Some time has passed since the room-sharing incident, and my adaptive self started to accept how things turned out.
I was sitting on the couch in the sala, waiting for Hayase to return.
She said that we would go buy some clothes and other stuff I wanted when she got back.
I tried turning on the TV but...
Sadly, it's what they call a "smart TV," and I have no idea how to use it.
The boredom was killing me. Should I ask her to buy me a cellphone and a computer?
After some time of thinking, I heard a beep from a car outside.
When I took a peek, I saw Hayase riding a white car. It wasn't the same luxurious one from before—this one looked like the regular cars I saw every day.
"Let's go now, dear," she said as she opened the front seat door. Apparently, she was going to drive this time.
"I thought you couldn't drive."
"Why's that?"
"Because you had someone driving you earlier."
"Oh, I only use drivers for long trips or business-related stuff."
After our little talk, she started driving.
Even now, I was still debating whether I should ask her for a cellphone or computer, but I didn't want her to think I was abusing her kindness. I'm here to pay a debt, not to lounge around and play games.
"Hmm, dear you're quiet... is something on your mind?"
"No... nothing."
"Haha, I know what it is."
She knew? As expected of a successful businesswoman.
"You're curious about where I went earlier, right? So you also have a jealous side, you cutie~"
"No, that's not it."
She let out a disappointed pout. "Is that so? Then tell me what's on your mind. I'll listen."
"But..."
"Ara, dear, don't be like that. I'm practically your legal guardian now, so if there's something you need, tell me, okay?" she said while patting my head.
"Okay but... I'm just wondering if, uh... you could buy me a cellphone or something."
She giggled. "Oh, just that? Sure, dear. What cellphone do you want?"
I honestly didn't know much about phones since I never had one, so I answered randomly.
"Uhm, I guess... one good for games?"
"Okay, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra then. Do you want that?"
That name screamed luxury.
"Uhm, how much does it cost? I hope it's not expensive."
She smiled and looked at me. "It's just 220,000 yen, dear. Not that expensive."
"NO, NO THAT'S TOO MUCH."
"Oh, don't be shy. I can earn that again in a few days, you know," she said while poking my cheeks.
She was so persuasive and pushy that I eventually gave in.
Honestly, I was supposed to be paying a debt, and now she's using her money on me. I hope she doesn't add this to our tab.
[Yokohama Prefecture Mall]
"We're here, dear. Shall we commence our little date now?"
Date?!
She parked in the nearby mall lot and opened the car door for me—even though I could've done that myself.
Then she grabbed my hand, leading the way. The noise of the mall-goers and even the beautiful sunset faded as she looked back at me with a serene smile and said sweetly,
"Hold my hand, dear, so you won't get lost~"
I couldn't help but smile. My heart skipped a beat. My body moved on its own, matching her pace. I tightened my grip on her hand and replied,
"Then let me walk by your side, Hayase."
She giggled and shot back, "Ara, looks like there's a lady killer here~ I wonder how many times you've said that to other girls."
"Just forget what I said!"
That heat-of-the-moment feeling made me say things I shouldn't have.
We entered the mall and headed straight to the clothing section.
"Dear, let me pick your clothes for you!"
"Yes, sure."
I couldn't argue. It was her money after all. Let's just hope she picks seriously.
After a long trial and error, we managed to buy a variety of clothes—pajamas, casual wear, and some for going out.
We took forever because Hayase took the seriousness of the task way too far.
"Oops, we're forgetting something important."
"What's that?"
"Your un-der-wear~"
"Ahh, please let me buy that alone!"
"No, no, dear, that won't do. What if you get lost?" she said, grinning.
"Please! I'll do whatever you want after this!"
"Whatever? Sounds good to me." Her grin turned menacing.
Once again, I said something I shouldn't have.
"Take your time, dear. Just meet me at that restaurant after. No detours, okay?"
I waved her off and went to the men's underwear section. It was just beside the clothing area.
I picked some random ones to get it over with quickly.
If Hayase had come with me, it would've been pure embarrassment.
Hmm... I'm forgetting something… Oh no, she's the one holding the money.
So how am I supposed to pay these.
[Dinner Time]
"You cutie, who would've thought you had such a flimsy side too~"
"Sorry, I forgot to ask for money."
"It's okay. I already ordered, so let's eat. After this, we'll buy your cellphone."
She suddenly went silent and stared at me while I was eating.
"Uhm, what is it, Hayase? Is there something on my face?"
"You didn't ask me to spoon-feed you? That hurts, you know~"
"We're in public!"
After eating, we walked to the tech shop.
But on the way, Hayase froze mid-step.
"I just remembered, dear."
"What is it?"
"If you want to play games, why limit yourself to mobile games? Shall I buy you your own PC?"
"Uhmm, that might be too much."
"Here you go again. Just let me spoil you, okay?"
"Okay, but I don't know what specs to get, so please pick something cheaper."
"Hmm, then… Alienware Aurora R16."
"Sounds good. How much is that?"
"Yeah, it's good. It's the same one I use at home. If I remember right, it's about 400,000 yen."
"400,000 YEN?! JUST BUY ME A NORMAL PC WILL YOU?!"