“Next — shopping.”
“Right, since we came here we should see things.”
The Ilpa specialty-stores wing of Shining Sun City is huge and varied — perfect for shopping.
“Want to see some clothes — come with?”
“Quick check — clothes does not include swimsuits, right?”
I’d been burned before. Summer clothes dragged me to the women’s swimwear section.
“If Yuito wanted, I’d happily include swimsuits.”
“Please don’t include them.”
“Aw — no need to be shy.”
“Not a micron of shyness involved.”
She looked disappointed but I would not relive that day.
We started on apparel shops. Summer push everywhere — busy.
“That blue dress really suits you.”
“You’re complimenting me — rare. Oh — are you sweet-talking me to get the ero-manga back? Permanent confiscation, sadly.”
“That is way too far of an interpretation.”
I’d genuinely thought it suited her — being accused of currying favor was sad. (Also, the ero-manga, I’d given up on.)
“But — Yuito said it suits, so I’m getting it.”
“You tried on other colors and designs — sure?”
“If Yuito says it suits me, there’s nothing to hesitate about.”
She smiled and went to the register. I felt heat rise — being loved this much made me feel fortunate.
(Which made me feel guilty — I’ve been on hold for her confession. I need to give her an answer; the Suzuno feelings keep me stuck. Indefinite delay is unfair. By end-of-summer-break I have to answer.)
(All including the thinness I’ve noticed in my feelings for Suzuno — I have to face it.)
She came back with the bag.
“Sorry — your turn for clothes shopping.”
“My wardrobe’s fine, no need.”
“I want to coordinate Yuito to my taste — dress-up doll for a bit.”
“Fine — don’t drag me.”
She literally pulled me by the hand. Get-it-done-when-Kano-decides mode — same as the goukon prep.
We hit several apparel shops while she dressed me.
“White summer-knit top, black skinny pants — clean feel, good.”
“I don’t usually wear knits or skinnies — fresh.”
I normally do plain black T-shirt and straight denim. No fashion sense.
After top and bottom, necklaces.
“Necklaces? Feels unnecessary.”
“For summer a simple low-key accessory adds polish.”
I was hesitant — necklaces feel like flashy-guy territory — but she wanted it.
“How is it?”
“Way better. Necklace vs. no necklace makes a real difference.”
“Really? You’re not pranking me?”
“No benefit in pranking you.”
She loved the simple plate necklace I tried. She kept handing me more after that. I said no more and she ignored me — typical.