I really would have purchased that white drawer storage unit, if not for Ichinose bringing me back to her shonen path.....
It's made of what looks like laminated wood or plastic-coated board, entirely white, giving it a sleek, clean look.
Three layers each having two separate portions without external handles, a pull open mechanism.
It's good. 4300 yen. I am trying to understand what price of an item will get considered as expensive, cheap, or in middle affordable value.
Price justifies its usage and quality. Can it be found in lower costs but of different brands...such details?
Since, I am going to live here now, I have to stop comparing it with my currency.... everything is going to be of a lower rate if I do that, and will leave me hanging with nothing to use during shopping.
Then get scammed, taking a high amount while thinking in Dollars, it's purchasable....I will end up spending more, too much unwant-----
"This is too expensive, Rem. Out of our budget."
"But this is the lowest we can fall. See, we don't even have to pay for gas, light, water etc...."
Ichinose is saying there's already a built-in wardrobe in our rooms, I seem to have missed it.....? Where though?
Desk with 5-wheel Leather office chair, Deco shelf, Coffee table...yeah, I am not sure where....
So, I try asking her about placing an order....she is looking at me funny, Icy type of glare?
"What are you even going to put in there....? Lewd stuff?"
"...Is your brain always in the gutter?"
"That's my rational side speaking. Even I don't need it, at least in summer....."
It's like she's saving a lost lamb, doing a noble work, by raising her second finger of right palm to emphasize in a sarcastic tone.
Looking so proud and big.
"Poor me when you are drunk then...."
I better move this cart to toiletry section, shopping basket, I mean.
Let Ichinose handle the rest of dealing with her.....Here in Japan, you don't call it a cart or trolley....another view I just learnt.
Ichinose almost had kittens when I told her my cart was making too much noise from the wheels at the entrance, and I wanted to change it.....
She thought a bus was going to hit this store. In other words, a tragic synonym for which I better not mistake it again.
'Zrrrr.....eecchh------'
This is making voices too, but well...at least down from my previous one.
"Hey, can you stop that?! It's horrible in ears....."
"Please complain to cashier or saleswoman back there."
"...Snort. Must be from a lower class."
I can hear your muttering.
If Ichinose says there's a wardrobe, then you believe her stupidly.
Don't question, if you want to be safe at the end of the day.
There's nothing much worthwhile in our basket yet, you ask why there are a couple of reasons.....
First, our slippers, it's a whole different matter. I put one black coloured, open foot end, comfy sole, of a brand called NasK.
No heel, casual type, single strap. It's for outdoor usage.
I have already tried it on, after removing my shoes. Size was a little small, so I chose the next one, and it was a more comfortable fit. 568 yen.
Second one is RoCex, cotton brown slippers, pongee fabric inner room type of shoes.
It's very very soft. Of something called 'tsumugi'. Made in Enshu.
Quite lightweight than first, it's close ended. Really soft...did I already mention it? I feel like going to sleep wearing these.
Easy-to-clean; tag says any muck washes off easily with just some simple soap and water. For bathroom purposes, I took this one.
Somehow, it's even more pricey.
792 yen.
You know Ichinose thought how nice it was of me to buy one slipper for her
in my room.
So, I told her about yeah.....her face became robotically plain.
Causing more fumes with Ichinose who actually bought wood....I mean clog sandals kinda something?
I tried it, no way in hell....even if you pay me, my foot will go numb.
Two C's are attached between her thumb and feet, to the back of legs. Strap is made of rubber, pink colour.
Geta footwear....she told me. I tried to probe a little, our conversation was a bit more insulting.
"Ichinose, it's more like a cosplay theme party....."
"No, yours don't look sandals at all. It will definitely smell very heaty...."
"Try wearing mine, I did yours."
She didn't even remove her shoes, and just chose it based on look, probably because she knows her size but...yeah, well I had to check mine.
"Eepp! Don't stare at my legs!"
Her response was even worse than saying no. Why...why did she hide behind a rack to block my gaze?
I really don't have your foot fetish, will say twice if I have to! Is she still not over from eating Cotton Candies after we are done here?
But that was your decision!
So, anyway I put those two slips in my cart, for now, I won't think much about price issues...just go for what will do the job, suffice....cost low as it can go without damage in quality.
Because of that I ended up thinking about where to put it, realising I need a cabinet type of wardrobe, and here we are right now exiting from the furniture place.
Probably ten minutes loss, we didn't buy anything. Going astray from the order we listed earlier in dorm room.
"Oh god, that lady is giving me a bad eye because of you...."
No, it's actually, Ichinose Honami, that woman is really pissed at for breaking a customer deal.
Her now clutching my elbow again, so I won't just move randomly, without knowing or seeing what it is.
Besides, isn't it supposed to be Kami for you? With --sama honorifics?
"Call it even. I am not saying anything about you finding a 'pookie,' right?"
"But someone else would have picked it up if I hadn't.....Hey, hey, Rem don't you feel it's made for me?"
'Theee~~hooo---Zrrrr!'
Her words abruptly make me stop my basket, screeching as if wheel is about to bend, and run away.
"Whoa, I don't flatter myself that much. Universe made it for me or somethi----"
I just turn around a little, only to find my jacket is being pulled, bitten with her teeth....."Huuu...Huu!"
Should I try to escape from this prison? Honest, I really didn't expect my jacket to become an enemy of Ichinose's, and stretch hard for no apparent reason.
"…what are you doing?"
Ichinose's face is wrong. So what's going on with you? Didn't we become friends who come to shopping?
I will have to check exact time in phone, but...yeah, it's really awkward with my hands empty. I don't like the feeling....at least I still have my ring.
