After her only guardian passes away, a childish 20 year old woman named Momoko moves to Tokyo city to start learning how to live independently. While Momoko adapts to adult life in the city and struggles with living expenses, she dreams about start...
I hadn't heard from my little neglected next door neighbor Kotomi in almost 4 days. She never came back over to get more breakfast, never-mind a snack, and her crappy father never came by like a respectable man to apologize for his carelessness.
Nevertheless, I had hoped to force myself to put it all out of my mind for the night — Kotomi, work, my sudden realization of how overwhelming my feelings for Yuji had become....
In order to do so, I stayed snuggled in my apartment on a stormy Friday night to relax. Despite the loud thunder rumbling and cracking every few minutes, I was actually pretty chill. I cuddled up on the couch in my living room, surrounded by junk food and watching Rom Coms.
I was texting Yuji — yes, Yuji, back and forth, somehow at a normal enough pace that wouldn't have been able to notice any changes in me. Which was perfect. I didn't want him to notice until I told him, and I definitely didn't want to appear awkward enough for him to guess. I still wasn't sure about how I would tell him, but for now I didn't want to think about it. Relationships could get so complicated and I wasn't in the mood. At least not tonight.
If it was possible to procrastinate on feelings, I swear, I did.
Me: I know I said I wouldn't stress about the kid I told you about but I'm really starting to worry! 😖
Yuji:At least that kid has SOMEONE to worry about her. Some parents just don't care enough these days.
Me: I'm tired of stressing myself out about it, though. I want to help her.
Yuji: Don't feel bad for worrying. Whatever you do, be careful. You don't know what kind of man her father could be. Judging by the situation, you'll meet him sooner or later.
Me: I'm not afraid! Whoever he is, I want to strangle him!
I set my cellphone down next to me and slide the remote into my hand, shaking my head and flipping through channels. After switching to a rerun of a variety show guest starring a high school aged Yuji, I manage to take my mind off of Kotomi.
"Oh my god, he looks so cute!" I giggle as I watch Yuji stumbling over a tongue twister to the delight of all of the young ladies in the audience. Even at this age he was just as charming. I take a picture on my phone of a close up and send it to him chuckling.
Yuji: Ewww! The cringe! I can't believe I wore my hair like that, I look awful.😵
Me: You look cute.😘
Yuji: If you say so. ☺️
Moments later, I'm beginning to drift off to the show when I hear three small knocks on the door that make me jump. At first, I just sit up and listen, hoping it's not what I think it is. I wait patiently.
But then I hear it again, followed by a very aggressive MEOW and the voice of a child shouting incoherently on the other side of my apartment door. I jump from the couch and rush to the door, unlocking it and throwing it open without a second thought. Just as I had guessed, Kotomi was standing there soaking wet with a massive smile on her face. I looked over her tiny form, shivering from being soaked with cold night rain. She looked very proud to be holding a random scruffy cat in her arms, but her pride vanished when she saw my horrified expression. Her smile fades and she flashes her big brown eyes on me.
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