neighbors would appreciate that very much.”
Hitori: “I-I could soundproof it.”
Kita: “Haaaah, well, either way we wouldn’t be buying a house or anything like that… Maybe when Kessoku Band goes multi-platinum… But it would be good for the band too. Most of our gigs are in this general area, and if Nijika or Ryo needed anything, you’d be much easier to get a hold of.”
Hitori: “T-That’s true…”
All of what she was saying was true, I wasn’t going to deny it, but… Moving in with someone you’re dating is a big step… I can’t help but let my mind wander a bit. What if we move in and she starts noticing a ton of little things that make her hate me? Like what if I start sleeping in a weird way? Or what if I arrange my part of the room in a way she hates? Or what if I eat weirdly and I’ve just been unconsciously suppressing it when she’s over?
Sensing my growing anxiety, Kita puts her hands behind her back and brings a blushing face down before looking at me in the eyes.
Kita: “And… It’s not just for those fancy reasons. Even if it was more inconvenient, I think I’d still ask you about this. At the end of the day, I just wanna be with you more. I wanna get home from a long day and see you there… I wanna eat dinner with you every night… I wanna have more private time with you whenever I want…”
Hitori: “H-Huh?”
Kita looked away and scratched her cheek.
Kita: “…I don’t wanna have to wait until no one’s home.”
Hitori: “I-I-I-I-I-Ikuyo!”
Kita: “But, most importantly… I want to wake up to the sight of your face every morning… If I had that, I think I could face any day head on.”
Hitori: “…N-No fair being so wholesome at the end…”
Kita: “Ehehe, sorry. You’ve made me become quite the greedy girl, Hitori Goto. I want all of you.”
Hitori: “T-That’s…”
Kita: “Oh, but don’t get me wrong! If you don’t want to, then just tell me! I would never want to force you into something you didn’t want…”
Hitori: “N-No! I-It’s just…”
Of course it made me happy hearing all of that. And of course I want all of the same from her, but…
Hitori: “Is it… Is it really okay for it to be me?”
I struggle and fail to look up at her while I ask this, fidgeting with my hands until they’re met with a new warmth - her hands. Instinctively, I look up and see Kita’s face right in front of mine, eyes looking straight into mine, with a serene smile that I’d probably remember and dream about for weeks to come.
Kita: “Hitori, I love you. Of course I want it to be you, silly! I couldn’t even dream of it being anyone else. And I wouldn’t want it to be… Because the girl that I love is named Hitori Goto!”
Hitori: “Ikuyo…”
Letting those feelings wash over me, I could feel my own happiness blooming now that it was allowed to sprout. I’m allowed to feel this way…
Hitori: “…Mm! I-I want to live with you… A-And if we need money, I have a lot of guitarhero ad revenue saved up…”
Kita: “No, no! I wouldn’t make you do that!”
Hitori: “But, I… I want to. Between what we get from the band and guitarhero, I-I think… It would be okay.”
Kita: “Hitori… Mm!! And… You’re sure? I really don’t want to force you…”
Hitori: “Mm-hm! Y-You said you were greedy earlier, but then, w-we must be a pair of greedy girls… Cuz I-I want all the same things that you do… hehe.”
Kita: “Hooooh, even the private time?”
Hitori: “E-Eh!? U-Um! T-That’s! I-I… Unnngh, m-meanie…”
Kita: “Ehehe, sorry! You’re just too fun to tease. And besiiiiiides, you’ve yet to follow our rule, so I had to tease you a little…”
Hitori: “Eh?… Oh! S-Sorry!”
We established it early on. Maybe because we always wanted to know how the other was feeling, or maybe just because we wanted to hear the other say it. But whenever it was said, it had to be said back…
Hitori: “I-Ikuyo, I love you t-too!”
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Nijika: “Bocchi… Is that really all you’re bringing?”
In the back of the truck Nijika drove laid a few suitcases and my guitars. We were borrowing the truck from someone Hiroi knew. She may be a little overbearing in some ways, especially now that I’m almost at a drinking age, but she’s always willing to help. I really appreciate that.
Hitori: “Mm. We moved some of the bigger things ourselves already. W-Well, actually we had a moving company do it, b-but we wanted to be careful with the instruments and stuff.”