It's nothing special. Black & Silver.
I have to wait, since we have decided to stock up eating, electronics tomorrow.
For the moment, I can't figure out Ichinose's attitude. She has let it go now, but well...try moving past.
"You bully me. I won't help you next time on escalator....."
....why mention my moment of shame? I, yes, by mistake, definitely, assumed the gap between two steps wrong, if not for her....yeah.
"I think Ichinose is a kind-hearted, helpful, and energetic girl."
I am exaggerating too much. Getting showered like this, even a catfish would blush, right....?
"So you're praising me for not being an idiot?"
"That's too narcissistic."
"It's better than attacking someone's appearance as soon as they meet."
"The truth can hurt sometimes."
"Hateful…..baka!"
I don't think she's really angry though. Because Ichinose can easily just leave me here hanging, but she is doing the exact opposite of what her words indicate.
Ichinose is too young.
ComFort, a massive supermarket on second floor of Keyaki Shopping Mall Centre itself. This entire place is just a part of big ground.
My right hand is now gripping the handle of a shopping bas---cart. Sorry, I just can't get used to it. I have said it cart for years.
Wheels screeching—kiii… kiii…—with every tiny nudge, right one wobbling like it's about to give up entirely.
It's already grating on my nerves, but my left hand is preoccupied with something far more distracting.
Ichinose's warm fingers interlock with mine, her grip tight as she tugs me closer with an irritated, "Dame yo~)—"
What a dangerous warning.....
I am currently busy reminiscing about the past few minutes, while Ichinose stares down at a notebook that she is carrying.
It's just like the meticulous her and me to dutifully record everything we needed.
Ignoring me in favor of her flower-patterned notebook to check what's first on our list.
Her strawberry curls swaying as she tilts her head, blue eyes half-lidded in a suggestive stare, one eyebrow I don't know why arched provocatively higher than the other.
"Ayooo..."
Did she just hum?
Drawning-out her voice, as she takes in sight of what's around us, "This place is so huge, Rem."
"Hey, are you, Ichinose resigning from your job?"
I can't help but stare down as buttons of her blazer are really straining dangerously...somehow keeping it together from exposing it to world.
Look away.....better focus on the place where I am at right now.
"This must be an angel...."
It's a random comment passed by someone from somewhere....
Ichinose's getting recognition like this a lot from nearby. She doesn't seem to be responding, or filtering it.
Yes, yes, she's an angel. Only thing left is to spread her wings and embrace the world.
The entrance of ComFort is just pure chaotic, sliding glass doors framed by a bold red sign with some kanji symbols, I think....
コンフォート I know what this word actually means as name of shopping mall, when I used Search-kun to scan it on the way, it read as Konfōto in Japanese.
But for me I just know it's ComFort....what magic works here?
Somewhere out there, beings of higher power must be having fits of laughter doing this to....
A neon "Welcome!" sign blinks above in both Japanese and English, with a standee of a chubby cat mascot in green apron holding a basket of groceries.
Its painted grin almost taunted me to provide a fish, properly grilled.
They also have a sign poster outside.
New Members! 10% Off Your First Purchase! Join Today for Exclusive Coupons!
"(Membership Fee: 500 Yen/Year)"
Cashier actually gave us a copy, it's in my shopping cart right now.
Only after squinting, I am able to read it from here, when going beyond my range of vision, it becomes a mess of colours.
Five hundred yen… at 2015 exchange rate of 120 about something yen, I guess to dollar, that's about $4.15 USD.
Back in my old life, I'd have scoffed at paying for a supermarket membership—Walmart never tried that—but here, it feels almost reasonable, if we come here often.
Hey, is that....?
Free Delivery on Orders Over 5,000 Yen! To your Dormitory Manager.
This is another plastic board in an open book design that's been pushed down to touch the floor.
Blue and Yellow text mixed in a funky type of font style.
"Oooh..." Ichinose let's out a gasp beside me, did she also read it?
Covering her mouth as she speaks in a tone of disbelief, um...where is she looking?
A coupon on a nearby shelf attached to it in a vertical position.
"Second-Time Shopper Offer: 5% Off Your Next Purchase....."
She reaches for it, her skirt riding up slightly as Ichinose bends forward, her backside wiggling, "Be careful with that.....your."
"Bee~!" Ichinose sticks out her tongue instead. Taking it as a play.
I hold back—barely.
She straightens up, waving a coupon in front of my face, her lips curling into a smirk, one corner twitching upward.
"Yoshu~" A little celebratory shout?
Her breasts jiggle with motion though, "We can use this tomorrow for ne?"
Thap! Pwooch~~
Shit....Shit.
I hurriedly step closer to whisper in her ear, "Ichinose, there's a couple making out opposite this shelf...can we move on?"
Her cheeks flush a deep red—and she squeaks even more when I try to warn her to keep low, "Hyaa…" peeking behind through her fingers as she covers her face, with a timid, "Meow! We are sorry...!"
Like I said it's chaotic....
We go around quickly from here.
Air is thick with savory of sauce and grilled meat wafting up from food court downstairs.
Supermarket's air conditioning.
The dark brown ceiling is lined with fluorescent lights... with others having tied down a circular plating of illumination hanging by a metal thread.
Dark Brown & Whitish Cream.
It's a theme here whether it's about colouring on the walls.....
Another glow displays a tower like something. I can't make it out, we need to pass around first....Oh
A tower of instant ramen cups near, a yellow tag dangling above:
2 for 300 Yen!
The walls are covered with posters—one showing a smiling family holding a bag of....rice?
"It's Koshihikari. Taste the Tradition. Only 1,980 Yen for 5kg...."
