10 months before the entrance exam.
Our emancipation finally went through.
Mine was approved a few months earlier, while Himiko's had some delays due to the paperwork involving her parents.
Unlike me, Himiko wouldn't have a responsible adult signing her emancipation permission. In my case, it was the orphanage director.
The farewell to the orphanage wasn't very tearful.
Aside from the caretakers and the director, all the children I knew had already been adopted.
The director helped me a lot in finding a good apartment relatively close to U.A.
We won't need to take the subway to get there, we can go on foot or by bus. Maybe I'll even try to get a bicycle or a motorcycle later on.
Despite the move, we decided to stay at the same school, not because of friendships or anything like that, but because of the trouble it would take to transfer, as well as having to adapt to a new environment, even though there's only one year left to finish middle school.
I got access to the money in the bank, withdrew a satisfactory amount, and started using the money I had accumulated from vigilantism, which I had told Himiko about a few days after asking her out, I even took her along on a few nights.
But with the move, I decided to take a break, especially since I want to focus on my relationship with Himiko.
I prepared to move with Himiko before the emancipation notice letter reached her parents.
I helped her pack and carry her things, we did it at night.
She threw several bags of clothes and other important items out the window.
I can see well at night, so we probably didn't forget anything important in the yard.
Himiko could have accepted an allowance her parents would be forced to pay.
But she refused, she didn't want to be tied to her parents anymore, wanting to separate completely.
I didn't actively participate in that decision; I just stayed by her side as silent support.
─── ◆ ───
We're already on the bus heading to our apartment.
The sun hadn't even risen yet.
Each of us is carrying several backpacks and pieces of luggage… well, actually, most of the stuff is Himiko's, not that I'd comment on that.
The bus is practically empty because of the early hour, so we managed to get two seats next to each other.
Himiko looks a bit sleepy, but she's holding on, since we still have a lot to do.
"You know, Kaneki-kun… all that's left is for me to get rid of my last name. It's a shame I'll be stuck with it until… well, until I get married… right? KA-NE-KI-kun."
Himiko says in a teasing, whiny tone, but her eyes shine with emotion when she mentions marriage.
Her actions make me blush a little.
"We're still very young, Himi… but it won't take long, I promise." Himiko leans against my shoulder, seeming satisfied with my answer.
I gently stroke her hair, looking at the empty, silent city through the bus window.
We finally arrive at our stop, get off, and start walking toward the apartment.
I was tempted to use my Kagune to carry the luggage, but that could cause unnecessary trouble with the few people passing by on the street.
So I just took the heavier things, letting the sleepy Himiko take it easier.
After a few minutes of walking, we finally arrive at the apartment.
I had already received the key earlier, so it was just a matter of finding our apartment by the number on the door.
Finding the door, Himiko takes the key from my pocket and opens it.
We're greeted by the sight of the tiny living room and kitchen, both combined without separation.
There are four doors: two side by side in the living room, another one also in the living room but a bit farther from the others, and one in the corner of the kitchen.
Despite the size, it was ours.
Himiko had to concentrate hard not to scream with excitement as her sleepiness faded and was replaced by excitement, she jumped from corner to corner, observing everything with a smile.
There isn't much in the place either, just the absolute basics.
At first glance, you can see a sofa, a table, and two plastic chairs; a microwave and a stove.
No cutlery, glasses, plates, or pans, we'll have to buy those later.
The door in the corner of the kitchen leads to a mini laundry area.
It's a cramped space with some shelves on the walls and a clothesline.
It's enough to fit the washing machine that came with the apartment and hang clothes to dry.
No cleaning products or anything on the shelves, more items for the shopping list.
The farthest door in the living room leads to a small bedroom with just a single bed without a mattress and a small wardrobe.
We decided to use the room as storage for now.
One of the living room doors leads to the bathroom.
It has everything a small bathroom could need, maybe the fanciest thing is the shower box.
No toilet paper or basic hygiene products, added to the shopping list.
The door next to it finally leads to our bedroom.
There's a small double bed and a medium-sized wardrobe.
Running a finger inside the wardrobe shows that it's, like almost everything in the apartment, covered in dust.
"We'll have to clean everything before using it."
Himiko nods, but I can see she's quite tired from the trip.
So we just leave everything in the living room, and I change the bedsheet.
"Let's sleep a bit before we organize things, Himi," I say.
She just throws herself onto the bed. To be honest, I'm also kind of groggy from lack of sleep.
I lie down beside Himiko.
We try to find a good position to sleep on the narrow bed and end up spooning.
Despite the initial embarrassment, it's undeniably comfortable.
Even though the mattress isn't very good, each other's warmth is comforting.
"It's a bit embarrassing… but I like it," I hear Himiko say as she starts to fall asleep.
I smell her shampoo, which makes me snuggle closer to her, and soon enough, I fall asleep too, despite the new situation.
We wake up and have our first meal in the new home… two packs of filled cookies and a bottle of water for each of us… since we didn't buy food or cutlery yet, things we'll go out to get right after cleaning and organizing the house.
"A gallon of water, toilet paper, soap, mmmph—" My listing for shopping is interrupted by a strawberry cookie being placed in my mouth.
I look to the side and see the culprit casually eating.
I extend one of my cookies to her while continuing to write down what we need to buy.
She accepts without thinking twice, almost biting my finger along with it.
By the end of the day, we bought everything necessary: food, water, hygiene, and cleaning supplies.
We also picked up an old TV, two cell phones, and a laptop, all "used."
They were functional products that had been returned or were defective, repaired, and put back up for sale.
I used the vigilantism money to buy the electronics. There isn't much regulation on these products, so it's safer.
I stretch my arms.
We had already cleaned the house before going shopping, now it's time to put everything in its place and give this place the look of a real home.
─── ◆ ───
[A/N]: Well, we've reached our first week of launch!
Thank you so much for your support!
Initially, I was thinking of completing the book completely and only then publishing it.
I'm glad I made the decision to start publishing some of the chapters I had finished.
Anyway, starting with the next chapter, we'll finally be following the original story!
I hope you like it <3