A New Beginning and a Ticklish Secret
I couldn't be the only one left behind. The content was scheduled to launch next week. Honestly, I wanted to do it sooner, but the server couldn't handle the load during testing and kept lagging, so I had to find a new one. To be precise, I’d narrowed down the candidates, and all that was left was to pick one.
“Ugh, well, the preparations are finally done.”
With everything packed, I prepared to head out. Even if I didn't want to leave, it was time to say goodbye to this nest and move to a new place.
“Geez, I really lived here for a long time.”
I’d grown quite attached to this tiny studio apartment, but it had too many inconveniences, so I had no choice but to move. I hadn't even brought much—just my computer, my bed, and the capsule—yet it was packed to the brim. When I was a guy, it was so cramped that I’d bump into things constantly. Now that my body was smaller, it was a bit better, but sometimes my chest would hit things, which was… well, about the same.
“Oh, Minji! You’re here?”
I opened the door and saw Minji waiting for me. I waved to greet her. Since I didn't have a car, she’d offered to help me move. She was here way earlier than our agreed time; she really was diligent, wasn't she?
“What’s with that look? You came out fast. I came early because I figured you’d be at least thirty minutes late.”
“Hey, there’s no way I’d be that late!”
“*Tsk.* Think back to the old days. Didn't you always show up late because you were busy developing?”
“…That was, um.”
Honestly, it wasn't just once, so I couldn't deny it. But it wasn't like I *wanted* to be late; I just got so focused on the development that I lost track of time when things weren't working right. Everyone gets like that when they’re focused on something, right? …I’m sure I’m not the only one. Surely other people are like that too.
“You can’t help it when you’re focused. Doesn't Minji do that sometimes?”
“I at least keep my promises. Don't lump me in with you, okay?”
She laughed as if I were ridiculous and ruffled my hair, making my head sway back and forth. Ugh! Why does she keep ruffling my hair ever since I became a girl and got shorter? It felt a bit strange, and I didn't really like it. If I’d known it would be like this, I would’ve ruffled her hair back when I was a guy! …Though if I’d actually done that, I would’ve gotten smacked in the back, but still, it felt unfair.
“Ugh, stop touching it.”
“Oh, sorry, sorry. Shall we go then?”
“Already? Isn't it still too early?”
I thought we still had some time before the real estate agent’s appointment. Going there right now felt like a nuisance, didn't it? But seeing her smirk and shrug at my words, it seemed Minji had a plan.
“It’s fine, just follow me.”
“Well, alright.”
I locked the door and followed Minji’s back. I wonder what kind of plan she has?
“……We just stopped by a cafe, that’s all.”
“Pfft. So what exactly were you expecting? Were you hoping for something special?”
I glared at Minji with a pout. I’d been completely fooled. I thought we were going to do something special, or at least something out of the ordinary, but to find out we were just stopping by a cafe was a bit disappointing. If she were my friend, I expected her to do something more special!
“Don't glare at me. It’s time for our appointment now, anyway.”
“Well, the timing is perfect, I guess.”
We stopped by the cafe and bought three coffees, and the timing was just right. Since we bought them at a cafe near the real estate office, there was no chance of being late. I headed toward the office with the coffee in hand. I hadn't been that excited when we first started, but as we got closer, I started to look forward to it. A new home, a new nest! My own quiet space for development… wait, that’s the same as before, isn't it? Anyway, I was excited about the new place.
“H-hello. I’m the one who came to look at houses today.”
“Oh, nice to meet you. Please, come on in.”
Opening the door with gusto was fine, but talking to strangers was never easy. I sat down, pushed forward by Minji’s hand on my back. I looked over the property listings she handed us, checking them with Minji.
Since we’d already heard some explanations, I figured we just needed to pick a few and go visit them. Honestly, I didn't care where I lived, and since I didn't know much about this stuff, I’d brought Minji along. I’m useless at everything except development, after all. Minji-emon would take care of it.
It was reassuring to watch her filter out the places that seemed problematic and discuss the good ones with the real estate agent. From what I could hear, the important parts were the square footage, whether the water pressure was good, and if it was close to the subway station. …Thinking about it, maybe I understood it all after all?
“Hey, it’s your house. Are you actually listening?”
“Ah, y-yes, of course.”
“Then which one was the best so far?”
“Hmm… I think the third one is the best.”
It was at a good height, and the size was perfect for living alone. Honestly, with my current body, I could even call it spacious. The deposit and monthly rent weren't bad either; it seemed just right.
