Digital Sign, and one on Consent Letter too, which I need to do for Chie, tomorrow....4 digit no, will be issued.
Meanwhile, good thing is after 12'o clock, midnight, I can start having access to school applications.....
"You mean, my kitten will die if I don't feed it....?"
"That's what raising a virtual pet means. Need to put real life money into food, toys, leashes...."
"But it's not 'real.' I can't even touch it, play or take a walk, just anything!"
"You can breed them by purchasing a male. Raise goldfish, penguins, whales or even a human bab----"
"S-Stop talking. I don't want a reminder of a tiger on a loose, so I gotta run a mile or something...."
My god, what even is that face? So, hilariously wrong that I want to gape.
Her eyes, first off. Where did they go?
They're not just closed; they're simply fucking gone, replaced by these sharp, inverted 'V's, like someone just drew it with a pen on her face.
There are no eyebrows either, just some kind of black skin somehow making up for it instead....
It's like her entire forehead decided to rebel against the idea of running, bunching up into one 'wrinkle' of displeasure.
Her mouth! It's a perfect downturn, a deep, wide, inverted 'U' that stretches across her face, making Ichinose appear like a cartoon.
It's not just a pout; it's a full-blown declaration of 'I refuse to comply!'
'This is deeply unfair!' It's so absurd, that it almost hurts my brain.
What a baffling creature.
"Hmm. You can also amplify cuteness, growth level...it becomes dopamine, you know be responsible...."
"I will go meow at a cat instead. How can you pretend...? I don't like it."
Her face is back.
I really have doubts whether this girl is 'Prime Ichinose.' You know since I am here, how is the timeline going to work?
What type of logic applies here?
Kinda like the moment I came here, canon has started to break into a new branch of timeline? A separate branch of characters, interactions, personalities, etc...Multiverse.
Or am I actually in canon, which is going to change with me being here? Like Flash...? Butterfly effect, even stepping a foot, just a little breath is messing up original....Oh god, so way out of my league.
Am I dealing with second copies...? This is the same universe of which I have been reading for years or not?
Or Kinu-sensei just dreaming of this world that exists here, and making a novel of what he remembers...?
"Booop. Boo---you with me?"
Her voice doesn't match her fingers narrowing my musta---into some kind of shape in downtown.
"...They are not whiskers."
"Brain crashes every once in a while. Is this normal for you?"
"...So, Ichinose's rebooting me?"
"Hmm. I guess. It doesn't seem to be glued together."
Is it just me? Atmosphere here seems to have blended us into a more light going vibe than before....? Flower, soapy I can smell.
We have come to a place for girls indeed: clothing stores and accessory shops, specialising in outfits, board also read a plushie section.
Kitchen utensils, we have already gone through, but this one has another aisle.
Just from scene's purpose, it doesn't look gender neutral at all.
"There's also lingerie, and a swim suit dedicated for us....."
Ichinose says cooly.
"No need to tell me that, right?"
"I thought it might be an otherworldly place for you..."
Haaah! Wish! Try being a friend of Kate's, and stand out the door to provide her dresses to try on, or just staring at a few for hours....!
Doing utterly nothing! I don't feel I can be teased or flustered anymore, my resistance has increased.
"I thought Ichinose would get lost in weird mathematical shapes earlier...."
By the way, remember lady who was arguing? She kinda works as a cashier here at Counter No.3. Here, I mean, ComFort, this news is verified by a staff, and she has gone back to computer now.
So, a gossip to wonder what she was doing here in clothing's earlier? You know her job is not meant to have double shifts, just stay where you are.
"That's rich coming from Rem..."
"Getting the lowest score doesn't mean squat to me."
"Owa....just how much lower are you planning to go?"
"Maybe examiner will allot me negatives on incorrect choices."
"Can you really move on to next grade? No wonder, make up lessons are in need...."
Well, I guess being held back a year is going to be a pain in ass. However, here in this school, they don't provide us relief measures, I will just be kicked out. Same goes for class points on attendance.
I can't ask others to mark my presence.
The tiles are puzzles of beige and taupe here, glossy surface reflecting overhead lights, it's like a 'grandeur' to the store. A new part indeed.
Racks stretching out in every direction, organized, dresses on one side.
Those must be casual wear, I don't think I can be wrong with that. Some you just know what it is by a glance no matter how unclear.
Shoes, and
"Is that school uniform?"
"Yes, but not ours."
"Um...."
"Just for dressing to have a vibrance."
Bold kanji characters-ドレス, カジュアル, 制服
In the aisle near me, a mannequin stand is poised, showcasing outfits that just reflect Japan's styles-a floral kimono jacket paired with wide-leg trousers on one, snail's design.
A store clerk, in next aisle, with a neat bun and blue apron?
Probably folding a stack of shirts on a table, movements precise....same pattern over, a name tag should be pinned to her apron.
Um...She's looking up, can she feel my gaze too? Smile...? Fatigue ???
"Welcome! Let me know if you need any help with sizes or if you'd like me to check for other colors."
Her voice is....I don't know how to describe it anyway, I have never done that to be honest. You just kinda listen....
Ichinose beams at her, with some lasers, sparkles? escaping to give a little nod with face. How can she not experience pain....?
So, not thinking too much again, I spot another manne---with a white innerwear, denim brown jacket over.
It even screams 'I am very expensive, you can't afford me.'
"Look Rem, this one doesn't have anything to cover below my thighs...."
Ichinose in a matter of seconds pulls out a crop jacket and tight waist jeans? to her above knee, a short actually...with a deep indigo jacket.
It kinda matches her....but.
"You feel exposed?"
"Mmhm. I don't wear these types. What about you?"
"Perhaps a durable type of piece that can be used over a long period."
"That's a pretty long-winded way of saying office supplies!"
"I am considering buying those."
"So you are actually considering it, huh...Rem, is he type... who is happy with a fountain pen or a tool set for birthday present?"
Why does her speech view change so rapidly?
"A crowbar or chainsaw would be nice. I can hang it on my wa----"
"Meow! What an astute taste. I actually Drrrr~~ feel scare---"
"You don't have to be so horrified. The world hasn't turned upside down."
"I need to set my cacophony. Who knows what you will do on mobile. It will give nightma----Itai."
"Really shocked why I am here with an airhead. We are losing time."
I hear an extremely ridiculing sigh from the girl's mouth, "I'll probably take another five hours yet. Godspeed, you! Babyee..Mmph."
She's gone. I mean not far, just behind.
Is that a pink t-shirt with rice balls, no should be Onigiri? A bite has been taken out of it, Ichinose is matching it up with her body....Nod of yes? Who is she even talking to....? Does she have imaginary friends?
One poster above her over the wall features a....? I can't make it.
So, focusing back on my side. I notice there is another, ukiyo-e print of a geisha in a kimono, golden bells wrapped around, paying homage to a buddha deity.
Rustling a few designs for me, I find a
bold leopard-print shirt and oversized trousers, combo colors-scarlet, mustard, and teal-popping against a graffiti-style background of neon kanji, word "東京" (Tokyo) scrawled in electric blue.
Edges of the letters jagged like bolts.
There is a tag advertising Comme des Garçons collection, avant-garde aesthetic in a model wearing a deconstructed black dress with pattern cuts, fabric draped in layers....
6059 yen. I put it back.
A large banner is stretching across a vertical headline on the ceiling under a skateboard board made design...?
What's written on it?
"Excuse me. Can you please explain what's on board over there?"
Her yellow eyes open wide in surprise when she looks at me, with a puzzled look on her face, the pity I feel in her....makes me uncomfortable, like I am fragile, some kind of elderly...
"春大30％オフSpring-Summer Bargain Sale. Do you need...my help, I mean I can if well, Senpai...?"
It's so awkward. She thinks I am upper class, while girl herself is probably a sophomore....well, that should be good right? At least, she knows I am older...
However, with her height being a little you know bigger than me, plus a few stares from her side of others, it looks kinda abnormal taste...are they her friends or grade?
Sakayanagi---Senpai? Onii-chan, or her calling 'papa' to a boy from her grade, it's like that.....
"I will probably join the tea ceremony club this year, righ---guys, what are you looking at?"
A gust of air from mall's ventilation wall fan system brushes past us.
'Squeak-squeak!-'
"Hai. Arigato, he's with me."
A hand clasps mine, some pink swaying with each step as she pulls me toward another rack near some empty center of the store.
Our sneakers, carts are faintly noisy against the tiles with each stride-tiny mice scampering across the floor.
It's like she really has wings. That bow to her collar with a tie makes her.....
Skirt flaring slightly as she moves, giving a peek at her legs, what's not covered by socks. Those bumps of her, while taking strides....
"You do stuff that pisses me off. I was taught not to be easy with someone if they bought me sweets or dazzle with money....."
Whoa, she said something really moving.
