First Shopping Trip After the Change
The department store's dazzling lights and polished floors were almost blinding. It really felt classy compared to a regular supermarket or clothing shop—everyone passing by smelled like they'd doused themselves in perfume, a sweet fragrance wafting with every brush past.
Just a few hours ago, I'd been wrestling with the computer to finish Shukou, buried in the memories of that lonely man who'd lived his life in solitude. This place felt like another world entirely. But somehow, the ingrained habits of my original life as Lee Haru took over—my body moved just like always, defying my thoughts.
"Haru, doesn't that dress look pretty? It'd suit you perfectly."
Mom pointed at a vibrant pastel outfit, her voice bright. Objectively speaking, with my looks, it'd fit like a glove. I pictured myself in it—a total beauty queen emerged.
Hmm... who's eyes am I gonna feast here?
The old Haru would've dashed over yelling, "Whoa, Mom, it's gorgeous! Lemme try it on!" But now, with the lonely man's memories, the price tag hit first—380,000 won?—and the thought of drawing rational stares from guys made me recoil.
Eek... 380k?
In those memories, that was a full month's groceries. Enough for games or swapping out cheap PC parts.
"Hmm... it's pretty, but... too flashy. Makes me uncomfortable. Something comfy like a simple shirt would be better."
Mom's eyes widened in surprise at my answer. No shock there—the original Haru loved pastels, but now? Way too pricey and gaudy for comfort.
"What's gotten into you today, Haru? You always said pastels were your fave."
"Pfft, people change tastes sometimes."
"Hmmm... if you say so?"
I gave an awkward smile—unlike my usual self—and steered her toward the casual section. Still pricey, but way cheaper than those flashy numbers.
In the end, we wrapped up with a neat shirt that looked decent and a fuzzy set for pajamas. Or so I thought.
"Now help me pick out some clothes, Haru."
"Sure thing..."
Back we went to the flashy store. I held back as best I could, but an hour later, Mom shopped like always. The damage? Half a convenience store clerk's monthly wage. Lunch was simple food court fare—surprisingly good.
Food courts are pricey...
Unlike the clothes, though, this was worth it. Maybe the markup made it taste better.
"You usually just pick at food court stuff, but you're devouring it today?"
"Mmmph... 's delicious."
"Eat first, talk later. Such a messy girl..."
Mom whipped out tissues and dabbed the broth from my lips with delicate care. Today was perfect. I'd finally finished a J-pop track from those endless memories, and I felt the family warmth the lonely man had always craved.
Please let this happiness last...
Not just his wish—the original Haru's too.
In the car heading home after lunch, I snuck out my phone and opened the NewTube Studio app.
25
1,242
132
"Gasp."
A short squeak escaped me. In the few hours touring the store, views had exploded to nearly 1.8 times—over 1,200. At this rate, 10k was in sight. The original had millions, but this surge was gratitude-worthy.
"What? Something wrong? You scared me!"
Mom glanced over from the driver's seat, startled by my muffled yelp.
"N-no... nothing. Just saw something shocking online..."
I killed the screen, hand on my pounding chest. Tiny for big NewTubers, but miraculous for a noob's Vocaloid debut. Probably traffic from the gallery post or the algorithm kicking in.
...so soft.
Guilt hit; I dropped my hand. Without the man's memories, it'd be fine—but they made these slips constant. Even showers were awkward, eyes darting everywhere.
Home at last, I bolted to my room. Tossed the new clothes on the bed, plopped at the PC, and devoured every comment.
No hate, each one warming my heart like fire. A sensation the man never knew—someone acknowledging my existence, his past. Sweeter than the wealth Haru was born into. Sure, it was plagiarized J-pop, but they praised me.
Yeah... next track? Gotta upload when the hype peaks.
I scrolled through my mental J-pop vault. Save Yuki's banquet song for later—too few fit a pure Korean girl's voice. Stick to Vocaloid tracks that shone with synth vocals.
I fired up Notepad, jotting candidates:
1. Iris in
2. Farewell Declaration
Phew... let's push harder.
One track, and views topped 1k. Stack 'em up—maybe folks would recognize the "past life" hits by name.
I picked 2: Farewell Declaration. The other was cutting-edge in the man's era; honor the classics first.
Mouse in hand again. Shoulders ached from yesterday, eyes burned, but immersion erased it all. A smile stuck as I dreamed of 'HALU' etching into memories, sharing his tunes.
New project file—blank tracks stared back, unlike finished Shukou. Lost in focus, sunset painted the window.
Shukou took days on a high; who knows how long this lasts? Goal: weekend wrap-up. Peaceful evening turned to productive fatigue.
Wonder how much Jisu'll chatter tomorrow at school.
Jisu popped to mind—bestie since elementary. Haru wanted to brag if fame hit, but the man held back. Vocaloid's niche in Korea; a normie high schooler like her? "What's that?" max.
Today's peaceful Vocaloid Gallery. Haru's bait title had even normies hooked. Title aggro worked—past-life wisdom on clickbait.
Afterward, the Vocaloid Gallery added a new rule: 7-day ban for title aggro.