Luck stood outside the department store, feeling a bit nervous.
He never went to places like this after he started isolating himself, so the unfamiliar environment made his stomach tighten, though not by much.
It was a mild —like the feeling of going to a mall for the first time and seeing an escalator, unsure of how to step on without tripping.
'It's just a store,' he told himself, but his palms were still sweaty as he walked through the automatic doors.
The inside was a bit much for him—bright lights bouncing off the shiny floors and rows of perfectly arranged clothes.
Shoppers moved, picking up items, checking tags, and tossing things into their carts without a second thought.
They probably swiped their credit cards, believing they could afford it, only to regret the decision later.
He knew all too well about this pitfall because he was guilty of it himself.
Memories flooded back of the time he maxed out five credit card buying in-game items.
The rush was intoxicating, but it didn't take long for reality to hit him hard.
Before he knew it, he was banned from getting another card, left with a mountain of debt.
'I need to get some clothes first,'
His things back in his apartment weren't exactly travel-ready anymore. Most of them didn't fit him after all these years, a reminder of how much he had let himself go.
The few pieces that still fit were practically falling apart—stretched-out collars, faded colors, and holes in places that couldn't be ignored.
They weren't worth bringing along, not for something a trip.
He needed something that wouldn't embarrass him or fall apart halfway through his journey.
Why bother with all of this?
His logic was pretty simple: he was heading to a place he knew nothing about, and there was no way he could avoid asking for help along the way.
If he looked weird or dirty, people would be less likely to take him seriously, let alone give him the time of day.
In the worst case, they might see him as an easy target and scam him. Looking decent wasn't just about appearances—it was about survival.
"Sir, you've been standing there for a long time. Some customers are waiting." One of the guards called him out, breaking his self-reflection.
When he turned around, he noticed people fidgeting and glaring at him, irritated that he was blocking the way with his big body.
'Shit,' he thought, his cheeks warming with embarrassment. 'I forgot this is real life, not some anime where time stops when the MC has an internal monologue.'
He hurriedly stepped aside and walked toward the clothing section.
As he browsed through the racks, his fingers brushed against a type of fabric that caught his attention.
It was a thick, durable cotton jersey. This material was simple and sturdy, making it an excellent choice for everyday wear.
What he appreciated most was its breathability; even if he worked up a sweat, the fabric would allow for airflow and not trap odors, making it ideal for someone on the go.
Feeling satisfied with his selection, he picked five plain white T-shirts.