"In fact, being alone is what makes me come alive."
"The reason itself is really saddening."
"So, can I ask you even if it's nothing much worth noting...."
"Yes, I'll answer you. Now, we just need luck to do shopping..."
I knit my brows at how understanding Ichinose has suddenlybecome, "Why the change of heart?"
"Uh...when did I say you can't? We're friends, ofcourse.Yep."
I just find it hard to believe that's why.
"Maraaan...eha..zerie----!
"Rem, I have found my preferred genre, so let's make do with that."
"That's...are you. I mean...."
You know psyching, and blessing herself up to have good fortune?
Shit, now I'm worried. Indifferent to my anxiety, Ichinose promptly crashes us to her variety of liking.
As soon as we reach this aisle, she picks up products on display and inspects them with a straight face.
There's a Crayon Shin-chan bee costume mid size figure on shelf, yellowy very bright for entirety..black stripes on "bee" body, light brown skin tone for character's face and limbs, a pink mouth, and closed eyes.
Two yellow antennae with glowing tips are on its head.
Shiro, the dog. Just beside it.
Solid white. It has simple black lines for eyes, nose, and mouth, a cartoonish appearance.
A thin light blue collar is around its neck.
Checking out T-shirts in front, Long sleeved top, with a deep purple, leaning towards a plum or eggplant shade.
Featuring a single, large graphic of a stylized pink Lampfish. Its head is almost as big as someone's belly.
Exaggerated eyes and a large, open mouth with visible teeth.
A thin, tentacle-like appendage with a small, glowing pole extends upwards from above.
The outline appears to be in a light, almost off-white or very pale yellow color.
Leaving this one aside, possibly cream with a unicorn or similar mythical creature with a horn, possibly in a soft pastel color.
Below it, the partial text "KYAN" is visible, like part of a word like "Kyanite" or a brand name.
Too girlish....A light, mint green.
Featuring a large, stylized panda head. Classic black and white, croissant shaped eyes, brows passing a smile....?
Word "PAN" is printed.
Another has white colour, with poop with two eyes printed on it, mouth open creating a cloud with japanese symbols inside, "Wear it daily."
"Ichinose, what kind of children lounge you bring me to....?"
This one has an aged turtle moving with a stick, a female his wife, rubbing it's back. She's very young....
'Suhayo....' written on it as a line kind of rainbow above their figures.
"I don't mean to sound arrogant, but my standards are very far removed from the average teenage girl."
"You like wearing poop?"
"So, uh... I'd appreciate it if you'd help me out - or something..."
Ichinose request with immense difficulty, her head is furrowing. Her gaze is pointing at soles of her feet, flitting around nervously from side to side.
She really has to be at a loss if she is asking me for help.
The outfit she's chosen.
Top consists of a pale beige sleeveless sweater vest...? Soft knit perhaps.
Hem and armholes edged with maroon trim, color scheme. Above her chest, it's going to highlight swelling of her bo----
Layered beneath is a short-sleeve white shirt, "Cotton?"
"Yes, it's collar is easy to unlock."
Talk about that, a maroon bow, made is tied around the collar, ends trailing down to her neck.
The bottom is a high-waisted pleated skirt in same deep maroon as bow, ending mid-thigh, "What about back?"
"It doesn't show my butt too much."
1875 yen, a tag of discount from earlier which I read is also here.
Twit--muuu~!-her ear just twitched slightly with concentration, a tiny bead of sweat 'white' appearing on her forehead, as Ichinose examines outfit's fit.
I don't know why but I can kinda imagine her in a sunset wearing this, and crying both eyes out....
"If you promise not to be sad in it."
"Hey, school idols don't cry."
Ichinose tilts her head to the side, lips puckering into a thoughtful pout, making some kind of motion with her palm, "paw-paw. Nya~!"
Her eyes widening to the size of saucers-puffing out a chipmunk's voice copy, "Mao! Like, I feel like a heroine in a school anime. Are you going to confess on rooftop at sunset, and make me cry! Kyaa~!"
"Clumsy."
"-bleh!-I'm not that clumsy, you big meanie! But... okay, you might have a point, teehee~!"
She sticks out her tongue in a mock offense. 'twitch-twitch!-a tiny starburst appears beside her head.
Better get out.
"I will just be over there. I think it has men's wear."
"Fine... call me straight away if anything happens. No, wait, call me even if nothing happens."
I roll my eyes. She thinks I am a troublemaker, or better attracter, what, don't give me Harry's hat.
Ignoring a white high-neck long sleeved inner top, likely a thermal or knit in her hand.
Navy blue spaghetti-strap dress or corset-style top over it, having scalloped edges at the bustline.
Possibly a layered jumper dress or bustier, white bow ribbon on left side.
I decide to walk on a more people's side area of store, that's been running with boys from what I can gather.
A group of three girls, stands near a booth a few steps away, chatter animated as, take turns trying on.....
That one, I mean she has a leon yellow top, is that sleeves or skin, human skin....a tiny sweatdrop appearing on the back of her top, I mean backbone.....
"Sana, Ririko, look at this! Nya~! It's only 1620 yen. It'd look so cute with my white skirt-perfect for summer picnics, don't you think?"
It will be much better if you stop shaking your hips.
"I'm not sure I can pull off something so bright... fufu~!"
This, speaking one now, has green braids, pushing up her glasses on nose type of main expression, playing on repeat....
A tiny question mark pops up over the first one's curls, who is checking her friends views, it's jumping from one side to another, a pattern.....
Last should be Ririko, she has two sparkly things in her hands? Earrings, or what....? Her shoes are bunny slippers, most likely with ears sticking out on the floor...
"Your words made me remember summer festival last year. It was so bad. Many stalls we----ghop--srr.."
....I am caught.
All of a sudden, it's really painful how all these various girls, women stare at me who have just come in.
It's like they think I am an insect....?
Oh, jesus...What's more is that shop
assistant springs on her feet suddenly, as if wary of my every move.
Everyone in room is giving me a wide berth. Why, damn it...? I mean, there are other guys in the store! Am I being discriminated against? I am, right!
What's even more wrong is scarves!
That boy is having it around neck even though it's not even cold, it's not just him either...! S-rank hunters types of vest, some with button open shirt.
Left one's jaw is so well narrowed, shaped, it doesn't look real....
Hands in pockets, some with hoodies covering both face, and body.
That one, yes, that guy over there, looking at a cap, has a brass knuckle on his fingers....Move Move, I quickly take steps by remaining on one side, and touching the shelf, and iron hangers from time to time----
What was with those weird strings on their pants? What purpose did they serve?
"Um, sir... are you looking for something?"
Fuck!
Just what I imagined. A female shop assistant comes over, not this...I can, I don't know how, but I can understand her wariness of me underneath a tight-lipped smile.
She has a brown ponytail.
"Men's...boys wear."
Why... It's like my words somehow incite her feelings of suspicion even further, because another one is coming over here.
Crap, she has called her allies!
This isn't going to end we--- If I keep dawdling around, she will call even more comrades, "Mr. you are in the wrong secti-----
She's writing something, a fine? What the hell is going on....
"Rem... what did yo---? Try on ladies underwear? You ought to do that sort
of thing at home."
"...Um. Wha---a black panty with see through end ribbons?"
Ichinose's face looks like she's doubting my psychology, 'disguise' openly examining, I am a fool.
I am very unhappy about this.
"Rem-kun has such interests. What am I going to do....phew, okay, do you want to choose one?"
She deliberately makes some room for me, to come over and check what type of design, cotton, wool, suits me better.....It even has bra's with some fake wooden cups given as extras with it, bust hiders too.
"You can't identify opposite sex by the size of their breasts."
O O !!!
"I didn't do anything, okay..."
But Ichinose's big figure approaches me, looking down on me imperiously with a sweet smile.
"Oh, you were waiting on your girlfriend, I see. Please take time."
As a result, suspicion fades from the shop assistants' eyes.
"No, that wasn't what I was doing at all..."
"You weren't? Then you really are a suspicious person..."
Her eyes fucking changed from orange to red! Did I make the wrong choice? Now she is on the offensive!
At this rate, I am going to be fine----
"Good lord...he's my boyfriend, Miss."
In an attempt to escape from shop assistants who are bursting into the scene, Ichinose lies through her teeth, pulling on my hand.
....That's all it took to ward them off.
These women leave. Just as you'd expect from a social expert.
"Making people back off is also my area of expertise."
"Yeah, I didn't expect you to sort out my predicament...."
She probably thinks I am perverted.
"I'm just showing my love. Just a normal person's initiative to show her good heart when faced wi--- My goal is to become a partner of justice!"
What Ichinose just declared is pure nonsense. There's no sign of truth on what she said, or deep emotions to it, unlike her words. Why mention 'normal' specifically?
But still can't be made sure whether Ichinose's words are true or not.
