Shinrabansho: Myriad Souls

2.53: Shopping, Steam, and Soft Confessions

Outside the theatre, the shopping center swallowed us whole in a wash of light and sound.

Cool air brushed my skin, carrying the mingled scents of perfume, sugar, and fried food drifting in from deeper inside replacing the smell of popcorn and soda. Voices overlapped everywhere, laughter and music spilling from storefronts, announcements echoing faintly overhead. The polished floor reflected everything back at us in soft, distorted streaks, like the world had been smeared just a little beneath us, a hazy version of the world.

Aoi squeezed my hand.

We’re dating… And it’s been going more amazing than I imagined!

“That movie was great!” I said, my emotions bubbling inside me excitedly.

DOKI

“It sure was.” Aoi squeezed my hand, looking around. There were crowds of people of all ages milling in both directions. “It sure is busy,” Aoi said with amused eyes. “Not nearly private enough for my tastes… but we’ll get by, won’t we, Susu?”

“Yeah,” I murmured. “But we weren’t alone in the park either and we still kissed. You even licked my cheek with so many people staring at us.” I noted, squeezing her hand back with a soft smile.

“True.” She giggled softly. “It doesn’t matter what others think about us. We’ll never know who they are, and they won’t know who we are.”

I nodded, letting out a small laugh. “It’s hard not to care… but I feel that way too.”

My thoughts drifted back to the way I’d pressed against Aoi when she was pedaling my bike, to how I’d stopped caring if anyone saw my panties with my dress skirt fluttering in the wind. All that mattered in that moment was her. Her warmth. Aoi-chan.

Aoi smiled at me as we walked together at a leisurely pace, our fingers loosely entwined, letting the flow of people guide us forward. My eyes wandered over the storefronts as we passed, seeing rows of videos, some shops still advertising VHS tapes for some strange reason, clothing stores filled with a variety of clothes in color, style and texture, accessories glittering under warm lights.

And then I saw what I subconsciously knew would be here.

A familiar store that tickled my memories.

My breath caught just a little.

It wasn’t anything special from the outside, with soft pastel signage, glass displays filled with ribbons, clips, necklaces, neatly folded scarves and more. But the instant I recognized it, memories surfaced all at once.

Standing here with my mother. Fingering fabrics together, gently arguing over which colors and styles suited me best. Back then, I’d been trying to decide who I wanted to be like everyone did in middle school.

I slowed.

Aoi noticed immediately. “Hm?”

“That store,” I said quietly. “I… used to come here a lot since I was a little girl.”

She followed my gaze, then smiled, one eyebrow lifting with quiet interest. “Want to go in and have a look?”

DOKI

For a split second, doubt flickered through me.

Am I projecting something onto her with this gift? … That’s bad if so. She’s perfect as she is.

…

What if I’m trying to mold her into something I want instead of loving her as she is? What if this gift idea is really selfish?

I swallowed, my fingers tightening around hers before nodding. “Y-yeah. If it goes badly, we can go somewhere else.”

Inside, the air felt softer somehow. Gentle music played overhead. Displays were arranged like tiny, self-contained worlds. There were mirrors framed with flowers, velvet trays of earrings, shelves of hair accessories organized by color and style, each one catching the light just enough to feel special.

Aoi wandered immediately, curiosity written all over her face.

“Oof,” she said, lifting a frilly top and squinting at it. “This looks like something that’d make you attack me if I put it on.”

I giggled. “In what sense?”

Aoi laughed with me, holding it up against herself. “Hmm… hard to say. Do you think if I wore this, it’d excite you?”

I gasped, heat rushing to my face.

“It’s just frilly, no big deal,” I said quickly, looking away. “It’s not as though it was lingerie or anything like that…”

“No, I mean, is this how you’d like me to look?” Aoi teased.

“No… you’re perfect the way you are,” I said, without hesitation, touching her cheek with a serious expression.

Aoi smiled, satisfied. “Good. It’s too cute for my tastes.” She glanced at the top again. “I could see you wearing it, though.”

I nodded. “Yeah… But we’re not shopping for me.”

“Oh… I see!” Aoi giggled as she hung it back on the rack, and we moved on together.

We drifted down the aisle, laughing quietly, teasing each other about more outfits, some as cute as the first, some aggressively cursed, things that neither of us would ever wear. She pointed out things she liked too, wrinkling her nose at others, and every so often our shoulders brushed. Her thumb traced idle circles against my knuckles whenever we held hands, absentminded and intimate, like she’d forgotten there was a world beyond us.

My eyes fell on a dress hanging nearby. “I could see you wearing something sexy like that,” I said casually. “Something classy and jaw-dropping.” 

