Chapter 179: [Depends On You]

Chapter 179: [Depends On You]

<<Even though it's a rental, can I just remodel it on my own?>>

<<Oh, it's perfectly fine!>>

<<It's like, this really is a land of freedom, huh?>>

<<More like Japan is just too strict!>>

Saying that Angu Ogu made a bitter face.

I've lived in Japan for so long that I can't really relate to that sentiment.

<<When I was renting a place over there, they kept telling me about ‘genjouiji' repeatedly. Maybe other foreigners did something, but...>>

<<Well, yeah, maintaining the status quo is the norm, but...>>

<<Still, isn't it a bit excessive to say you can't even put a pin in the wall?>>

<<True.>>

According to the guidelines, making holes for thumbtacks should have been okay.

But in practice, it's better to avoid it.

<<And what's with ‘shikikin' and ‘reikin'? They were so expensive!>>

<<Don't they have those in America?>>

<<Well, there's a kind of deposit, but it's not that high!>>

<<That's a bit enviable.>>

<<In fact, over here, it's not uncommon for people to change the entire wallpaper, let alone make holes in the walls themselves.>>

<<Wow, really!?>>

<<Actually, it's more unusual to have a room just as it is, since most Americans don't like being the same as others or being too plain. Rooms are a form of self-expression.>>

I can feel the difference in the approach to homes between Japan and America in that regard.

It seems like they assume that people will be invited and seen, or they want to show off.

<<Well, Americans seem to like customizing everything to their taste, I guess.>>

<<Speaking of which, they also love adding toppings to their meals, don't they?>>

<<Oh, yes! In contrast, Japan has a lot of set menus. I wish there were more options for toppings. It would be ‘the best' if there were as many choices as at Coco Curry.>>

They seem to have a strong preference for choosing and deciding things for themselves, or maybe it's more accurate to say they don't want others to decide for them.

<<So, over here, remodeling and DIY are just forms of ‘interior decoration'.>>

<<In Japan, remodeling is almost the same as the word ‘repair'!>>

Well, in Japan, there's a natural increase in new construction due to issues like earthquake resistance.

On the other hand, in America, remodeling extends the life of buildings, so there are many older buildings.

There are probably various other reasons as well.

Anyway, that's how it is.

<<So, as long as you don't mind, if you...>>

***

I had a bad feeling and took a step back.

Something's strange.

Angu Ogu is breathing heavily.

What's going on!?

<<Hey, Iroha, would you like to take a bath with me!?>>

<<I absolutely refuse!? Besides, weren't you also uncomfortable exposing your skin to people!?>>

<<Of course I am! But didn't I tell you? It's already ‘my limit'!>>

<<Huh? So, what does that have to do with the bathroom...>>

<<That's right! It was impossible in the old bathroom. But with the current size, we can both soak in the bath together, right?>>

<<What!?>>

<<It's your fault for walking around with just a bath towel every day, saying ‘I forgot to change clothes'! You keep tempting me!>>

Yes, I admit that I was still stuck in the mindset of living at my parents' house.

I can't believe it; ‘endure' meant that!?

<<N-No! I didn't mean it like that!>>

<<I know. Iroha, when you're not interested in something, you suddenly become indifferent. So... how about $100,000? Or $1,000,000?>>

<<Don't try to solve this with money!>>

<<But this is America! It's capitalism! That's normal here! I'm not lying>>

<<It's still very much a crime!>>

Angu Ogu pouted, saying, "Muu~." Why are you the one who seems dissatisfied?

<<Iroha, you're a tough one. Or how about VTuber merchandise?>>

<<...N-No, it's definitely not going to work.>>

<<Just now, your heart wavered a bit, didn't it?>>

<<N-No, it didn't.>>

<<Oops? I just found a guest ticket for the upcoming VTuber event I'll be appearing at.>>

<<?!?!?!>>

Wait, that's for the event I didn't win the lottery for, right?

I thought I'd have to endure just watching the live stream...!

<<...W-Well, maybe just a bit...>>

<<I've got your word!>>

<<Ah!?>>

I instinctively covered my mouth, but it was too late.

My words had slipped out.

Angu Ogu was grinning.

Oh no! I'm such an idiot!