"Eh? So there are people who watch too many crime shows...."
I try to flash her a surprise look as if I have seen a rare chicken who is eating her own eggs.
"Yes, I repeat again, if you encounter any trouble, just come to me for help."
She will definitely laugh at me inside then, being kind on the outside, I just know it.
"Yeah...if there is a chance, maybe..."
No response, topic ends here, I guess.
There's a very very plain two piece bikini set, which looks way too innocent, and cute. Simply made for a true Angel.
"But somehow this is even more lewd...."
A light purple and white crop top with a slight translucent texture. Design includes frilly detailing along hem.
Upper section is more opaque white though, with lavender gradients and soft shadowy print.
A purple mini skirt with a white trim, with a bow tied at waist. Beach, summer....Glimpse of a lavender bikini bottom beneath the skirt.
"It's a complete set, two flowerpins?"
Staring at another deep turquoise bikini top with a halter-neck tie.
"Straps going around neck and back...."
Matching briefs tied with green and blue gradient strings at sides.
"Underrated...."
Next is a pair of two colours, Strapless bandeau-style bikini with layered frills....ruffles across the chest?
Light lavender-blue, with deeper accents on the edges of frills.
"It's like a doll...."
Dual-layer ruffle skirt, it looks micro but actually not. Pattern is also kept in mind with top to be consistent.
Second part of this pair, is actually a mix of goldy orange....."More revealing on the back side."
You can buy this one separately, but charges a little more extra....654 yen.
Both come in a deal of 1039 yen.
Two-piece Magenta bikini top with a cut and halter-style neck. It has white frill trim along top edge, part where it holds weight of bust....
Same with bottoms, white frill trim around the waistline. "Low-rise, a general standard from my norms...."
I actually take a Lingerie-style two-piece.
Light blue bra with lace trim and thin spaghetti straps, possibly a demi-cup.
It features a small scalloped lace pattern along the edges. Oooh, a dark navy bow tie for center of the chest, it says...you can wear it around neck.
A school uniform theme.
Check bottom out, light blue panties with same lace trim, going along towards the ass side.
Moderately revealing.
"It's tailored for a petite or medium body frame. Won't be for Ichinose. Small for her....."
Those eyes are really burning me now, stabbing needles.
Hello, Just using it to cover my personal dignity, nothing more....
Teehee, I got a little too invested?
Ichinose must have completely regarded me as a pervert with a terrible sexual fetish.
"...say, am I really that suspicious looking?"
I slowly turn my left to check her reaction, with a heavy expression on her face, her eyes are kinda dead, even worse than her soul floating.
She is not even pretending to be nice, you know....out of her own way of showing sympathy, "A lone male with Rem's facial hair passing comments. You will be regarded with suspicion either way...."
"How else would you describe then?"
"From what I saw, all boys here are part of a couple....."
Oh, I get it now. It's a girls/couples-only zone, just like photo booths of 400 yen she told me about on first floor while covering escalator part.
There is nothing I can do about it. But it's not like I don't have the guts to roam alone in places like that, I will still go, do or think whatever you want to about this.
"I have a pure intention to get past this barrier and not let it stop me."
The store itself is crawling with girls. If I am alone among them, it's not hard to imagine coping a heap of strange looks.
However, if men are not allowed, just mark it outside. If you don't, I am within my rights, can't stop me....
I will go take a peek.
Knowing you are in anime, not your real one, somehow makes me even bolder to act without having consider real consequences, or negatives....just you know go with flow, do what I want freely.
"Hold it right there."
"Huh?"
I turn around to see Ichinose closing in on me, her nose held high. Wait, was she hanging those two dresses all this time.....? A pocket dimension or what?
Indoor clothes.
It's a size medium. The top is a long-sleeve white t-shirt, cotton.
The neckline is a scoop, going to reveal her neck, cuffs and hem ribbed in a slightly tighter knit to keep the shape, white shade pure, creamy ivory.
It's marshmallow.
A high-waisted charcoal or grey skirt with transparent layers, outer with a soft pleated structure.
The design includes a ribbon or waist belt and gives a layered, stylish effect.
Ensuring modesty, skirt ending just above the knee....-flop-flop!-
Wiggling a pair of black sheer tights, I see to complete the look.
"Snake's skin...."
"Eh..? You mean me? Ayo, do your job properly."
The set includes a small tag indicating, 1700 yen (reduced to 1356 yen), but you need to buy tights with it, compulsory....458 yen.
"Take both. I mean right one too."
Realising that she has a very stupid look on her face, Ichinose attempts to hide it by swinging around. "I thought for certain you'd disapprove," she said at length, talking to the blue lingerie, underwater behind me.
Does she want to take it?
"I don't have any reason to refuse. What about you? I am not going to wear it. Ichinose needs to approve...."
She glares at me venomously. "Are you unhappy with this arrangement?"
"Not particularly, no."
"I-I see..." Ichinose looks frankly surprised, not to mention let down, "Well, I just wanted the belt..."
What the hell? Her words can't be trusted at all. What's all the point in filtering out two from rest?
Asking me opinions? It's worse than taking advice from a stranger....
Not having anything expected of you really takes a load off your mind though....
I mean, think of it this way. Wasn't turtle's box filled with all the evils along with hope of gold inside?
Made him old. Hope is evil.
"A green, off shoulder square neck with straps. Chest bow...blck st."
"What? That's too low."
'whoosh-whoosh!-a tiny steam puff comically escaping her ears, as she bounces on her toes?
"It's n-nothing. What about this one?"
Her right outfit is actually the same, just being half-sleeve, with a skirt now blue, more than light shade.
"This one should be very stretchable. Maroon has a sweater, I think, right?"
"With a shirt. I can wear in summer, but yeah with above, go for cold too."
---her lips curling into a triumphant grin, brows arching so high they nearly touch her hairline. "Yay, I have four lined up then. What about you?"
"I...well...I am in the process. Hhaa, why is this towel in your garments section?"
A pastel blue towel, made of lightweight cloth, for cooling down after workout, or wiping up sweat.
Plush & Absorbent, it's a promotional item? Comes wi----
"Included with set of garments you were holding earlier....hentai~~"
Her voice turns condescending instantly.
Eyebrows are furrowed in a rectangle way that suggests Ichinose's absolutely not pleased, but also not entirely sure how to deal with whatever absurdity is being unfolded.
Her pupils becoming balls.
You can almost 'hear' the internal monologue of "Good grief, Rem, what are you looking at now?" playing in our background.
I'm judging you and everything you stand for look, with just enough of a reddish tint to suggest a blush is trying to escape.
Betraying the fact that something has flustered her.
And her mouth? It's a perfectly inverted "V," a cartoonish exaggerated frown that's just begging fo.....
Those 3 vertical lines of bared teeth, though not quite a snarl, definitely convey a sense of "one more word and I swear to all that is holy..."
--- a silent threat.
She's got her arm bent, almost as if recoiling from something or preparing to deliver a light, chop.
I can also see those squiggly lines and bold characters on right, just flying in the air, practically a scream.....
Um, should I mention there are also school swimsuits hanging around, which feel even perver---indecent with such clothes here, in my opinion....?
'Khrrr! Zoooommmm----!'
"Hey, Ichinose what are they....?"
"Oven gloves. But size is too big."
"T....I mean that. It's moving."
"Nani ko---Um, it's a Muppet Mario doll waving his gloves to visit him...."
"Great. Super Mario bros exist. Have you played it? I bet one day they are going to make a movi----"
"Why do you always focus on weird stuff? No, I didn't play...."
"Hmm? What else then? I mean you were not always this big...."
"Oh shoo! There was a ball game in mother's, you need to save it from being popp----"
"That must be Ichinose's weak point."
"Meooww!"
"Why do you always make cat noises? That's an angry one, right?"
"Grrr. Dameyo."
Not only did Ichinose not let down my expectations, her steadfast guidance brings us to the level of mediocrity in men's section, I mean boys.
But I doubt any more items purchased, it will be my uncoming.
"Not much breath is left in my cart to survive in...."
It's getting shaky. Wobble, have to be more careful in handling.
Actually, our minutes here are just kinda going in a buzz, you know why...to my surprise, things are picking up smoothly in here....
World is now very simple, I am here in a familiar environment.
All it takes for people to assume a young boy and girl are dating, for us to walk together.
When shop assistants size me up
and find me lacking, all it takes for their suspicion to clear is for Ichinose to talk with my lips, I mean just being close in a range....
Like now.
"I'm fine thanks!"
Giving a smiley cheer from standing in front of me, she says to a male who is probably eyeing us from the moment we came here....
His probe gone, moves away.
Then our focus is back on selections with a serious eye.
When something would catch my attention from time to time, Ichinose would squish it sideways and stretch it vertically.
