Amaris' POV
"Thank you, kindly," I said as I stepped out of the car. The driver gave me a small nod before leaving with a wave of his hand.
My gaze immediately drifted to the entrance of the mall. No sign of Kira yet. Without thinking, I slipped out my phone and opened the camera, tilting the screen toward myself. I fussed over tiny imperfections—fixing a strand of hair, tugging lightly at my sweater, shifting my shoulders for the best angle.
Realization struck me like a cold bucket of water. I froze, my own reflection glaring back in silent accusation. Huffing softly, I snapped the phone down to my side. I was not angry at the world, only at myself. Why was I doing this? Why, since earlier, did I keep repeating these little vanities? It was beginning to grate on my nerves.
And now… my stomach felt strange. Not pain—no. It was as if time itself fluttered within me, the seconds beating irregular wings in my chest. This is not the time, Amaris. Stop this at once. I scolded myself inwardly, willing composure back into my body.
"You don't need to do any of those, Amaris."
The voice startled me into stillness, my body locking as if I had been caught committing a crime. Heat rushed up my cheeks. Slowly, almost mechanically, I turned—and there she was. Kira, walking toward me, her smile bright and warm enough to stop my heart mid-beat.
"You're already flawless," she finished.
My face burned hotter. My body truly was acting abnormally. Why did her words sound so—unreasonably sincere?
I coughed lightly, desperate to cover the embarrassment twisting in my chest. "Why… thank you, Ms. Ford," I replied, attempting a smile. I quickly realized with horror that my voice carried the faintest tremor. Why does this keep happening to me?! I shouted inwardly. Everything about this—my reactions, my fluster, her smile—was baffling.
Kira only grinned brighter, then without hesitation, reached out and grabbed my hand. "Let's go."
My cheeks warmed anew at the sudden contact, but I nodded obediently and followed her inside.
We wandered aimlessly, speaking of trivialities—what had happened in school today, the little annoyances of classes. Yet beneath her smile, I noticed the furrow in her brow. I knew why. Of course I knew why. Earlier, the Rangers had been utterly overwhelmed by Trent's alter ego.
But I forced myself to set that thought aside. This was not the time for heavy burdens—nor for… other distracting thoughts that had begun to cloud my mind.
As we walked, a bookstore appeared in our path. My feet slowed instinctively. I could not help but glance at it longingly.
"Do you want to check it out first?" Kira asked gently.
I turned to her, and for a moment, the gentle curve of her smile blinded me more than any display window light could. My chest constricted. But still, I shook my head softly. "I appreciate it, Ms. Ford. However, I intend to follow wherever you choose to go. Please decide on something that pleases you."
Her eyes curved with delight. "Well then… I want to go to the bookstore. Let's go!"
Before I could respond, she clasped my hand and pulled me along.
Taken aback, I stumbled slightly but let myself be led. The shelves rose around us, mountains of books in every direction.
"Kinda reminds me of our first hangout," Kira said lightly.
I smiled, remembering vividly—me lost in poetry, her sitting beside me with quiet patience.
As if drawn by fate, my hand once again found a book of poems. Kira, on the other hand, chose… a dictionary.
I blinked, staring at her choice. "…"
"What?" she asked defensively, catching my stare. "I need to improve my vocabulary to make songs suited for you, Lady Amaris." Her tone was mock-serious, but laughter bubbled from her lips.
I laughed with her, shaking my head. "And why would the esteemed Lady Ford compose a song about this humble lady?" I teased gently, smiling.
Her expression froze for a beat, then she laughed—though awkwardly, with a nervous edge. I did not press. Instead, I headed to the reading area, and she followed faithfully.
"W-well," she tried again, "who wouldn't write a s-song about you, distinguished lady?" Her stuttering only made me laugh more warmly.
After a few more gentle teases, we settled into a quiet rhythm, reading side by side. The silence was not awkward. It was… comforting.
My eyes caught on a line, and without realizing, I read aloud:
"For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the most difficult of all our tasks."
"Huh?" Kira looked up.
"Nothing," I murmured. "Only that… I agree with this line."
"Really? How so?" she asked, puzzled.
