Ch.47 Lighthearted Talk. Iyo's Worries and Various Other Things.

"Phew. That was fun."

"Fufu, definitely."

Having finished karaoke and left Round Two, we came to the cafe we ​​had stopped at before going to Round Two to take a break.

"It has been quite some times since I last went to karaoke, so I sang too much, and my throat is a little sore now ja..."

I have been singing non-stop for 2 hours straight, so my throat is really feeling it.

"Are you okay?"

"Umuu...I might start to wither tomorrow."

When this happens, 'tis a common sense that one's voice will be a little hoarse the next day (though I don't know which country's common sense though).

Well, I guess that is the price you pay for having fun.

"Then, you can have this."

Suddenly, Iyo took something about the size of a marble, wrapped in paper, out of her bag and offered it to me with a gentle smile.

"What is this ja?"

"These are soothing candies for sore throats. Do you like sweet candies?"

"Umu, I love it ja. But is that alright?"

"Of course. Eat, eat."

"Well then, I will gratefully eat it."

Iyo offered me a piece of candy wrapped in paper, and I took it out and popped it into my mouth.

As I roll it around in my mouth and taste it...

"Ooh, this is delicious. 'Tis a strange taste I have never experienced before, but 'tis good."

"I'm glad."

"So, what manufacturer is this from? I would like to buy it."

For a throat lozenge, 'tis surprisingly sweet, and the minty flavor is refreshing and nice.

I am quite fond of candy, but this is definitely one of my favorite flavors.

In that case, I would definitely like to stock up on them noja...

"I made this myself."

"What? Really?"

"Un. I'm good at cooking. Lately, I've been baking a lot. And the person I work with has a very important voice—her throat is important. So I made this to suit her voice."

"I see... But you too can cook, huh?"

"'You too'? so that means, Mahiro, can cook too?"

"Umu. My parents were often away from home. Because of that, I did a fair amount of housework since I was in elementary school, so I am good at the basis level. By the way, cooking is my strongest skill among all the household chores."

That being said, while I do enjoy cooking, if you ask me if I am a good cook... well, I can only really make home-style meals.

The thing I am best at when it comes to housework is simply because I do not give much compromise.

"Ooh! I'm kind of happy because there aren't many people my age who cook regularly. I don't really have many people to talk to about cooking."

Iyo said this with genuine joy.

Umu umu. I am also quiet pleased to have met someone my age who enjoys cooking.

"Well, there are not many people who cook regularly to begin with, you know."

"That's so true~. Once you try making something, it's quite fun, and that's what makes cooking so great—you start looking for new recipes and making things yourself."

"I understand. I also enjoy taking recipes I find online, on TV, or in magazines and adapting them in my own way."

"I totally get it! You know, you think, 'If I improve it, it might taste even better!' and then you spend a while searching for the perfect way to improve it."

"Umu umu! What now ja, we even have things in common to talk about regarding cooking!"

"Looks like it. Waa, I'm so happy we can talk about cooking like this. I'd love to talk more, but Mahiro has a husband..."

"Ah... well, I suppose so. I would like to play and talk with you more, but if I keep them waiting any longer, I know not what they might do to me..."

There is an 80-90% chance I will be attacked.

After all, they attacked me on the day we got married, and even on the day Mahiron joined in...

To be honest, I have only been attacked twice so far, but 'tis still ingrained in my body to the point of being unbearable... 'Tis quite frightening.

If I am attacked any more, I might actually turn into a woman for real.

Well, actually, I can never go back, so in a way, 'tis not much of a problem... but, you know, even like this, I do still have a tiny bit of pride as a man...

If this continues, I might become something from which I can never turn back to ja.

In other words, so tough. So damn tough.

It has only been less than a month since the new school term started, and look at the situation.

If possible, I would like to avoid that, but since we are going to be living together, that is probably not going to happen. In that case, I would like them to lower the bar.

Therefore, if I go out any further, I might cause them to run amok, which would ultimately bring my own death (as a man) closer.

"Umuu... It seems like Iyo is busy with work, so it looks like we will not be able to meet very often ja."

"Yeah... Things are a bit calmer now, but it looks like my workload will increase in the future..."

She let out a dry laugh, a wry smile on her face.

"Mu, is that so?"

"That is so. Due to various circumstances, I'm currently working two different jobs. Physically, I have plenty of energy, but the schedule is..."

"Is it really that terrible?"

"It's incredibly terrlible. Right now, I'm even talking to someone I work with about whether we should look for a third person."

The expression on Iyo's face as she said this clearly conveyed the word "terrible."

"A third person? What, are you in a unit or something?"

"That might be it, I think?"

When it comes to a unit, are they like video creators, or are they idols, singers, or perhaps a comedy duo?

No, that last is definitely not going to happen. It would not suit her.

However, considering that she said it would cause a commotion if her face were revealed... there is a high possibility that 'tis a job related to the entertainment industry.

So, I guess they are closer to being an idol or a singer?

At first, I thought of voice actors or actresses, but considering her statement about looking for a third person, those two possibilities are probably out of the question.

I might find out if I ask, but it seems she is trying to hide it.

In that case, just as I thought a little while ago, there is no need to pry any further.

"But does adding a third person mean that 'tis becoming difficult to manage with just two people?"

That said, I would still like to hear about this work-related problems.

If possible, I would like to help resolve the issue.

Because we are best friends ja.

"Un. At first, the person I was working with was doing it alone, and then by chance I ended up working with them too, and eventually it became a unit with me and her... but, how should I put it, I was okay, but the burden on the other girl was immense. I thought, it's really tough with just the two of us."

"I see... I know not what kind of work it is, but perhaps you could try holding auditions to find someone?"