I think her basis for evaluating things is rather weird. She seems to be quite focused on men's apron, while me here who doesn't know anything about my new body's waist size....
Has actually picked up my trousers by examining it like a hawk from down to legs, using my school ones size as a trend to check what's good, and not be you know like swallow me, losing down without a tight belting.
Trick for boxers to----
"Rem, this way." I hear my name being called.
When I come over to her side in right, and...people blame us for always being 'horny.'
I am greeted with sight of Ichinose Honami in an apron. Thin, dark hue black, and when she wears it, gives off a cool air.
A cat's paw print is stitched onto the chest. The cord around Ichinose's waist is tied into a ribbon, emphasising her not so thin line.
She comes to my left so I don't have to focus too much, as her head and hips are turned....Ichinose also test how easy it is to move by abruptly performing a twirl in front of me, much like a waltz.
"How does it look?"
"You cord has come undone. It's swishing like a tail...."
"That's not what I am asking!"
She fiddles with her collar, cord and
sleeves, focusing on her outfit without looking at me at all.
"A mirror should be placed here...."
"Bakka! I meant how does it look on you, Mr. Rem-kun?"
"...what? I thought you are shopping it for yourself."
"Fluffy, cute, dark, it will make you happier is what I have imagined."
"Harsh, but true. I'm at a loss to react..."
Ichinose takes off the apron she has been wearing up till now and begins folding it carefully, "In that case, we are buying....."
As it goes inside my cart, her eyes fell on her next prey.
This time, she is... checking number of pockets and material it is made out of.
Yep, it is necessary to check the quality, soft very soft.
It needs to be very comfortable to the eyes just by a simple gaze, and makes me want to wear it daily, not just eating space in the cabinet.....
Inflammable material would be preferable.
What abomination is that.... Ichinose holds up a T-shirt, one small pocket on both sides, plus a big square shape too in the middle.
"Hell are you doing....?"
She is moving me arou---
"Fits. Fits. Turn back, I want to check your shoulder....Crap, big. One small will be perfect, I thi---yeah!"
"I..I am not looking to shove as much candy in it as possible...."
"You...you are not, that's very disturbing to hear."
What...? What----? Candies make her eyes go blank circles? Now I'm even starting to notice sheer geometry of her expressions.
No pupils, no focus, just white void.
It's like her brain is completely short-circuited, like Ichinose just heard something so bewildering or 'disappointing' that her operating system crashed.
That tiny 'o' her mouth makes, it's not even a gasp, just a silent, perfect circle of "huh?"
It's the kind of face that screams, 'I have no idea what's happening. I'm too overwhelmed.'
Speaking of geometry, what about her face shape? It's not soft oval or roundness you'd expect.
No, here, her jawline seems to flatten out, almost extending at sharper angles, making her entire...face appear a bit, you know wider.
More angular than usual. It's almost... hexagonal?
No, that's too strong, but it definitely has flattened quality that widens at cheeks before narrowing slightly to a more defined, almost squared-off chin.
It's like Ichinose herself has stiffened into this peculiar, almost rigid shape.
'caught-off-guard' structure.
Then you have background issues.
It's all wavy and blue, like Ichinose's underwater or something.
Not a nice, calm blue, but a swirling, slightly unsettling shade mix.
It's like very air around her is depressed! echoing her inner state.
And those little white teardrop things floating around? Are those... visible sighs?
Or maybe little bits of her sanity drifting away?
It's a visual gag, I know, but seeing it in person is just wild.
It's as if universe itself is agreeing with Ichinose, 'Yeah, this situation? It's a mess. Here, have some floating stress-tears.'
Honestly, every time she makes a face like this, I have to fight the urge to burst out laughing.
People's faces can morph into... whatever this is.
This world...I can feel my own sense of noticing stuff, people, voices around me are going away slowly, having it like... it's just only me and person I am talking to is visible.
Doesn't matter if others hear or not, same goes for vice versa. Unless, I actively don't go interacting with you, both what you are doing, your voice won't reach me.....
It's like how novel goes, I am changing by the second, and will probably lose this entire ability sooner.
Treating 'background characters' as air, like they are not important to me, and my world anymore.
It will be just conversation flowing, from one sentence to another, instead of me taking on everything...
I am losing the battle, war itself.
Checking what size Ichinose is picking up for now, I fool around which, ah this one is catching my eye, Vammp! Oh, Oh, Oh....so good, then next, yes black, with green strips, which is even better looking, and price....Doom!
It goes into my cart.
"Pink-san, let me tell you I really had no intention of buying an apron...."
"An impulse purchase, it is. That often happens when you go shoppin---hey, put blue on----what on earth?"
"We are even."
Ichinose opens her mouth to say something in retort, but stops halfway, glancing at my cart, then it's owner sideways....before whipping her eyes away to-----
Deep navy blue shirt. Long-sleeved, button-down. It's casual wear, with no visible patterns or logos.
Comes with innerwear, "Ha..aum."
She smiles 'kindly.'
"I am wearing it right now."
"Give me jacket, it will get dirty on the shelf...Fold the cuffs, don't button it. Hmm, it's okay. Let me check inner pocke---"
"Hey, Hey, what are you doin----Nothing weird going on here."
Ichinose's inside my shirt! I mean she's checking if there are pockets, and fabric is not going to be swea----
This is so embarrassing. I am trying to cover from onlookers using what pitiful blue cloth comes in my hand, wait should I not....? Is this giving opposite signals!
A person moves away from us, abandoning his silent game caset design innerwear to, "Ikemen, I hope they all perish...."
"If you're done. I am getting looks...."
"Sniff~~no bad smell. Okay, plus with your black t-shirt, with innerwear."
Sheis finally satisfied, and comes out of me...ah that's weird to put, maybe coming out of shirt?
Me, on the other hand, is busy trying to remain expressionless while women around us, glance 'warmly' in this direction.
"Oh my. To be in high school and in love again... How cute."
Mouths are not saying exactly, but you can make out their words just by 'sixth sense.'
Yes, I need to check what size fits me, but even for girls, Ichinose should have, I mean at least tried a few on her own in the changing room, right?
"What about you? Don't you need to try yours....?"
I ask her because I want to know how she functions exactly.
"Holdon...you just want to hear me getting 'undressed,' right?"
Staring at dirt. Ichinose folds the clothes in her hand nimbly, and puts it in my shopping cart, looking somewhat worried about my two pants durability.
"I've never picked out my trousers based on how worse material is going to be in a few years..."
"Don't underestimate protective powers of clothing! My world has completely gone blac---Look, your trousers, pajamas....Meow!"
"So what? I can say the same for your pink preference pajamas set."
"That's different. It comes with Santa cap. Kawaii! Hear, it's kawaa--!"
"Shall we move on to next place?"
"You are too biased for Muji--ehh, what...? But but, we didn't get your, um, Ooh..ayo..I mean yeah, boxers!"
"I have them. Loo---"
"Noooo! Where did this come from? How, you are a monster!"
"Don't cry like I have done shopping off screen. You get too invested in one cloth. So, I picked up...."
"Open this, I want to check material."
"I know my size. Thank you very much. I have matched it from above. Looks good."
Ichinose's very fussing about Uniqlo, a set includes black boxer briefs with a gray waistband, fabric it says ---- breathable cotton-elastane blend.
This even has a black innerwear, designed to fit snugly with under shirts. Asian boy wearing it, displays over in a macho position.....
Crink! Crin----
"Tear up the wrapper, you'll be the one paying for it."
Ichinose stops whatever harm she is doing to my selection of clothes, "But I heard theirs is very bad...."
"You just made it up on the spot."
Snatch....! Now boeing....goes to my cart, one more item finally done.
"Meoooooowwww."
"Oh, yes. Meow it is. Hehe."
I am actually not laughing, but said the words directly, and then a completely straight cold face after it.
T-shirt, shirt, trousers, boxers, pajamas. All done, get lost, we are not going to reveal what size....
Actually, I am very eager to visit plushie, there's something I want to buy which if I think is what it is....
Ichinose is probably dwelling on all the stretchy things she never got to do with boy's garments.
Her sigh is a deeper, more weary sigh than I have ever heard from her before.
"It's a pointless regret to have."
"Is it? You seem to be very eager for my peanuts."
She saw that?
"It's your imagination. Pls eat your specialities from vending machine."
"Sure? You don't want it? I don't have many left. I won't tolerate evil eye lat---"
"Fine, give it here."
Munch! Munch....
"Where is being grateful? Hmm. Talk about heartles-----"
Plushie Paradise - Hug Your Favorites!
As we turn a corner, a colorful display catches my eye-a plushie section, stuffed to the brim with adorable characters. Just what I am looking for....
That's enough to make me turn around.
"Oh my, that was quick."
"Well, it's just what you're thinking."
"I see," Ichinose answers indifferently, although her expression looked somewhat satisfied.
