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This is probably a bad idea. No, scratch that. It’s definitely a bad idea. I could sense the mediocrity of this world just from the three stars only. Three out of five stars? It definitely screams lame as fuck.
So why was I going to go into this world, anyways? Pure boredom. And it’s totally not because I’m curious about what it would be like to have a group of guys wrapped around my finger. Yeah... totally not...
I read the blurb once more: “ You are the new manager for the apartment building where 3 guys live as roommates!” Yeah, it sounds like a normal otome world, but I took a peek at some comments from other world-hoppers and I think... this world gets a little... spicy?
I'm not sure though. To be perfectly honest, I’m not very experienced with spiciness, but I doubt it’ll be enough to traumatize me. Worst case scenario, I vomit my stomach inside out and my eyes bleed, but hey, that’s a pretty common consequence as a world-hopper.
Alright, that’s enough stalling from me!
Knowing full well that this was probably a poor decision, I ignored the warnings and loaded up the world of Room Mate.
As I rolled my suitcase up to the building, the first thing I saw was some guy rock-climbing the building walls. What the fuck?
It didn’t help that the System thought it would be great to send me realtime images of him panting as he hefted himself to the balcony above. Okay, I do admit that his athletic ability is impressive, but are you serious? I don’t know if rock-climbers typically practice in the open like that ( especially when they are expecting a guest), but I really didn’t need zoom-ins and close-ups of his face. System, you’re coming on kinda strong you know...! (But I mean, ahem, his looks are decent, I guess...)
“Hm?” The guy paused and turned around, finally noticing me. “Did you need something?”
Nah, I’m good, I thought.
“Oh, you’re the apartment manager.” he said, before proceeding to leaping down from the balcony?? Holy shit, boy, you outta your mind? That’s not very safe, you know?? Also, System, you didn’t need to add slow-mo for this instance. If this is just a ploy to make this guy look cool, I’m gonna laugh my ass off. (Who am I kidding, it probably is.)
“I’m Ashihara Takumi.” He said as he straightened and started walking. He took a few paces before turning around with a questioning look on his face. “Well, aren’t you going to follow me?”
Alright, Mr. Tour Guide, it's not like I’m in control of my body, you know? World-Hoppers typically do not have the power to influence an original world. Sure, they can create and affect subwords as World-Editors, but as a Hopper, you are limited to experiencing a world through its Camera. It just so happens that this world is one of the few where the Camera is located within the body of a... girl? ...Boy? Heck if I know.
Back to the rock-climbing guy. Well, after following him inside through the stained-glass doors ( Stained-glass doors?? ), we paused in the carpeted entryway. ( Carpeted entryway?? Holy, shit, the entryway is huge, too! Are you SURE this is an apartment?? And I’m the manager for all this?? )
I noticed another guy just reading while... standing? Um, sir? Are you aware of the existence of a chair?
“BAHAHAHA!” The blonde guy laughed aloud all of a sudden before posing dramatically. “There’s not a single thing that I fear in this world! Booze and women! Hurry up and bring them to me!” ...Hell of a first impression, my dude.
“Aoi,” Takumi called. ”You got a second?”
“Oh? It’s rare for you to actually come through the entrance.” Aoi said before noticing me. He narrowed his eyes in caution. “Hah? Who’s that?”
“She’s the manager here.” Takumi replied. (Ah, I'm a girl, huh? Okay, thanks for letting me know, Mr. Rock-Climber.)
“Manager?” He repeated before realization dawned on his face. “Oh! The one that the owner was talking about!” He relaxed and smiled apologetically. “Sorry for frightening you. I’m an actor, so there are times where I get into my role a bit. I’m Nishina Aoi. Nice to meet you.” Ahh, so that explains it. When he’s not acting like a total tool, he seems pretty easygoing, to be honest.
I relaxed my guard before tensing up. Wait! He’s an actor, so this could ALSO be just acting as well! “ I” may be safe behind the Camera, but my heart is not. A hopper can never be too careful with their heart, you know.
I heard a door open. Huh, another character huh? This must be the third character of Room Mate. A... shirtless man walked into the room. System, you’ve got to be joking. I can’t even avert my eyes, please, this is too much! Asdfgh you’re killing me here, system!
“Oh, pardon me.” Mr. Naked smiled amiably. “Is that your friend, Aoi? You shouldn’t keep your guests standing.” If we’re going to play by normal logic, Mr. Naked, then shouldn’t you be acting more ashamed of yourself parading in only a towel around your waist??
“She’s the manager, Shinya-san.” Aoi said.
“Manager?” Naked Shinya repeated before giving a smirk. “I guess the owner mentioned something about that. Something about her relatives had no luck job hunting, so they were going to live here and work as the manager.” Is that the backstory for me? Well damn, it may sure cut close to home, but this Shinya guy didn’t have to sound so sarcastic, jeez! Forget laughing my ass off, I kinda want to swipe his glasses. I bet Naked Guy is as blind as a bat!
“I’m Miyasaka Shinya. Don’t get any weird ideas, just because we’re going to be living together.” Ah. Yup, he’s a douche. If I had any say, I’d stay 20 feet from this guy at all times.
Takumi facepalmed. “That’s enough. You’re gonna get sued.” (“Introductions are always important.” said Shinya. You call that an introduction? I would like to apologize to Aoi, it seems Shinya takes the weird first impressions cake.)
“He’s not a bad person,” Aoi said apologetically. “He’s just a bit eccentric.” (“I heard that, Aoi.” Shinya said.)
Takumi decided to change the topic. “All of our rooms are on the second floor. Your room is there.” He pointed. “Well, pleasure to have your company.”
“Hope you’ll take care of us.” Aoi smiled.
“Well, do your best, Manager.” Shinya scoffed.
As the exit theme played, I logged out of the world.
Yeah... this world is kinda trash...