"I see. What about that? I think it's a pop idol....."
"Hmm. It's Ayaka from Momoiro Clover Z....I am not sure, okay. I don't watch this stuff."
Her answer is very questionable.
"Is that Lux shampoo she's holding?"
Indeed.
'Shine Bright with Lux! 20% Off This Week!'
"Haneyo...Laip Ehaio~~!"
Over the speakers, we can also a soft melody, I am not aware what plays it's going on round now. But they change it after one ends....
"AKB48's latest single play....."
"On our music app you mentioned?"
"It's AWA. We just call it that. I heard it a couple of times...."
AWA? Is that name of app...Will check it out later.
Blending with chatter of shoppers—mostly students in red blazers, their voices a mix of words.
"Haha...Look Look!"
Um...A group of girls with hair of different shades is making a lot of noise for a while, they are so loud.
"They have pocky....."
"What? Is it a cookie or similar?"
"Yuka, strawberry's the best—only 150 yen!"
It's so so...fucking irritating, her pitch is messed up. Even I can see this girl shaking that pack in air to display.
I can get your excitement, but there are us (other...) here, can you please behave?
Her friend, a girl with short black hair? Crosses her arms under her chest, lifting subtly....
What are these people doing?
"Ichinose, I hope you take some lessons. Please don't be like them...."
Trying so hard to be cute, gaining attention of boys on purpose. Of course, I am looking too...not just me.
"No way, Mina, chocolate's better. Strawberry's gross! hehe~~"
They giggle as they toss both packs into their cart, wheels squeaking as they head toward snack aisle.
"I hope we don't meet them."
Ichinose's voice is really hateful. She seems to have it as a personal insult, this is not....what I had in mind.
But anyway, a boy with glasses...?
"Hey, is that a manga display...?"
"No."
I don't like her response. That boy is arguing with a friend I guess on sale of...
"Hora! Attack on Titan is way better than Naruto! This volume's on sale—500 yen."
His friend shakes his head, whose backside is bent down....? Why are you drowning so low?
"You're just a Levi fanboy, Kenji. Let's get One Piece."
Their voices fade as they wander off, manga section buzzing with more students flipping through pages, their chatter constant—zawa… bla….blaaa
"You lied....."
"I had to. We need to focus on studies."
Staff in green aprons are darting through the aisles, their name tags glinting as they restock shelves or assist customers.
A worker with a ponytail calls out, "Sumimasen! Soy sauce is in aisle 5—two for 400 yen this week!"
In response a girl with blonde hair comes out from somewhere left of us, she nods, muttering like, "Thanks, I need it for dinner!" as she hurries off.
The store is a maze.
Each section is marked with colorful signs in both Japanese and English:
'Toiletries'
'Household Goods'
'Clothing'
'Plushies'
'Electronics'
'Food'
'Manga'
'Gaming'
'Furniture'
'Bags'
'Snacks' and more.
"Do boys really like One Piece. They are so many over there.... It's Luffy right? See there, he just punched someone on TV....."
Ichinose is talking about the electronics section that's way past me to comprehend, but a laugh is echoing even here.
While a nearby display showcases of Dragon Ball Z figures—Goku and Vegeta in fighting poses, 2,500 yen each is really hard to miss.....
The Keyaki Shopping Mall Centre is said to be a five-floor paradise for students.
Floor 1 that we passed through an escalator has a supermarket, 'FamilyMart.' much bigger than here.
Clothing boutiques, jewelry shops etc that we saw from street.
Floor 2 consists of 'ComFort'
There should also be Gym here according to novel, with SIV Camera studio somewhere around too, for visiting Dr. Kurosaki's shop.
It's a dedicated electronics centre.
Floor 3 has Karaoke bars, Spa, Sauna, Sports equipment stores.
Floor 4 is a place to rest from what our cabinet attendant mentioned to us, something like a cafeteria.
As we go on shopping street, there are separate shops lined up to provide Medical items, Shoes, Dress Stores, just anything belonging here in supermarket are found in those individual ones.....
It's like they are mini groceries and convenience stores.
Floor 5 is about Furniture, heavy items that needs to be installed directly. For rest, we have to visit ourselves I guess.
Oh yeah, I just remembered she mentioned a small Arcade Studio too.
Ghibly arts available for Room Wal----
I want to ask Ichinose about streaming platforms here, but I get the feeling I better not....
She's already chirping a lot against me, dealing with soft weights pressed against my side is already...Phew!
"Iko~!"
Her cart is gliding so smoothly while mine is literally dying—with every step, I take it!
"Let's start with the basics, Rem. Facewash, soap and stuff...."
She looks determined.
"Yeah, but I saw you eyeing the snack aisle. We're sticking to the list, right Ichinose.....?"
I am not so sure.
Her lips part slightly, and she winks, swaying as she leans closer with a "Ufun~how bad do you think of me? I can follow what I say."
Her proud, hum makes me want to show our empty carts!
The toiletry section is a wall of colorful bottles and packages, a sign above reading:
'Personal Care – Feel Fresh Every Day!' in Japanese, yes, yes, I can read it....don't look at me with scrutiny.
A group of students nearby are debating deodorants, their voices are so animated.... can't you be just normal?
"Shiseido's the best—700 yen, it lasts!"
A girl with pigtails says, holding up a silver can, her hands on her hips, backside jutting out with a stern.
"Mou! You are talking crazy."
"Right, right! Yeah listen to us."
Her friend, a boy or a girl? I really can't just base gender on size of her chest, or length of the hair.....
With spiky hair, as he/she moves with a casual palm wave.
"Maa ne~ Get the Muji one, Riko—500 yen, unscented! You don't need to smell like flowers!"
