{Atsushi Yamaguchi and Miyuki Satou 2}

Miyu let out a small laugh before thinking carefully and responding.

“I wouldn’t say it’s completely zero for me, but I don’t feel much of that either. I’ve always been with my mom, and I love my grandparents, but right now, I’m more excited about spending time with you, Atsushi-kun.”

She gave a shy shrug as she said that.

“What should I do? I might not even get homesick.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“Doesn’t it seem a bit heartless if I don’t feel homesick at all?”

“Not at all. We’re still in the same city, and you can visit anytime.”

Her worries, as always, seemed a bit off-target.

But even that was something I found cute.

—

After parting ways with Miyu and returning home, I headed straight to my room. I resumed packing amidst the already piled-up boxes, snacking on the handmade chocolates she gave me, sorting through my belongings in a good mood.

To be honest, I thought it was a bit too early to start packing.

But my mom had been pushing me to get it done, so I decided to pack things I wasn’t using, like summer clothes, my high school textbooks, reference books, and the books I didn’t often read. I also carefully wrapped and packed the dishes I’d be taking from home.

As I did these simple tasks, my mind started to wander.

Like Miyu, I probably wouldn’t feel homesick either.

It’s not that I don’t have feelings for my parents. Even though they’ve often been absent, they’ve been working for my sake, and I’m grateful they raised me. While I’ve sometimes thought they were a bit eccentric, I’ve never disliked them.

Still, I don’t feel particularly sad about leaving.

Even this room…

—

As the boxes piled up, the cozy space I had known slowly became bare.

I have memories here, sure. But more than memories, it’s the ingrained habits that linger—looking up at the ceiling from my bed, leaning on my desk while staring at the wall, or gazing out the window while on the phone. Losing those little routines felt a bit complicated.

There were sleepless nights where I stayed up worrying in this room.

The moments when I waited for her messages with my chin resting on my hand.

The times I looked out the window, wishing I could go see her…

Losing all that—it might be a little sad.

—

Is this what homesickness feels like? No way.

I chuckled to myself and popped another piece of her homemade chocolate into my mouth. This year’s was undeniably delicious.

Then, I glanced at the door plate she had given me.

The cute little mouse design on the oval wooden plate, with our names carved from wooden blocks, read:

“Atsushi Yamaguchi & Miyuki Satou”

I wondered what she was thinking as she carefully arranged and glued each letter of my name next to hers.

The thought of it made me restless, so even though we had just met, I picked up my phone and called her.

—

“—Atsushi-kun? What’s up?” she answered.

“I just wanted to hear your voice.”

“Oh, I’m glad you called. I was just thinking I wanted to talk a little more too,” she said with a laugh.

Her voice hadn’t changed at all since high school.

Leaning against the window, I gazed at the setting sky and savored the happiness of being able to talk to her.

“What were you doing?”

“I started packing. I thought it was too early, but my parents said it’s better to start soon.”

It seems that no matter where you go, parents are always eager to rush their kids out of the nest.

“Same here. My mom’s been asking me constantly if I’m making progress.”

“Sounds like it. But if you rush, your room will end up completely empty.”

Her laugh was brighter and more cheerful than I had expected.

It wouldn’t be long before I could hear that voice in person every day.

That thought quickly swept away the faint sentimentality, filling me with excitement instead.

—

Soon, Miyu and I would really empty out our rooms.

It might feel a little sad. Maybe I’d even feel a bit nostalgic.

But in our new life together, we’ll make so many more memories—so, yeah, I doubt there’ll be any time to feel homesick.