Nijika: “Ah, gotcha. Must’ve been a real pain going back and forth so much, huh?”
Hitori: “Maybe, but… Seeing the place slowly become ours made it worth it, I-I think.”
Nijika: “Hoh. Kita’s made you quite the romantic over the years, I see.”
Hitori: “E-Eh? U-Um, t-that’s… I-I have to go say goodbye t-to my parents, I-I’ll be right back!”
Nijika: “Hehehe. Still easy to tease, though.”
Pretending I didn’t hear that last comment, I ran towards the door to my house, or I suppose what will be my old house soon. Both my parents and Futari are there waiting to see me off.
Hitori: “…W-Well, I guess I’m leaving now.”
Dad: “Hitori, are you sure you don’t want us to come?”
Hitori: “N-No, i-it’s fine! We’ll be fine. You’ve already helped so much throughout the past week, so…”
Dad: “But-“
Mom: “Dear. Let them have this moment to themselves. This is a big step, they should be allowed to enjoy it themselves.”
Dad: “I know, but… Haah, fine. As long as you give us a call when you get there.”
Hitori: “I know, I will.”
Dad’s always been a little overprotective of me, but I appreciate it at the end of the day. Futari’s a bit more free spirited than I am, so I guess… Me moving out is kinda like him losing the chance to be that overprotective dad… Well, it’s not like I’m that far away if he wants to come over anyways.
Futari: “…It’s gonna be lonely without you here, sis…”
Futari was looking down, but I could tell she was holding back tears. As Futari got older, she started to confide in me a little more. I’m not sure I’ve been a great older sister, it’s not like I have much experience to draw on, but I tried my best. And I guess I did good enough to be missed… I bent down a little and put my hand on her head.
Hitori: “Hey, don’t say that. You’ll still have JimiHen to cause a ruckus with.”
Futari: “…Mm.”
Hitori: “And I’ll always be a call away if you want to talk. Even if it’s about nothing… Although I can’t promise I’ll know what to say, ahaha.”
Futari: “…Mm.”
Hitori: “And, Futari… I won’t be that far away, okay? If Mom and Dad are okay with it, I can pick you up and bring you down some days if you want.”
Futari: “R-Really?”
Hitori: “Mm-hm!”
Futari: “…Okay.”
Hitori: “Good girl. Now… Can I see a smile before I leave?”
Futari stifled her tears, before using all her strength to look up at me. Although her eyes were still wet, she was smiling. Giving her a final pat on the head, I looked to Mom who mouthed a silent “thank you” to me. Haaaaaaaah… Being a big sister is hard!!! How did people do this 24/7!?
Hitori: “Well, I guess I’m off… Mom, Dad… Thank you for everything. N-N-Not that this is goodbye or anything! B-But it’s just… I wouldn’t even be able to do this if you didn’t support me all this time… So thank you. I love you! And I hope you can come down soon.”
Dad: “H-Hitoriiiii…”
Hitori: “D-Dad, don’t you start crying too…”
Dad: “I know, it’s just…”
Hitori: “Mm.”
Today’s happy, but it’s also a little sad.
Mom: “Hitori, if you ever need to come back or stay over, we’re here no matter the circumstances, okay? That goes for Kita too.”
Hitori: “Mm-hm. Thank you, Mom.”
Mom: “And make sure you come over for dinner often, okay? I’ll make your favorite!”
Hitori: “Mm. Thanks, Mom. You don’t have to though…”
Mom: “Maybe, but I want to.”
Hitori: “Ah…”
An awkward silence started growing, and for a brief second, the thought of just staying here crossed my mind, but I turned around quickly to eliminate it.
Hitori: “T-T-This isn’t goodbye, so, um… S-See you later!”
Mom: “…Mm. See you later, Hitori.”
Dad: “See you… Later… Hitori…”
Futari: “Later, big sis… You better not forget your offer!”
Taking in all their words, I walked back towards Nijika, who was patiently waiting.
Nijika: “Said all your farewells?”
Hitori: “D-Don’t say it like I’ll never see them again…”
Nijika: “Ahaha, sorry, sorry! But… Have you said everything you wanted to say?”
