Ai tilted her head slowly, trying to take in all the details. "It's like... like..." She didn't finish her sentence, but the wonder in her voice said enough.
Shiki glanced sideways at her. Ai wasn't looking at him; instead, she rested her head on his shoulder, without him even realizing it, as if it had always belonged there. Her eyes remained fixed on the civilization below.
Shiki didn't say anything, allowing her to admire the view.
Then she asked, "Ne, ne, Shiki... Did you actually make this because you got bored?"
She teased, "Maybe..."
She pouted at him, "Maybe? That's not an answer."
"That's the answer you're getting," Shiki smirked.
"Ne, ne," Ai asked again, puffing her cheeks out cutely, her arms still wrapped around his arm. "You didn't seriously just create an entire civilization because you got bored?"
"Why not?"
"Because that's… that's insane." She gestured at the city with her free hand, then looked back at him, her expression half disbelief and half awe. "It's so… detailed. You even have tiny people walking around!"
"You're very observant, kitten," Shiki chuckled under his breath.
"Don't change the subject!" Her eyes narrowed in mock suspicion. "Tell me."
He let the silence linger for a moment, enjoying the way her curiosity was building until she was practically bouncing against his side.
Then he said it. Simple. Clear. "For you."
"Huh?" She blinked at him as if she had misheard.
"I thought you'd need more space," he continued, still watching the city instead of her. "I thought you might get bored staying in one place. And maybe..." His eyes flicked toward her, "I wanted you to grow."
For a moment, Ai just stared—not at the city, but really at him.
The breeze gently tugged at her hair, but she didn't move. She didn't speak. Something in her chest felt tight, like her heart was climbing up her throat. "You…" Her voice cracked slightly before she caught herself. "You might be smug, handsome, and an idiot..." She suddenly shifted, wrapping both arms around him in a hug that knocked him slightly off balance. "But... thank you."
He froze for a second, then rested a hand lightly on her back. "Cute."
She groaned against his coat. "Ugh..."
"Not gonna argue this time, kitten?" he teased, a smirk evident in his tone.
"No."
"Accepting it?"
"I didn't say that." She pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, her cheeks tinged pink but her gaze steady. "But if you're going to keep repeating it all the time..." She hesitated, then smirked faintly. "...then I guess it's alright."
"Alright?"
"Take it as a reward for thinking about me." She crossed her arms, or at least tried to, her elbow still hooked around his. She didn't even seem to realize she hadn't let go yet.
He looked down at their linked arms, then back at her with a slightly raised brow. "You're still holding on."
She glanced down too, then shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Mm. Warm."
He shook his head, chuckling quietly, and let his arm shift just enough so their hands brushed—once, twice—before her fingers instinctively curled around his.
When she finally spoke again, her voice was softer. "It really does feel like a whole other world."
"It is," he said simply.
"Mm." Her eyes remained on the city, but her arm gave his the tiniest squeeze.
---
Shiki finally turned toward her, his hand coming up firmly but not unkindly on her shoulder. He looked at her closely; her face was so near that Ai could see the reflection of the city in his eyes.
"W-what?" Ai asked, her voice trembling, her cheeks flushed red.
He tilted his head slightly, studying her in that way that always made her feel like she was under a magnifying glass. "Hmm..."
"Hmm...?" she repeated.
"You need a change of clothes," Shiki finally said.
"Eh?" Ai asked, confused.
"You can't just enter the city wearing what you have on now," Shiki explained, tugging at her cat hoodie.
"Why?"
"You look too modern. According to their perspective, you look like you came from the future."
"But... it's just a hoodie you gave me," Ai said, looking away.
"Exactly. A hoodie with cat ears, and the fabric looks like it's from the future."
She growled but reluctantly accepted, "Fine... But I am not wearing anything stupid."
"Why are you so invested in this hoodie?" Shiki asked.
"Well..." she replied, filled with nervous energy, "It has emotional value."
"Explain the emotional value, kitten," Shiki smirked.
Ai continued shyly, "You gave this to me. I've been wearing it since I was born."
"Hmm..." Shiki exhaled as if he were a saint. "Don't worry... I will keep you safe with me."
"T-thank you," Ai said.
Then, a tall mirror appeared in front of her.
"That mirror from earlier," Ai murmured.
"You can see how you look," Shiki smirked.
"O-okay."
---
"Stand still," he commanded, though his tone was filled with teasing energy. He was already cycling through the mental menu of outfit templates and then triggered the first change.
From Ai's perspective, the swap was instant. Her current outfit blinked away, and the new one settled over her body. But from his side, the transformation stretched into one long sequence.
He didn't bother looking away. If anything, he stared at her even more often.
The first outfit materialized: a practical adventurer's set—long-sleeved brown tunic, leather bracers, dark trousers tucked into calf-high boots, and a plain belt with a pouch. Good for blending in, sure, but it hung a little baggy on her frame, flattening her shape in the most boring way possible.
Ai's reflection stared back at her with a flat expression. "I look like a delivery girl."
---
The next outfit formed—still practical, but heavier: light chainmail over a dark green tunic, a short cape at the back, sturdy leggings, and reinforced gloves. Too bulky. It made her look ready for a siege instead of casual city wandering.
"…Do I have to look like I'm about to punch you?" she asked, tugging at the cape's edge.
