Chapter 09: Shopping Continues
Deciding to postpone changing smartphone models to a later date, the three of them headed towards the clothing section of the shopping mall. While browsing the dazzling store, Riri, with a lively expression like a fish in water, picked out clothes for Hayato and Josuke one after another. Both of them completely trusted her aesthetic sense and silently tried on the clothes she handed them.
“That item looks wonderful on you!”
“Yes, yes! Next, try this one on too.”
The young female shop assistant and Riri spoke up as if in perfect sync. The two of them enthusiastically cooperated, proposing new outfits one after another. Hayato changed as he was told. Josuke, while tilting his head as if wondering if he also had to change, obediently followed his companion’s words.
As a result, the shopping basket filled up with clothes chosen by Riri and the shop assistant working as a team. In the end, Hayato and Josuke ended up carrying armfuls of paper bags.
“For now, shall we go put the bags in the car?”
“Before that, can I have a moment?”
“What is it?”
Hayato took out one item from the bags he was holding and offered it to Riri. It was a small accessory he had secretly bought to express his gratitude for her choosing the home appliances and clothes. Hayato, while keenly aware of his own poor fashion sense, had chanced upon a cute accessory that perfectly matched Riri’s aura and bought it.
“Ah, this is…”
It was shaped like the bracelet she used to wear on her arm when she was Lilia. When he saw it, he felt a sense of nostalgia and decided to buy it. It wasn’t that expensive, but the quality seemed quite good.
“Riri, I found this. I thought it looked like the bracelet you always wore when you were Lilia. As thanks for today, would you accept this?”
“Thank you so much!”
Tears welled up in her eyes as she received Hayato’s gift. It wasn’t just joy for a mere present, but likely emotion from the bond of shared memories from their past lives. Seeing her smile as she promised to treasure it, Hayato thought from the bottom of his heart that it had been worth choosing. Beside them, Josuke also watched over the two with a warm gaze.
After stowing the bags in the car trunk, they decided to take a breather.
“If we’re taking a break, there’s a cafe I’d like to go to.”
“Sounds good.”
“Alright then, let’s head there next.”
The place they headed to at Riri’s suggestion was a cafe with a sophisticated atmosphere, notable for its warm, wood-grain interior.
“Please take your time.”
The three of them sat at the table they were guided to. They opened the menus and ordered lunch and dessert. Under the subdued lighting, the three of them engaged in lively, hushed conversation about their memories from the other world.
“Sitting together like this reminds me of our meals back in the other world, doesn’t it?”
“The food we ate over there wasn’t nearly this delicious, though.”
“I guess I also end up thinking I’m from this world. Because I start to think this kind of thing is normal.”
Even though he had spent over ten years in the other world, he never got used to the food. Hayato spoke while nibbling on the light meal that was brought to them.
“Come to think of it, Hayato, you did say the food from the other world didn’t agree with you. It makes sense, since you can easily eat things like this regularly here.”
Josuke slowly brought the coffee placed before him to his lips. His mannerisms were more refined than when he was in the other world. Josuke in this world seemed to have acquired an even greater adult composure.
“That’s right. Everything here is so delicious. It’s all just delicious things! I start to worry about what I’ll do if I eat too much and get fat.”
“Riri, you think about things like that too, huh?”
“Of course! I’m a high school girl, you know.”
“…Come to think of it, that’s right. You don’t look it at all.”
At Josuke’s unintentional remark, a sharp gaze shot from Riri.
“What was that, Josuke?”
“Oops. Is talking about age a taboo topic with women?”
“It is. Well, for today, I’ll forgive you in consideration of this delicious cake.”
“That’s a relief. Want to eat more?”
“I told you, I’ll get fat if I eat too much. But, I’ll order just one more.”
As they talked about events in the royal capital and memories from their ten-year journey, Hayato watched with a fond smile as Riri’s eyes sparkled at the deliciousness of modern food. While muttering that she’d have to exercise later, she was enjoying the sweets to her heart’s content.
Riri in her casual clothes exuded a different kind of mature womanly charm compared to when she was in her uniform. Even at the electronics store earlier, her presence naturally drew the gazes of those around her. He recalled how the shop assistants would gaze at Riri’s face and respond happily, while looking at Hayato and Josuke with eyes mixed with envy and jealousy. Hayato thought that such attention was only natural, considering the beauty she possessed.
“Alright then, let’s go continue our shopping.”
As they finished their meal and left the cafe, Riri spoke up.
“Don’t worry about money. Today, I’m buying you everything. Prepare yourself, Hayato.”
Josuke added, holding up a black card he took from his pocket. His expression was completely serious.
“No, please, spare me.”
Although he replied jokingly, a sense of guilt for continuing to indulge in his companions’ generosity was growing in Hayato’s heart. Still, he wouldn’t refuse their kindness.
While he felt uneasy about spending a large sum of money, to be honest, it was also enjoyable. It would also be unfair to them if he showed a gloomy expression from worrying too much. Because spending this time with his precious companions was what made him happiest above all else.
Hayato consciously shifted his potentially negative feelings and decided to genuinely enjoy this happy time.