We collected the engraved rings and walked out of the shop.
“What’s the plan after this, you two?”
“Since we made it out to a mall we don’t normally visit, I want to shop.”
“Cool. Enjoy.”
I tried to go home; they grabbed both my arms instantly.
“Now now, where does Ryouya-kun think he’s going without us?”
“You’re not running.”
“I mean, the deal was today I get the day off — so I figured I’d head back.”
I’d been with them basically every day of summer break. I wanted some solo recovery time.
“That deal was voided when you lied, Ryouya-kun.”
“So today you’re with us.”
“The lie was for the surprise gift, please be lenient on this one.”
“I’m too hurt by Ryouya lying to forgive it.”
“Yeah, you’re not going home until Riona and I are satisfied.”
Apparently escape was off the table. So today, like every day, I’d be dragged around at their pace. We started circulating the mall.
“Today is special — Riona and I are going to dress you, Ryouya-kun.”
“Repayment for the swimsuit-picking before.”
“You don’t need to.”
“Aw, let us. Indulge us.”
“I want to make Ryouya match my and Nee-chan’s preferences.”
I tried to say no — they were having none of it. Past experience said that once they were in this mode they couldn’t be stopped. Doll-mode engaged. At the apparel shop I tried on the set they recommended.
“Yeah — white summer-knit top plus black skinny pants. Simple but works.”
“Different vibe. Looks more put-together than the usual Ryouya.”
”…I’ve never worn summer knits or skinnies, this is — disorienting.”
“You’ll adjust.”
I’m fashion-illiterate, so most of my wardrobe is graphic T-shirt and straight-cut denim. Summer knits felt fussy and skinnies felt suffocating, so I’d never tried.
“Try this jacket on.”
“Like this?”
I put on the short-sleeve tailored jacket Riona handed me, and Reona made an impressed face.
“Oh — that works.”
“Ryouya in a jacket reads more mature — worth incorporating.”
“Oh — and clear-lens glasses to add an intellectual edge?”
“Glasses Ryouya wouldn’t be bad.”
After that I doll-modeled for them until they were satisfied. They tried many combinations, but the original — jacket plus summer knit plus skinnies — stayed their favorite.
“Right, configuration settled — let’s buy them.”
“I want Ryouya-kun to wear these to the birthday party tomorrow.”
“Sorry, can’t afford it — pair rings just emptied my wallet.”
Fifteen thousand yen is a lot of money for a second-year high schooler, and my wallet was now functionally empty.
“Oh — Riona and I will cover it.”
“No, no, that’s too much. Everything together is a lot.”
“Nee-chan and I want to put you in these, so we buy. Don’t worry about it.”
“It’s our thanks for the somewhat-aggressive birthday gift.”
I couldn’t refuse that, so they bought it for me. I had been steadily acquiring more and more of Reona-and-Riona’s coloring. At this rate every aspect of my life was going to become theirs.