The SUV rumbled along the sleek, tree-lined boulevard of PC Hoofstrat, a street where opulence was etched into every corner. Each storefront was meticulously curated, from the grand marble façades to the gleaming windows that reflected the skyline. The street's high-end brands—both international and local—catered to every whim, offering the kind of luxury that whispered more than it shouted.
It wasn't just a shopping street; it was an experience. Well-heeled shoppers strolled casually, their outfits as polished as the street itself, while gourmet cafés offered a pause for those wanting to sip overpriced lattes while people-watching. In its sophistication and charm, PC Hoofstrat could have easily been mistaken for Paris's famed Champs-Élysées—except, perhaps, a touch more modern, with an air of quieter exclusivity.
The air smelled faintly of fresh croissants and expensive perfume, a concoction that seemed to invite the rich and famous to indulge in everything the area had to offer. Mizuki's eyes, though, were drawn to one spot—the Wolfe family's flagship mall, strategically placed at the very center of the street, a prime piece of real estate. The glass-and-steel structure gleamed under the sun, its towering presence making it a natural hub for high-end consumers. It wasn't just a mall; it was an emblem of the Wolfe family's presence in the city, a place that had long since become synonymous with wealth and exclusivity.
For a moment, Mizuki allowed herself a small, quiet smile.
She didn't have to love it, but she sure as hell knew how to appreciate the view.
The car stopped in front of the mall, its sleek black body gleaming under the cool autumn sky. Mizuki and Nancy alighted gracefully, the driver already knowing the drill—he would pick them up when they called. The population in the Netherlands was diverse, a melting pot of cultures, but the young women stood out among the crowd.
Nancy, her style always flirtatious and playful, wore a soft, flowery dress with a muted color palette of rust and olive greens—autumnal shades that played up the season's warmth. The dress was long-sleeved, with a gentle A-line silhouette that fluttered just above her knees, balanced out by a cozy, cream-colored cardigan draped loosely over her shoulders. She paired it with ankle boots in a neutral tan, completing the look with a floppy felt hat, which added a playful touch to her outfit, perfect for the crisp fall air.
Mizuki, in contrast, kept her style understated yet refined. She wore a simple beige dress with a high neckline and long sleeves, the fabric soft yet structured, hugging her frame in all the right ways. Over it, she wore a dark coat—deep charcoal gray with a subtle checkered pattern—a classic piece that added both warmth and elegance to her look. She paired the dress with black leather ankle boots and carried a simple, structured handbag, her overall outfit exuding quiet confidence. Mizuki's style was timeless and chic, with a sophisticated nod to the autumn season.
Together, they created a striking contrast, with Nancy's warm, playful tones complementing Mizuki's cool, polished aura. It wasn't just their clothes that set them apart; it was the air they carried—one vibrant and bold, the other serene and controlled.
However, between Nancy and Mizuki, it was the latter who drew the most attention. Mizuki's long, wavy jet-black hair cascaded effortlessly down her back, while her silver-gray eyes sparkled with a quiet intensity that seemed to draw the gaze of every passerby. Nancy, with her reddish hair and bright green eyes, simply couldn't hold a candle to Mizuki's striking beauty and the aura that radiated from her. Mizuki noticed the slight tightening of Nancy's lips, the subtle displeasure in her expression when she realized people were looking at Mizuki more.
But Mizuki couldn't bring herself to care about Nancy's feelings anymore. Her indifference sparked something in her—a sudden surge of confidence. The restrained aura that she had been suppressing now surged to the surface, and she allowed it to envelop her. A small, satisfied smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she walked ahead, her movements graceful and assured.
Nancy, caught off guard, faltered for a moment, and Mizuki's smile deepened. She hadn't waited for Nancy to catch up, didn't even slow her pace. This was a shift from their usual routine—Mizuki always made sure to wait for her, always keeping the pace together. But now? Now, Mizuki walked ahead, leaving Nancy behind, her presence felt all the more strongly in the air.
This never happened before.
"Mimi, wait!" Nancy called out, her voice laced with urgency as she desperately tried to catch up to Mizuki. Mizuki couldn't help but slow down, her eyes briefly flicking back to Nancy, who was semi-running in her high-heeled boots. It was almost comical watching Nancy wobble with each hurried step, her usual grace faltering as she tried to close the gap.
Mizuki, however, was unmoved. She wasn't about to let Nancy get under her skin—this was her moment. But at the same time, Mizuki knew she couldn't just abandon her completely. She was still playing the part of the ever-loyal friend, even if that loyalty was stretched thin.
So, with a soft sigh, she paused and turned slightly, feigning surprise as if she hadn't noticed she had gotten ahead. "Oh, sorry, I didn't realize," she said, her tone casual, as if lost in thought just moments before. Mizuki put on an innocent expression, masking her amusement.
Nancy, still a little flustered, offered an exaggerated smile as she finally caught up. Mizuki could see the frustration bubbling beneath the surface, but she didn't let it faze her. For once, she was the one with control.
"Are you still not feeling well, Mimi?" Nancy finally asked, breaking the silence between them as they walked side by side. "You seem a little off."
Mizuki shot her a glance, her voice cool and laced with a touch of sarcasm. "Oh, well, I was still not feeling well… but I was, you know, forced to come, right?" She emphasized the word "forced," letting it hang in the air with a thinly veiled edge. Mizuki's expression remained neutral, but the bite in her tone was unmistakable.
"Ah, is that so?" Nancy let out a nervous chuckle, clearly thrown off by Mizuki's new tone. "If I'd known you were really unwell, I wouldn't have insisted on going today. If you're feeling sick, we could always head back?"
Mizuki raised an eyebrow, her voice cool and biting. "Really?"
In the past, she would have reassured Nancy, telling her it was fine and they should continue. But today, Mizuki did the opposite, leaning into the role she'd now chosen.
"Then let's go back home," she said flatly, turning on her heel with a sense of finality. She knew exactly what would happen next—Nancy's panic would set in, and the carefully constructed act would crack.
After all, meeting up with 'friends' was Nancy's chance to show off. It wasn't just about shopping—it was about proving to everyone that she had money, that she belonged in the same circle of wealthy people. The boutiques, the luxury brands, the attention. Nancy would never let that go so easily.
Nancy's face flickered with shock, but she recovered quickly, her voice now tinged with urgency. "Ah, I mean... since we're already here, maybe we should just finish up quickly so we can go home early?"
Before Mizuki could respond, Nancy grabbed her hand, dragging her towards the escalator and up to the boutiques, her earlier concern nowhere to be found. She was already slipping back into her show-off mode, as if the moment of doubt had never happened.
Mizuki's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. She could already see how things were shifting—Nancy wouldn't know what hit her.