{Changing Clothes Together 1}

September, which felt like midsummer, came to an end, and October began.

The heat finally started to ease, making it more comfortable. But just as I thought that, the mornings and evenings began to grow chilly. If I dressed in long sleeves because it felt cold when heading out, I would end up rolling up my sleeves during the day because it was too hot. And if I got home late, I would sometimes shiver from the sudden cold autumn wind.

So I made a decision.

“Let’s change our clothes for the season.”

“No objections!”

Miyu raised her hand in agreement.

It would only be a little longer that it would be hot during the day, so it was about time to put away the summer clothes. Instead, I wanted to wash our light outerwear and thicker autumn clothes to be ready to wear at any time. I should also check the condition of our winter clothes so that we wouldn’t panic once it got cold.

“Today’s weather is perfect for it, too.”

As she said, the first weekend of October was a refreshing autumn day. The sky looked brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy sheep clouds stretching far into the distance.

With that decided, we immediately took action. We started changing our clothes for the season, running the washing machine at full capacity since the morning. We washed what we could at home and sent the items we couldn’t manage to the dry cleaners. In between, we stored the summer clothes in storage boxes and cleared out space in the closet, which was important.

If I were doing all the work alone, it would be overwhelming, but fortunately, we lived together. We decided to divide the tasks amicably.

When I returned from the dry cleaners, there were already clothes hanging on the balcony of our apartment.

Looking up, I saw Miyu on the balcony. She seemed to have finished running the washing machine and was diligently spreading out the laundry to dry.

Against the backdrop of the clear autumn sky, the laundry billowed in the wind, and she looked somewhat happy hanging it up—it was a picturesque scene that seemed like it could be in a laundry detergent commercial.

“Oh, welcome back, Atsushi-kun!”

Miyu on the balcony noticed me and waved.

From the second floor, she smiled radiantly, and even though I was used to that familiar face, it looked a bit dazzling under the sun. I squinted my eyes as I waved back.

“I’m home.”

“You were quick! Wasn’t the dry cleaner crowded?”

“Well, there was a bit of a line.”

It seemed we weren’t the only ones thinking of changing clothes for the season today. The dry cleaners we frequented had an unusually long queue, and although it was just a little, I had to wait. This might be a busy time for the shop.

“The laundry is done. Let me help.”

I said that and hurried to the room where she was waiting.

“Wow, that’s helpful, thank you!”

It was amusing to hear her voice calling from the balcony when I could have just thanked her after I entered the room.

Once I entered the entrance and took off my shoes, I heard Miyu’s voice from inside the room.

“The laundry will be done soon. So, could you put away the summer clothes for me, Atsushi-kun?”

“Got it.”

Our balcony isn’t very spacious, so it’s a bit cramped for both of us to hang clothes side by side. So I entered her room, which has the closet.

I neatly folded the summer clothes I had worn and stored them in the storage box. The box I brought from my parents’ house had autumn and winter clothes in it until just now. I had brought these from my parents’ home, and they had been packed away since we started living together. I could imagine how surprised the clothes must have been to finally be taken out into our new home, only to be thrown into the wash immediately.

Now that I think about it, this was the first time we were changing clothes since moving in.

Since we started living together in April, we hadn’t had the chance until now. I found myself reflecting on the simple fact that we were welcoming the changing seasons together.

After finishing putting away my clothes, I began organizing Miyu’s clothes. I recognized most of her summer outfits, and while folding them, recent memories suddenly came flooding back.

This short-sleeve blouse was the one she wore when we went to the Italian restaurant for her birthday.

This cardigan was worn when we came back together after my internship.

This dress was what she wore when we visited her father’s grave—each piece of clothing held memories, and it was strange how easily I could recall how we spent those times, what she talked about, and the expressions she wore.

I thought I had a good memory for someone who doesn’t usually remember things well.

It seems that when it comes to Miyu, my memory is oddly sharp.

“Oh, you were putting them away?”

After hearing the sound of the balcony door close, Miyu peeked into the room.

“Yeah, I took them out.”

“Thank you! It’s quick when we do it together.”

She entered the room and knelt beside me.

So we folded the summer clothes together and put them into the storage box. Just as she said, it seemed like we would finish quickly working side by side.

“I was remembering a lot of things.”

During that time, I shared my earlier thoughts with Miyu.

“While looking at your clothes, I recalled when you wore this, or where we went wearing this outfit.”

“Totally! I often think the same while doing laundry.”

Her face lit up, and she continued the conversation.

“When I hang your clothes, I think, ‘This is the outfit he wore when we went out to play,’ right?”

“Yeah, that happens.”

It seems we both pay more attention to what the other person is wearing than we realize.