"I did consider that, but my manager said, 'they have to be at least on the same level as you two, or have better looks, talent, and personality, otherwise we can't hire them.'"

"Fumu. So that is it."

I know not what the other person looks like, but since their manager says the third person has to be on the same level as the other two, or even better looking, I assume that her partner is also quite good-looking.

Judging from Iyo, I do not believe there is anyone at the same level as her or better though.

"Haaa~... This is a tough job..."

"Well, what ja? I will listen to anything, complaints, worries, anything. Even though we only met today, we are best friends, so 'tis only natural that I would help you."

"Mahiro..."

When I said that with a smile, Iyo looked at me with slightly teary eyes.

Her cheeks are a little red... I guess she must have been very moved.

I am not sure, though.

"If I had been a girl from the beginning, or if Mahiro had remained a boy, I think I would have fallen in love with you normally."

Suddenly, Iyo said something like that.

"Hahaha! What are you talking about noja? It sounds as if you have at least some romantic feelings for me."

"Ahaha, I know. Sorry for saying something weird."

She let out a chuckle, just like she would normally.

"I do not mind. We are best friends, after all. We have to joke around with each other. After all, having a comfortable and relaxed relationship is important."

"Yeah, I don't have many friends like that myself, so I kind of long for this kind of relationship..."

"Is that so? I would have thought you would have plenty of friends."

"At least, as Mahiro knows, it's just the people who work with me like Mikuto and the others. As for the school I'm currently attending... well, you know. I can't help but feel like there's some ulterior motive there..."

"Umu. Is it because you are a celebrity?"

"Probably……"

Even celebrities have their struggles, I suppose.

You can tell just by looking at that subtle smile.

"So, Iyo, will you look that third person in the end?"

"I wonder? Manager-san isn't exactly a perfectionist, but he's not someone who compromises..."

"That is tough noja. In that case, is it someone like me? A pretty girl like me?"

"……Ah."

"Hahaha! Just kidding. 'Twas just a little joke. ...Mu? What is wrong ja? You look like you realized something."

"Oh, don't worry about it. I was just thinking. But it might actually be pretty good if Mahiro joined us."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. Mahiro is cute because you're someone who developed the disease, and you're also a good singer."

"'Tis a little embarrassing to hear it said so directly, but I do not mind being complimented."

I scratched my cheek and gave a shy smile.

You know, being praised by someone cute is especially wonderful.

"Anyway, I think I'll put off the idea of ​​a third person for now. We're managing with just the two of us for the time being, but maybe someday."

"I see, I see. Do your best noja. I am always here to help you, so feel free to contact me anytime. Oh, do not worry about bothering me. There is no need to hold back with a best friend."

"Yes, thank you. I'll be sure to contact you then."

"Umu umu. All Is good. ...But this form is really making me hungry. Well, this place is a private room, so let me turn back here."

As I said that, I stood up and deactivated my growth state.

Due to the sudden regression, all the clothes I was wearing fell off.

The lucky thing is that the T-shirt is way too baggy now, so it hides a lot of things.

"Looking at you like that... You kind of looks like my little sister."

With a smile on her face, Iyo murmured.

"How does that happen?"

"Because you're small?"

"Well, 'tis true that this form is small."

But that does not mean 'tis not weird to say I look like a little sister, right?

"...Well, I heard you are a beginner, so I fully expected you to blush at the sight of me naked, but that does not seem to be the case."

"Hmm, I might blush of you're in that form from earlier, but in this form Mahiro looks like a child or a little sister, so maybe not?"

"......"

"Um, why do you look so shocked?"

"...Ah, well, just a little bit."

Normally, Iyo's reaction here would be the common sense. Umu.

Something is just not right with Miho and the others...

But... But, for some reason, Iyo's reaction itself feels refreshing.

So that means there are a lot of perverts around me who are into lol*s...

Perhaps sensing something from my subtle expression, Iyo-

"How do I say it...well, you have it tough."

She said this while giving me a sympathetic look.

...Perhaps Iyo has also experienced something similar to what I had...

"Well, I will be heading home now. 'Twas fun."

"The pleasure is all mine. I had a great time and it was a real break for me."

"Umu. Well then, be careful on your way home noja."

"Okay, thank you. I'll let you know when my next day off is decided."

"Umu. Let us play together and talk about all sorts of things then."

"Of course. See you later."

"See you later."

And so, thinking 'twas the perfect time, we made plans to meet again and went our separate ways home.

By the time I got home, it was already 7 PM.

I was originally supposed to be home before noon, but I ended up being quite late.

However, I had informed them that I would be late.

"I am going out to play", I said.

But...

"Welcome back, Mahiro-chan."

"Umu, I am back ja."

"...So, who is this person with silver hair and blue eyes?"

She smiled brightly and showed me the screen of her smartphone.

The photo showed me and Iyo happily chatting at a cafe.

"..."

W-why is that...?

I am breaking out in a cold sweat. The cold sweat will not stop...!

"I cannot believe it, but... Did you leave us behind to go on a secret rendezvous?"

"That is not true! This guy is a fellow TS syndrome patient, and we have become best friends who hit it off immediately!"

"Best friends? I see... So, there's a possibility then."

"What possibility ja?!"

"It's just your imagination. So, you were really just playing around, right?"

"Well, of course. I mean, there is no other way to put it. She is a pretty good person to me."

"I see. I'm looking forward to it."

"......?"

What on earth is this fellow talking about noja?

What exactly is she looking forward to?

...Well, whatever.

Anyway, the gathering is over, and from tomorrow 'tis back to normal school life.

Ahh, that is right, my library committee duty starts tomorrow for a full week.

Tch, what a pain...

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