[Home Appliance Romance Novel] I chose a refurbished iPhone because my smartphone broke, and for some reason, love came with it—A story about budget gadgets and a man who is like a side button
Introducing the home appliances I'm interested in right now, in the form of a romantic comedy short-short story.
Responding to comments like "It's hard to explain" or "I don't really understand the features," we've started a "
Heart-fluttering Appliance Introduction" that is simple and reaches straight to the heart. Please enjoy it as a hint for your shopping.
☑ This story is a work of fiction. (*Excluding product description sections)
☑ The posted images are for illustrative purposes. (*Excluding product photos)
☑ This article is an original work by Osamu Sonogi.
☑ Only commercially usable photo materials are used for the posted images.
☑ If a product is purchased via this article, we may receive a referral fee from the store.
For me, running a general store by myself, my smartphone is like a partner in the business.
But one day, it stopped responding to anything at all.
What I chose wasn't a brand-new one, but a "refurbished" iPhone.
It was meant to be a cost-saving measure, but the person who appeared because of that was a "man like a side button" who is always by my side.
This is a story about love that restarts little by little, along with the smartphone.
On a soundless afternoon, the screen remains broken
"It's stopped working again..."
In the back of the register at the general store "Tanpopo Biyori."
The owner, Tanpopo, stared at the old smartphone in her palm and lowered her eyebrows in distress.
The power won't turn on, and the battery dies immediately.
Even so, it feels a little lonely to let go of "this little one" that has been with me for so long.
"…There's no way it'll get fixed if I just stroke it, is there?"
Along with her gentle voice, a small sigh escaped.
In the shop, the door bell rang out with a light chime.
"Tanpopo-san, is your smartphone in a bad mood again?"
The person who appeared was Naoya.
Someone I became friends with because of a Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
A delicate relationship that is more than friends, but (not yet) lovers.
He always drops by on his way back from work to chat about trivial things with Tanpopo.
"Yeah. The map wouldn't open this morning, and I got a little lost..."
"I see. It's a pretty old model, right?"
Naoya laughed as he lightly picked up the smartphone left on the register.
Things that have been refurbished begin to speak quietly
“In that case, do you know about Amazon Renewed?
While operating his own smartphone, Naoya showed the screen to Tanpopo.
What was displayed there was an Apple iPhone 14 Starlight SIM-Free (Renewed).
“Renewed products aren't brand new, but they’ve been properly inspected, cleaned, and have perfect functionality and a warranty. The box is clean, and it comes with accessories, too.”
“Huh... I didn't know that. So even if it's not brand new, it works perfectly.”
“Yeah. Plus, it’s kind to the planet too. Electronic waste is quite a big problem.”
Naoya’s voice, while logical, was strangely gentle.
The starlight color on the screen emitted a soft glow.
“This color... I think I might like it.”
Tanpopo said quietly.
“...Yeah. I thought it would suit you, Tanpopo-san.”
At Naoya’s words, Tanpopo’s heart fluttered.
Even though they were talking about a smartphone, she felt a warm glow deep in her chest.
The day the box named after a star arrived
A few days later, in the evening. A new smartphone sat on the shop counter.
A starlight-colored iPhone 14.
“That...!”
Naoya’s eyes widened.
“It arrived. The Amazon Renewed one. Hehe, I did my best and clicked the buy button.”
Tanpopo smiled bashfully.
"The box was clean, and it worked without any issues. It really felt like it had been properly 'refurbished'."
Naoya nodded, looking relieved.
"Tanpopo-san, see? You can do it when you try."
"But you know..."
She gently held the smartphone in her hand and smiled in a troubled way.
"Only the side button is a bit stiff. I can't seem to press it well..."
Naoya took the smartphone in silence, gently placed his finger on it, and clicked it.
"There, that should do it. Reboot successful."
It wasn't me who pressed the switch
Tanpopo stared intently at Naoya.
"...Naoya-kun, you're like a side button."
"Huh?"
"You're always by my side, and you help me out quietly when I need it. You feel like someone who doesn't stand out, but supports me properly when it really matters."
Seeing Naoya's ears turn red, Tanpopo chuckled.
"...Then, may I press it too? Tanpopo-san's 'reboot switch'."
"Yes, but be gentle."
The evening light was streaming into the back of the shop.
Warm and gentle, just like starlight.
One message, one star.
After closing time, the shop became quiet.
Tanpopo sat on a counter chair and gently took out her smartphone.
The starlight color in her hand felt somehow reliable and kind.
When she turned on the screen, there was one LINE message that had arrived today.
“If you need a side button, I’ll come and press it anytime.”
Every time she read it, her heart felt a little lighter.
Whether it’s a smartphone or a heart, it’s okay if it’s not brand new.
As long as there is someone by your side who can properly tune it and gently press it.
That was the thought she had that night.
Tanpopo’s fingertip gently tapped the small “Add to Favorites” star.
Thank you for reading. Let’s meet again next time!
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■ Header Image Image by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay