"The Chaos Chronicles: Living with Ryujin Nippon"

Part 5: The Last Day of Chaos: Mayu's Farewell

After a month of living with the Ryujin Nippon team, it was finally time for Mayu to return to her apartment. She stood in her temporary room, which now looked much emptier than when she'd first arrived. Her suitcase lay open on the bed, half-packed with clothes and a few random belongings that had scattered throughout the house over the past few weeks. As she folded her last few shirts, the silence of the house was deafening. It was the first time in a month that she hadn't heard the echo of a volleyball hitting the wall, the usual bickering over who could finish their meal fastest, or someone trying to get her involved in some ridiculous competition.

She sighed, pausing for a moment to take it all in. It had been absolute mayhem from day one—arm-wrestling competitions at the dining table, near-death experiences dodging flying kitchen utensils, and of course, stealing snacks from Akihiro's hidden stash. But it had also been unexpectedly... comforting.

Mayu glanced around the room one last time before zipping up her suitcase. "This place is going to feel so weird without me," she muttered to herself, though she knew it was true. Her presence had become a staple in their chaotic routine.

As she made her way downstairs, the house was unusually quiet. There were no random volleyball challenges from Yuji, no sarcastic banter with Ran, and no accusatory glares from Akihiro about his missing snacks. Even Yuki, who usually had something stern or brotherly to say, was quieter than usual.

The whole team had gathered in the living room, trying to act casual, but there was an undeniable awkwardness in the air. It was strange—over the past month, they had all gotten so used to Mayu being there that the thought of her leaving seemed... off.

Mayu crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe with a playful grin. "Well, you guys don't look too happy. Try not to miss me too much, okay? I know it'll be hard without my daily insults keeping you on your toes."

Sekita, always the dramatic one, placed a hand on his chest and wiped a fake tear from his eye. "I'm not sure we'll survive. Who will keep us grounded now that you're leaving?"

Ran, leaning casually against the wall, shot her a grin. "This house is going to be way too peaceful. You know, without you constantly calling me out."

Mayu rolled her eyes, smirking. "Yeah, you guys are a bunch of softies without me. Who else is going to tell you the truth when you're being ridiculous?"

Akihiro, still eyeing his snack cupboard suspiciously, mumbled, "At least my snacks will be safe again."

"Oh please, Aki-kun," Mayu shot back with a mischievous wink. "You'll miss my culinary 'crimes' just like everyone else."

The mood shifted slightly as Yuki stepped forward. Despite all the teasing, Mayu could tell her brother was feeling more sentimental than he was letting on. He ruffled her hair in that annoying, older-brother way he always did. "Take care, Mayu. And... thanks for everything. Seriously."

Mayu's expression softened for a moment, and she gave Yuki a tight hug. "Don't get all mushy on me now, big bro. You're supposed to be the tough one."

Yuki smiled, pulling back and looking at her with an expression that was a mix of pride and fondness. "I mean it. The team won't be the same without you."

The rest of the guys shuffled around awkwardly, clearly not used to heartfelt goodbyes, but they each gave her their own version of a send-off.

Tatsunori, who had grown closest to Mayu over the past few weeks, was unusually quiet, his eyes lingering on her suitcase for a moment too long. "Just... take care of yourself, okay?" he said softly, trying to keep it casual, though the concern in his voice was evident.

"I'll be fine, Tatsu," she said, punching his arm lightly. "You guys taught me how to handle chaos, remember?"

Yuji, never one to miss an opportunity for competition, grinned. "Bet you'll be back in a week because your apartment will be too boring."

"Bet you I won't," Mayu shot back with a smirk. "My apartment's quiet, unlike this place. But don't worry, I'll come back just to beat you at whatever ridiculous challenge you throw my way next."

Tomohiro, sitting lazily on the couch, gave her a wave. "We'll miss the sarcasm, Mayu. Don't stay gone too long, okay?"

She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. As much as she teased them, these guys had become like family. It was chaotic, messy, and sometimes downright ridiculous, but it was also fun—and she knew she'd miss every moment of it.

As she stepped outside, suitcase in hand, Mayu turned back to look at the team gathered in the doorway. "Don't get too used to the peace and quiet! I'll be back to make your lives miserable soon enough!"

Ran shouted after her, grinning, "We'll hold you to that!"

Yuki gave her a small wave, still standing in the doorway, watching her leave. He looked as if he was already planning how to drag her back the next time the team needed a little more 'Mayu madness' in their lives.

And with that, Mayu walked away from the house, but not without one last glance over her shoulder. Her mind was filled with memories of late-night laughs, ridiculous challenges, and a bond that had only grown stronger. It hadn't just been her helping them through the stress of tournaments—they had helped her more than they could ever know.

As she reached her apartment, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. This wasn't the end of her time with Ryujin Nippon—just a brief intermission. And she had a feeling that before long, she'd be back in the middle of their chaotic, volleyball-fueled world, dishing out sarcastic comments and stealing Akihiro's snacks all over again.