Hitori: “…No. But that’s exactly why I’ll have to make sure to visit often.”
Nijika: “Woah, nice answer.”
Hitori: “I-It’s true, though…”
Nijika: “Oh, I know. It’s a very Bocchi answer. Anyways, hop in. It’s a long drive.”
Hitori: “Mm.”
Hopping in beside Nijika, I looked towards my house one final time. They were still there, smiles on their faces, waving at me. And so I smiled and waved back, as I said goodbye to the Goto household. With this, we were on our way to the city.
Nijika: “Say, Bocchi, I’ve been meaning to ask, what are you gonna do when Kita’s back in school?”
Hitori: “Oh, well, Ryo said she wanted to try writing in-person, so that’ll probably be a good chance for that… Ummmm, other than that, probably just writing or doing guitarhero videos.”
Nijika: “Wow, you really did get to make music your sole focus after high school, huh? It’s amazing, don’t get me wrong, but… Don’t you ever get tired of it?”
Hitori: “Ah, n-not really. I guess… Music can express a lot of different things, so I can always find a way to fit the mood I’m in. B-But, it’s not like it’s only music 24/7! H-Half of it is managing both guitarhero and our Kessoku Band videos, responding to comments and stuff.”
Nijika: “Eh? Isn’t that Kita’s job?”
Hitori: “O-Only on Issta… She told me it’d be good to have different band members run different accounts…”
Nijika: “Hoooh. Well, I did make her our social media manager, so I’m sure she knows what she’s doing.”
Hitori: “Mm-hm… A-And not just that… If possible, I wanna prepare dinner for her on those kinds of days. So that… When she comes home tired, she’ll have a great meal in front of her. I-I might need more of your help though…”
Nijika: “I think she'd be more happy to see you than food honestly, but of course I’ll help! I was actually gonna ask if you wanted more shifts at Starry since it’s closer, but it sounds like you're plenty busy already.”
Hitori: “O-Oh, n-no, I-I’m fine with more shifts!”
Nijika: “Ooh? And to think you were once afraid of going to work at all…”
Hitori: “W-Well, it’s not the work that I like, but… I want to spend more time with you, Ryo, Manager, and PA… Now that I’m so close.”
Nijika: “Ah… That’s not fair. I was teasing you. Don’t get fluffy on me.”
Nijika says this in a little pout.
Hitori: “Ehehe. Ryo was right, you’re easy to tease too.”
Nijika: “What was that?”
Hitori: “N-N-Nothing!”
Nijika: “Honestly… That girl causes me nothing but trouble.”
Hitori: “Ah, um, about that… I-I was wondering if… You two would be finding a place, um, anytime soon…”
Nijika: “Are you kidding? She basically lives at my place anyway, it wouldn’t really change much.”
Hitori: “B-But… Wouldn’t it be better to live on your own then?”
Nijika: “Mmmmm, maybe, but… She’d never admit it, but sis would be lonely without me. I don’t want to do that to her.”
Hitori: “A-Ah, sorry…”
Nijika: “No, no, don’t apologize. Now I’m just more interested in visiting you two.”
Hitori: “O-Oh, w-well feel free to come over whenever. We should have some band dinner nights.”
Nijika: “That would be nice!”
Hitori: “Mm. We’ll make it happen then.”
For some reason, my vision was starting to blur slightly and I was having trouble keeping my eyes open. Maybe it was just the shaking of the truck, but I was getting really sleepy…
Nijika: “You tired, Bocchi?”
Hitori: “N-No, I’m… fine…”
Nijika: “Ahaha, it’s okay. Feel free to sleep. We still have a long way to go.”
Hitori: “N-No… You’d be… Alone”
Nijika: “Really, it’s fine. You’ve been working extra hard this past week. I think you deserve some rest time.”
Hitori: “…Fine… But just a nap…”
Nijika: “Mm-hm. Sleep well.”
——————————————————————————————————————————
Mmph…
I feel a warm sensation on my lips…
I slowly open my eyes to see Kita looking directly at me. It dawns on me that the warm sensation is her lips, that are still currently on mine. As I turn red, she smoothly pulls away.