Riko, girl in question, taps her foot, rocking side to side from being denied, her skirt? swishing against her thighs with an impatient, "Che~!"
So dramatic....new names. Unheard of ever before.
Actually, tosses the Shiseido can she mentioned before into her cart.
"You're just jealous, Taro! Mmmph!"
They laugh as they move down aisle, leaving me and Ichinose to browse the facewash brands.
She reached for a Shiseido Perfect Whip? What do you need such suggestive names for?
It's a white tube with a pink cap, 120g for 600 yen, a yellow discount tag reading:
"10% Off – Now 540 Yen!" The label shows a woman with flawless skin, Japanese text below:
"濃密泡で毛穴までスッキリ!
Rich Foam to Clean Pores Thoroughly!
Ichinose holds it up, twirling her hair with her other hand, "~Uun…This one's really good, Rem. Shiseido's super famous here—the foam's so soft..."
I..I am...I can't stop myself imagining her in shower, Drrrlll! Banish thoughts about foam sliding down her curves...Maybe I'll join you. Gaah!
What's the price.....
"Two hundred yen…?"
"That's right. But it's not just...I can see many new products. I don't think they are even launched yet....."
"Maybe school is doing an experiment. Good for both parties....."
Ichinose's cheeks redden further and she bites her lower lip, while giving it a thought, "Uu…."
My mind drifts back to Neutrogena organic facewash I use—$7 a bottle at a nearby store, its orange packaging so garish compared to Shiseido's sleek design.
The memory fades quickly, replaced by Ichinose, who brushes a strand behind her ear, neck exposed peeking out, with a shy, "Ehe…This is okay, right?"
My long, exhale makes her growl softly, "Fine....Damn it."
Ichinose grabs another option, a Kao Biore Facial Foam, a green bottle with a white cap, 130g for 480 yen, labeled:
'Refreshingly Clean!' with a "2 for 350 Yen!" deal.
She taps her chin, her hips shifting side to side...bouncing lightly? Is this her thinking mode..Haaa..!
"This one's good for boys. Don't ask me how I know it. Girls chat a lot...."
"Doesn't it look very, I mean too liquidy....?"
Her eyes widen, and she covers her face with a defeated posture, as if Ichinose has lost it, "Green Shisedo it is for you. Let me che---257 yen..."
"Is this good?"
"It's best variety I've heard of it."
"Ichinose's the boss."
"You can't say that here. It's your choice. Don't blame me later....."
We try to move our cart, only to draw a sharp glance from a nearby girl holding a....I check on our shelf to check, yep same.
She's holding Hada Labo Gokujyun Face Wash (100g, 700 yen, white tube)
Wow....you are so rich.
"That basket's so loud!" This girl directly snaps, is she frowning? I mean her voice says so.
I glance at her, noticing her brownish orange kinda hair....I try to think of a good response, but well...
Girl shuffles her feet, with a bashful, put down the item in her cart, "Tee~" then hurries off, muttering, "N-never mind…"
Ichinose and I are left standing dumbfounded.
"I didn't say anything to her. She just moved away on her own...."
"We are not scary looking, right...?"
"Let's forget this happen-----"
Um...She is patting my shoulder, is this her way of comforting, "It's okay...."
And we just walk into our next target. Soaps...her acting like a leader. ???
Lavender and citrus scent from products around us...
A boy nearby is lost in choosing, he is checking out a black bottle, "Gatsby's has a cooling effect...."
"Ehhen!" Slaps his own forehead with an exasperated, "Ttak!...what should I buy? There's so many."
While he's tweaking.
Ichinose picks up a Dove Beauty Bar, white in pale blue packaging, 135g for 95 yen, labeled: '1/4 Moisturizing Cream – For Soft Skin!'
She brings it to her nose. Whiff~~
Her eyelashes flutter as she blinks slowly, shifting her weight with a curious "Ara ara? This one smells like milk—suki… suki…—so nice!"
It's just Ichinose standing next to me has an expression of watching 'fun' by peeking, I couldn't help but rub my eyebrows, "It's not very discreet."
"Shhhh....!"
"Get Dove Men+Care, idiot—150 yen, and move off. Taking so much time...."
Apparently, boy from earlier is being given 'nice advice.'
"What are you doing? Pick one...."
Nerve to say, I am wasting time.
"Right, better not make you start pouting too...."
"Muu~!"
What catches my eye....I like this one's packaging, it's a Cow Brand Milk Soap, another white bar, however it's giving a vanilla cream faint odour, "105 yen...not too much, I think."
Different than Ivory. Goes inside my cart, one more done.
Nudge~Nud----
"You sound, as if going to a war or something. Uso~!"
What a fake disbelief noise.
"Grocery shopping is hard, okay."
This 'pink-haired' girl's expression suddenly becomes very grim when I say this. You can even see a layer of gray gloom on her face.
I want to scream.
How...How is this visible so clearly?! I am trying to ignore my logic, but I can't. She must be a real noob in poker games.
"You will scare everyone...."
Ignoring her.
"Deep cleaning. It's very ominous for a toothbrush...."
I pick a Clinica Toothbrush for Ichinose, (blue and white, soft bristles, 30 yen, and a Sunstar GUM Toothbrush for me (red and white, 28 yen.
'For Sensitive Gums'
It's written on it.
They come with respective toothpaste, Clinica Enamel Pearl for her (100g, 70 yen, white tube with a blue cap,
"Whitening Formula....It's not going to remove my teeth are they, Rem?"
"How would I know? Give me reviews after you do...."
Sunstar Ora2 for me (125g, 87 yen, white tube, photo shows crystals inside, 'Stain Removal!'
