Even though Sato hadn't been able to visit the residents upstairs, he at least learned their surname.
For some reason, he felt a small sense of relief.
After all… what happened last night had been seriously awkward.
Takanashi sisters, huh? Just the two of them living together?
Sato rubbed his chin thoughtfully. There had been quite a bit of useful info buried in Saitama's casual words.
Back in his own apartment, he took the last box of sweets and knocked on the neighboring door.
Knock knock!
"One moment, please!"
A clear, pleasant voice answered from inside, clearly a girl.
Sure enough, the door opened to reveal a beautiful girl. She had long, honey-blonde hair that reaches her waist and elegant, delicate features. Her reddish-brown eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Hmm?"
She blinked at the unfamiliar face and asked, "Excuse me, you are…?"
"I'm Nohara Sato. I just moved into the unit next door yesterday. Pleased to meet you."
While introducing himself, he held out the gift box.
Seriously, why are there so many beautiful girls in this apartment…?
"Next door?" the girl repeated, blinking again. She leaned out to look in that direction, then smiled as realization dawned. "Ah, you must be Mr. Nohara from next door!"
Mr. Nohara?
Ugh… that sounds way too formal.
Sato cringed a little inside. Whenever you meet, "Mr. Deliveryman" or "Mr. Fish Seller" often led to strange conversations in anime and dramas.
Also… do I look that old? You should be calling me "classmate," or something not "mister," girl!
Once she confirmed his identity, the girl gave a respectful bow and smiled brightly.
"Hello, I'm Doma Umaru ."
Oh no… that dazzling smile… those sparkling effects… Why do I get the feeling this girl isn't normal either?
Sato suddenly had that eerie thought. It was irrational, but some gut instincts just couldn't be ignored.
"Nice to meet you. Looking forward to living as neighbors."
…
After saying goodbye to Umaru and returning home, Sato sat at his computer and began flipping through the resident profile cards on his system.
Shouko Nishimiya.
She really was deaf and mute. Honestly, it felt like the universe was playing a cruel joke. Such a kind-hearted girl…
Damn it life. Someone should punch him in the face.
Next was… Saitama.
Hmm? Job: Hero for fun?
Sato raised an eyebrow as he read through the info, curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
What did that even mean?
Could it be Saitama is just a really nice guy who helps people?
Well, that wasn't so bad. At least it meant he wasn't dangerous.
Then again, anyone with that haircut is either a monk or a Yakuza.
Saitama was still young, it's not like he chose baldness… right?
Then there was Umaru Doma.
The glowing, sparkling girl.
Weird system… weird evaluation…
…
Ding-dong! You have a new message!
Fresh out of the shower, Sato was towel-drying his hair when his phone lit up on the bed.
He picked it up lazily and raised an eyebrow, it was a message from school.
One: a reminder to report in on time.
Two: a checklist of what to prepare.
"So school starts tomorrow, huh? That came fast…"
Sato tossed the towel aside and opened his computer. A chat app was already blinking with an unread message.
[Tomoya]: Sato, we're short on editors for the site. Should we recruit more?
Sato thought for a moment before replying:
[Sato]: Your call. You're in charge of recruiting, your network should be enough, right?
[Sato]: Also, I start school tomorrow. It's the same one you attend.
Before he even closed the chat window, messages from Aki Tomoya started pouring in like rapid fire.
[Tomoya]: Got it, leave it to me.
[Tomoya]: Wait, what? My school?? The private mixed high school???
[Tomoya]: ???
[Sato]: Yep.
He casually sipped water from a cup beside him as he replied.
[Tomoya]: HUH?! Why didn't you tell me earlier?!
Why? Because you're a walking headache.
Sato sighed. If you knew I was coming, who knows what chaos you'd stir up.
[Sato]: Sorry, forgot.
[Tomoya]: Wait, what class are you in?!
[Sato]: Class A.
After ending the chat, Sato opened another contact and sent a new message.
[To: Ryuunosuke ] How's the app development coming along?
No reply.
Just as Sato was about to close the window, he noticed something odd on his screen.
A tiny chibi maid character peeked out from the corner of the window.
What the heck is this?
Sato blinked.
Suddenly, a cute little maid popped up on screen, holding a data cable and bowing politely.
[Hello, I'm Master Ryuunosuke's assistant, Maid-chan! He's currently in isolation. How can I help you?]
"Maid-chan?"
Sato stared in disbelief. Is this AI?
"Is Ryuunosuke really just a high schooler? This is insane…"
AI tech wasn't rare anymore, but for someone to develop something this advanced solo, it was terrifying.
[Hello!] he typed.
Maid-chan bowed on screen and replied instantly:
[Maid-chan greets you warmly!]
So it really has recognition and response capability…
Sato was impressed. He sent another message.
[Okay, please let Ryuunosuke know when he's back. Thanks.]
[Maid-chan has received your message. I'll inform Master Ryuunosuke immediately when he returns. Anything else?]
[Nope, that's all. Thanks.]
[Goodbye! ♥]
Maid-chan waved with her right hand, her "tail" a data cable, wiggling behind her. Her left hand rested politely on her waist as she faded away.
Sato stared at the screen, deep in thought as her figure disappeared...