Chapter Two - Unexpected Arrangements
Taiga’s friend couldn’t help the wide grin on her face.
Friend: "I can't believe it... Taiga, the Palmtop Tiger, is finally in a relationship. It's like a miracle."
Taiga glared at her friend, but there was no real heat behind it.
Joe: "Oh Taiga, I almost forgot. My house is being sprayed for roaches, so I can’t go back there
for a few weeks. Is it okay if I stay at your home in the meantime?"
Caught off guard by the sudden request, Taiga glanced at her friend, who raised an eyebrow
and silently urged her to say yes.
Taiga: "Um... stay at my place? For a few weeks?"
She hesitated, weighing the pros and cons. But ultimately, her soft spot for him made the
decision.
Taiga: "I guess... It's fine. You can stay with me for a while."
Joe: "Sweet! I’ll have my movers bring my things. You’re the best." He kisses her on the lips.
Her cheeks flushed bright red.
Taiga: "You can’t just kiss me out of the blue like that!"
Joe: "I know, but you have to admit you loved every bit of it."
She rolled her eyes, still flustered.
Taiga: "Maybe just a little bit..."
Her friend swooned dramatically in the background.
Joe: "Yeah yeah, see you after class." He walked away with a grin.
As he walked off, her friend nudged her.
Friend: "Oh my god... you're totally smitten with him, aren't you? I've never seen you so
flustered and soft before."
Taiga: "Shut up. You're enjoying this too much."
Friend: "Can you blame me? This is like a real-life romance drama! And you... the Palmtop
Tiger, all soft and cute. It's absolutely adorable!"
Taiga huffed, but let a small smile escape.
Later that afternoon, Taiga returned home after the movie. As she opened the front door, she
was greeted by movers hauling furniture into her place.
Taiga: "What the..."
Friend: "Are those your boyfriend’s movers? Damn, he works fast."
Joe: "Okay, I want that over here, that goes there—don’t touch that, that’s Taiga’s—and that
can go in the corner until I talk to her about switching out the TV. Oh hey Taiga, didn’t see you
come in!"
Joe: "Your friend helped me set it up. I talked to your landlord—he agreed, as long as I pay half
the rent, I can stay permanently if it's okay with the owner."
Taiga looked at her friend, who smiled sheepishly.
Taiga: "So you and my friend plotted this behind my back, huh? And the landlord agreed to
this?"
Friend: "Oh, come on, Taiga. Think of it as a fun surprise! You get a live-in boyfriend now!"
Joe: "And you only pay half the rent now. I'm officially on the lease as a co-tenant."
Taiga's frustration softened slightly.
Taiga: "Fine, that does sound good financially. But still... you two should've asked me first."
Friend: "Relax. He’s not moving into your bedroom. He’ll be in the spare room."
Taiga: "Shut up, will you? You're enjoying this too much." She said feigning annoyance.
She turned to Joe.
Taiga: "Okay, so you’re moving in. But you better pull your weight. And don’t leave stuff
everywhere. I don’t want this place turning into a disaster."
Joe: "Understood."
Friend: "Oh, and Taiga, make sure he doesn’t use up all your hot water. I know how much you
love your baths."
Joe: "Shouldn’t be a problem. This place has a tankless water heater—hot water on demand
and works as a heater too."
Taiga gave him a mildly impressed look.
Friend: "Look at that. Your boyfriend’s already doing his research. Maybe he’ll be a model
roommate after all."
Joe: "Okay, okay, I think she’s had enough." He chuckled.
Taiga shot her friend another glare but was grateful for the save.
Friend: "Alright, alright. I’ll lay off for now. You two enjoy your new arrangement."
She winked and left, and the movers soon finished and exited as well.
Taiga looked around at the now half-furnished apartment, boxes scattered everywhere.
Taiga: "So... you’re really moved in now, huh?"
Her voice was a mix of resignation and something else—a curious, quiet excitement.
For the first time in a long while, her world was changing.
And maybe... just maybe... she didn’t mind it.