---
Click. A new set appeared: a sleeveless leather jerkin over a cream blouse with puffed sleeves, a short skirt layered over fitted leggings, and knee-high boots. Closer… but the blouse was so frilly that it almost made her laugh. "What am I, a barmaid with armor?"
Another change—dark violet tunic with gold trim, a belt slung diagonally across her hip, and a side-slit skirt over shorts. Stylish, but the color made her look like she'd wandered out of a noble's parade.
"Do I have to bow to myself when I walk past a mirror in this?"
---
Then came the first skimpy misstep—a cropped wrap top with a deep V and tight leather pants, no cloak or coat to soften the look. Ai frowned at her reflection.
Shiki's lips twitched.
The next outfit wasn't much better: a tiny pleated skirt, sleeveless vest, mismatched striped stockings, and an oversized scarf. She looked down and then up again. "You're trolling me now."
Another change: a high-collared coat that went all the way down to her calves, cinched with a thick belt and paired with fitted trousers. The coat was so stiff it could stand on its own. "I feel like I'm wearing a portable wall."
---
A second skimpy outfit appeared—a laced-up corset, thigh straps, a loose sash hanging at her waist, and sheer sleeves. Ai wrinkled her nose. "I look like I should be charging admission to see me."
---
The tenth attempt—close-fitting leather tunic with asymmetrical straps, shorts, and a cropped cape. Sleek, yes, but the clashing colors were painful to look at. She winced. "Shiki, I look like a bad painting."
---
Then… the last one.
The cropped sleeveless hoodie fit snugly over her chest, the zipper tugged down just enough to show a teasing hint of cleavage—not too much, but just enough that Shiki noticed immediately. The cut ended just above her ribs, revealing a stretch of smooth, toned midriff. The fabric of the hoodie molded softly around her curves without squeezing, letting the rise and fall of her breathing show.
Her hair was slightly waved now, messy bangs framing her face while the rest was tied back in a ponytail.
Her shorts hugged her hips perfectly, with rugged, frayed edges brushing the tops of her thighs. The fit was so precise it almost looked molded to her shape. The low waistline and tilt of the belt emphasized the curve between her hip and stomach. A single rubber armband clung to one thigh, fitted with neat rows of throwing knives. The other thigh was bare, the asymmetry making her legs appear even longer.
The black leather belt slung a little crooked around her hips carried small pouches, a sheathed dagger, and empty loops for whatever else she might pick up.
Fingerless gloves gripped snugly around her hands, the leather worn in at the palms for comfort but still fitted enough to show the shape of her fingers.
Her boots were knee-high with folded cuffs, the dark socks just peeking over the top, adding a layered look that made her legs seem more balanced.
Then there was the garter system—thin straps running from the waistband inside her shorts, looping subtly under the hoodie and connecting to each shoulder. Not tight enough to be obvious unless you knew what you were looking for, but just enough to give her chest secure, bounce-free support while still highlighting the natural curve beneath the fabric.
She turned slowly in the mirror, the hoodie's zipper dipping just enough with each shift of her shoulders to keep offering that maddening glimpse.
Shiki's gaze caught hers mid-spin, and for just a breath, he didn't move. "Yeah… that's the one."
Ai blinked at his tone, heat flickering up her neck. "You… think so?"
"I know so," he said, with no hesitation, but there was something in the way his eyes lingered that made her pulse skip.
Her cheeks warmed, though she tried to hide it with a little smirk. "Mm… I guess you do have an eye for this stuff."
She spun once more, the cropped hoodie riding a little higher over her ribs with the motion, and then reached up to push the hood back. Her hair spilled down in loose waves.
In the mirror, she barely recognized herself—someone who could slip a dagger under your ribs, wink, and still make you buy her coffee afterward. Dangerous, yes, but the cuteness was still there, just enough to make it worse.
"You know," he said slowly, "you're going to be a problem walking around like that."
Ai furrowed her brows, eyeing him with curiosity. "Problem?"
"Mhm." His gaze deliberately traveled down to the zipper, then back up to her face, his voice lowering just enough to make her heartbeat feel louder. "People are going to stare… and I'm not sure if I'll be more annoyed at them for looking, or at you for letting them."
Her face instantly flushed. "I'm not 'letting' anyone—!"
He cut her off with a small shrug, his eyes still fixed on her. "Even me?"
"I—I didn't say that," Ai said, looking away in an attempt to hide her blush.
"So... I can?" Shiki teased.
She shot him a sideways glance, the warmth in her cheeks refusing to fade. "You just like seeing me in it."
He didn't bother denying it. "And out of it."
Ai froze mid-turn, her eyes widening as his words sank in. "E-Excuse me?"
Shiki held his gaze steady, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Relax. I meant when you're changing outfits."
She narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "Uh-huh… sure you did."
He didn't respond, letting that quiet little smirk linger, fully aware she'd be thinking about it for the rest of the day.
Ai choked on her breath, whipping around to glare at him, but he was already looking away as if nothing had happened.
She stood there for a moment, torn between smacking him and feeling something entirely different, before finally huffing and stepping closer. Without another word, she hooked her arm through his, tugging him toward the path. "Guess I'll let you dress me… this time."
Her grin was quick and bright, almost too cheerful for the tension in the air. "Let's go."
---
END OF CHAPTER : 7 : PREPARATION!
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