Kita: “Goooood morning, my Hitori <3”
Hitori: “I-I-I-Ikuyo! W-Waking me up like that is…”
More than my heart can handle!
Kita: “Sorry, sorry! You just looked so cute sleeping that I couldn’t help myself… But I won’t do it if it bothers you.”
Hitori: “A-Ah, n-no, w-well it didn’t… u-um, bother me.”
Nijika: “Right, right, can you two stop flirting for a bit so we can move all this stuff?”
Kita: “Yes! Coming!”
Hitori: “Y-Y-Yes!”
After that embarrassing display, Kita and I helped Nijika unload the truck and brought all of my luggage into the apartment. Afterwards, we helped with Kita’s luggage, which she had brought on her own. I guess Ryo and I are the only ones without licenses. But it’s not like I really go anywhere that a train can’t get me. Nonetheless, we don’t have much luggage between us, so it only takes about an hour to get it all in. Luckily, we had things like furniture brought in beforehand by a moving company, so it’s just the personal things we have to unpack.
Nijika: “Phew! That’s the last trip. Do you want any help unpacking?”
Kita: “No, no! You’ve done more than enough, Nijika! We’ll do it after you leave, there’s no rush.”
Hitori: “Yeah… Honestly… I-I’m pretty tired anyways…”
Nijika: “Mm, okay. Well, Ryo’s on her way with food so I was gonna recommend a break anyway.”
Kita: “Really? Senpai is?”
Nijika: “Of course! I figured we’d be too tired to make food and she wants to see this place just as much as I did!”
Hitori: “Ah, so she’s not actually coming for us…”
Nijika: “Ahaha, that’s just her excuse. I’m sure she wants to help you in her own way too, even if she’s too shy to say it.”
Kita: “Ehehe, sounds like her.”
Nijika: “But wow! This really is a nice place!”
Kita: “Isn’t it? I’m glad we waited! It just felt like the right place when we saw it.”
Hitori: “M-Mm-hm.”
Honestly, I was fine with any of the places we saw, but Kita seemed to have a very particular place in mind. It’s not crazy, but it’s definitely better than average. It has a kitchen that extends into a living room, two bathrooms, and two bedrooms. One will be ours, one we’ll make into a recording room that can be used as a guest room. I’m not sure how much I’ll use it with so many studios close by, but it’ll be nice if I have a flash of inspiration on the spot. What really makes the place nice is just its design. I’m sure Kita could describe it better, but everything is just shiny and smooth. It feels fancy. I honestly feel a little out of place, but with Kita here, I’m sure it’ll feel like home in no time! And then, before long…
Ryo: “Sorry I’m late. I brought food, though.”
Kita: “Hey, Senpai!”
Hitori: “A-Ah, hello!”
Nijika: “Finally showed up, huh?”
Ryo: “Woah. This place screams rich… Is Kessoku Band doing that well!?”
Nijika: “Maybe you’d know if you stopped spending all your money…”
Kita: “Oh, come on, it’s not that nice. Sure, it’s a lot better than most places, but we actually got a pretty good deal through the Manager! She’s got some good connections!”
I’ll have to thank her too…
Ryo: “Nijika. I want to talk to Manager.”
Nijika: “Yeah, if you don’t even know how much money you’re spending each month, I refuse to let you anywhere near the housing market.”
Ryo: “Urrrrrrrgh…”
Leaving Ryo crumpled on the floor, Nijika continued like nothing happened. I suppose she’s used to this side of Ryo by this point.
Nijika: “Anyways, let’s eat! I’m starving here!”
Hitori: “A-Ah, me too…”
Ryo: “Nijika… Will you pay me back for-”
Nijika: “Nope.”
Ryo: “Haugh…”
Nijika: “D-Don’t give me that face… I guess I did kinda force you to buy this, so I’ll give you more spending money when we get home.”
Ryo: “Nijika…! You’re the greatest, I love you.”
Nijika: “S-Stop trying to manipulate me with kindness!”
Ryo: “It’s true though.”
Nijika: “I know! That’s what makes it difficult!”
Kita: “Ehehe! You two never change.”