She glanced at me sideways and at the dress I was looking at. It was breezy, patterned with soft green leaves. It would look amazing on her. It was also very much outside my price range.

Aoi studied it for a long moment, then smiled. “It’d look much better on you. It’s green like your eyes.” She paused, then added lightly, “Before you ask, I can’t afford to buy it for you. I’m sorry.” She clapped her hands together sincerely.

“That’s not why I was looking at it,” I said, my cheeks heating. “But… you were probably right. If it was black or blue, it’d suit you way more.”

“I know that you were thinking about me.” She shook her head. “Clothes like that aren’t necessary for me, anyway.” She touched the dress with twisted lips. “They’re just a means to an end, not actually my style. There was a time when I wore something like this. I only tried to look stylish for the sake of my… future… and what I was trying to achieve.” She drew her hand away from the dress and as her eyes rested on me, her voice dipped, going from a faraway tone to something more playful. “If I wanted to go all out seducing you, I’d dress like that.”

She leaned in close… far too close.

I froze, heat rushing up my neck.

DOKI-DOKI

“P-probably a knockout…” I mumbled.

Aoi giggled, bright and delighted, and I couldn’t help giggling with her, the sound bubbling up.

Eventually, we reached the hair accessories that I was looking for.

I hope she doesn’t reject my idea. Now I’m not so sure that this is right for her, but I’m happy to give her anything she actually wants.

My heart started pounding and my hands got a little sweaty now that we were here.

Ribbons of every color lined the shelves. Soft pastels, bold primaries, delicate lace, sturdy fabric bows meant to hold through movement.

“You’re surprisingly feminine, Susu,” Aoi said, winking.

“Ahhh… thanks…” I fidgeted, looking away, and then I froze as I spotted it.

Steel blue.

It was just the right color. My breath caught.

It wasn’t flashy. Not overly frilly. Made of strong fabric. Just enough softness at the edges to keep it from feeling severe. The exact shade echoed her eyes so perfectly it felt intentional, like it had been waiting there for her.

I didn’t reach for it.

Not yet.

Instead, I turned to look at her.

“Aoi-chan…” My voice wobbled despite myself. “Do you… hate the idea of looking just a little girly?”

She blinked, genuinely surprised by the question.

“Do you want me to dress more girly?” Aoi asked, tilting her head, thoughtful rather than defensive.

“No.” I shook my head immediately, heat rushing to my face. “I love you exactly as you are… for who you are.”

Aoi studied me for a second, then smirked. “I’m glad. If you’re not trying to soften my image, why are we here?”

“…Um…” I rushed on before I could chicken out, my cheeks burning. “Yesterday. On the rooftop. I was just… looking at you like always, and I thought about something that would suit you. That’s all.” My words tangled up on my tongue. “But if you don’t want what I want to give you, we can find something else. I don’t want to—I mean—”

DOKI

She smiled softly, warm and unguarded in a way that made my chest ache.

“I don’t mind,” she said gently. “Show me what you were thinking.”

“I just…” I swallowed hard. “I hope I’m not trying to change you in any way. You really are perfect the way you are.”

Her cheeks pinked.

“I’ll wear whatever you want,” she said lightly, teasing, but her eyes were loving and sincere.

My brain blue-screened. 

Aoi… wearing—

Linger—

NO! NO! STOP!!!

“Did you think of something fun just now?” she asked, clearly amused.

“Nooooo!” I squeaked, my face blazing hot.

She laughed, delighted, the sound bright and unguarded.

I was definitely overthinking her offer. “M-May I?”

She leaned closer, her voice dropping, playful and dangerous. “Do whatever you want to me.”

WAHHHH—Kyaaaaa—

I covered my face. Those words stuck in my mind. 

Do whatever you want to me…

“Eeeeeee…”

I physically stalled, literally freezing. My body locked up like my brain had been unplugged.

Aoi patted my back gently. “Hey. Earth to Susu.”

I was gone. Completely.

She sighed fondly… and then kissed me. Not a quick peck, completely unrushed.

Warm and loving, her lips pressing into mine until my scattered thoughts snapped back into place, gravity reasserting itself. I breathed her in, steadied by her, pressed into the row of ribbons behind me, my legs trembling.

“You’re too adorable,” she murmured against my mouth. “I just can’t hold back with you.”

DOKI-DOKI

After a long moment, I finally gathered enough of myself to move, my hands still trembling. I looked around, feeling a little disoriented, but my eyes latched onto the ribbon. It was right next to me with the rack rods poking into my back. I gently lifted it from the rod it was hanging off of.

Her eyes fastened onto it thoughtfully. She licked her lips as I reached up to tie it in her hair.

