In the fitting room, Hikigaya stared at his dead fish eyes reflected in the mirror. His slightly hunched shoulders and black trench coat made him look like a washed-up pianist on his last legs.
"So, trench coats don't suit me," he muttered helplessly. Was Juke trying to make him wear a trench coat just to laugh at him? That would be too much.
Hikigaya walked out of the fitting room, feeling uneasy, only to find Juke standing in front of the wool display cabinet, her white chin resting thoughtfully on her hand. Seeing her so serious about choosing clothes for him made Hikigaya feel a little guilty. Maybe he was overthinking things.
Although Juke had a terrible personality, she was actually trying to help him. But still, he just didn't suit trench coats.
"Uh…" Hikigaya began hesitantly.
Hearing his voice, Juke turned her head slightly and then burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Hikigaya, you look like some starving Western blood-railer who hasn't eaten in weeks."
Retract the compliment. This girl was going overboard.
"I've been told I don't suit trench coats," Hikigaya grumbled, starting to take the coat off. But Juke quickly stopped him.
"Wait, wait. Straighten your back first and show me."
"What's the point?" Despite his complaint, Hikigaya reluctantly straightened his back.
"That's much better." Juke eyed him up and down before nodding. "Well… the eyes are still lifeless, but now you look like a private detective who hasn't had a case in months."
"What's the difference?"
Hikigaya sighed. He couldn't tell the difference at all. But if he'd at least evolved into an adult detective, that was some progress, right?
"At least it's better than before. Come with me."
"Hey, what—?"
Before he could react, Juke grabbed his wrist and dragged him toward the fitting mirror.
"Squat down a bit. Let me see."
"What is this even for?" Hikigaya grumbled as he half-bent his knees. Suddenly, he felt a pair of cool, soft hands cover his forehead.
"Uh? What are you doing?"
"Don't move. I'm trying to see if trimming your hair would make you look more… presentable. It'd give you a brighter appearance," Juke replied, her body lightly pressed against his arm.
Hikigaya was speechless. Was this really necessary for just picking out an outfit? This girl took shopping seriously.
"Alright." Juke released her hands and picked up a white turtleneck sweater and black jeans.
"Try these on next."
"Still more?" Hikigaya sighed but was quickly pushed back into the fitting room.
He looked at the sweater and jeans in his hands, feeling his head ache. All he wanted was a simple down jacket. This was getting ridiculous. But after trying on so many things, if he didn't buy something, he'd feel bad for the store staff.
Shopping with girls really was a nightmare.
Hikigaya changed into the new outfit and straightened his back in front of the mirror. The white sweater and black jeans under the trench coat made him look surprisingly refined, despite his dead fish eyes.
Not bad.
Maybe his eyes were part of his unique charm. Yeah, that was it—personality! Hikigaya gestured confidently in front of the mirror, feeling quite satisfied. Maybe the trench coat wasn't so bad after all.
But then he looked at the price tag and nearly cried.
He exited the fitting room to see Juke waiting with a playful smile.
"Took you long enough. How is it?"
"Uh… It's fine, I guess." Hikigaya blushed, feeling embarrassed by his own narcissism.
"Be honest. You were probably checking yourself out in the mirror just now, right?" Juke smirked.
"Were you spying on me?" Hikigaya's face flushed.
"No, but it took you forever. Anyway, if you're satisfied, let's move on."
"Eh?" Hikigaya looked puzzled. "This set is fine. I'll just get this one."
"What? You can't just buy one set of clothes! You need at least two more, right?"
Juke tried to pull him along again, but Hikigaya shook his head.
"No, I wear my school uniform most of the time, and I rarely go out on holidays. One outfit is enough."
"Then at least try on more clothes before deciding."
"Nope. This one is good. I like this one. Can we please just buy this and be done?" Hikigaya insisted.
"Fine." Juke's tone sounded a little disappointed.
Hikigaya returned to the fitting room, changed back, and went to the register with Juke.
"Your total is 12,500 points. For an additional 500 points, we offer a delivery service. Would you like that?"
Hikigaya nearly choked. "Uh, no thanks."
He paid the points, his heart aching at the cost. So expensive. Was this what people called "brand superiority"? Just having English letters on it doubled the price. Ridiculous.
After settling the bill, the trench coat he'd just bought started looking uglier by the second.
Stupid store. Never coming here again.
They headed to a pajama shop next, where Hikigaya made his choice in under two minutes. Efficiency!
"It's almost noon," Juke noted, checking her phone.
"Then I'll get going." Hikigaya turned to leave, planning to reward himself.
"Hey, wait." Juke grabbed his wrist with a mischievous grin. "Hikigaya, treat me to lunch."
"Uh, what?" Hikigaya stared at her blankly. "Why should I? I thought you wanted dessert or something."
"Come on, I helped you choose your outfit for so long. Isn't a lunch treat fair?"
Hikigaya hesitated but eventually nodded. "Fine. Let's go."
They ended up at a place called Kokuraya, famous for its eel rice.
"Let's eat." They clasped their hands together and dug in.
"Delicious~" Juke's eyes sparkled with delight.
Seeing her happy made Hikigaya smile. "Good to hear."
"By the way, if you hadn't run into me, what were you planning to do today?" Juke asked between bites.
"Just buy some clothes, watch a movie, grab lunch, and then head back to the dorm."
"Oh! Then let's watch a movie after this! My treat this time." Juke beamed.
Hikigaya agreed without hesitation. Free entertainment was a rare gift.
At the checkout, he looked at the receipt: 8,200 points for two meals.
He'd made 150,000 points yesterday and already spent 20,000. Money really did fly away when you spent it.