Duri sat with Akari's legs resting gently in his lap, but he was cautious to keep his hands to himself, not wanting to make her feel uncomfortable. Lately, however, Akari had seemed more open and willing to be physically close with him, whether it was during their cozy dinners, their shared Korean drama viewing sessions, or even as Duri watched Omani meticulously braid her hair. Duri couldn't help but admire the way the intricate braids framed Akari's face, giving her an almost warrior-like appearance.
He could easily picture her with a pair of majestic wings and a gleaming golden breastplate, a fierce and powerful figure. Meanwhile, across the room, Duri's friend Omani paced back and forth, studying a row of five mannequins displaying various outfits. Omani paused frequently, pressing a thoughtful finger to his lips as he carefully considered each ensemble, unable to decide which style suited Akari best.
"I don't believe Dr Nel gave you a day to do this assignment, especially something like a whole new style" Omani looked at Akari, smiling at her legs on Duri's lap.
"Doesn't sound like her," Duri added with a nod.
"She gave it to me a week ago," Akari huffed, drinking some champagne.
"Then why are we doing it now?" Omani gave Akari such a stare.
"Because I didn't want to do it, but she threatened to tell on me to you two." Akari shifted in her seat. "It felt like I was going to the principal's office." She confessed, which made Duri and Omani chuckle, making Akari's eyes light up.
"Okay, come on" Omani turned to Akari. "Let's try some of this stuff," he gestured to the first outfit.
Akari cautiously stepped into the cramped, dimly lit fitting room, clutching the unfamiliar outfit in her hands. With a deep breath, she began to undress, carefully peeling off her worn, oversized t-shirt and baggy sweatpants. As she removed the layers, she deliberately avoided glancing at her reflection in the full-length mirror.
With a resigned sigh, she slipped into the unfamiliar outfit, the fabric feeling stiff and foreign against her skin.Though she had grown quite comfortable in her usual work attire of combat boots, shapeless pants, and loose tops, Akari couldn't help but feel that this new ensemble didn't truly capture her essence or personal style. Whatever that may be.
As she stepped out of the fitting room, Akari nervously searched the faces of Duri and Omani, gauging their reactions. Duri's expression immediately soured, his brow furrowing in clear distaste at Akari's appearance. Omani, ever the diplomat, tried to hide his own cringe, offering Akari an unconvincing smile, but his discomfort was palpable.
"So?" Akari struggled in front of their glare.
"It looks good," Omani smiled, trying convincingly.
"I don't like it," Duri said firmly, flicking his fingers.
"It's a bit normal, right?" Akari struggled, looking down at her outfit. "I feel like I am going on a mission and I need to blend in."
"Yea, next," Omani said, nodding to the next outfit.
Akari stepped back into the cramped fitting room, eager to try on the next ensemble. With a quick shuffle, she emerged wearing a striking emo-inspired outfit, the dark fabric and heavy chains creating an edgy, moody aesthetic. The platform shoes added a few inches to her stature, making each step a deliberate stomp that echoed through the store.
Duri couldn't help but shake her head at the dramatic display, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Meanwhile, Omani found himself transfixed by the sight of Akari's hips swaying beneath the form-fitting leather skirt. His eyes followed her every movement, unable to tear his gaze away from the alluring curves.
Just as quickly as she had donned the emo ensemble, Akari disappeared back into the fitting room, only to reemerge moments later in a vibrant, kaleidoscopic outfit. This time, the fabric was abloom with a riot of colors and patterns, from bold floral prints to shimmering rainbow accents. It was as if she had stepped straight out of a 1960s flower power movie, the energy and exuberance of the look filling the space.
Duri couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sight, the contrast between Akari's previous dark persona and this effervescent new look proving too amusing to contain. Omani, still wearing his sunglasses, squinted his eyes against the brightness of the rainbow-hued outfit, his expression a mix of bewilderment and amusement.
