Starting a New Life in Tokyo by Inheriting a Shopping Street [19]

Ogawa’s hands were soft—far softer than those of the bone-cracking traditional Chinese masseurs. Her strength, too, was far from theirs.

Fortunately, Chiba Shuuichi was naturally lean and wiry. His body didn’t require much pressure to reach the joints and meridian lines; a light touch was more than enough.

“You really are tense, Chiba-kun. You should try moving around more. Massage alone isn’t enough, you know? Once Sayuki finishes setting up the fitness studio, I can show you a few stretches to improve flexibility. You’ll feel a lot better.”

Once Fumika started doing what she was best at, her nerves settled, her mind cleared, and she grew much calmer. With every press of her fingers, her anxiety seemed to fade away.

“Mmh…” Chiba let out a low hum. The ache and release of the massage felt so oddly satisfying. “You’re right. I’ve been thinking about exercising more… but I’ve always had the kind of body that just doesn’t put on weight. Even when I try, I never really bulk up.”

“You don’t have to bulk up,” Fumika said softly. “As long as you’re healthy… I think Chiba-kun looks fine just the way you are.”

That last part slipped out before she realized.

“But don't you think it'd be better to be the kind of guy who looks slim with clothes on and toned without?” Chiba asked gently, nudging the conversation along.

“Me?” Fumika blinked, only now realizing what she’d said. Flustered, she stammered, “I-I think… either is good. Both have their own charm…”

“Still, I really do want to get stronger,” Chiba mused. “Sayuki-neesan said this morning that I look too frail—like I might collapse at any moment.”

“!!!” Fumika jumped. Her mind immediately flashed to something Sayuki had mentioned the other day—‘I’m going to train him up; otherwise, he won’t be able to keep up with me.’

What exactly has Sayuki said to Chiba-kun?! Don’t tell me…

She looked at his profile, heart fluttering in embarrassment. Has he already heard all those bold, shameless things Sayuki says?!

That would be way too mortifying.

“Fumika-neesan? Are you getting tired? We can take a break.” Chiba noticed her hands had started to slow and spoke up gently.

“N-no! I just got a little distracted,” she replied quickly.

“I see…”

Chiba didn’t press her. He moved slightly, enough to shift her attention, then continued, a touch hesitant in his voice.

“There’s something I’d like to ask you for help with. But… it’s a bit embarrassing, and I’m not sure if you’ll be upset.”

“What is it?” Fumika blinked, curiosity piqued. “I won’t get angry.”

“It’s just… I’ve been reading up on different body types since I don’t seem to gain weight no matter what I eat. And I came across something interesting.”

“What kind of thing? Something to help you put on weight? Honestly, I envy that kind of body type. I wish I had it too…”

She glanced down at her thighs with a quiet sigh.

“Your figure is beautiful, Fumika-neesan,” Chiba said without missing a beat. “All those so-called ‘slim beauties’ couldn’t compare.”

She blushed at the sudden compliment.

“But back to what I was saying—have you ever noticed how some people, who used to be slim and skinny, suddenly gain weight after falling in love or getting married? Like, almost overnight?”

Fumika paused, surprised. “That’s true, actually. A few of my friends got a lot chubbier once they started dating seriously. One even complained about it to me. Why does that happen?”

“According to research,” Chiba began smoothly, “it has to do with oral microbiomes. Everyone’s mouth contains different bacteria, which affect not only immunity, but also digestion and body composition. During kissing, people exchange bacteria—and that can change your digestive efficiency and metabolism.”

“Eh? That’s amazing… Chiba-kun, you really know a lot!” Fumika said in awe, still not realizing where this was headed.

“Just like how probiotics improve digestion, kissing is actually a way to boost immunity and strengthen the body,” Chiba said meaningfully.

Fumika’s hands froze.

She remembered what he’d said earlier—about needing help with something.

So… could it be… this was what he wanted to ask?

“I’ve never been popular at school, and I’ve never had a girlfriend,” Chiba said quietly. “So this is a bit forward, but… would you be willing to help me?”

He turned over and gently took her hand, his eyes sincere and glowing.

That gaze scorched her. Fumika panicked—but the logic behind his request was too persuasive. She didn’t know how to refuse.

And really… hadn’t she mentally prepared herself when she stepped into this bedroom?

She was just too shy to admit it aloud.

Now, with such a perfect “reason,” her defenses crumbled.

“T-this is… therapy, right?” she murmured, half to herself.

“That’s right.”

“If it’ll help Chiba-kun improve his constitution… then… I’m willing.”

Fumika bit her lip, heart pounding like a runaway deer. Her gaze lingered on his beautiful, boyish smile.

Without a word, Chiba pulled her into his arms.

“Ah—!”

The scent of her perfume bloomed between them. Fumika gave a small, startled cry, then collapsed against his chest.

They were nose-to-nose, breath mingling, heartbeats echoing against each other’s skin.

Chiba looked into her shimmering peach blossom eyes. They were wet now—like water, he thought. Mrs. Ogawa really is full of it.

He leaned in close, his voice barely a whisper against her ear. “Fumika-neesan… will you teach me? It’s my first time kissing someone…”

First time?!

That meant—this was Chiba-kun’s first kiss!

Fumika swallowed. She hadn’t expected that at all. A boy this bold—and it was still his first?!

Chiba was telling the truth, of course—but Fumika believed it without hesitation.

Too easily.

“I’ll do my best to guide you,” she said solemnly, as if taking on a sacred duty.

This is Chiba-kun’s first kiss. I can’t let it become a bad memory…

Chiba lay back again, eyes closed, waiting. Fumika took a deep breath to calm herself, then slowly leaned down.

Strands of her hair brushed against his cheek. It tickled. Her body on top of him felt like those soft clouds in his dreams. His hand found her waist.

And then… pressed.

“Mmm—!”

Caught off guard, Fumika was still bracing herself when he suddenly squeezed her waist. She panicked—and her moist lips fell right onto his.

Her gasp never came out. It melted into a warm, sticky hum of surprise.

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T/N: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

This is a fan translation of 从继承商店街开始东京生活 by 净消尘土 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!