"This one is even worse. Do they not want us to buy it?"
Ichinose grabs two of Kobayashi Sara Mist toilet odor neutralizer, bath bomb salts package in a few clicks, as if she takes it everyday.
Nail clippers, face mask, tissues, just a couple of stuff....quick, quick.
Putting in our carts. We are increasing pace right now.
Blue spray bottle, "Fresh Ocean Scent!"
Muji Bath Towel (70x140cm, white, 138 yen, "Soft Cotton!") it's for her.
Blue one for me. Nishikawa's Quick Dry. It says.
A pair of hand towels, "Maruki..what's this, Ichinose?"
"Who knows. It's super absorbent according to the shelf price."
"I see. Buying a package of four, never mind. It will save us."
"Tsk...."
Do these people have nothing else to invest time in? If you know it makes you irritated, cover ears and just pass us quietly.
Why send an annoyed noise on purpose? After muttering that, he even avoids us by leaving in a hurry, as if we are some kind of filth.
Respectful my ass!
"...I saw a girl too. She was putting on makeup. I think it made her look even uglier....."
"Didn't you say to me to not talk bad about others.....?"
Household goods section, here we come for you!
Nitori Green Welcome Mat with black borders. 236 yen. It's a small size. Just what we need.
"Welcome!" in black kanji and a Cainz Anti-Slip Mat (Grey, 250 yen, Non-Slip Surface!)
Two more items done.
"Ichinose, I need this pencil kit..."
A Zebra Sarasa (two pens, one pencil, and an eraser, 86 yen, clear case with a bear sticker)
Where is this girl?
"Um.....?"
What caught my eye is a girl with purple hair, and skin as delicate as a baby's. She's so...white. Her height is a little smaller than mine.
It's just....a senior perhaps? I can't see her face clearly.
However, her brown eyes give off a slight chill.
"This bear kit was touched by me first. You were about 0.5 seconds slower than me, so this should belong to me."
....How come I just know your face is very cold? Even I want to cover myself with a futon, rub hands together.
Her tone isn't actually arguing but stating an objective fact. Why did you even count the time in such....precise?
"...There is another exact same replica."
"So? Do you want me to pick it?"
Hell is wrong with you? Even after me indicating, you just have to move your fingers a little to pick the second one, she doesn't seem to be moving at all.
"No, you can have this one."
"....Good choice. You must be a freshman right? I see all things inside are of very good quality...."
"Can you not inspect without permission?"
"Hmm. I am just looking at you spending. I even have free stuff, very brave you are...."
"I am me. You are you. We can't be compared."
"Very much agree on that."
She deliberately increases her social distance after saying it. Personality is abhorrent.
I smile kindly. What's going on? This is too scary.
It feels like I am about to freeze in an instant, if not for making such a decision. Is everyone copying Horikita these days....?
This girl left just like she came.
Wow.....I can only pick replica instead.
"About dining mat? How is this cherry one....Did something unhappy happen?"
"Done. Done. Wait, is that ricecake? Of course you went for it."
I want to slap my own bloody face.
But Ichinose lectures me on food, her fingers again lingering on my arm, as she whispers how gooey, and gum like stretchable they are to eat, and we should try it.
"It's very yummy. I can just imagine gulping it down...."
She is a sweets slave.
"You can buy. I have no objections...."
"Hehe~See this, a cut above the rest, how about razor with five blades? I bet it'd do the clean job."
"....Why would I want to shave clean? Scratch that, when did you even pick it up...."
Ichinose grins smugly and pretends to shave an imaginary beard, but I really will not laugh.
Far from it. Instead, I want to look at her as if she's some great enemy.
"Look at me. I don't have anything to shave."
"Not on your chin? Not under your armpits, what about down 'there."
'I don't like your current face.'
Her jokes fail colossally with men.
"I have to say, I'm a little envious of your ability to babble inanely to someone you've just met today."
"How rude. Coming from my place and spouting lies."
"...I was just in the shop that day."
"I know for a fact, there's only one junior high school in my area....."
"I am stupid enough to walk miles to purchase groceries in your locality."
"Like I believe, in such a condition."
"I was homeschooled."
"Meow, I feel like you've been saying stupid crap, too, Rem."
"Is that so? I've merely stated facts. Unlike you." I calmly toss her words back at her, but it doesn't seem to have any impact on Ichinose.
However, I believe she's coming up with this as an excuse for placing her role as guardian..... otherwise, yeah it will cause problems for us both.
Like, I am taking advantage of her, while being a person with disability.
Just expect anything to go in places like high school... especially here.
With me knowing about her history, it probably gives her an idea of me living nearby Ichinose residence.
Kushida's word of mouth, its rumour mill, can easily go around the entire campus....
"There is a small display of calendars near the end...."
What a free spirit. Pushing the cart, as she tugs me along.
"It's...are they cranes, laying eggs?"
Nice calligraphy too, it's handwritten, not design's by....I flip another month, to check position has changed to rubbing their egg, next with heads touching of both cranes.... December's about newborn who is now a little bit catching fish... They are alive, and we are witnessing life.
It's good, I will keep this one in mind.
"How about this octopus eating french fries....? It's having talk with shrimp in other illustrations. hehe~~"
Ichinose seems to be finding it funny, and wants to adjust on her desk perhaps....He's red, with green eyes.
"I think he's missing one tentacle...."
Male....
"Maow! Why always find faults? It's good, he can even camouflage."
Is this justifying boast abilities?
"What about releasing ink upon being poked? Scaring all kids away."
I mean you.
"Whh---You too can eat their eggs right? Mmph!" Ichinose pouts, her cheeks puffing out in a whiny, unhappy....
