Maru had just entered her second week as a newbie at the Starlight Research Institute. Fresh out of college in her early 20s, she was like a baby chick in the real world.
Without any shield in society, she might have been naively devoured by wandering wolves, but Maru had the solid backing of the Starlight Research Institute. In fact, she was in a position to boss others around.
Of course, Maru had no idea about that and was still running around diligently today.
“Hana, where are you?”
She was running through the hallway looking for Hana, who had disappeared again. Hana seemed to have the ability to vanish without a trace. But since she was definitely somewhere in the building, Maru was running around playing hide-and-seek with Haru.
“Hana!”
She found Hana hiding near the bathroom door. Hide-and-seek first thing in the morning! But by now, Maru had gotten used to it and could easily find Hana. After all, Hana’s hiding spots were pretty predictable.
By checking a few key spots, Maru quickly found Hana. She tucked Hana under her arm and headed into the bathroom. Since it was a weekend morning, she did a quick wash.
“Hana, hmph!”
“Hmph!”
Maru carefully washed Hana, but Hana expressed her refusal with her whole body whenever Maru tried to clean her. Even though they were both girls, Hana seemed to be quite shy.
Well, at around third grade in elementary school, it’s natural to feel a bit shy about showing your body to others.
Still in her dinosaur pajamas, Maru held Hana’s hand and headed down to the cafeteria. In the hallway, people were just starting to arrive for work. Hana waved casually to greet them, but for Maru, each one was a senior.
So Maru bowed deeply, bending at the waist to greet them. Sometimes Hana copied Maru’s gestures, and seeing Hana bowing so deeply was adorable.
They took the elevator down. Hana, still not fully awake, yawned repeatedly.
Arriving on the first floor, they entered the cafeteria. Even though Maru had seen it several times, she couldn’t help but be amazed by the impressive sight.
Like a franchise buffet outside, the Starlight Research Institute’s cafeteria had also transformed into a buffet-style setup. About ten chefs were preparing the food.
Perhaps because of the ceiling lights, the displayed food sparkled. There were rare seafood items like king crab, mouthwatering meats, and a variety of neatly arranged desserts.
It was hard to believe this was a company cafeteria, given the level of investment. But compared to the money Hana brought in, this was just a drop in the bucket. After all, Hana earned billions a year—what’s 2 billion for a cafeteria like this?
It had become so good that many employees started having breakfast and dinner at the company. In fact, almost all employees at the Starlight Research Institute probably ate here.
Just a year ago, no one would’ve touched the cafeteria food even if it was free. It was a huge improvement. Maru, being new, thought all big company cafeterias were like this. Of course, she hadn’t expected it to be this amazing.
Every time she ate here, Maru felt a surge of loyalty. No other company would provide meals like this. Thinking that, she followed Hana around, filling her plate. Hana could’ve done it herself, but Maru felt more at ease doing it for her.
What if Hana spilled the tray while serving herself and got hurt?
“I want this! This!”
Hana especially loved meat, so her tray was filled with various meats. Carrying the tray, she headed to her special seat.
Being small, Hana found regular tables too tall for her. So the cafeteria had made a special seat just for her. Maru placed the tray with Hana’s chosen food there.
Luckily, the seat next to it was a regular-sized table, so Maru could comfortably use it. As soon as Hana sat down, she picked up her utensils and started eating. Maru watched her and picked up her chopsticks to eat as well.
After two weeks, watching Hana was becoming more and more comfortable.
——————————————–
“Hana, don’t go out alone and get lost, okay?”
“I’m not a kid, Maru! I won’t get lost!”
I felt a bit sorry for Maru. After two weeks, she should’ve realized I’m not a child anymore.
I should have noticed it subtly. Maru still thought I was a child. Today, I had to show the dignity of an adult.
But the place we were going today was too special. As soon as I got out of the car, I was ready to dash off. Where were we? A large supermarket filled with delicious things!
“Hana, let’s go check out the mart! And don’t let go of my hand.”
Maru got out of the car, grabbed my hand, and said that. Honestly, it’s not me who gets lost, but I have to be careful so Maru doesn’t get lost and become a missing child. Just thinking about having to call for Maru on a broadcast if she gets lost gives me a headache.
But I should at least respond.
“Okay!”
And with that, we entered the large supermarket. It was packed with people, probably because it was Saturday afternoon.
“Maru, there are so many people here!”
“It must be because it’s the weekend, and people are off work. Do you have your phone?”
“Yeah.”
My phone didn’t have many contacts. Just a few people from work, Jiyu, and Yumi. That was it. I couldn’t help but lament my shallow social circle, but it was unavoidable. After changing into this body, I didn’t have the chance to build connections.
Of course, even in my original body, I didn’t have many connections, so I couldn’t complain. The only messages I got were ads or the occasional spam email.
Anyway, I quickly shook off thoughts of my lonely past. Dwelling on it was a loss.
“Waaaaah!”
I shouted and tried to grab a cart from outside, but it was locked.
“Huh?”
“Hana, you need to insert a coin!”
Maru came over and took out a 100-won coin from her pocket. She then unlocked the cart by inserting the coin.
“Whoa!”
I watched Maru unlock the cart with shining eyes. Her precise movements were cool, like a spy. I giggled and climbed onto the cart. There was a special seat for kids, and it fit me perfectly.
“Maru, let’s go!”
I said to Maru while sitting in the cart. Maru slowly pulled the cart and entered the mart. The atmosphere inside was different. The buzz of people, the countless delicious foods on display, and the faint hum of machines.
Feeling this liveliness, I understood the appeal of large supermarkets. Places with lots of people had this vibrant, positive energy.
“Let’s go there!”
After we got further inside, I pointed to the meat section and told Maru. But Maru ignored me and headed to another section.
“Nooo!!!”
I couldn’t help but scream as the meat section got farther away. Was there no fate between me and meat…?
Maru pulled the cart to the vegetable section. My face turned pale. I do eat vegetables, but it felt awkward. Fruits were fine, though. They were like byproducts hanging from trees, not the main body of the plant.
Lately, running a vegetable garden had reduced my aversion to vegetables, but being in the vegetable section still made me dizzy.
It was like the Little Mermaid visiting the seafood section, seeing her fish friends displayed in pieces. Did the Little Mermaid enjoy eating her friends, or did she scream? I don’t know, but it wasn’t a normal situation.
“Ugh!”
I actively tried to stop Maru from putting vegetables in the cart. Maru gave me a helpless look and left the vegetable section. I was really relieved.
The cart headed to the next destination.
