The Real Me and the Bouncy Bounce
"There's not much here, but make yourself at home."
After defeating the bear monster, we submitted proof of the subjugation at the Adventurers’ Guild, and also gathered stories from nearby residents. It was quite the ordeal.
Thanks to that, it got pretty late. But since I wanted to hear more about the past, we ended up going to Bridget's house of all places.
That said, she's an adventurer, so it seems she's rarely home.
"Excuse us."
"Excuse us, meow!"
Bridget’s house was one of those quiet, peaceful standalone homes. Not an apartment or a condo, but a wooden house with a natural aesthetic. Since she's away often, she hires a housemaid regularly to clean. There really wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere.
Inside, it was surprisingly spacious. The bedroom’s apparently on the second floor, and I’d really like to check it out.
Not that I have any ulterior motives, of course.
On the map, the [!] symbol had changed to [White Underwear], and Bridget had discreetly picked it up.
Domestic vibes—so moe!
"Wow, meow! There are so many bears, meow!"
At that moment, Milfie said what I couldn't.
On the wall shelf were tons of teddy bears, neatly lined up. All kinds of sizes and colors—her collector spirit was on full display.
"I really like this bear~"
"I like this one best!"
Having hobbies is great. Back in my previous life, I loved traveling, anime, manga, and novels.
Yep, yep.
"... I-I see."
Bridget replied with her back to us. Her neck was red—probably from embarrassment.
That too is moe!
After a bit of casual chatting, she brought out drinks and we sat down at the table.
Then we got to the main topic.
"I met you far up north, quite a distance from here. It was about a year ago, I think."
"A year ago...?"
"Yeah. You looked the same. Just... your tone was a little more curt. You used to call me 'Yo'."
"Ehh!? I'm so sorry..."
"Haha, no, I should be the one thanking you. Because you—saved my life."
"Huh... I did?"
"Yeah. I was about to die, and then—you showed up."
—"Yo, sis. You okay?"
What came next was astonishing.
Bridget had been fighting surviving demons in the north and was in a desperate situation when I apparently appeared out of nowhere. From there, it was my one-man rampage.
Apparently, I even killed enemies while smiling.
… Hmm. I don’t remember, but that fighting high sounds kind of plausible.
But there were also some mysterious parts.
"My memory is fuzzy. I usually have a good memory... sorry about that."
"Even so, that's a big clue."
"Hoeeeeh, that’s amazing, Tabito!"
"Well, it’s me, but it’s not me..."
"Still... despite being that strong, no one around here seems to know you. That’s what’s strange."
"Why’s that?"
"In this world, the strong naturally stand out. That’s absolute. Like how rich people stand out too."
I see. Now that you mention it, that makes sense.
The more I learn, the more mysterious I seem.
"But that’s great, isn’t it, Tabito?"
"Huh? W-What is?"
"You saved someone. That means you were a really good person."
"O-Oh. I guess you're right."
"Exactly. I really thought I was going to die that time. But you saved me.—Thank you."
At that, Bridget bowed her head.
Even if it wasn’t *me* exactly, I still felt guilty, so I bowed too.
Seeing that, Milfie smiled.
"Hehehe. Still, isn’t it amazing we met again like this? Maybe it’s fate."
"Maybe so. As an adventurer, you weirdly run into the same people over and over again."
Yeah, I agree. Human connections really are strange.
I might run into more people who know *me* in the future.
And if they thank me like this, I’d be happy.
… Though I really hope no one curses me out instead.
"If you’d like, you can stay the night. You must be tired."
"Really!? Yay!"
"Eh, w-wait a sec, Milfie!"
"Feh!?"
"This is bad... no, *I’m* the one who’s especially in trouble..."
"Huh? Why?"
"B-Because—I’m a guy!?"
After I said that, both of them burst into laughter.
"You’re funny."
"You’re funny, Tabito."
"W-Why are you laughing..."
"We’re adventurers. We don’t worry about stuff like that."
"Yeah, totally."
"I do worry about it though..."
I said I’d go back to Old man Rildo’s place, but then Bridget suddenly slammed down a bottle of alcohol.
"It’s been a long time since we met again. We didn’t get to relax properly last time."
"I’m all for it! Right, Tabito?"
Well, I’ve got zero ulterior motives.
I’m Tabito 2.0—desires purged.
As long as I do nothing and think nothing, there’s no problem.
So I’ll be fine.
"You’re right... Let’s drink tonight!"
"Yay, meow~!"
That night turned out to be a very memorable one.
"And this bear, look! This part is so cute!"
Also... Bridget really was cute.
The next morning, when I woke up, something soft and squishy was pressing against my cheek.
The left and right sides felt just a little bit different.
… Huh?
"Nngh...mm..."
B-Bridget’s... squish!?
"Meowhh... wanna eat more, meowaa..."
M-Milfie’s... squish!?
… Sorry, Old man Rildo. The best inn was right here.
—
Bridget
★★★★★
Meeting someone who understands my hobby was a first.
It was a truly fun day.
It felt strange, but nostalgic somehow.
Bridget House
5.0 ★★★★★ (2)
Milfie
★★★★★
It was a suuuper fun day, meowrrr.
I love Bridget.
I love the bears too.
Tabito
★★★★★
Glad I learned a bit more about myself.
Seems like I was actually a decent guy—what a relief.
Sleepover party with maximum bounciness!
What do you think about this chapter?