But then, abruptly—she knelt in front of me.

It was so sudden I sucked in a breath. It was almost like she was proposing to me. Or maybe like I was some kind of queen about to knight her.

DOKI-DOKI

I stared at her for a heartbeat, my chest feeling tight, then gently gathered her ponytail in my hands. I wrapped the ribbon carefully around it, my fingers strangely precise despite the shaking, tying it into a neat, full bow.

When I finished, she touched it lightly.

Her eyes softened.

“Let’s find a mirror. Will you hold me from behind while I look?” she asked.

My heart tried to escape my chest.

“I… yes.”

She took my hand and led me out from the aisle towards the front counters where the accessories and jewelry were being displayed in cases. A saleswoman studied us from behind the counter as Aoi led me to a full body mirror.

We stood before the mirror together. Hesitating only a little, I wrapped my arms around her waist, gentle, adoring, resting my chin on her shoulder. She leaned back into me as she studied her reflection.

It was steel blue against her dark hair.

She looked strong, cute and extra perfect.

“I love it,” she said softly.

She turned her head just enough to meet my eyes in the mirror.

“I love you, Susu.”

I melted completely, pressing my face against the curve of her neck.

“I love you too,” I whispered. “...Let’s—let’s pay for it.”

By the time we made it back to the ramen shop we’d spotted earlier, the line had thinned to something more manageable.

Steam swirled out every time the door slid open, carrying a rich, mouthwatering scent with it.

Pork broth.

Garlic.

Soy.

Miso.

My stomach responded immediately, a quiet but insistent reminder that the day had been long, full, and emotionally draining in the best possible way.

We took our place near the entrance, standing close.

I was still buzzing… too warm, too aware of everything, especially of Aoi beside me, of the ribbon she now proudly wore in her hair.

Aoi shifted slightly, then reached for my hand.

She lifted it gently, like it was something precious, and pressed her lips to my knuckles.

My breath caught.

DOKI-DOKI

She didn’t rush it. A soft kiss, claiming me publicly.

“You like this kind of treatment, don’t you?” she murmured.

“I can’t help it,” I admitted, fidgeting, my voice soft.

Her eyes shone as she looked at me, catching the light, echoing the subtle sheen of the ribbon now tied into her hair. The steel blue stood out impossibly well against her dark hair… against her eyes.

They were a symphony.

It suits her so perfectly, I thought, my chest tightening with a warmth that could only be pure happiness.

Eventually, we were ushered inside.

The cramped warmth enveloped us instantly, wooden walls close on all sides, the low murmur of slurping and conversation blending with the clatter of bowls and chopsticks. The air was thick with steam and savory scents.

We stopped in front of the ticket machine.

I leaned in, studying the buttons. “I’ll get mine.”

Aoi watched me with that fond expression that always made my knees feel a little weak.

“Small tonkotsu with mayu,” I said, pressing the button. “Extra chashu.”

When I punched in the correct buttons, the machine whirred, and a ticket spat out into my hand.

She raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Hungry?”

“Yes… very…” I said, then hurried on, flustered. “But I don’t think I’ll get fat from a little extra chashu, but—”

“I wasn’t talking about that.”

Her smirk hit me square in the chest.

I froze yet again.

Heat rushed up my neck. “A-Aoi-chan—!”

She chuckled and turned to the machine. “Chicken ramen for me… extra chicken.”

She pressed the corresponding buttons, and her ticket rolled out.

Then she glanced back at me over her shoulder, her voice softer now. “I’m hungry too.” She licked her lips in a dangerous way.

DOKI—DOKI… BADUM

My face flamed.

We nearly forgot to order our drinks at that moment.

We were holding up the line, the people behind us shifting impatiently, their eyes sharp with judgment. We both flushed, laughed under our breath, and scrambled to add ocha at the last second before finishing our orders.

“Sorry!” I clapped my hands together and bowed quickly to the people behind us.

“C’mon,” Aoi said, tugging me gently by the wrist. “Time to eat.”

The narrow stalls divided most of the diners for privacy, but the attendant guided us to a shared space instead… just wide enough for two.

Close.

Intimate.

Our shoulders brushed as we sat, our hips resting lightly against each other and slipped our tickets through the window, leaning against each other.

The drinks came first. I sipped my ocha, feeling her body heat beside me.

Our ramen slipped through the window shortly afterward.

Steam billowed up as our bowls were set down, thick and fragrant, making my eyes water as the richness of the broth washed over me, the mouthwatering scent of pork and garlic completely overpowering the aroma of her chicken ramen.

“It smells amazing,” I murmured, leaning in despite myself, my stomach growling lightly.

“Itadakimasu,” Aoi said.

