"It's only a little past seven; do you want to explore Tokyo a bit?"
Kasumigaoka Touji glanced at his watch and made the casual suggestion, hoping to stretch the evening out just a little longer.
"Hmm... let's walk around a bit, it'll help us digest," Kasumigaoka Airi said with a gentle clap of her hands, clearly energized by the idea. She turned to the two teens following behind, smiling. "What about you two?"
"I'm fine with anything," Kasumigaoka Utaha replied, her usual calm expression never faltering.
"Same here," Touji nodded. "Where should we go?"
"How about the shopping street in Shinjuku?" Kasumigaoka Eiji, ever decisive, proposed a destination.
"Sounds good to me."
Thus, the family of four piled back into the car and set off toward the vibrant streets of Shinjuku.
...
"Let's stop here. It'll be hard to drive any further in."
As they neared the district, the congestion of both vehicles and pedestrians increased dramatically.
"Yeah, finding a parking spot ahead would be a nightmare," Touji added, looking out at the busy streets.
Eiji nodded in agreement. "Exactly."
The family parked about 150 meters from the shopping street and chose to walk the rest of the way. The evening air was crisp, filled with chatter and laughter from the surrounding crowd. Neon lights shimmered on shop signs, casting a warm, festive glow.
Of the four, Kasumigaoka Airi was visibly the most energized.
"Is there anything you want to get?" she asked, eyes gleaming with the thrill of retail.
"Nothing in particular," Touji answered, glancing toward Utaha. "What about you, Utaha?"
"No," she shook her head simply.
"Then let's get both of you some new spring clothes! It's a new season, and neither of you have updated your wardrobes yet," Airi announced decisively.
"Ehh?" Touji and Utaha exchanged mutual expressions of dread.
Then, in perfect unison, they pointed at each other and declared:
"Let's buy for Utaha (Otouto-kun) first!"
Airi pinched the bridge of her nose. "You two..."
Glancing at Eiji, who was calmly standing by, she sighed.
Mystery solved. These two definitely took after their father.
"Alright then, let's check out Uniqlo first."
Conveniently, there was a Uniqlo nearby. With a motherly determination, Airi guided her two reluctant children inside, practically pushing them along.
Since the first floor was men's wear, Touji had no way to escape.
Airi handed him a few coordinated pieces to try on, while Utaha, surprisingly invested, pulled together a few stylish outfits herself.
"She's way too enthusiastic about this..." Touji grumbled internally.
He swore to repay her enthusiasm with interest—one way or another.
...
After trying on clothes for over half an hour, Touji was beginning to suffer. His naturally good looks meant everything looked good on him, making the process even more grueling. Airi, in full-on mom-mode, was preparing to drag him to more shops for comparison.
Panicking, Touji hastily picked a set he claimed to love and clutched it like a lifeline.
Airi narrowed her eyes knowingly but nodded in approval.
They moved up to the second floor for women's clothing.
Intent on returning the favor, Touji selected a stylish outfit from a mannequin for Utaha:
A white mock-neck T-shirt, a red plaid hip-hugging skirt, and a light brown jacket to top it off.
"Try this on," he said, handing the set to her.
Utaha looked from the clothes to the mannequin and raised an eyebrow.
"You seriously just picked what the mannequin's wearing? Your sense of fashion is tragic."
"Hey, this looks good, okay? Plus, mannequins are styled by professionals!"
He gave a smug grin. "Besides, I plan on picking a few more killer combos for you."
Rolling her eyes, Utaha walked off toward the fitting room, her expression clearly saying, 'You're such a pain.'
But inside... she didn't hate it.
Touji, meanwhile, browsed the area and spotted a trending "Blue Enchantress" stepmother dress on display. He hesitated.
With their parents around, suggesting Utaha wear something that bold might be pushing it.
"Tch... what a shame."
Instead, he busied himself selecting another outfit.
Airi, for once, didn't interfere. She simply watched her children with a serene, slightly mischievous smile.
Then came the soft click of the fitting room door opening.
Kasumigaoka Utaha stepped out, drawing a hush over the surrounding area.
"Eh? Is she a model?"
"Wow... is she an idol?"
The murmurs of admiration drifted through the air.
Touji turned at the sound and momentarily froze.
The snug white mock-neck top hugged Utaha's figure, perfectly outlining her curves and narrow waist. The red-and-black plaid skirt clung tightly to her hips, accentuating her long legs. The brown jacket added a layer of mature sophistication, balancing the look.
She looked effortlessly chic—stylish, poised, and breathtakingly beautiful.
"Perfect. It suits you so well," Touji said, trying hard not to reach for his phone to take a photo.
Airi stepped forward and nodded approvingly. "So elegant! You look like you walked out of a fashion magazine."
Touji handed her the next outfit with a grin.
"Try this one too. We're just getting started."
Utaha took it wordlessly but with the tiniest upward curve at the corner of her lips.
Maybe shopping wasn't such a pain after all.
...