.
[-Continuation-]
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[Hachiman's POV]
"...*ahem, don't worry, I am not going anywhere." I coughed and changed the topic, not wanting to push my luck anymore.
"We just need to act like we did in the store just now. Plain and simple." I suggested something again, contradicting my retrieval thoughts.
It took a moment for Yukinoshita to understand. "Are you serious?" She asked.
"Do you have a better plan?" I countered, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
"...*sigh." A deep sigh escaped her lips, as if she were resigning herself to something. "In that case, it can't be helped. Keep a close distance, please."
Such a roundabout way of saying things - typical of Yukinoshita.
"Huh? Distance?" I asked innocently, playing dumb in hopes of getting a clearer answer.
Yukinoshita got a little huffy in response. "Hikigaya, now you are just asking for it. Must I spell it out for your dense brain to understand? I am allowing you to pretend to be my boyfriend, just for today."
Then she glared at me venomously and continued. "Or is it that you are so unhappy with this arrangement, the one you proposed yourself?"
"Absolutely not. Quite the opposite, in fact. I just wanted to vocalize our agreement and make things clear. That's it." My voice was firm and unwavering, making sure she knew that I was fully on board with our plan.
"I mean, how can I say no to such a cute-looking girlfriend." I added with a teasing tone.
"Aren't you being quite obsessive with the word 'cute' today." She spoke, raising an eyebrow.
"Are you mad about that…"
"No, as it is indeed true that I am cute, I see no reason to be mad." She explained, as if cautioning me not to get any wrong ideas.
"Well, I can't argue with that." I complied.
I think I only boosted her ego.
"I-I see…" Yukinoshita looked frankly surprised, seeing how readily I agreed to her comment.
Realising that she had a very stupid look on her face, Yukinoshita attempted to hide it by swinging around.
I stepped closer, our shoulders almost touching, and offered to carry her bags for her.
"Yeah, so why don't you let me carry those bags for you? It would make us look like the Perfect Couple." I suggested it with my rare, real smile.
"You are overly welcoming of this situation, Hikigaya." She commented, eyeing me suspiciously but handing over the bags.
"Am I now?" I took the bags and turned to my side, avoiding direct eye contact with her.
Get a grip, my man. I cursed inwardly.
"What about you? Don't you disapprove of yourself?"
Gotta change the topic.
Yukinoshita turned back around, her expression unconcerned. "I don't mind in particular. I won't be seen by anyone who knows me by face, and given that I am surrounded only by strangers, I have no need to worry about any misunderstandings or rumors that could result in financial loss."
Whatever. There is nothing to be discouraged about. I am at least somewhere near considered to be 'boyfriend' material, I guess.
"Well, then, shall we go?" Yukinoshita said as she turned for the next store. I started walking beside her.
…
.
To my surprise, from then on, things picked up smoothly at the next clothing store we entered. Well, at least for me.
All it took for people to assume a young couple was out on a shopping date.
Yukinoshita also warded off the shop assistants, who spoke to her with a terse 'I am fine, thanks' and made her selections with a serious eye.
And whenever something would catch her attention from time to time, she would squish it sideways and stretch it vertically.
Yep, her basis for evaluating things was rather weird.
"Shall we move on to the next place?" She asked, folding the clothes in her hand nimbly and returning them to the shelf.
I noticed a slight worry in her expression as she inspected their durability. "You know, I have never picked out my clothes based on how sturdy the material is in my life."
"Somehow, I don't think Yuigahama thinks about the protective powers of her clothing or whatever." I remarked.
Clothes made out of cloth were fine. After all, it wasn't like there were monsters around.
Yukinoshita sighed. "I can't help it. The material and the stitching are the only things I know how to judge."
"..." She fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "You know, I never bothered to find out what Yuigahama likes or even what her hobbies are… nothing along those lines. What kind of friend am I?"
Her voice was filled with self-disappointment.
"The kind of friend who values true connection over superficial interests." I replied honestly.
My response was genuine and heartfelt.
"Umm?" She looked at me quizzically, unsure of how to process my words.
"That's the kind of friend I believe you are." I continued. "Someone who doesn't just go through the motions of friendship but truly cares about the intent behind their actions. It's more meaningful than pretending to know everything about someone based on general tastes and interests."
Her expression softened as she took in my words. "So, I also don't see why you need to know about those things. Like, who cares? And I already said this once - what matters is the intent. You going out of your way when it's not required speaks volumes about the depth of your friendship."
"I see…" She appeared to be thinking about something.
"Indeed. In that case…" Yukinoshita cast her eyes at the next store in line.
She walked into a kitchen utensil store right next door as I walked behind her a couple of steps and entered the shop.
The store contains basic cookware like frying pans and pots, there were oven gloves that looked like the Muppets while tableware sets lined up.
"That really is Yuigahama's weak point." I said to myself.
"Hikigaya, this way." I heard my name being called.
When I came over, I was greeted with the sight of -Yukinoshita Yukino- in an apron.
The material was thin, contrary to its dark hue, and when Yukinoshita wore it, it gave off a cool and refined air. A cat's paw print was stitched onto the chest. The cord around Yukinoshita's waist was tied into a ribbon, emphasising her thin waistline.
As her head and hips were turned, Yukinoshita tested how easy it was to move by abruptly performing a twirl in front of me, much like a waltz. That caused the cord to come undone and swish like a tail.
[Image]
"How does it look?" She asked, twirling in front of me(:mirror) as if performing a waltz.
"…looks pretty good on you." I didn't hold back and complimented.
"…why, thank you. However, I am not asking about me. I mean, how does it look on Yuigahama?" She clarified.
"That wouldn't suit Yuigahama. Some fluffy, colourful, dumb-looking thing would make her happier." I replied without hesitation.
"Harsh and unnecessary, but it's so accurate, I don't know how to respond…" Yukinoshita said as she took off the apron she had been wearing up until now and began folding it carefully.
"In that case, I suppose we should choose something around here." As she clutched the folded apron, her eyes fell on her next prey.
This time, she checked the number of pockets and the material it was made out of. Yep, it was necessary to check the quality of the material.
The way I saw it, asbestos or inflammable material, or something would be preferable. Yuigahama would probably be in danger every time she used fire.
In the end, Yukinoshita picked out a petite, ornamental apron that was light pink all over. "I will go with this."
Yukinoshita folded up the pink apron and made her way to the counter. In her hand, she held the pink apron – and the black one too.
.
[To be continued…]
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