Hey, I am not that dark! Her words are horrible. For a moment, I even heard those birds screeching with pure utmost terror....
Anyway, we pick them up. Small size, can be fit to our desk. I also spot one having a moutain path leading to a camping group eating....are they...are they really persimmon?
Wow....it's quite. There's another snowy one, holy shit...boy seems to be drowning in a frozen lake by the end.
I put this one back. Mine is awesome, 247 yen. Don't look back.
"It's time for Kitchen. I think we are done here, Ichinose....."
'Zrrrr! Khooooo------'
I get the feeling many pairs of eyes are watching us from the audience.
Somehow moving it little by little praying to god, my cart doesn't fall out, leaving me hanging in a pinnacle.
"Seria pan—1,000 yen, non-stick.... It's good for omelettes."
A girl is almost spinning on her shoes, declaring to the world what she eats in her breakfast.
"----th love. But school doesn't allow me to work part time...how tragic. I could earn some points...."
Experience, old....
This is another senior talking out loud, and sharing her feelings, providing us very very..... It's a rule, no matter how many points you pay, or get right, any kinds of internal dealing is not allowed for students in main canon.
You can't work, generate money by opening shops, renting etc....route is completely blocked by school.
Nagumo should have tried doing it, explicitly not mentioned but, I get the feeling he would have at least.
Milk tea shops are prime example in some fanfics.
"What a bummer. We can't do part time jobs then...."
"Are you looking for one here, Ichinose?"
It's like our conversation has no lasting impact, even if we argue like earlier. This kind of flow.....to just talk casually.
"I mean...I mean. You know. Come closer. I don't think we will get 100,000 points next month...."
Looking at Ichinose's indifferent expression, for a moment I don't know whether this world is too crazy or I am too out of banging order.
"I have no idea."
She makes a groaning noise, "Hate, why being so thick-skinned? I even thought of not getting any...."
"Well, Chairman shouldn't have mines of gold right? He works on a budget too....."
"I saw a boy near Caramel Choco chips. He looked really pitiful, like he doesn't have enough to buy....."
"Maybe it's because of gym diet? You know, calories and everything...."
Bickering all the way, we somehow reach the kitchen section, a 3D figure of some female anime character in a white shef uniform licking her knife is too sadistic to ignore.....
"I can't imagine drinking honey in such a way...."
"Who is giving you?" 'Snort!'
I forgot to mention we also picked up two nail clippers, tissues, face mask pack, 'First aid' kid from the skincare section earlier. Where we bought cream, facewash, and such.
These are just some miscellaneous items that got quickly dropped in carts by us without even debating much.
Price is also too low....just about 30 to 47 yen in total somewhere.
It appears 'First Aid' is normal for us to buy, so Ichinose didn't ask any questions. What a relief.....
This is cause enough for celebration.
Oh, this makes me remember, we opted for not buying lamps for now. Both used in study, and near bed.
I am a complete dark mode, light off guy, who can't sleep even i------
A boy with a buzz cut, shakes his head, hands behind, is he really snoring....? With a nose bubble....?
What the fuck....
"People can sleep here....?"
"They are looking for pots."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Fuu~ Tokyo Hands fruit knife has a better handle, Saki-chan...."
"You're so picky, Kenta. Let's get both."
Leave, leave, leave---pls go away, extras, so we ca----Those Saki-chan's really move on, leaving me and Ichinose to browse in peace.
Fu...We are unconsciously waiting for others to leave, so we can do our shopping. It's really bad of us....
"...As expected, I can't redeem coupon for points. What other, you have....?"
Never mind. Now it's just another hopeles---who is struggling with bare living expenses.
Really miserable, he or she, you can just plainly know, this person seems to be dying both outside and inside.
"By the way, should we also keep our voices down?"
Just in case, better not disturb. Watching others, makes me want to reflect on us.
"I think we are fine, not causing trouble in the slightest....take it light."
Her brilliance is too dazzling. She grabs a Seri Spoon Set, a five-piece in pastel pink, 158 yen, 'Cute & Durable'
"What about Torka plate set? Bowl, spoon, folk, and cups. 2 pieces each....wait, it says we can decrease the price of frying pan if we buy it."
"About 350 yen, eh? I am checking out Liquid wash for us. The store's prices are reasonable."
"One point equals one yen?"
"Yep. I thought I would have to bargain. Can you grab us two fruit knives....?"
Even though Ichinose is somewhat uptight, she doesn't feel...you know uncomfortable while being with a boy, who is inspecting items in her cart.
She is buying her daily items without being flustered or having problems, is she a bit aloof?
"2 Months...Hmmm...Kina meshan, trippin~~~!"
"We're in the wrong dimension. Naat say...Miko~~~~!"
I am not sure regarding the knife, or even what song is being played right now, but...
I spot something far more precious.
"It's a yogurt maker...."
End girl. Kiyo's happy love. Can I frustrate him if I buy this?
"What are you standing on....yogurt?"
Ichinose strots over when I am being too unuseful, and busy on staring at machines with a look of longing, and complicated feelings.
'Jiggle jiggle-----'
Don't think about it, keep your mind clea-----
"It needs milk. We will have to buy lots, I don't even know how it operates....."
That won't be a problem for Ichinose.
She has a portable option, you can even take it on a flight.....
Just looking at it craves me to buy one. Pudding, Kefir, Sunday break....
"Rem. Are you thinking about something stupid right now?"
"Er. No?"
"I feel like you are acting strangely."
Oopsie...Ichinose can sense my inappropriate thoughts just by looking at me. Isn't she very sharp?
"I am just wondering whether or not I should buy this. What do you think?"