Akari emerged from the dressing room, her ensemble exuding effortless sophistication. The long, flare-legged pants in bold, striped patterns commanded attention, the fabric cascading gracefully over her legs. Paired with a crisp, pristine white blouse, the look balanced casual ease with an elevated sensibility. Topping it off was a cropped tweed blazer - its monochrome black and white palette punctuated by delicate, shimmering gold accents that caught the light.
She carried herself with an air of confidence, looking both comfortable and effortlessly chic. Turning to her friends Duri and Omani, Akari sought their reaction, and was met with warm, approving smiles. An undercurrent of admiration was palpable, their expressions tinged with a hint of longing.
"Before we say anything, what do you think?" Duri leaned forward, interested in her response.
"I hate that I love it" Akari flattened her pants and looked at them.
"Explain to me what that means," Omani inquired, Duri nodding with him.
Akari swallowed deeply. "My mother used to dress like this, perfectly sculpted outfits with that sickening perfume," she explained, walking to the nearest mirror, finally looking at herself. "not the floral lavender type that Nurse Hazel wears, but the one that smelled like strong aromatic alcohol," she said over her shoulder.
"So no?" Omani stood behind her with Duri walking into position, too.
Akari stared at herself for a moment. "Yes," she whispered, shaking her head at the memories. "But let's keep it young and pastel," she nodded.
"Good" Omani placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Because you look absolutely gorgeous" Duri winked at her, making her blush deeply.
….
As the familiar chords of the opening theme song began to play, Akari eagerly sank into the plush cushions of the couch, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. Beside her sat a fresh loaf of sourdough bread, its crust a deep, golden brown, the perfect accompaniment to the tangy kimchi that Duri had carefully stashed away. Akari took a deep, satisfied breath, savoring the aroma of the homemade fermented delicacy as she prepared to lose herself in the captivating world of the Korean drama unfolding on the screen.
Just as she was settling in for what she knew would be a marathon viewing session, movement in her peripheral vision caused Akari to glance up in surprise. There, striding into the room with an air of purpose, was Duri, dressed impeccably in a sleek three-piece suit, his tie knotted with precision. Beside him, Omani hurried along, his short kimono jacket billowing slightly as he adjusted the holsters strapped to his hips, no doubt concealing the sharp, deadly axes he was known to wield. Akari sat up a little straighter, a flicker of concern crossing her face as she wondered if her peaceful, drama-watching plans were about to be interrupted.
"Where are you going?" Akari asked in a sweet soft voice which made Omani's heartache.
Duri noticed the kimchi and pointed at her. "Did you use clean utensils?" he asked her, walking towards her.
"Obviously" Akari settled deeper into the couch.
Duri leaned against the couch. "and we need to take care of something" he looked down at her.
Akari pouted, making Omani feel bad. "Maybe I should stay?" He couldn't resist Akari's puppy-dog eyes.
"Can't someone else take care of it" Akari sat up, turning towards them, Duri bit down into the bread in Akari's hand.
"it's best if we went" Duri wiped his mouth with his thumbs.
"But what if you don't go?" Akari tried to persuade him.
Duri looked into that sweet face, and he couldn't help it. "Okay, fine, we will put Terry on it" he nodded to Omani, who made the call.
The scene unfolded like a sensual dance, as the two men shed their formal attire in a graceful, almost ritualistic manner. Omani swiftly removed his kimono, revealing his toned, shirtless physique, the flare of his pants accentuating his long, lean legs as he settled next to the captivating Akari. Duri followed suit, peeling off his blazer, waistcoat and tie, the layers falling away to unveil his lithe, well-muscled frame. With a tender, almost reverent motion, he nestled himself behind Akari, enveloping her petite form between his muscular legs, a silent gesture of protection and affection.
Akari's attention was rapt, her eyes wide with wonder, a soft, dreamy smile playing on her lips as she became immersed in the unfolding scene on the television. The main character's surprise picnic in an art gallery had captured her imagination, transporting her to a world of whimsy and romance. Omani and Duri shared a knowing glance, instantly attuned to Akari's enchantment, their expressions a blend of adoration and amusement.