"Besides the cucumber, is there anything else you'd like to buy, Mutsumi?"
As they finished picking out cucumbers, Nagasaki Soyo glanced at the other vegetables, speaking softly to Wakaba Mutsumi.
"I don't know."
Mutsumi couldn't give a definite answer.
It was like how she hadn't planned on coming to the mall but ended up here anyway. She might not want anything now, but who knows? She might come across something she wanted to buy later.
"Then let's just browse a bit." Soyo's tone was especially gentle.
Wakaba Mutsumi nodded in response.
"..."
Kamigawa Saku quietly watched the exchange, lost in thought.
---
After finishing in the vegetable and meat sections, they'd filled the cart considerably and started browsing other areas.
"Oh, right. If I remember correctly, Mutsumi, isn't this mango juice one of your favorites?"
Nagasaki Soyo suddenly stopped in front of a discount display and checked with Wakaba Mutsumi.
"Mm."
Mutsumi looked at the mango juice brand and replied in a small voice.
"Still fresh, too—it looks like they're running an opening discount."
After checking the expiration date, Soyo turned back to her and added, "In that case, Mutsumi, would you like to get some? The more you buy, the bigger the discount."
To encourage spending, the mall was running a promotion where buying more items increased the discount.
Perfect for stocking up on essentials.
"I couldn't drink that much."
With that, Wakaba Mutsumi picked up three cartons of mango juice and placed them in the cart.
One for each of the three of them.
Even though she wasn't close to Kamigawa Saku, she still appreciated that he didn't mind her tagging along.
"In that case, I'll grab a few myself—it looks pretty good."
After she was done, Soyo added a few more cartons, rounding out the discount to its maximum amount.
Wakaba Mutsumi glanced at the growing pile of mango juice in the cart but didn't say a word.
Missed my chance.
Kamigawa Saku, who'd been considering a similar excuse to help round out the discount, could only grip the cart handle again.
He'd been holding onto the cart, so whatever he did, he had to steady it first and let go before moving.
Plus, with him on one side of the cart and Soyo between him and Mutsumi, those minor details caused him to move a second or two slower.
This time, Soyo had beaten him to it.
He could only sigh at the missed opportunity.
---
After buying the drinks, the three of them continued to browse.
Just like before, whenever they came across something that Mutsumi might like, Nagasaki Soyo would ask for her opinion.
Most of the time, Mutsumi would decide to buy it.
If she looked hesitant, Soyo would simply come up with an excuse and take her to look at something else.
Kamigawa Saku quietly observed the whole time, realizing something important.
Nagasaki Soyo knew Wakaba Mutsumi too well.
It was as if she had a complete understanding of all her preferences.
As a result, today was not the day to try to win Mutsumi's favor.
At first, Kamigawa Saku had been focused on making a good impression and trying a few things to that end.
But when he saw it was getting him nowhere, he shifted his strategy and instead focused on memorizing Mutsumi's preferences.
Like the mango juice from earlier.
The logic was simple.
For someone like Wakaba Mutsumi, who wasn't big on talking, raising her affection in one day was near impossible.
It would take time to get to know her and become familiar with her subtle cues.
That way, he could understand what she meant and know what she liked.
And today, Soyo was practically teaching him these things.
Not only did she point out Mutsumi's favorite items, but she also demonstrated what certain reactions of hers meant.
That was a lesson in itself.
So, with his new approach, Kamigawa Saku focused on observing Soyo and Mutsumi's interactions, determined to remember all he could.
He could learn Wakaba Mutsumi's preferences easily—all thanks to Nagasaki Soyo, his "big sister."
---
After browsing a little while longer, Soyo began to notice something unusual.
At first, she'd been a little worried that Kamigawa Saku might feel left out because she was mostly chatting with Mutsumi.
But now, it looked like she'd been overthinking it.
Kamigawa Saku didn't seem bothered at all; in fact, he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere.
To the point where it almost felt like they were a family of three on a shopping trip.
As for which of them was the child?
Was that even a question?
Of course, it was Wakaba Mutsumi.
And this, oddly enough, was what made Nagasaki Soyo feel a little off.
Still, since the feeling was a positive one, she didn't object and decided to continue enjoying it.
---
Turning slightly, Wakaba Mutsumi glanced at Soyo, who was happily chatting with her, and at Kamigawa Saku, who was pushing the cart and occasionally chiming in.
The whole situation felt…strange.
At first, she didn't mind Soyo's attention.
But as time went on, she started to feel like Soyo was treating her as if she were a child.
This wasn't Soyo's usual behavior.
However, Mutsumi didn't voice any complaints, simply responding to Soyo's questions.
And her impression of Kamigawa Saku?
Nothing much to say. He seemed like a normal guy.
That was all.
---
Meanwhile, somewhere else in the store…
Did I guess wrong? Or did she leave after buying her things?
Pushing a cart that was more than half full, Nyamu scanned the people around her, trying to spot the girl with pale green hair she'd glimpsed earlier in her footage.
By now, she'd already filmed most of the footage she needed.
And picked up a good number of items, too.
Of course, her main goal in wandering around was to try and spot Wakaba Mutsumi again.
If she could get her to appear on camera, the views would definitely skyrocket.
Even if Mutsumi refused, at least Nyamu could say hello.
And if she was lucky, maybe she'd end up with Mutsumi's contact info, just like she had with Kamigawa Saku back then.
No harm in trying.
If it worked, the reward would be significant.