It's better than saying I am afraid of a mouse which might appear out of nowhere. Wait, she won't start hunting it...right? Right....!
"You want to buy that? We don't need this at all."
"But it makes healthy food. Don't you
think it's better than eating junk?"
"I am sorry. Please resist your urges...."
With a heavy heart, I...I move away from my yogurt maker. Really emotional to detach away with such, look for a knife instead.
Ichinose is so cruel, "Strange bum..."
"Keep talking. I will show you what a spoon can do...."
"Boooo"
'Khoooo----zrkkkl~~~!'
Hesitation leads to failure. This sentence is really true.
Oh come on....Blue hair exists too here. It makes me feel very plain. I am so depressed.
I pick up a Fruit Knife, something labelled as Muji, small stainless steel with a black handle, 170 yen.
"Careful while using....."
The blade glints under the lights, and a dark thought suddenly creeps, what if I cut myself, deep across my wrist?
Would the pain, blood, send me back to my home? This dream will end....
A couple of hours being here is already a Lifetime's pleasure. But to really wake up, to visit, things that matter.... isn't that how works in coma patient type of movies? Hurt yourself to wake up. Or I might never get this chance again.
I can almost hear whispers of asking me to come back home. Don't leave us----doctors treating me, something about giving shocks.
Besides, what's even my purpose, goal to be here....I am not that fragile, self obsessed enough to say I am here to bring change, save characters, break the fate.....make the world good here, or lines of such?
Making Class B to A, or such dramatics. Bringing a smile to Ichinose's face....motto of making most of what you have. I can barely manage my own self, with no idea of what future holds here.
Given my condition, it's blank, bleak, how am I going to support myself?
Forget the fantasies of marrying someone nice, caring, dedicated to us....why will that person even choose me? I don't think I can bring happiness to anyone.
It's all going to be very lonely, I will probably die alone. Maybe just after a few years, not even the average of a human's.
I have nowhere to go. Instead of losing my dignity, meager jobs, surviving a laughable.....
What if I tell Ichinose about her being a paper girl?
Are they going to believe my words? Sakayanagi's too proud, just imagine someone like her actually getting out from 2D to my, our world, what's her reaction going to be.....?
I somehow, not aware of where, but just get the feeling even Ichinose wouldn't want to...live anymore.
Opening up the package to check its quality myself, I stare at it with a grip more than what's required here.
"Glow....."
Pulling up my sleeve a little bit, I really press it to my wrist, sharp edge immediately bites into my skin.
A thin line of blood wells up, the pain sharp, and I hiss—shh…—as crimson drips down my arm, splattering onto the floor—pota… pota….
"Owai----!"
A sharp gasp snaps me out of it, and I turn to see a world of blue comes over me in a rush, and I can't see anything in matter of seconds.
"What the hell?!"
Her voice is so nice....It's calming, makes you feel being cared for. Like giving an orgasm. Will I go to heaven.....? Is she my reaper?
"You dropped your scythe...."
Instead of picking up her item from the ground, she seems to waving her hand frantically with a startled...?
"Wawa~! Quiet Quiet. What sho---"
"Oye, Nani---kore. You girl----!!"
Grabbing my wrist, whoever this person is actually bringing it to her mouth, and her lips close over cut I just...just made as she suc---
"Vampire, let my hand go!"
I can see a mole. Her face is so close.
'—Chu…Chu…'—gulping down my blood with each swallow—gokun… gokun…! It's so fucking loud.
Her orange eyes are so pretty, tongue is really wet doing such lapping at the wound....!
How the fuck her back doesn't hurt?
Size of her things....?! Can her blazer really handle it properly?
"Excu--you are freezing? It's nothing big, pls check yourself. You are shaking terribly...."
My words are too fast. I know but the situation calls for such actions!
'Slurp… slrrp…'
It's like rhythmic, my eyes never leaving actions of her mouth as this girl's breath hitches, breasts rising and falling faster.....
Echoing faintly in aisle as she draws out another few drops, it's making me go wild....Ttttt!
Warm breath so close to my body hair, so I try to...I really can't bring myself to snatch away.
Can see her gulping it down, a low glk… glk…sound deep in her throat.
Her teeth pierce my wrist in panic with a sharp prick… sudden sting making me flinch, a low groan escapes... throat—"Ngh…"
T-Tongue darts out, licking drops with a wet 'shlick… shlick…'
"Fuck..." It's like an electric current suddenly hitting me, "You will leave me all pale...."
Drinking from me is so intense it's almost too much. What's this horny sub of a community school?!
It's even more NSFW than Roshidere.
"Meeowww!" Ichinose jumps on her spot, hey you brat, come over! Fast, help me out of this situation. I am being sucked dry! Literally.
"What are you doing to him? Pervert, pervert spotted!"
Her gasp of disbelief makes blue hair sucker glare at her, lips still on my wrist, blood staining her chin as she snaps, "Don't just stand there! Get a cloth—now!"
She has such a nice character design for just being an unnamed student.
Kinu-sensei, what kind of girls did you draw? Help! Is this even medically legal....What if type doesn't
Ichinose just stands on her foot stupidly not understanding her words in the slightest, being totally useless, as if her trophy is gone, "Hai? Hai!"
She comes out of her stupified look when receives another glare, and grabs a big towel from her cart, hurring over with a timid look.
I don't care about your size, just come here! Move fast!
"My god....."
She presses the towel to my wrist, her fingers brushing chesty's, but a few drops of blood flowing over retains....
"Haah...Haah..."
It's Haruka. Granger's balls....no wonder her features look familiar.
'Pero~! Pero! Lick----!'
"Oww.....zrrr!" I vibrate.