She seems happy over being right, "Still, I am surprised. To think you'd crazy over a 100 yen all dea----"
The shelves are packed with a variety of stuffed toys, from anime characters to animals, soft.....
I stop the cart, as her clinging to me also breaks a stop, I mean not like Ichinose has left me, and hurry back home or something....
She isn't that rude. But I think she has just readily accepted my enthusiasm to find something she likes....She did, I think, whatever, first gaze upon my treasure.
Where is it....? Did someone take her, or placed somewhere else?
I step closer to the display, scanning each plushie more detailed than the last.
There's a pikachu, high-quality soft fabric, black-and-yellow striped, complete with tiny wings....?
A wide current tail, mischievous grin stitched perfectly.
Next to it, a Doraemon, blue fur, round face, and bell collar, his drooling expression....you know while eating his 'cake'
A Panda Doll with a slightly worn look but still cuddly, a small bamboo shoot stitched into its paw.
What's this one? It says Perman?
Don't know.....Dressed in red helmet and blue suit, with a shiny cape.
"It's silky to touch...."
Further down, to match cinema, doing promo, a Godzilla, dark green with scales...scorching above, "Damn, it pokes...."
A roaring expression, its tail slightly weighted for balance. Available in DVD's on 23rd. "For your study desk, this is what I am not looking for...."
I don't want upward scary smile Teddy bears. Gives more of a sociopath, mass murderer to buyers.
Light brown with a red bow tie, "Fur is a bit rougher. Why do you have knife in your hands....?"
'Hello Kitty's Collectables.'
A dolphin shaped stone? What's that---Mugen Train's ticket? Holy gold, it's a selling merchandise, this looks fucking legit....with a cut stamp done.
Bottle Caps. 3870 yen, hehe, that's out of my...these must be pretty old, and not being sold anymore.
....This one is just an order bill from a place called Takeshiro restaurant, but I need 530 yen to take it home?
Oreo Remote Control, but there's no toy with it to play? It's a lost item, with just a remote made of Oreo design, you know that black, and white cream, same layers etc....
Red bus with wave pattern, 100 yen.
A plushie, not one I am---hey, what's this green can---metallic, plastic, I can't say for sure.
But it has a heart shaped butt design, pink colour.....green tip of a fruit? Can is not opened either, 100 yen. This one's definitely going on, too weird for me to pass on to someone else.
Yayyy! I see you now.
Nano Eiai Plushie, 200 yen, from The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You.
With her silver hair, fringes swept across the ride side of her you know forehead.
Hey, Hey, she has a very very serious, machine-like expression, but little tinges of red on her cheeks.
Those big crimson eyes, so long dark eyelashes going back, black work school uniform with green tie, white shirt under....tights!
It's perfectly stitched. Her face is so detailed, exactly like...Nano!
Glaring so deep into me.
I pick her up, turning over in my hands, fabric so squishy, "Nano's coming with us."
I mutter, placing her in the cart.
There's so quiet around me, what's Ichinose doi----what on asshole's schrodinger fuck...?
Her eyes are tightly squeezed shut, almost scrunched up into narrow, upward-curving arcs.....?
Eyebrows are deeply furrowed and drawn together, creating a distinct "V" shape between them? My god...
Vertical red lines on each of her cheeks.
Mouth is a small, tightly downturned arc, forming an inverted "U" or crescent shape. Is she holding back something.....?
Fingers interlocked or pressed firmly against each other, almost as if she's wringing or pressing them to her chest in an attempt to contain...
Words 'Hnnngh!!' floating directly above her head, enclosed in a white speech bubble.
Extreme cuteness overload, that's what it is right now. Cause small, stylized hearts (pink and red) are giggling around, "Bebee" like being alive!
To the left of her head, is a large, prominent, stylized sound effect, representing "Kyuuun"
(キュ〜〜〜〜ン) is visible to me naked.
"Doki. Doki---Muu! Kawaiiii--nee~~!"
A Panda themed handkerchief? That's what she's kawaaii--ng about so loud, and breaking reality?!
Her figure worries me.
"Kokanae loves it. We couldn't buy her merchandise. So, sewed...you know designs, I know it's not mu----"
"It must be worth it. Maybe you can send it to her somehow. Buy it."
"I can? Just school doesn't allow outside con---"
"Let's not worry about it for now."
"Two? One for me to remember?"
Raising it to hide her face in? Why is she even asking me that? It's your choice, if you want to...Do I even have any intention or right to refuse her, with her body vibrating or dancing in that manner.....her shape is oval now?
'Fwick~fwic----!'
Like Ichinose has accepted her 'fate', but secretly hopes I will say yes, otherwise, 'A goat ate my homework, I can't do anything about it.'
That's what situa----- describes for.
"...Two it is. Look at mine, I also have the same number. A butt can, Nano plush----"
I can imagine her smiling, a real one, behind this panda's brooding eyes that seems to tear into darkness of world?
It's claws showing it can cut through fabric of this handkerchief, and escape into the shopping mall, creating a bloodshed..... It's very eerie.
"It's Pan-san, not panda-kun. He won't kill us...."
"Why do you attach honorifics?"
"If Rem searches how much impact he makes, will understand why I did...."
"Spare me. I don't particularly want to play hide and seek with Winnies."
"What jelly? Repeat last one."
"Never mind. Can you stop hiding now? It's stupid talking to a----"
"Mou, Rem! Why her?"
Ichinose's cheeks now puff out with a whine, eyes narrowing as she glares at the plushie in my cart.
"Don't make fun of Nano. She's very intelligent."
I say as coldly as possible. Although, I don't know how to change your tone in this world, I am still adapting.
"Snort! You are going to hold it at night in sleep?"
"This has nothing to do with Ichinose."
She glances at the shelf again, her pout deepening, but her gaze softens as she scans rest of the display.
"Hmph... fine, but why not cinnamon roll? It says you can chew on it. Colour changes from yellow to red."
"It's not a toy but for oral practice."
"Hmmm?"
Ichinose flops two ears, with both fingers, a little curly tail peeking out, some violet sauce with a tiny strawberry embroidered on its belly.
"Ahem. It's not for you yet."
"You are talking funny. I am having this. Bill's on you."
"No, I mean why...? Hey, look there's an egg yolk crying, 'I'm too tired' in a nose bubble...."
"Where? Whe---Teehee~~Sorry, but we are done for today. For later, if you are still here...."
She's chatting with an egg, however going by her direction, when I focus a little to move there, I notice something peculiar, it's a book. Words are in English on the front cover.
LOLITA
Sunset road view, with a heart shaped glass frame placed alongside a book.
There's also a brown suitcase, written by Vladimir Nabokov.
~Innocence of Lolita's must not be harmed~
Turning on the next page, there's a Foreword para, words have already grabbed my attention, so naturally I couldn't help it, and read my thoughts.
"Lolita, or the Confession of a White Widowed Male," such were the two titles under which the writer of the present note received the strange pages it preambulates.
"Humbert Humbert," their author, had died in legal captivity, of coronary thrombosis, on November 16, 1952, a few days before his trial was scheduled to start. His lawyer, my good friend and relati-----
Flip! Flip!----Part One, here it it.
Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Holy shit....
Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth.
Lo. Lee. Ta.
She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks.
"Is he having an orgasm...?"
She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita.
"Hey, the fuck. Give it back, whoe---"
"Sorry, I won't have any of this nonsense."
Ichinose dismisses my plea, giving this, my book a nasty look as though it has been very rude to her.
"But this is good for learning the dark nature of society, morality, vict----"
"Your big words won't change my opinion. This explains your weirdne---"
"I am not strange."
I try to argue, protest sounds weak as soon as it leaves my mouth and makes it into the air between us.
Ichinose's lips quirked slightly, as she deciphers my mind going to wander into inappropriate territory once again, "Lolita, fire of my legs. I won't report you for now."
"Fire of my loins."
"Ah...yes. Girl-child lov---Mhmm. How could you do this to me, Rem?"
"Um....."
For the love of.... This once again. But somehow, it's ramped up. Public declaration of war waged by her facial muscles.
Eyes not just closed, but compressed into these horizontal slits, like tiny, furious paper cuts in her face.
Above them, skin is crinkled with those familiar, keyboard, horizontal hash marks, symbol for 'I'm about to explode.'
Emotional meltdown.
But the true piece here is her mouth.
It's not just pouting; but a grand, inflated bubble, a perfectly executed, symmetrical '2' shape, with a vertical curve line...distended with held-in rage or indignation maybe?
Ichinose's blown her cheeks out so wide, they look like two perfectly round, slightly bruised apples.
It's the kind of pout that could probably deflect beans of a watermelon....as small projectiles.
Pink blushes on her cheeks? They're not subtle; they're screaming with silent 'Warning....!'
...Her entire face shape has morphed into this puffed-up sphere. The jawline has completely vanished!