“Really? Then…”
“Should we sign the contract right now?”
I watched Minji’s reaction, shrinking back as she looked at me like I was pathetic. No, I knew I had to go and check it out myself. But it was a hassle, and as long as the development went well, I didn't really care. As long as there was space for my bed, the capsule, and my computer, that was enough.
“…*Sigh*, let’s at least go take a look, shall we?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”
“Hoho. Then I shall guide you.”
Seeing Minji holding back her anger, I couldn't bring myself to say we should sign immediately. I felt like I’d get a knuckle to the head if I said it again… so I guess looking at it is better. It’s definitely not because I’m scared of Minji, but because I actually want to see it. Really.
“You two are such a lovely pair of sisters.”
“Eh? We’re friends, though?”
“Pfft.”
Seeing the agent smile warmly at us, it seemed she’d misunderstood. Sisters! Even at a glance, anyone could see we were friends! I couldn't understand how she could make such a mistake. I mean, at least if I were the older sister… no, that’s a stretch, isn't it? Hmm.
“W-we’re friends. Friends, same-age friends.”
“Oh my. My mistake.”
She apologized with a smile, so I couldn't say anything more. It was an awkward issue to press. In the sudden silence, I licked my dry lips and looked at Minji. Why aren't you denying it? Why are you just smiling?
I let out a dry laugh at Minji’s ridiculous expression, and the agent laughed again. I don't know why she’s laughing. Are we that funny?
“Hoho. Then please follow me.”
Since I couldn't ask, I quietly took Minji’s hand and followed the agent. I want to sign the contract quickly and go rest! Dealing with people is so hard!
The house we checked with the agent had no issues, just as expected. The sunlight came in well, and the walls were thick, so it seemed like there would be very little noise. Even if I was going to be buried in my capsule for development, noise was an important issue, so I had to check it.
“Yeah, I want to sign for this place.”
“It’s a nice place, indeed. When can you move in if you sign?”
“I’d like to say right now, but it’ll take at least three days.”
“You heard her? Get your stuff and things to be shipped ready by then.”
“I’m not a little kid, you know!”
I got annoyed seeing her talk to me like she was teaching a child. I wondered if I was really that unreliable, and out of spite, I poked Minji’s side with my fist. …It was surprisingly soft.
“Aack! What are you doing?”
“N-nothing! But, Minji.”
“Why? Did you find a problem?”
“You’ve got a bit of a belly, don't you?”
I hadn't known just by looking at her clothes, but touching it directly made it obvious. It was soft and quite fun to poke…
Huh? Why are you looking at me like that? I didn't say anything bad…
“Please take your time looking around the house. Hoho.”
Seeing the agent look at us once and then head outside first made me feel uneasy. Feeling like she was intentionally giving us space, I turned my head creakily to look up at Minji. I was filled with anxiety as she cracked her knuckles and stepped closer.
“Eek! She’s going to mess me up!”
“Hey! You’re the one who started it!”
“I didn't mean it in a bad way!”
“Well, I took it the wrong way!”
Whoosh! I scurried around the house, trying to escape as Minji lunged at me. Waaah! Minji, I’m sorry, please don't do this!
I spent several minutes running away from her hands. The soundproofing really was excellent. Even though I was running around like this, no one said a word! It really was a great house. But Minji, can you stop now?!! Please, stop those hands!!
Today was a good day. The move was finished, and I was going to open the server starting this evening. The content I’d created would finally be spread to more people and revealed to the world.
“Ugh, I’m so excited.”
I wonder what everyone will say? I was so excited to see their reactions.
“Huuuum~”
I hummed a tune and logged into the virtual reality. It was a brand-new capsule I’d bought after asking around in the NeoVerse. It had cost me quite a bit of money…
But I could handle this much of a loss. They say a craftsman doesn't blame his tools, but in virtual reality, tools are the most important thing. The moment you make a mistake in settings due to lag while building, it takes forever to find out what went wrong, so expensive gear was definitely the best.
“Hehehe. I should go in and prepare in advance.”
There were still a few hours left, but there was no harm in being prepared. And… there were things I wanted to hide even from those who helped me with the operations.
“Heh, I definitely have to hide these.”
I smiled brightly, thinking about the things I’d prepared. I really hope these show up on the broadcast! It would be a shame if they didn't, but if that happened, I could just show them on Minji’s broadcast after the content ended.
“Ah, I’m so happy!”
Today, and tomorrow too! It felt like every day was going to be a fun one.