Perhaps their thorough cleaning efforts had worked a bit of domestic magic—the unit sold after only a handful of open houses.
Their landlord was delighted and personally thanked them for maintaining the property so beautifully.
However, the new owner had bought it as a private residence rather than an investment property, which meant Alex and Miguel faced an inevitable deadline for departure.
They had several months to find a new place to live.
The roommates began exploring their options with mounting concern.
Alex searched for apartments near Naosa’s neighborhood, but the prices were prohibitive for a single renter.
When he approached Miguel about continuing to share, his friend declined, citing the financial strain.
Eventually, Miguel declared he would manage fine on his own, leaving Alex uneasy about their future.
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One afternoon, as they were once again discussing their housing dilemma in the break room, Naosa happened to overhear.
Miguel was musing aloud, “The area near your girlfriend’s place seems pleasant enough—quiet streets, nice shops…”
But when Naosa glanced his way, he quickly backtracked. “Actually, never mind. It’s a bit too upscale—definitely not my scene.”
They both sighed, frustration settling between them.
Naosa listened for a moment before interjecting. “You two have quite the predicament. A few months will disappear faster than you think—you should decide soon.”
After a pause, she looked up, inspiration dawning.
“What if… you both moved in with us?”
Both men turned toward her in shock.
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Alex’s face lit with excitement. “Wait—are you serious?”
Miguel, meanwhile, looked uncertain, as though unsure the offer truly included him.
Naosa studied him with gentle understanding. “You really don’t feel comfortable in that neighborhood, do you? You wouldn’t want to live there?”
Miguel blinked. “Hold on—am I actually included in this offer?”
Naosa smiled warmly. “Lu and Kacy occupy the basement level, and Kazu has a room upstairs, but there are still several guest rooms. You’d find it quite comfortable.”
She turned to Alex, her voice matter-of-fact. “You’ve stayed in one of those rooms before—it’s perfect for Miguel. There’s an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in closet. We share laundry on a rotation and the kitchen space as well. I usually cook enough for everyone, so if it’s convenient, we could just share meals.”
Miguel’s earlier discomfort melted into quiet relief.
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Then he asked hesitantly, “Uh… what about rent?”
Naosa looked genuinely puzzled. “Rent? I’m not a landlord. I’ve never charged Lu anything. Everyone in the house contributes in their own way.”
Alex raised an eyebrow. “That works for family, but this situation’s different. We should at least set something fair.”
Naosa considered thoughtfully. “Well… you’d be sharing kitchen and laundry facilities. I’d appreciate help with Kazu’s homework sometimes, and maybe a few household repairs. How about $1,000 a month? Honestly, I’d prefer to avoid complicated tax paperwork…”
Miguel glanced at Alex. “You’re sure we wouldn’t be imposing?”
Naosa shook her head. “Absolutely not. You’d be helping just by being there.”
Both men agreed immediately.
Miguel celebrated internally: We actually get to live in that incredible house! Weekend poolside relaxation, here I come…
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Moving day arrived faster than expected.
Naosa appeared at their old apartment to help with sorting and packing.
As she examined Alex’s belongings, she wrinkled her nose. “Please don’t bring any unwanted six-legged roommates, okay?”
Alex protested. “You’re exaggerating!”
They loaded everything into the rental truck, handled the final paperwork, and said goodbye to the apartment that had been home for years.
At Naosa’s house, they carried boxes and furniture upstairs, with Kazu eagerly helping.
During the unpacking, Naosa asked casually, “Would you like to share my room?”
“Absolutely,” Alex replied with a grin, wrapping his arms around her. “This feels like being newlyweds.”
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That evening, the whole household celebrated with homemade pizza and grilled barbecue by the pool. It felt like the perfect beginning to their new communal life.
However, after a few days, Miguel began to feel unexpectedly uneasy.
The lifestyle felt… too luxurious.
Alex belonged here as Naosa’s fiancé, but Miguel still felt like a guest. The house wasn’t his home—not yet.
Even Kazu seemed a bit lonely.
Naosa, who used to spend most of her time with him, was now constantly with Alex. Their only shared moments were during her nightly piano practice.
One evening after dinner, Kazu sat struggling over his math homework at the table.
Normally, he would have called for Naosa—but she was laughing with Alex in the living room, and he didn’t want to interrupt.
He felt quietly forgotten.
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Miguel entered the kitchen for a drink and immediately noticed Kazu’s downcast expression.
“What’s wrong, kiddo? You look ready to cry.”
Kazu wiped his eyes quickly. “I’m just… terrible at math.”
Miguel sat beside him. “Let’s take a look. I remember these—they’re not as bad as they look.”
After a few explanations, Kazu’s face lit up.
“Thank you, Miguel! You just saved my academic life!”
Miguel smiled, remembering helping his kid brother years ago.
“Alex and I both know math inside out. If you ever get stuck, ask either of us.”
Kazu hesitated. “But Alex and Nao probably want to be alone together…”
Miguel understood completely. He ruffled Kazu’s hair affectionately.
“Maybe sometimes. But they’d never abandon you. You’re really important to them. And you can always count on me too.”
Kazu said softly, “I’m really glad you live here now.”
Miguel nodded to himself with quiet resolve. Then I’ll stay. For a long time. I want to be here for him.
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A few weeks later, on a peaceful weekend morning, Miguel walked into the kitchen—and froze.
A disheveled, homeless-looking man was casually rummaging through the refrigerator.
Before he could react, Kazu appeared behind him, cheerful as always. “Good morning, Grandpa!”
Miguel exhaled in relief.
Naosa entered the kitchen, entirely unfazed. “Sorry if he startled you. When my father gets caught up in his art, he forgets basic self-maintenance. He tends to… fall apart a little.”
Then, turning to her father, she said sternly, “Don’t come into the kitchen before showering. You’re utterly disgusting.”
Miguel was stunned by her tone, but Alex and Kazu barely blinked—this was perfectly normal.
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Lu and Kacy joined them in the dining room for breakfast.
Kazu, carefully holding a bowl of soup, glanced away for a second—and spilled the hot liquid on his arm.
“It burns!” he cried.
Naosa was instantly at his side. “Are you hurt?” She rolled up his sleeve and ran cool water over the burn. Alex and Miguel rushed over.
“Let me see,” Alex said in his professional voice, while Miguel hurried off to find ointment.
Lu and Kacy came running, worried expressions on their faces.
They stroked Kazu’s hair gently. “Does it hurt badly? Are you okay?”
Miguel returned with supplies just as a commanding voice rang out:
“Kazuha will survive perfectly fine! Leave him alone! How many adults does it take to tend one child? He should be in a dormitory already—keeping him here will only spoil him!”
It was Naoaki, as blunt and imperious as ever.
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Naosa whirled on him, her eyes blazing.
“Stop interfering! This has nothing to do with you! Don’t say such cruel things!”
Amid the chaos, Kazu smiled faintly and murmured, “I’m really loved.”
None of them realized it yet—but these ordinary, peaceful days would one day become some of their most cherished memories.
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