O O ?
To be real, it's just the bottom curve of a giant, adorable, yet utterly terrifying balloon!
Like one of those Nezuko's faces, which are now become common in anime's to display girls, so shorts become viral, making people scream they are so cute, adorable!
Her anger is so potent, I don't know what Ichinose eats exactly, but those red 'anger' symbols erupting from sides of the frame?
I open my mouth to say something, but don't even know what yet.
She takes a moment of vicious pleasure at the look of hurt that crosses my face, trying to slam feelings of guilt into me.
Her angelic halo shining brighter than ever to blind me, wash me, get rid of my evil----
"Your english is very good. I am truly shocked."
"Aren't you speaking it yourself?"
"I am not that great, and make mistakes while reading. Not fluent, I use a vocabulary book to get----"
"I can read it to you, Ichinose. So, how about we just add one more it---"
"For a moment, I thought you were very sweet. But, it's okay, won't happen again, right?"
She flutters her eyes at me 'cutely.' However, it confirms this girl is speaking her native, and for me getting translated.
Reverse for her. Me in mine's, but different for Ichinose.
"...I am tempted to say no. Buy or read it online when you are not looking."
"Don't panic, I will monitor you. Besides, look it says, narrator is unreliable....."
Almost glueing it to my face to rub on wounds, a note review provided by readers is attached here as a price tag.
My life is getting miserable by the second, because her just mentioning it makes me think it can help a lot to save myself from Kiyopon, so I try to find some console in my device.
Ichinose runs her hands through her own hair curls, fiddling, and trying to calm down the situation but it's really of no use to me.
The bluntness in her voice whenever she is talking in such order, 'helpful', all knowing tone, imposing what she likes and doesn't amazes me.
When I look at the time, it's 7'25 o'clock. Time has really flown, surprisingly. Here I have been planning to get shopping over with and scuttle back home straight away.
Do we have time to quickly go for Kurosaki's? Not with this luggage though....Are we above delivery limit?
I hope so. That's going to help a lot, so all we have to do is just take it from the dormitory manager lady.
"They'll look great with that top-grab them! Mow-mow!"
"....w-where is this from?"
"You really did shake. It's not that scary....Fuwa~~!"
"What? What?! Stop blowing into my ears, Ichinose. I will press charg---"
A teenage boy near a rack who is holding up a pair of sneakers, actually drops it to the ground for some reason, "These are sick, why do I have to eat dog food....?"
He just cursed us. His cap showing two big animated triangular eyes, and spitting red clouds.....entire figure seems to be getting big.
"I won't do anything, if you bring us to the cashier quickly....hurry, hurry."
Goodbye, My Lolita. For now...I will try to come back for you again.
"That sporty skirt looks so pretty, what a pit---what okay okay!"
I give her a glare to stop messing around, if I can't have what I am going for, no way I will let Ichinose do what she wants either.
Heading towards exit, or more precisely checkout counter to get our items billed after a long robbery of a day, I try to be as alert as possible.
Noticing each weird sound this cart makes, don't know but, I seem to be wobbling right and left in a motion, is it just me?
It's been four to five minutes or whatever since we exited dresses.
"Hey, Rem. What say you on school having these employees not as brand stores privately....?"
"Electricity. I don't have much idea about consumption, prices of such. So, it's better if you answer...."
"Thwlll~~Fine, traffic is not enough to cover. So, every purchase, service must be noted as school's expenses..."
"Fixed assets probably. But they are also spreading names to us. With reputation of this school...."
"Still with free toothbrush, band-aids, soaps, hair shampoo, 3 items per month. Are they just for reckless----"
I hope nothing bad happens, and we reach our destination safely without creating any scene of a spill over----Fuck.
"Hey, did we get cutlery?"
"Meow? Of course, I did. You are glimpsing on it now. Too slow...."
"What about floor wipes? I don't, yeah, yeah, shit there's not any here in my----"
"Ohyama's mop, that green box with wipes. Since you didn't like vacuum cleaner, I told a lady to bri----"
"Right....That bucket one. I see, arrow design or circular?"
"First obviously. Hai, hai. Rectangular shape, you see---wasn't there a vertical line pattern? It's for dusting."
"Are you talking about replacement?"
"Oishi....we are here. I feel like taking a swim, and getting lost for a year."
Her tone has changed drastically from before, so you know since I am hanging out this entire day with her, I obviously notice something wrong with expression.
As if thinking, dreaming something big and yummy, running around in a forest naked and not afraid.
"Hmmmm..." Ichinose groans softly, struggling very deep inside to peer her gaze away from what's ahead of us, she's having difficulties, "Rem, save me. I'm losing the rope..."
...Getting pulled by something only visible to herself. Eww, what's this on my shoulder... it's so goeey, "Hey, your drool is leaking! Control it, yo--move over, move ove----"
My opinion of Ichinose drops to the bottom because of what keeps happening.
But, there is no room for communication at all, this girl is not in her awake mode, just somehow, mechanically bringing us to some orange, red, greenish tower.....
"Ooohh, we all introduce each other?"
It's frightening!
"Ichinose, you are shameless."
"This is P-Pop, Almo choc, MunFei's. Me, I am Ichinose, this person, yes, sugoi him...here is Rem."
"....."
"State your name. We are talking. Not good to deny Hello Panda crackers!"
I can no longer see Ichinose in the same light ever again, pouring my working cells into what she's pointing at, I still just a little but try to imagine from her perspective.
Absolute Cinema.
The towering structure of orange, red, and greenish hues loomes ahead, if we go any closer, we might not even come back.
Ichinose's fevered imagination. What she's talking about must be stack of snack displays, but to her it can even be bigger than going Class A.
Her priorities. Above lighting is so polished, like they are deliberately, knowing shedding people's eyes, and attention to such mascot's piece.
Yes, by moving a little closer, you can see there's a figure with a hat down, in a circus type uniform, giving us a peek of what he hides, and showing off his treasure.
Three different layers of yellowish white glows intersecting on such display panel to choose from.
On my right, there's a posters hung on a pole, advertising limited-edition Kit Kat Chilli flavors and Ramune bottle?
Designs with kawaii just in a scream, their pink and blue popping against cream-colored stand.
Rhythmic 'beep-beep' of checkout scanners in the distance, blending with tap-tap of sneakers and haha-haha laughter....
Ichinose is a mess, her hair going wild as if medusa's snake or octopus tentacles, 'swish--swish!' getting ready for a long battle.
Uniform skirt riding up slightly with each frantic step.
Her eyes locked onto snack tower as if it is calling her name.
Drool glistened on her chin, drip-drip, a sticky trail that's already been smeared onto my shoulder during her earlier flailing.
"She leaks big." I mutter under my breath, brushing at the gooey spot on my jacket, 'wipe-wipe.'
Feral gremlin, but I have to stop us from dealing with the fallout, "Sugary empire...."
A vivid yellow bag of "Potato Chips - Consommé Punch" by Calbee.
The artwork is loud - a goofy potato mascot doing a victory pose, with thick black outlines and a party hat.
Bright red Japanese kanji shout out "コンソメパンチ!" and a burst effect behind it almost dares you to pick it up.
Ichinose's hands twitches, 'grab-grab', as she reaches for a red Hello Panda cracker box, "I..gon..hoard them. Double chocolate cream blend~♪"
I groan helpless of her making it a song, running a hand through my now messy hair.
"Ichinose, we are not equipped enough for this...."
Miini packs of various chips, I think?
I spot "Jagariko" in green and purple cups. One says "サラダ味" - salad flavor - with a cartoon giraffe kicking a soccer ball.....Okay.
It's just I get no response, Ichinose doesn't even flinch, her fingers almost reaching for it.
There is no reasoning with her-she in in some kind of snack-induced trance, mechanically dragging us deeper into her fantasy.
Suddenly, it makes me hyper aware of our actions, very bad situa-----
The other students around us are starting to notice, whispers cutting through in a narrow path, and stabbing directly into my ears.
Pigtails..... whoever she is, definitely nudging her friend, pointing at us, "Look at them, so shameless in public," she directly hissed, like we are a plague.
"She's all over him, ugh."
That girl has put down something brown back on the shelf, as if want to leave as soon as possible.
"Tch, some guys have all the luck. Why can't I find a girlfriend that clingy?"
What a gloomy bastard. This isn't going to end anytime soon-not with the sheer variety fueling her frenzy.
Calbee, Koikeya, Meiji, Lotte... it's a never-ending dilemma of 'temptation', and Ichinose is losing her shit.
"Okay, my cart can't take it. Neither yours."
I mutter, stepping forward. I reach out, and boop...cover her eyes from behind, clap-clap, blocking her view directly, "Ichinose, snap out of it. We're done here for today."
She immediately erupts into a fuss, her body squirming against mine, 'wiggle-wiggle.'
