Smartphone
Hayashi’s ex-lover was arrested, and she finally gained her freedom, stepping out for the first time in a while. Her destination was a real estate agency. It seems she plans to take her time searching for a new place to call home.
After that, aside from when she was doing housework, Hayashi started using her tablet to browse for properties.
She has no intention of returning to the apartment she shared with her ex. It’s a place filled with painful memories, and I couldn’t agree more.
She mentioned she’d go back soon to pick up the belongings she brought when they first started living together. That’s what Hayashi told me.
“Yamamoto, you free today?”
It was a day when the Obon holiday was approaching. Hayashi spoke up.
“What’s up?”
“There’s somewhere I want to go.”
“…Do I have to come along?”
“Yeah. I’d like you to.”
I listened to Hayashi’s words with a hint of suspicion. She went to the real estate agency on her own, without me tagging along. So why, all of a sudden, does she want me to go somewhere with her?
“Does it have to be me?”
Let’s be honest. Deep down, I found Hayashi’s request a bit of a hassle. Or rather, since I don’t fully understand her quirks, I might’ve been feeling a little cautious.
If she suggested something like going to a beach crawling with party types, I’d be in trouble.
“Yeah. It’s gotta be you.”
Whether she sensed my reluctance or not, Hayashi looked at me with serious eyes and said it clearly.
That was enough to make me toss aside my earlier hesitation, my heart skipping a beat. After all, in this whole ordeal, I’d gone out of my way to help her quite a bit. Maybe she’s thinking of thanking me for it. Could it be… a date or something like that?
…No way, not likely.
“Where are we going?”
“I want to buy a smartphone.”
“Got it. Sounds good.”
“Sorry about this. You seem like you’d know a lot about gadgets.”
“I’m not that knowledgeable. But yeah, definitely more than you.”
“Ugh, what a jerk!”
We laughed together—haha—and left the house. Our destination was a nearby mobile shop. When I asked her, she said she didn’t care much about which carrier to go with. So I asked if the closest shop would do, and she said that was fine, so I took her to the nearest mobile shop. Unfortunately, I’m not exactly an expert on which carrier’s plans are the cheapest or anything like that.
“Welcome! Please take a number and wait your turn.”
That’s what the staff at the mobile shop said.
“It’s pretty crowded, huh?”
“Now that you mention it, it’s Saturday. Probably a lot of working folks here too.”
“Makes sense.”
For now, we grabbed a number and started browsing the smartphones on display.
“By the way, what kind of smartphone do you have?”
“Son○.”
“Oh, not the one with the apple logo?”
“Japanese people buy the apple logo phones without thinking twice, but globally, they’re only number two in market share.”
“Really? So, is Son○ number one?”
“Nah, Son○’s not even in the running.”
“Huh?”
When it comes to smartphones, Japanese brands are struggling quite a bit. With new models released twice a year, each boasting new features, it’s tough for Japan’s current tech to keep up.
“So, who’s number one?”
“Samgetan.”
“What brand is that?”
“Korean.”
“Wow, you really know your stuff, huh?”
I wanted to say, It’s just that you know too little, but there are probably fields where I’m completely clueless that she’d consider common knowledge. No need to put her down just to make a point.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Yup. First time I’ve actually respected you.”
Hey, there’s no need to put me down either, alright?
“…Well, if you’re Japanese, the apple logo phones are totally fine. I’d even recommend them. The best part? They’ve got a ridiculous amount of case options.”
“Oh, yeah, you’re right. They’ve got special displays for those everywhere.”
“Exactly.”
“…So, why’d you go with a Son○ phone?”
“The apple logo ones… everyone’s got ’em, so I didn’t want one.”
“That’s such a lame reason.”
“Samgetan… well, it’s just not for me.”
“Hmm.”
“At the end of the day, I like Japanese brands.”
“Got it. …I was wondering what to do, but the apple logo phones are kinda pricey, aren’t they?”
The smartphones were displayed with price tags underneath, and sure enough, the apple logo ones were a bit on the expensive side.
That brand’s products are generally pricier. They’re clearly looking down on Japanese consumers—that much is certain.
“…Alright, I’ve decided.”
“What’re you going with?”
“Son○.”
Hayashi flashed a wide grin.
“Same as you, huh?”
I got my smartphone when I graduated high school, so it’s one generation older now, but it was still on display. Buying an older model means the price is a bit lower than the latest ones. That’s probably why she chose it.
“Don’t do that. We might mix them up.”
I meant to say something else… like, it’s kinda embarrassing, so stop. But I held back, worried she’d tease me for being self-conscious.
“Guess I’ll have to make sure I don’t look at anything weird, just in case we do mix them up.”
“…Come on, seriously?”
Almost at the same moment I sighed in exasperation, Hayashi’s number was called from the counter. She hurried over and bought the smartphone in question.
Same as you, huh?
On the way back, Hayashi’s grin from earlier lingered in my mind.
I quickly shook my head. Soon, she’ll move out of my place. Once that happens, we’ll go back to being just acquaintances. So, don’t get the wrong idea.
That’s what I told myself.
