91 - Cohabitation? Living Together? Living Alone?

RAW

Under a clear blue sky, a gentle breeze flowed over the school rooftop, softening the summer heat. In one sunny corner, perfect for enjoying lunch, a startled voice echoed from the shadow of the water tower.

"Seriously?! Wait, isn't that practically living together?!"

Tomoya exclaimed, almost choking on his yakisoba bread, stunned by Haruto's confession.

"Hey, don't spit food everywhere. That's gross."

"Idiot! Anyone would spit out their food hearing something that shocking!"

"Don't make that a normal reaction. Show some manners. Swallow before you talk."

Haruto's reprimand was akin to a parental lecture. Ignoring it, Tomoya eagerly questioned his friend.

"Living with Ayaka?! That’s like every guy’s dream! That’s amazing!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down!"

Haruto quickly glanced around, raising a finger to his lips to signal for quiet.

At their school, the rooftop was open to students. On pleasant days, many brought their lunches to enjoy the open space. However, the spot Haruto and Tomoya occupied, shaded by the water tower at noon, was unpopular as most students preferred the sunny areas. This secluded location was ideal for private conversations.

Currently, there were two other groups on the rooftop, sitting far from Haruto and Tomoya, chatting cheerfully under the sun. Haruto sighed in relief, confirming Tomoya's outburst hadn't reached them.

"You call it living together, but isn’t it a bit different?" Haruto asked.

"How’s it different?"

"Well, living together usually means just a couple sharing a place."

"Hmm... Now that you mention it, you're right." Tomoya scratched his head, trying to process this distinction.

The proposal from Shuichi the previous day had suggested hiring Haruto's grandmother as a live-in housekeeper and inviting Haruto to stay at the Tōjō residence. Excited, Tomoya had dubbed it "cohabitation" upon hearing the news. However, since Ayaka’s parents, Shuichi and Ikue, her younger brother Ryota, and even Haruto’s grandmother would all be living under the same roof, it didn't match Haruto's image of cohabitation.

"Ayaka's entire family will be there, and even my grandma. How’s that cohabitation?"

"Hmm, but isn’t that even more intense than living together?" Tomoya said, tilting his head in thought.

"What do you mean by intense?"

"Think about it—you're living with her family! That’s like skipping a level. All you guys need is a marriage license, and boom, you're set."

"Hold on, that's way too soon! We've only been dating for a week!" Haruto protested.

"Ha, Haru, true love doesn’t care about time, you know?"

Tomoya struck a dramatic pose, brushing his bangs back as he delivered the line.

"Ugh, you’re being so cringy right now," Haruto said, grimacing.

"What? That was my 'Apostle of Love' impression!"

"What the heck is an Apostle of Love?"

"A legendary figure who spreads love and encourages marriage, of course!"

"When you say it, it just sounds like a scam artist."

Haruto's flat dismissal made Tomoya laugh. Then, as if struck by inspiration, Tomoya snapped his fingers.

"So it’s not cohabitation—it’s co-residence! That fits, right?"

"Co-residence? I guess that makes sense."

Tomoya quickly pulled out his phone to search for the term and showed the results to Haruto.

"See? It says 'co-residence' means family or unrelated individuals living together in the same house."

"Wait, so technically... that’s what this is?"

"Exactly! Man, I’m so jealous!" Tomoya teased, nudging Haruto with a grin.

Haruto sighed, still unsure.

"I won’t be living there full-time, though. I can’t just leave my house unattended."

While the idea of staying with Ayaka was appealing, Haruto valued the home he grew up in. His parents' belongings, his late grandfather’s memorial altar, and other precious memories resided there. He couldn’t abandon it entirely.

"Houses need people living in them, or they deteriorate quickly," Haruto said.

"But your grandma will be working as a housekeeper at the Tōjō place. That leaves you alone at home, right?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

Shuichi’s invitation had been partly out of concern for Haruto’s situation.

"So you’ll be living with Ayaka while also experiencing living alone? That’s a win-win!" Tomoya said enthusiastically.

"You’re making it sound way too convenient," Haruto replied with a laugh.

He explained that the exact arrangements were still undecided and would be discussed on Saturday when he and his grandmother visited the Tōjōs. Tomoya leaned back, sipping his orange juice.

"Oh yeah, isn’t the postponed fireworks festival happening this Sunday? Are you going with Ayaka?"

"That’s the plan, but it depends on Saturday’s discussion."

Tomoya smirked.

"Man, you’re living the dream. A festival date with Ayaka and a co-residence? Life is good, huh?"

Haruto chuckled awkwardly but didn’t disagree.

Just as they continued chatting, footsteps approached. The boys instinctively fell silent, listening. Soon, a familiar figure peeked out from behind the water tower.

"Oh? Akagi and Ōtsuki? What are you guys doing here?"

It was Saki, who looked surprised to see them. Haruto relaxed, knowing she was someone who already knew about his relationship with Ayaka.

"Just talking about Ayaka," Haruto replied.

"Ah, so that’s why you’re in such a secluded spot," Saki said knowingly.

But before she could continue, another voice called out excitedly:

"Haruto?!"

Emerging from behind Saki was none other than...