I fiddled with my hands, words slipping out softer than I intended. "Love… is frightening. It requires surrender. To give one's heart without pretense, without secrets… to be utterly vulnerable before another. That is terrifying. Yet…" I lifted my gaze, locking with hers. Her eyes brimmed with empathy, and my pulse leapt alarmingly. "…with specific people, like you, for example—I do not find it uncomfortable."
A small smile touched my lips.
Kira froze, her cheeks blooming pink. She blinked rapidly, words catching in her throat. "I—is that a confession?"
Confused, I tilted my head. "Yes. I am confessing that I feel comfortable in your presence, Ms. Ford."
Her face buried instantly behind the book, muffling a groan.
"Eh? Is something the matter, Ms. Ford?" I asked, worry prickling. "Are you unwell? Should I escort you to the hospital?"
Panicked, I set my book aside and patted her back gently.
"N-no! Nothing's wrong! I just…" she trailed off, her voice flustered. Then, in a quieter rush, "I'm just tired from walking." She smiled nervously.
I nodded, though concern lingered. "Still, if ever something troubles you, please do not hesitate to tell me. I would rather know than remain ignorant."
She nodded quickly, urging me back to reading. Yet from the corner of my eye, I caught her shifting expressions, changing every few moments. Was she truly fine?
Eventually, we left the bookstore without mishap. "We could have remained longer, Ms. Ford," I said softly.
"It's fine, Amaris. I was… lying earlier." She scratched her cheek awkwardly. "It wasn't the walking. It was just… too hot, so…"
I blinked, then nodded slowly. "Ah. Turning pink from heat is not unheard of."
We moved on, stumbling upon an ice cream parlor. I ordered lavender honey, naturally. She chose mango.
"Classic Amaris and her lavender food," Kira teased.
I laughed lightly. "And classic Ms. Ford and her fruity flavors."
She chuckled, and soon we were both laughing together.
From there, the day stretched sweetly—an arcade, a CD shop, dinner shared without pretense. At last, our feet carried us into an instrument store.
I noticed Kira's gaze fix on a particular guitar. Without thought, I caught her hand and tugged her inside.
She yelped softly but followed, surprised.
"Please select one you favor," I urged.
Her head shook firmly. "No way. Guitars are expensive, and I already have one."
Undeterred, I turned to the clerk. "Excuse me. Might you kindly guide us toward a guitar best suited to her?" I gestured toward Kira.
"Amar—" Kira began, but I cut her short, gently pulling her along.
The clerk presented several, but one stood apart. Blonde maple with natural gloss, subtle inlays gleaming like quiet sunlight.
It was… her. Bright, warm, elegant without trying.
"This one," I said. "What is it called?"
"The Taylor 614ce Maple Grand Auditorium, miss."
Kira exhaled sharply. "That's expensive, Amaris!"
I smiled serenely at her, then at the clerk. "This one, please."
Kira flailed in protest. "You didn't need to! Why—"
"Have you ever played this model before, Ms. Ford?" I asked calmly.
She blinked, confused, then nodded.
"Was it comfortable? Did you enjoy it?"
"Yes, but—"
"Then it is settled." Relief washed me. She had played it before—proof that it suited her.
She stared at me, utterly puzzled. "…Why?"
I smiled gently. "It is a secret." And before she could argue, I hurried off to finalize the purchase.
"Amaris! Wait!"
By the time she caught up, the process was nearly finished. The clerk handed her the guitar for adjustments, and she could do nothing but comply.
When we finally left, the guitar secured in its case, Kira sighed heavily. "Really, Amaris…"
I smiled innocently.
"Seriously, I don't even know why you did that."
I folded my hands behind my back, my smile soft. "No reason. I merely wished for you to always remember me whenever you play music." The words left my lips, and instantly, inwardly, I cringed. I am an absolute fool.
I tried to walk ahead, pretending nothing happened.
But then, her voice caught me. Soft, quiet, yet loud enough to shake me.
"Even if you hadn't bought me a guitar… I'd still always think of you."
My entire body heated, my face blazing from cheek to neck. Her words left me stunned, my heart hammering like wild wings.