Ichinose leans in, her tongue darting out to lick them off—as she cleans rest with slow licks, her eyes glinting with moist.... as she bites her lips with a hard stare.
"Nfu..." A whimper.
Haruka who's now over from collecting her breath, her lips stained with red....heaving as she too glares at me, hands on hips, with a stern tone, "Mou! You could've hurt yourself badly!"
Her voice is so pleasant to eyes and ears.
"You over there, don't tell anyone about this....!"
She barks in left, I mean right of me once more, scaring away a traumatic child who just witnessed....
Ichinose nods, her fingers actually trembling as she hears angry chides, "Is it because of yogurt...why would you do this Rem?"
It makes Haruka, not biased using her name, it's a habit, girl cross her arms, pressing together two big shapes, "Boys are all crazy. What if you'd cut deeper?"
.... It's not just me, or her tone is really maternal? She's a mommy, alright.
"Iya iya!"
"I am so ashamed of doing that. You have caused me mental damage."
"....You are still freezing..."
"Arigato. I am warm enough!" Haruka huffs loudly, as she scolds, "You're like a reckless child. This school is not normal at all. Just oogle every minute...."
Her grumpy puff of annoyance makes Ichinose look at her with some sympathy, as if she understands, "It looks fine now...I can't allow you to have those. Hand it over....."
My knife is gone.
"You are together right? I was hearing all the nonsense for a while. Can't you manage him properly....?"
Ayo...Haruka is giving her dead eyes? Is she dissatisfied with 'good natured' residency Archangel?
"...I need to be more alert. Meow."
Ichinose's being lectured too.
Haruka is just venting her dissatisfaction at this point, without any pause. Us two can only keep quiet helplessly.
"Whatever, I am not your wingman. You need to compensate me...."
This makes strawberry-chan raise her face again, with a nasty look, what's she going to demand? Her emotions are so obvious...."Don't be so mean…I think you are a good person."
Haruka's face becomes stiff on such words. Oh, I think she struck a nerve, we are gone... Ichinose you just made things even worse.

"I'm Hasebe Haruka… a 'vampire' at this school. Since I drank your blood, you owe me—2000 points every month, starting now."
"....This is not the way."
She wants me to wire her money every month, give you blank checks of fixed amount...
"Don't even think you can skip out on me—I'll hunt you down if you try."
But, Haruka demands angrily, her tone icy, her teeth are like fangs glinting as she threatens us, her waist length blue hair bouncing.....
Her big frame looks very imposing.
"Why don't we all become friends....?"
What a nervous proposal. You are not fooling anyone here, Ichinose.
"I have my priorities. 2000 is not big. You can pay that much, right?"
Beep….Beep…what's this soun---crap, our devices are synced, giving each other's phone number, e-mail address. Fraud is not legal here, right?
With that, Haruka turns on her shoes, her curls swishing as she walks away, posture....Queen leaving her court.
"A lunatic...."
Her blurry frame disappears into the bustling crowd of ComFort, taking her cart, her footsteps echoing faintly—katsu… katsu…as she vanishes.
A red visible angry tick mark visible on the back of her head....?
Leaving me wonder if she has an OnlyFans account.....
"Rem, you'll be good right? Not give me any problems...."
"N-No Mam."
This is a fear instinct.
I better pick up Haruka's scyt--spatula from the floor, arrange where it belongs.
"Pay it yourself...."
She's hot.
Chill vibes. Leaving us throbbing.
"Excuse me. Could it be that Miss wants to get rid of the boy who is clinging to her?"
A male staff worker. Probably came here after hearing screams....
"It's not like that. I just saw a girl drop her spatula by mistake...."
Um...why's she looking at me? Is that evil I spot? Hey! I have a bad feeling.
I also glance at this man wearing a green apron, is he smiling? Looks very kind.
"Rem is the one who is arguing with me even though he is a boy."
....Boom! Such retorting confidence where does it come from? Where did it go confronting Haruka? Huh....
"Don't fix my gender values. Aren't you all for equality?"
Why does it suddenly become my fault? I just...we've a lot of things to do, should just get going.
"He is a bad boy who changes the subject when he finds himself in a disadvantageous position."
"I apologise for her making trouble."
"Not a problem. I am happy to hear there's not a dispute between customers."
"Meow?! No, you are too suspicious."
I can see Staff's figure going away with that same smile plastered on his face. What a man of culture. I try my best to stop grinning.
"Don't try to act like an adult, we are the same age here. Nante baka...."
Apparently, Ichinose doesn't like me treating her as a child. Coldly hostile. Point to be noted, "How can I have peace of mind...? You know I chose this school because it offers free education."
Don't know what to say to that.
"I think that girl has a mother compl----Aoow! I am not sleeping, you don't have to pinch m---"
"...Writing down room numbers, so that if something happens, we can arrange for classmates to help."
....Can it be said? As expected of Ichinose.... She's already considering this matter.
From the language she just explained, it's practical to infer Ichinose is just 'nice girl' to a very...very higher level.
Even giving me suggestions when I am hesitant if a product is good to buy. Obviously, I am not a qualified audience to witness such angels, coming under her 'halo wing.'
Light is too bright for me. Not just hers but in fact of supermarket here.
When you wake up from sleep in morning, with one eye closed or attached due to watery mucus, it doesn't cause much issues....
However, if happens for a while, it's really not pleasant to have a black shady colour mixing up with what you can see.
Nauseating, uncomfortable, especially in big places like here.....
xxxxxx
Author's Note
8500 words, I think. Took so many days, so yeah, don't forget to give me your comments!
I hope you enjoyed it. ❣️ Power Stone's! 🎉