And so, after a little laugh at the situation, we had our first band dinner at our apartment. Although, this doesn’t really count because it’s take-out. Nonetheless, it was a lively discussion like we always have. Sometimes I’m amazed that we’ve been at this for so long and are still so close. You always hear stories of bands that drift apart and start to hate each other, but we just grow stronger ties as we grow older. I guess it helps that we’re two couples at this point… But that’s besides the point! If nothing else, this dinner reaffirmed that this move was the right choice… Because Kessoku Band is just getting started!
——————————————————————————————————————————
It was now late in the evening, as both Kita and I lay in bed, ready to call it a night on this exciting but tiring day. The nightlight beside our bed being the only link to consciousness I still have left at this point. Not quite ready to sleep, Kita turns to me.
Kita: “We have a lot of unpacking to do tomorrow, huh?”
Hitori: “Hnnnng… That’s tomorrow’s problem, for now it doesn’t exist.”
Kita: “Ehehe, I don’t think that’s how it works!”
Hitori: “Mmmm… But, w-we did a lot today, so we should be happy, I think.”
Kita: “Mm-hm, can’t disagree there. Honestly… It still doesn’t feel real.”
Hitori: “What doesn’t?”
Kita: “Actually living with you… It kinda just feels like another sleepover… But I’m sure when I wake up tomorrow, and see your face, and realize that we’re the onlyyyyy two people here, I’ll know just how lucky I am. After all, I get to be with the person I love every day now!”
Hitori: “I-Ikuyo… Mm. I-I feel the same. Just knowing that I can g-grab your hand or c-cuddle up to you at any moment now makes me… so, so happy. I-If I’m not careful, I-I might hold onto you forever…”
Ikuyo: “Well… I’d be okay with that…”
Kita wrapped her arms around me and pulled me in closer to her. She was so close. I could feel her warmth through my pajamas directly on my skin. I wanted to melt into it, to let her hold me like this forever. I wanted to snuggle my head into her as well, but her eyes kept me looking directly at her. Our faces had gotten so close that our noses touched together, but neither of us wanted to pull back.
Hitori: “I-Ikuyo… I love you.”
Ikuyo: “Hitori…!”
She made the first move and stole a kiss from my lips, but I quickly reciprocated. After a barrage of us both hastily trying to kiss the other, we slowed down and held them for longer. Instead of quick hits of dopamine, the sensation of her lips placed a slowly spreading ecstasy in my mind, like she was slowly taking it over. Truthfully, she already had. Eventually we pulled away only because we needed oxygen, but my lips now felt almost lonely without hers. I couldn’t help but laugh at how dependent on her I’d become.
Kita: “Mm? What’s so funny?”
Hitori: “Nothing… I’m just… So glad I get to spend my life with you.”
Kita: “E-Eh!? H-Hitori… Ehehe…”
Oh crap, I spoke in the heat of the moment, but that totally sounded like a proposal, didn’t it!?
Hitori: “A-Ah, u-um-“
Kita quickly stole my lips before I could say another word, but not for long, as she took them away as fast as they came.
Kita: “Don’t take it back, silly. We’ll get there… But let’s enjoy the now first, okay?”
Hitori: “Ikuyo… M-Mm. Okay.”
I guess she’s right. We have a whole future ahead of us… So many new experiences waiting… B-But I wouldn’t mind getting married at some point in the near future… Maybe I really am greedy…
Kita: “Ehehe… Now, as much as I want to keep kissing you, I’m getting pretty tired. Is it okay for me to turn out the light?”
Hitori: “M-Mm-hm. I’ve been… fading for a while now, hehe.”
Kita turned out the light and I immediately took my chance to snuggle into her. Being able to bask in this warmth every night… Just the thought of it gives me the resolve to face the future. And it’s clearly of no surprise to her, as she puts one hand on the back of my head to embrace me in response.
Hitori: “Oh… Don’t forget… Our rule…”
Kita: “Ehehe, of course I wouldn’t.”
Gently, she starts stroking my hair, and I can feel the dark depths of unconsciousness pulling me into them.
Kita: “I love you too, Hitori. Goodnight.”
And a kiss on the top of my head is the last thing I need, before I fall asleep in the arms of the girl I love.
And so, the passing of that starry night marked the beginning of our dreamy days in that apartment…