So, Nyamu continued searching the mall for Wakaba Mutsumi.
Just as she was about to give up, a flash of pale green hair caught her eye.
It's her.
One look was all Nyamu needed to confirm that the girl passing by was indeed Wakaba Mutsumi.
Good thing she hadn't given up; otherwise, she would've missed this golden opportunity.
As she prepared to approach, rehearsing what she might say, she noticed two people beside Mutsumi.
"Huh?"
Nyamu froze on the spot.
Was that… Kamigawa Saku and Nagasaki Soyo?
Wait…what?
She'd never imagined they would know Wakaba Mutsumi.
And from the way they were interacting, it was clear they were more than mere acquaintances—they looked genuinely close.
What was going on?
Kamigawa Saku actually knew Wakaba Mutsumi?
Well, time to tweak her approach.
But there was nothing to worry about.
In fact, this was a good thing.
Kamigawa Saku had always been a close friend.
And while she'd only met Nagasaki Soyo today, a friend of Saku's was a friend of hers.
Since they were all her friends, that made Wakaba Mutsumi practically a friend, too.
Simple logic.
While planning her approach, Nyamu kept a close eye on Mutsumi's group.
Before long, she came up with a strategy.
---
"We should be done now, right?"
Nagasaki Soyo checked the items in the cart and looked to Kamigawa Saku and Wakaba Mutsumi to confirm.
"Nope, nothing else I can think of."
Kamigawa Saku shook his head.
Mutsumi gave a slight nod in agreement.
"Alright, then let's check out."
After deciding, Soyo turned to Mutsumi. "By the way, would you like to come over for lunch afterward? It's almost that time."
"Sure."
Mutsumi didn't turn down the offer.
As they headed to the checkout, Nyamu, who was also pushing a cart, approached them with an overly cheerful expression.
"Hey, are you guys heading to the checkout too?"
Stopping in front of them, Nyamu beamed.
"Yes, we are."
Since he was the most familiar with Nyamu, Kamigawa Saku answered first.
What was up with today?
Running into Nyamu and Mutsumi both in one day was one thing, but now they were together at the same time.
Soyo and Mutsumi didn't say anything in response to her sudden approach, leaving him to handle it.
"Oh, perfect! I was just about to check out myself," Nyamu continued excitedly. "So, how about we pay together?"
"You're looking to hit the discount threshold, aren't you?"
Kamigawa Saku quickly caught onto her plan.
After all, this mall's promotion offered larger discounts for higher purchases.
"And we'd get a chance at the prize draw," Nyamu added with a smile, as though she was genuinely only there for the discount and raffle.
"You get one draw for every 10,000 yen spent, but the odds of winning a big prize are low. Usually, you just get things like a box of tissues."
"But if you spend 100,000 yen, you get an additional draw with better odds of winning a higher prize."
"If we're lucky, we might even win first prize."
Kamigawa Saku scoffed. "Even if you were super lucky, you're not getting first prize."
First prize was practically rigged and wouldn't go to a random customer.
"True enough."
Knowing the inside scoop, Nyamu didn't argue.
"Even second or third prize would be nice, though. Besides, we'd be getting something for free as long as we hit the 100,000 yen threshold."
"My cart alone doesn't add up to that much, but if we combine everything, we should be able to reach it."
"So, I thought we could split it."
"What do you guys think?"
Kamigawa Saku looked to Soyo and Mutsumi, asking for their thoughts. "I'm okay with it. How about you two?"
Even if the discount and extra draw weren't a big deal, any extra time with Nyamu, another "targetable character," was something he wouldn't pass up.
"No problem—it's always good to save when we can."
Soyo didn't mind at all, ever practical.
Mutsumi nodded her agreement.
"Alright, I'll handle the checkout, then."
Kamigawa Saku took the cart and volunteered for the task.
"Thanks so much!"
While Nyamu looked like she was thanking him, she was actually sneaking glances at Mutsumi.
Her plan was already halfway to success.
She'd managed to connect with them—now, all she needed was a chance to talk to Mutsumi directly.
When they reached the checkout area and saw the long line, Kamigawa Saku said:
"Why don't you guys wait outside? I'll handle the checkout. No need for all four of us to stand around."
The grand opening had drawn a crowd, so long lines were only to be expected.
"Sure thing."
Nyamu agreed instantly.
This was her chance to chat with Wakaba Mutsumi.
Hearing this, Soyo didn't object and followed suit.
And as usual, Mutsumi simply went along without comment.
---
When Kamigawa Saku finally finished paying and walked out with several large plastic bags, he found Nyamu chatting happily with Soyo, while Mutsumi stood nearby, looking at the ground.
"The total was 102,000 yen. We get ten regular prize draws and one bonus draw."
As he set the bags down in front of them, Kamigawa Saku handed the receipt to Nyamu.
"Let's go do the prize draw, Soyo-yo and Mutsumi-yo!"
With that, Nyamu started heading toward the prize area.
"I'll pay you back in a bit."
"Soyo-yo? Mutsumi-yo? What's with those nicknames?"
Kamigawa Saku noted her new way of addressing Soyo and Mutsumi.
"What's weird about it?" Nyamu replied with perfect logic. "Adding -yo to their names makes them sound cute!"
"Whatever."
Kamigawa Saku decided it wasn't worth debating.
She could call them whatever she wanted.
Not his business.
"Wait… Are you jealous?"
Nyamu suddenly leaned in close, smiling mischievously.
"If you'd like, I could call you Saku-yo."