Cohabitation

It's currently the day after my first encounter with Issei. I still can't believe I agreed to go out with him so easily! It's not like I regret my choice, but the spontaneity of my decision surprised even me. The old Airi would have been more stubborn, that's for sure.

And there are times like these when I'm reminded of my lack of dating experience. It's embarrassing to admit, but I've never once shared a house with a lover before, let alone a stranger. Thankfully, Naomi noticed how nervous I was at the thought of living together with Issei, so she agreed to let us live here, in the two-colored house. Not only is it the closest possible to the filming set, but the hallway separating the two sides also offers a lot of privacy for both of us.

And the gentleman that he is, Issei let me pick which side I wanted to stay on. So of course I had to go with the red half of the house. However, once inside I was left a little disappointed. The interior was not what I had envisioned.

I expected to find something more modern and perhaps more reflective of the futuristic era we currently live in. Instead, I was shocked to see just how simplistic my side of the house was. It's like time has stood still in here, and I'm back in the mid-2020s again. The rooms are barely decorated with just the essentials and some retro furniture. I even have a fully functional kitchen, and I don't even need to eat. This has to be some old, abandoned house that they got for cheap.

And I know I shouldn't complain about my living conditions. since I don't have to pay rent or any of the utility bills. I guess I should practice being more grateful. After all, I'm only going to be here for 90 days or even less if things don't work out between Issei and me.

My only companion in this temporary home is my ID tablet. Not only is it a way to communicate with the outside world, but it's useful even when I'm bored. I use it as a diary nowadays, and it helps keep me sane, especially during nighttime when I have to charge my internal battery.

Speaking of connections to the outside world, I managed to get in touch with my parents last night. Naomi was kind enough to give me their contact information, and I successfully made a hologram call and told them the good news.

To my surprise, they had already finished watching the most recent episode of the dating show.

How was that possible? Brainy and Naomi must be editing the footage at the speed of light or something.

My parents seemed pleased with my decision, and they already adore Issei. In fact, they like him so much that they told me not to break his heart. What about my heart? Have they forgotten who their actual child is? I've got feelings, too!

Anyway, it is now almost 10 am, and it's time to face the day, and more importantly, the cameras! Brainy told me and Issei to meet her in the hallway to kick off another day of filming. My internal battery is now fully charged, and I'm ready to go. I've also changed my dress' pattern into a more fitting one for the season we're in.

My dress is now decorated with adorable little snowflakes that look like they're swirling around on a dark blue background. For my makeup, I went with a frosty theme to match the snowflake dress. My eyes are now glittery white, and for my lips, I've kept the same shade of lipstick, but this time with a glossy finish that makes it pop more.

I am now ready to leave!

Naomi made sure to change the passcode to my side of the house with her own fingerprints. Swiping open the door with my thumb, I step out into the hallway. Once outside, I've noticed that the hallway that is separating our living spaces was empty.

I must be early.

After a few minutes, Issei's door opens, and he comes out with Brainy following him from behind. He was now wearing another suit; this time, it had a different color; it was dark blue. Looks like we're going to match today.

"Good morning!" Issei said before he waved at me. He seems to be in a good mood this morning. Brainy, on the other hand, was frowning.

"Good morning, you two!" I reply back in a cheerful tone, and I wave back to Issei.

"Yeah, yeah." The tiny humanoid replies. "Good morning to you too, fossil brain."

"Hey, that's not very nice!" Issei says. "If you're going to call her fossil brain, then I should get the same treatment. We're both a couple of dinosaurs in this world, right?" He laughs.

"How cute! It's only 10 AM, and the knight in shining armor is already on duty!" Brainy rolls her eyes. "Save the flirting for when the camera is on." I can't help but blush, while Issei just laughs it off.

"Speaking of which, I need to get one." The small humanoid says before heading towards the basement door. "I'll be back soon," she says as she heads downstairs by herself.

"Just one camera?" I ask before I return my attention to Issei.

"Yes, that's right. It seems Brainy will be following us today." He nods. "We're supposed to go on a proper date this time." The tall man glances away shyly.

"Ah, I see!" I smile, feeling the warmth of a blush spread over my cheeks.

"Alright, I'm ready." Brainy is now back with a flying camera following her moves.

"Should I remind you about the rules again?" She crosses her arms as she floats on air.

"Rule Nr. 1: You are forbidden to use telepathy."

"That won't be a problem." Issei smirks as he glances at me.

"I'd much rather have Airi spill her secrets willingly, after all." I blush a bit and shake my head. I almost forgot how much of a flirt he can be sometimes.

Brainy just rolls her eyes and continues to speak.

"Rule Nr. 2: No dating behind the scenes."

"We've got to capture every moment for the viewers. We need to see your relationship evolve, alright?"

We both nod in agreement.

"And Rule Nr. 3: Have fun!" Brainy smirks before she turns around, midair. "Now let's go to the TELE-PORT," she says as she flies towards the device. Her camera now turns towards us and it starts following us. 

I look at Issei and nod before we both head down the hallway that separates our two sides of the house. We both step inside the device, standing side by side, while Brainy enters the coordinates to our date's destination.

"Where are we going?" I ask as I look back at the tiny humanoid.

"It's a surprise," she says. "But don't worry; I'll be joining you shortly."

"So this is like our second blind date, huh?" Issei says as he looks at me. "Last time we didn't know each other. This time, we don't know where we're going."

I let out a chuckle; Issei's silly joke actually made me less nervous.

"Alright, all set!" Brainy says before the lasers appear and begin to deconstruct our bodies.

"Here we go," Issei says with a smile. "Ready to see where this TELE-PORT takes us?" I nod before we both close our eyes. The anticipation builds as we embark on our adventure together, not knowing what comes next.