"Kyaa! I can't see. I can't---Rem-kun, nooo! Puni-pu! I need them! The snacks... they're calling me, meow!"
Her hands flailing, indignant, 'swat-swat,' Hey, stop that, she's trying to pry mine off.
Ichinose twist in my grip, her curves slightly pressing against me, 'squish-squish', her skirt dances...as she tries to break free.
For a moment, I almost have the urge to falter, but I am choosing to be brave.
"That's how I see it too, worse."
I say directly into her ears, sliding my arms around her stomach, in a circle while keeping distance to not touch her.
A little space between us, just enough to keep things decent.
Locking us from going further.
Ichinose directly kick her legs backward on my knees in a running plea to give her freedom back, "Ugh! Let me go, Rem! Mou! Squid jerky popsicles. I won't wave it on your face, and pretend it's a tentacle!"
"This. You were going to do what---"
Her palms not in formation of claws, and Ichinose turns her angry hands back to threaten me with a scratch...?
Blue, no white eyes. They are in shape of half moon now, with vampire like two fangs sticking out from her wide teeth.
"Man, she's wild."
"I'd kill for a girlfriend that passionate about snacks... or me."
A soda can, rolls it's eyes? Am I high, those plastic storage inside a refrigerator are talking to each other?
"Yeah, but look at him struggling. Poor dude's got his hands full."
I shot them a glare, my cheeks somehow burning which I don't understand myself for what reason.
"Remember Nato, soya, eel milk, tofu, onions, baby carrots? We gotta leave now. Look, this wheel is almost dying on me....!"
"You sound like you've cried over that before. Hmmph~~"
I feel like red lines are visible over my head too after her remark, so we glare at each other in a close distance, flashing defiance.....
"Puff. Puff. Matte---Buy me that candy outside, or I won't talk to you tomorrow...."
"Deal. Deal. Stop sulking. I know you are waning a lot...."
"They're so cute together, but...I wish my boyfriend would hold me like that."
"Yeah, but I'd die of embarrassment. They're practically making a scene. My cheese is melti----!"
I slid my hands off a little down.
"Bad, you're bad. Teasing my ears, it's very fluffy...."
Dragging her feet hazardly, Ichinose finally pulls cart again, so I relax a lot, and we somehow, just you know....
Whining, complaining all the while, 'meowing', how much of a bully who doesn't treat her, very fiscal, stomping on tiles below, oopss she's glancing ba----
"Owaaa! At least, let me see it disappear...."
I am standing between Ichinose, and her road to longing paradise.
The checkout area is a modern setup, with glossy three black counters and computer screens displaying itemized lists in crisp Japanese text, click-click.
"Choco Banana's better!"
"No way! Almond Crush is top tier!"
"Yeah, but he likes strawberry..."
People are already waiting for their numbers to buyout.
The scanners emitting a steady 'beep-beep' as students scan their hauls-Calbee chips, saucers, hair dryer, kitchen utensils, PEN bottles, piling up in reusable bags.
They look vinyl.
"Ne, ne~ Rem-kun, look at those blue goldy cookies...."
Ichinose points towards a mini pancake coo--- shaped like Doraemon's bell?
The packaging is baby blue, dotted with clouds, and the label read: 「ドラえもんふわふわパンケーキビスケット」-fluffy pancake biscuits with maple cream.
The bag has a Doraemon mascot with raised arms, cheeks stuffed, eyes trying to look innocent.
"Would you eat pancakes... from his pocket?"
"I'm... not sure what to say to that."
"Yes, Ichinose, I'll share it with you and maybe feed you a piece' is a good answer!"
"...You just want an excuse to go back and raid the store. Um, is that a tree you plant in your mouth?"
"Oh, that's Kinoko. Biscuit stem, it just tastes good with water. Don't ask me why, I just eat it...."
'Sports jersey' grabs three packs of UFO at once, "Practice is gonna be hell today... I need backup."
Are they plain noodles? Is he going to survive on that....never mind that, why are we waiting on a line? That counter is free, Hey, you guys, are you idiots not going to that one...?
Bullshit, "Ichinose. That person doesn't have any. Let's go...."
"Whe---no, no. We can't, Ayooo! It's bad luck. No. 4 is very unlucky."
Above this counter, a digital signboard flash promotions for Jagarico cups and Lotte Choco Pies, its red and yellow lights...
On greenish wall ahead, some posters, I think they are idols....? Holding red hearts, or teddy bears?
Above there is a black celing, white bold words on, English language....
Thank you for your Visit~~!
Sterile white desk area to list, and price our items bill. Um, isn't this suppose to be No.3 but stickers has No.4 written on it?
A doll figure of...says Moe-P, with a star handle wand, glittering sparkles?
Hey, it's that single light brown ponytail woman from earlier, so she works on Number 5 here? But, why is it empty, shouldn't you guys over there, yes, I am talking to you, want to go home? So come here!
Meh... anyway, good for us! Wait, a sec, did Ichinose say something? Probably irrelevant about just another chop stick she wants to ea-----
I park my cart on the side for her to check, same goes for Ichinose, but she kinda is making a funny face, as if awaiting for terrible things....
Hell is wrong with you now?
The cashier, very tired-looking, her name tag reads, "Okigawa Ryuko."
"Did you say something just now, Miss Pink-hair?"
Her voice is really cold, spot on violent tone, eyes braving towards Ichinose whose face on being 'caught' becomes stiff.
"Et---Eto, I was just..Um, yeah, I, well, just talking how Counter 3 is not her--"
"I changed it to 4. Is that a problem? If you do, go back to line over there."
Did we piss her off somehow for no reason? I am confused, we just came here...how a fight is already breaking out between those two?
I stare at Ichinose hard who seems very nervous about describing her problems once more, "Well, you know, it's c-common sense, I mean, Rem help me here!"
"I'm not with her. Please take care of our purchase. 4 is not an issue."
Ryuko Okigawa, the cashier, hums as if in approval, her attitude showing its been ages since one has come to her door.
While that buffoon over there mutters something about her mother not even serving her four pieces of sandwiches, and cut into mini's to avoid this.
It seems like superstition of 13.
"Yes, Customer. You won't die if you check out on 4. I don't believe such nonsense of geezy old man's."
'Beep! Beep! Scan-----!'
"Student ID's. Arigato...Freshmen, it'a your first day huh? Class B. Hmmm...."
"Is it special to be in such?" I ask what should be normal, well, she's scanning my ID, over the machine to register our goods.
"No."
Her response comes very fast. Plus, she's not scanning products one by one either, just with a beep of machine in a dryer shape, scans over 'two carts' and our items start to display in a total bill.
"We provide discount on becoming our members. I will recommend this, if you are planning to come he----"
Ichinose pulls out 5% off coupon for second-time shoppers, her fingers a bit wobbly, shaking...tremble with, I think drops of sweat flowing down from her brain to her neck, into her school dress...."Appply this to...our name, p-pweas! We, we share bill."
Ryuko doesn't even spare her a glance, and press onto keyboard making tiny adjustments.
The total flashes on screen:
¥24,525.
Beep! Beep! Two notification sounds rings out, each in both our notes, displaying pop-up to pay half the amount...first, I see, you need to approve it using phone, with a thumbprint as verification process.
"Summer Bargain pomo has already been applied. You can start now."
I press mine on it, just a matter of seconds, it starts to pick up and fill white circle around, recognising my data.
I can see Ichinose also doing the same process, I am done, what's her deal, is she thinking about using that of a high amount, changing position too...
"Hey, wipe it first."
"Oh. Oh, I totally for---Hai, so embarrassing. Teehhe~~yeah, press, okay. I am done. I have paid!"
Cheering like it's a very big deal, and you can finally relax, after running a marathon or something.....
Snort.... 12, 262.5 points? Not yen?
"Customer, you need to swipe your ID cards. That was just an approval."
She gives back our ID's, with a bad look on her face, as if dealing with amateurs, but her way of handing it back to Ichinose is a bit yeah, Ryuko has a bad opinion regarding her.
Her tone is very disapproving of pink 'strawberry' hair chan.
"Meow....."
You can also send a message, it's optional, Hmm, very handy, can something be done with this, okay, I have done my process too.
Swipe! Swipe!
Ding! Ding!~~~
Passing through the machine's narrow sensor, our payment finally goes without any difficulties.
I get several pop-up messages in a row on S-Mail, regarding my balance cutting down to exact decimal points, we don't have any topics of dealing with mini change.
"For your next shopping, you don't have to register here again." Ryuko pass us two slips with a smile that almost seems criminal on her face.
My receipt shows the price of each item and remaining amount of points. ¥86,479.5.
Smooth....I check it out just in case, you know, how a habit?
NasK 568 yen
Clogs 520 yen
RoCex 792 yen
Dove Beauty Bar, 95 yen
Cow Brand Milk 105 yen
Clinica Brush, 30 yen.