I echoed her, “Itadakimasu.”

She ate eagerly, slurping noodles, biting her egg cleanly in half right away. She let the remaining yolk seep into her broth, stirring it thoroughly until it turned richer. Then she reached for the crushed garlic, scooped up a generous spoonful, dropped it in, and stirred again, eagerly.

“Would you give me a spoon too? I love garlic,” I beamed.

“Sure.” She leaned over and deposited a nice, big spoonful straight into my ramen.

“Thanks!” I stirred mine eagerly and started eating.

I paced myself, sipping slowly, letting the rich fatty broth coat my tongue, chewing the chashu carefully and deliberately. The noodles were just chewy enough to have the perfect texture.

Warmth settled deep in my stomach.

She finished her noodles and chicken before I was even halfway through, leaving it halfway-filled with broth.

“Extra,” she said casually, scribbling on a slip of paper and sliding it under the little window separating us from the kitchen.

Another bowl arrived containing more noodles, another egg. She carefully deposited them in her bowl, stirring the noodles to warm them and dove back in like she hadn’t eaten anything yet.

“Such an appetite.” I giggled.

“Mmmm…” Aoi slurped her noodles appreciatively.

She still finished before me.

Aoi rested her elbow on the counter, her chin settling into her palm as she turned to watch me eat.

She seemed weirdly content doing that and I felt self-conscious now.

“…I can’t eat properly with you looking at me like that, baka,” I muttered, my cheeks burning.

She giggled. “Sorry!” Then she smirked. “I’m happy just watching you. Take your time.”

I flushed deeper.

A moment later, her chopsticks darted out and snatched my last piece of chashu.

I pouted, even as I smiled. “You’re still hungry.”

“Very,” she said, lowering it into her mouth.

Then, without warning, she leaned in and kissed me.

It was hot and salty. Tasting of broth, the meat and her.

My mind went completely blank.

When she pulled back, she was grinning.

“Thanks for the meal,” she said lightly, as if she wasn’t the one paying for our lunch.

I nodded dumbly, my heart pounding so hard I was sure everyone in the restaurant could hear it.

My face felt like it was steaming.

I was done for.

This rabbit was snared and helpless to her captor.

We stepped back out into the mall flushed and quiet, our hands finding each other again almost immediately.

I felt wound tight and blissfully light at the same time. My whole body tingled and ached in a way I didn’t quite understand yet, like I was tuned way too tightly, every sensation ringing louder than it should. I peeked at her from the corner of my eye and my heart leapt painfully in my chest.

I tried to keep my eyes off her now.

What’s wrong with me?!

Neither of us spoke for a while. We just walked, close enough that our arms brushed, the afterimage of the restaurant still clinging to me.

We drifted into a bookstore, the sudden hush and familiar scent of paper and ink wrapping around us like a balm. The noise of the mall dulled to a distant murmur.

Aoi headed straight for the shounen shelves, flipping through Shounen Jump volumes like nothing had happened between us, like she wasn’t still making my skin buzz madly.

DOKI-DOKI

I wandered until my eyes fell on the manga adaptations of the movie we’d just seen. My fingers hovered over the covers.

The story had been silly in places… but it had resonated with me. The ache. The reconciliation. The way they finally chose each other in the end.

Touching the books grounded me in a way that I really needed right then. The paper was cool to the touch.

I wanted them.

But my wallet was already empty.

I sighed softly, resigning myself to window-shopping.

Aoi noticed immediately. She stepped in without a word and took the volumes from my hands.

“Ah… these… You did love that movie, didn’t you?” Aoi giggled.

“Aoi-chan—?”

She didn’t answer. She just walked to the register.

“But…” I muttered, helpless.

When she came back, she pressed a bag into my hands containing them.

“For you, my Princess Sumire.” She winked.

“B—but… I’m playing the prince…” I clutched the bag to my chest, overwhelmed.

“You’ll always be a princess to me,” she said softly, her voice dropping. “Even if they cast you as a prince.”

Then, quieter, she said, possessive and tender all at once,

“You are my princess.”

My throat tightened as I hugged the books against my chest. “You didn’t have to…”

“I wanted to,” she said easily.

She leaned in then, her voice lowering into a teasing whisper.

“I hope you enjoy reading them.” Her eyes gleamed. “Try not to cry too much when you do.”

Her thumb brushed my cheek, her fingers settling lightly behind my ear.

“If you read them tonight,” she added, her breath warm against my skin,

“I might have to stay over… just to kiss your tears away.”

DOKI—DOKI

I clutched the bag tighter, like it was my pillow, my heart racing out of control.

The day wasn’t slowing down.

Not even a little.

And the full-body tingling only got worse.