As they noticed a small group of shops nearby, Akeno's eyes lit up. "How about we go shopping? I could use a new outfit, and I'd love to know what you think!"
Raizel hesitated for a moment, the thought of shopping not exactly thrilling to him. "Shopping? Really? You know, I told you, I'm terrible at this, right?"
"Oh, come on! It'll be fun! Besides, I'll be there to guide you. Just think of it as another adventure!" Akeno encouraged, her enthusiasm infectious.
[Adventure? More like a fashion disaster waiting to happen,]
The system chimed in, and Raizel couldn't help but chuckle again.
"Alright, alright! Let's go shopping," he relented, standing up and offering his hand to Akeno. "But if I end up looking ridiculous, I'm blaming you."
Akeno took his hand, her laughter ringing out as they walked toward the shops. "Deal! But I promise, you'll look amazing. Just trust me!"
As they entered the first store, Raizel felt a mix of excitement and dread. The vibrant displays and racks of clothing surrounded them, and he could already feel the pressure mounting.
Akeno, oblivious to the internal banter, began picking out clothes, holding up various outfits for Raizel to see. "What do you think of this one?" she asked, holding up a stylish jacket.
---
As Akeno rummaged through the racks, she pulled out a variety of outfits, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Okay, let's see how you look in this!" she exclaimed, holding up a sleek black jacket paired with a crisp white shirt. "This will really bring out your features."
Raizel took the jacket and shirt into the fitting room, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
He slipped into the outfit, adjusting it in front of the mirror. To his surprise, he looked striking. The tailored fit accentuated his physique, and the contrast of the black and white made his features stand out even more.
[Well, well, look at you! You are like a walking mannequin! How charming!]
the system chimed in, its voice dripping with sarcasm.
Raizel couldn't help but smirk at the comment. 'At least I'm not a total disaster,' he replied internally, stepping out of the fitting room to show Akeno.
As he emerged, Akeno's eyes widened, and a smile broke across her face. "Wow! You look incredible! That jacket suits you perfectly!"
Their friends, who had been discreetly following them, were now peeking into the store, their eyes widening at the sight of Raizel.
Rias, Issei, and Koneko exchanged glances, clearly impressed.
"Did you see that? He looks good in everything!" Issei whispered, his frustration evident in his eyes. "I can't believe he can pull that off!"
"Right? He's like a model," Rias replied, a hint of surprise in her voice. "Akeno really knows how to pick outfits."
Koneko, who had been quietly observing, nodded. "He looks good. But I wonder how Akeno-senpai feels about all the attention he's getting."
Back in the store, Akeno's expression shifted slightly as she noticed a few other girls glancing at Raizel, their eyes filled with admiration.
A possessive spark ignited within her. "Okay, let's try something else," she said, her tone slightly sharper than before. "I want to see you in this one next!"
She held up a fitted navy blue shirt that hugged his frame perfectly. Raizel took it into the fitting room, and as he changed, he could hear the whispers of admiration from the other customers.
"Who is that guy? He's so handsome!" one girl exclaimed.
"I know, right? He looks like he stepped out of a magazine!" another added, and Raizel felt a mix of pride and embarrassment.
[Look at you! You're practically a heartthrob! Enjoy the attention while it lasts!]
The system teased, and Raizel shot back, 'I didn't ask for this!'
When he stepped out in the navy shirt, Akeno's eyes lit up again, but this time, there was a hint of protectiveness in her gaze.
"You look amazing! But can we keep the other girls from staring?" she said, her voice playful yet serious.
Raizel chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "I'm just here to try on clothes, not to start a fan club."
Akeno crossed her arms, a smirk on her lips. "Well, you're doing a great job at it. Just remember, you're with me."
[Oh, look at that! Akeno's possessiveness is showing! How cute!]
The system chimed in, and Raizel couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Can you be quiet for just a moment?" he muttered internally, trying to focus on Akeno.
"Let's try something a bit bolder," Akeno suggested, her eyes glinting with mischief. She picked out a fitted leather jacket and a pair of dark jeans. "I think this will really make you stand out."
Raizel took the outfit into the fitting room, and as he put it on, he felt a surge of confidence. When he stepped out, the combination of the leather jacket and jeans made him look effortlessly cool.
Akeno's eyes sparkled with approval, but the other girls in the store were now openly admiring him, whispering and giggling amongst themselves.
[You're a hit! Just embrace it!]
The system encouraged, and Raizel sighed, trying to ignore it.
"Okay, okay, I get it," he said, turning to Akeno. "But can we please focus on the clothes and not the fan club?"
Akeno laughed, her possessiveness softening as she leaned closer to him. "You're right. But I can't help it! You look so good, and I want everyone to know you're with me." She playfully nudged him, her smile brightening the atmosphere.
"Just think of it as a compliment," Akeno said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Besides, it's not every day you get to show off your style."
As they continued to try on different outfits, Raizel found himself enjoying the experience more than he expected. Akeno's enthusiasm was infectious, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with her.
"Okay, how about this one?" Akeno held up a casual yet stylish hoodie. "It's perfect for a laid-back day."
Raizel took it into the fitting room, and when he emerged, Akeno clapped her hands in delight. "You look so cozy! I love it!"
"Alright, I think I'm starting to get the hang of this," he admitted, feeling more confident with each outfit.
As they wrapped up their shopping spree, Akeno beamed with pride. "I knew you had it in you! You're going to turn heads wherever you go."
Raizel smiled, feeling grateful for her support. "Thanks for pushing me out of my comfort zone. I actually had fun."
"Anytime! Now, let's grab some ice cream to celebrate your new wardrobe," Akeno suggested, her eyes lighting up at the thought.
"Sounds perfect," Raizel agreed, and as they walked out of the store hand in hand, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.