"We're keeping yen, not as points, both on products, and slips to prevent confusion among students."
I see, phone will display as points, but for services it's yen, 1 equal 1 anyway.
Since, yeah, it's a problem to change everything listed on products, for us students we just have to convert ourselves into points.
Will same go for restaurants, cafe's? Or listed as points in prices....?
Green Shisedo 257 yen
Perfect Whip, Medium, 200 yen
Enamel Pearl, 70 yen
SunStar Gum, 28 yen
Cat's paw apron, 780 yen
So, they are neither arranged in price order, or in the way we bought, I mean yean, Ryuko wouldn't have known that?
But still, I guess, not much of a big deal here....
Black T-Shirt with Green strips, Innerwear, 370 yen
Deep Navy Innerwear Set, 688 yen
Orange Band------
"Umm...."
Fingers brush mine, as payment slips is taken away from my causal grip, going into pocket of Ichinose's breast?
Jacket! Jacket!
"I will take it. Boys don't have to, let me Ichinose sort it out, and share it if you like? How about....?"
What a sweet hum, this makes me very curious, suspicious about her intentions.....did she buy something of extra price? Taking it, so I wouldn't know, I have shared money?
Of course, I am going to ask her righ---
"M-Miss Oki..Okigawa-san? I have question about delivery? We've got a lot here, and I'd rather not haul it all back to the dorm."
"Ah...yes. Weight is too much. Dorm isn't exactly close."
I kinda believe Ryuko and Ichinose are not talking about same 'weight.'
Just a feeling, I can be wrong too, don't mind me, 'Unreliable narrator.' Oh, how I miss not taking it bac----
"Same-day delivery. It's 500 yen for orders under 10,000 yen, and free for over that. However...."
"Miss? Are you going to charge us because of me...." Ichinose's eyes droop lower, making a sad face on purpose to get her infected with.....
It's not goin---Oyee, you girl? This Ryuko's face becomes normal, and kind looking, warmth spreading her entire body, as if bathing in glo-----
"Staff is not allowed to enter or know student's dorm. Unless, something needs to be installed."
"Like Television, Sofa's, Cabinet....not even by paying extra points?"
"Yes, so we can at most deliver to your dormitory manager in next twenty to thirty minutes. You have to carr----"
She hands Ichinose a new slip to write our names over, who does whatever, it's actually really neat, good looking, words, curly blue symbols flying across the page....
一ノ瀬保奈美
レム・ハハリ・九条
What's with the dots between my names? Like is she making typos....?
Ichinose Honami, Rem Hahari Kujou
What I can make out. Do you even realise how intricate it actually looks to have such to point designs, symbols, kanji, katakana....
It makes me wonder whether she has to think about how to, you know write like that, carefully first.
But it seems to be her natural flow, not wasting any time....
Ichinose tucks back, blue pen into her pocket inside that jacket of hers with a proud, "Fufun~~"
Her dreamy sigh makes you have an illusion of her doing something very great, and you need to praise or worship her for it.
"So, even rules are different for staff members? Do you also have like a guide book or similar?"
It's a very very plain, stupid question, right? But Ryuko's usual response speed actually delays a little, oh wait, at least she's moving her back to straight now, "Is there a problem with that? We also have guidelines to conduct ourselves in."
She says cooly, really awesome, avoiding what I am trying to ask, changing in a different narrative of being common rules....
Or maybe she didn't even consider I am trying to ask in that way of figuring out, 'if you also have a manual to follow, and not make up things on the spot.....'
Same for teachers, all kinds of scenarios, rules, are listed for them to handle situations based on previous experiences, 'what you can do with points.'
I think this should be in the rooftop scene, where Kiyo makes small talk with Chabs?
Thousands of detailed rules, some even teachers are not aware of, not allowed to reveal to us, they can even change with how time goes by.....
Items not revealed after or before certain conditions are met, plus for each and every one are different.
It's you know...this is all about finding gaps, I mean I can't severely injure someone, and use points to sweep it down under the rug, 'like buying your silence'
"It's really hard work for Miss Okigawa-san."
Ichinose compliments her directly, even nodding as if taking, inspiration from her, acknowledging so 'hard' with nods that makes you look 'cutely nice, good child.'
With manners. Of course, she didn't get the real point. If had, her class wouldn't be living in naive ideals of friendship poverty, especially with Kiyo's aim of balance.
Ichinose, not asking for anything in response, not caring whether, I mean, it's awkward to say it now, her just being horny.....Talk with Karuizawa, Amasawa, and everything.
'Busty-senpai.'
'I'm more about giving than receiving.'
"Arigatou gozaimasu. Your items will be delivered. Enjoy the rest of your evening."
After nodding, Ichinose comes back to pull on my left arm, interlocking once again with her right.
"Hai! I have a question. Miss said something about Class D? I mean, from what I understand...do they get less points than us?"
'Tug~Squea----'
She wants me to nod, and back up her words. Oopssie....
"I don't know about student matters."
"But...but, why especially Class D? He looked really helpless, angry, I mean to get a discount....?"
"Sun's getting to go down. You must have other things right? Are you perhaps a coupl----break curfew?"
After laying our orders, Ryuko focuses her eyes back on a wrapped sandwich in a cover, and finds how to remove its binding, have a little snack.
"You're not ans-"
"Ichinose, you want me to buy candies, right? How about we not make problems for Miss Oki----"
"Wait what?"
I know she wants to protest, but I stop her with the nudge of my finger on the back of... Ichinose who gives me a look of being a hostage.
"Ahahaha, you must be afraid of the dark, Pink-chan. Go buy your candies before...." This cashier just had to make it worse. What's her name again?
"Yes, we are afraid of toilet bound ghosts."
At this point, I start to move back up, Ichinose has also accepted her fate, I guess, but her face says....'What did I do to deserve such unwarranted punishment, I wonder?'
Just like the way we came here, motioning to head towards the exit glass door, "Why....my dignity is been reduced to atoms? Small pieces, she didn't give any real answer to the end....."
"Do you think she would have? Just want to know points of Class D, right? I can ask Kushida....."
A little bit of her stern look comes back when I mention her name.
Ichinose directly hangs the phone in her left palm in front of me, seeing if I make any reaction to it, "Do you not feel conscious guilt for me? No concern, or doubts....?"
"...what do you want me to say?"
"Ufff...Don't mean to tell." She grumbles under her breath, putting her device back where it came from, now using...both her hands to hold my arm, I mean elbow, clasping jacket into her fingers, "It's okay, right? Nothing was left in today's work...."
She looks at me for confirmation, while I try to adjust my next footing, noticing figures in front, "Is there someone ahead... should I move a bit more into side?"
"Na, I am taking care of this. You just move with me, Rem. Excuse us---excus---"
It doesn't work like this, you just acting on a traffic whistle, arrogant enough to think others are going to move just beca------
"Wow. I came here last year too. But there wasn't much in stock...."
"----hly rated works, even if they're sold at a 20-30% discount. Besides, I prefer to buy digital versio-----Hey, I am tal----oh, oh, I will move a bit....."
This person really moves his cart away, breaking up his chat with a friend for us to go through after Ichinose makes a little reque----
"Gomen--Gomen! Shuuuu, yay we are out from despair! I won. Haaa."
Glass doors slide open, sensor equipped, Thrrrr....Ac wants to blast us into 0' or what?! We both come out into cool evening, open air, it's getting a bit dark now, to be honest, we are actually still in Keyaki Mall's Floor 2.
Now in hallw-----
I thought it'd be black... but white, is she symbolizing purity? Good innocent view....
"E-eh?! Ewaoooo! Hmph... what are you staring at?!"
"What? What? Why did you scream?"
I am innocent.
"Hmph... so annoying! p-pervert~~!"
Ichinose's head snaps toward the opposite of me, in a sharp move, w-wha? escaping her lips as she kinda glares at the wall of some shop?
Her cheeks flushing deeper-blush... blush....? Her fingers tightening on myself-hitching with rapid haaa... haaa....
"Don't get so mad out of nowhere. It will make me think you need psycho treatment of lashi-----"
"Grrrr----"
Her voice just turned into a growl complete inert of what I just said, trying to shove her entire self backward two steps, but only end up pressing her hips into a violent jerk into mine, because of locking position.
Somehow this makes her 'cupcakes' madder, and wants to yell but can't...."Nothing good happens to me. Unfair. Waaa~"
I can 'see' the sky from here, it has a different vibe in terms of atmosphere, just the quality of air hits us in a new moon.
"Agree, we came out empty handed? Doesn't it you know....we just got our points depleted?"
"Cotton Candies!~! Buy me, buy me now I won't hear!"
Ichinose storms her foot.
xxxxxxx
Author's Note
I am back with Update! 😄