I groaned, running my hands through my hair as I slumped further into my seat. "So, what do you think about it?" I muttered, feeling utterly frustrated.
Today was my day off. Not because it was my birthday, but because Keiko’s words from last night were haunting me. Happy Birthday! The way she said it, the way she looked at me—was she suspicious? Did she know? A shiver ran down my spine.
“Arghhh!” I let out a frustrated scream.
“Chill down, girl.” Junpei sighed and snapped a picture of me before shoving his phone in my face. “Look at you. You look like you just lost a battle with a raccoon. Don't embarrass me in public, geez.”
I glanced at the photo. Messy hair, furrowed brows, and an expression that screamed ‘mentally unhinged.’ I groaned and buried my face into my folded arms. “I don’t care anymore.”
“But I care.” Junpei said firmly.
I lifted my head, eyes filled with unexpected hope. “You do?”
He leaned in and whispered, “Yeah, for my reputation, dumbass. People are staring. I don’t wanna be associated with a lunatic.”
I glared at him before sitting up properly. “Fine.”
“Good. Now, spill it. What’s got you in a crisis this time?” Junpei demanded. “If you keep sighing, I will leave.”
I huffed. “You’ve been sitting there for thirty minutes, dude. You really weren’t paying attention?”
He gave an awkward chuckle. “Okay, okay. My bad.”
I crossed my arms. “You should be grateful I’m spending my birthday with you.”
Junpei smirked. “Yeah, yeah. Lucky me. A free meal and a moody friend. Best gift ever.”
I shot him a glare, making him chuckle nervously. “Alright, alright. Seriously, what’s up?”
I took a deep breath. “Keiko wished me happy birthday last night.”
Junpei raised a brow. “And?”
“And how did she know?” I leaned forward, voice dropping to a whisper. “She’s getting suspicious, I know it.”
Junpei blinked, then deadpanned. “Didn’t you give her your new ID?”
My eyes widened. “Oh… oh!” Realization hit me like a truck. “That’s it! That must be it!”
“Lower your voice, idiot.” Junpei winced.
I cleared my throat, muttering, “Sorry.”
Junpei shook his head. “Seriously, though. Why’d you keep the same birthday as your original self? Rookie mistake.”
I slumped in my seat. “I didn’t think that far ahead.”
Junpei snorted. “I’m not surprised.”
“Hey!” I smacked his arm.
He chuckled. “But honestly, from what you told me, Keiko is onto something. You better be careful.”
I sighed. “I know.”
“You gotta start acting like a proper young girl. I bet you’re so weird that Keiko’s thinking, Damn, this girl acts just like my husband.”
I scowled. “Shut up.”
Junpei smirked. “Still, what’s your plan?”
I hesitated before saying, “I’m going to tell her.”
Junpei stared at me. “Seriously?”
“Not now,” I quickly clarified. “But eventually. I want to give Keiko and Rin what I couldn’t before as Ryusei.”
Junpei leaned back. “Fine, whatever. Just don’t let her find out before you tell her. That’ll make things a hundred times worse.”
“I know.”
Junpei clicked his tongue. “Man, you were pathetic before, but now? More pathetic.”
I rolled my eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You didn’t realize? You’re basically head over heels for Keiko now.” He smirked. “Karma’s a bitch, huh?”
I opened my mouth, then closed it. “W-Well… I was planning to go this route for years, but... Breaking through her heart again is harder than I ever imagined.”
“Yeah, because you broke her heart multiple times,” Junpei pointed out.
That shut me up. I exhaled. “I regret all of it. That’s why I’m doing this now.”
Junpei softened. “Then make it count.”
We finished our drinks, the mood lightening as we bickered over trivial things before calling it a night.
---
As I walked back home, I was feeling… lightheaded. Not completely drunk, but definitely tipsy. Gotta focus…
Then I saw her.
Keiko was standing in front of my apartment building, looking worried.
I blinked. “Oh… Keiko.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “You’re—”
“Hello!” I greeted cheerfully, chuckling for no reason.
Keiko sighed. “You’re drunk.”
“Nooo,” I slurred. “I missed you.”
Then, without thinking, I lunged forward and hugged her tightly.
Keiko stiffened. “W-Wha—?”
I nuzzled into her shoulder. “You smell nice.”
Keiko gently tried to pry me off. “Ryuko, you’re really—”
“Shhh.” I put a finger on her lips. “Lemme have this moment.”
She sighed but didn’t push me away completely. “You’re ridiculous.”
“I know,” I mumbled against her shoulder.
She chuckled softly, patting my head. “Let’s get you inside before you embarrass yourself more.”
“I’d never embarrass myself,” I declared dramatically before tripping over my own feet.
Keiko caught me, laughing. “Sure.”