The Ranch

New Experience (3)

As Kai disappears from his view, Tih turns his gaze at the side profile of the man carrying him.

Phillip feels his gaze and tries to make some small talk," Do you have anywhere you want to go? Anything you want to eat? Don't worry about the money, I'm not lacking." He shows Tih his best "kind" smile. He's answered with silence and more staring. "Hmm, then how about I take you to some of my favorite places?" Knowing he won't respond, Phillip doesn't wait for Tih's answer as he picks up his pace.

As they walk through the market, stares and whispers congregate as they pass.

"Looks like he's already on to the next one."

"This one's even younger...sicko"

"Is he one of the newbies?"

Phillip's eyes gaze at Tih to see if he's uncomfortable with the whispers, but continues to be surprised by the boy's lack of care and emotion in general. He turns his gaze back forward as a tiny, genuine smile appears at the corner of his lips. The two don't acknowledge the attention and they keep moving forward.

They stop in front of a small, classy cafe. Judging by the patrons, who all have stars on their chests, the cafe caters to instructors or other similar people with powerful reputations.

Phillip waltzes in like its his own home, placing Tih on the window seat as he says," I'll go order. Any particular preferences?" He expected to not get an answer, but his smile widens when he sees Tih shake his head slightly while staring at him. "Got it." He says in a melodious and happy tone.

Tih turns his attention toward the people outside the window, observing their movements and actions, not counting the time.

A plastic cup of liquid is placed in front of him as the man sits down opposite from him," You already had that frankfurter earlier, so you're probably not that hungry, right? Have you ever had boba milk tea before? I think it suits you."

Tih looks at the dark orbs at the bottom of the peach colored liquid. A straw pokes through the top of the drink and enters the liquid. Tih holds the cup as he suck on the straw. The tea can be seen rising through the straw, taking with it some of the black orbs.

A sweetness washes over Tih's tongue as he enjoys the creamy texture. Tih chews on the gummy boba as he relishes in the delicious flavor of the drink. An illusion of flowers blooms behind Tih's straight face, giving him a soft vibe.

Phillip watches the child in relish,"Is it good?" Phillip gazes at the child as he nods his head in affirmation. He chuckles.

After leaving the cafe, Phillip brings Tih to a couple more places, treating him to snacks like chips, soft pretzels, and other popular items in the snack district.

After eating more than enough, Phillip brings Tih to walk around the clothing district. He enters one of the more popular shops. The door bell chimes as the enter. When they enter, a clerk that was waiting at the side shows a business smile," Welcome. How can I be of assistance?"

Upon seeing the face of the customer, the smile falters for a moment before returning to normal. Phillip was already used to it. He said," Bring me to the children's section. Price doesn't matter."

The salesclerk's eyes light up at receiving an opportunity to make more money. The workers at this store earn a commission for everything they sell.

The professional clerk brings them to the children's section before asking," Might there be anything else?"

"No, you may leave." Phillip says bluntly.

The man, who was hoping to recommend the most expensive things, walks away dejectedly.

Phillip sets Tih down on a bench while he looks around, explaining to Tih," Clothes are kind of a luxury on this island. Most people only own their military suits and a pair of pajamas, but it's nice to have some more comfortable clothing." He picks out a dark blue hoodie, black joggers, and navy blue tennis shoes. Handing it to the child, he says," Go try these on first." He then turns back around to pick out more sets of clothes.

Tih stares blankly at the things he was given. He was asked to change into these so he starts to undress, taking off his hat and military uniform.

Phillip turns around to see the child undressing in the middle of the store," Woah Woah!! What are you doing? You're supposed to change in the dressing room?" He stares at the child lacking in common sense, explaining in bemusement.

He stops Tih from undressing anymore, picks him up and throws him over his shoulder. He heaps the clothes he picked out and walks to the dressing room. Setting the child down in one of the stalls, he re-hands him the clothes. Worried, he asks," Can you change by yourself? Do you want me to help you?" He waits in slight anticipation.

The boy shakes his head before he starts undressing by himself. His milky, pale shoulders appear as he slides off his uniform. The contrast in colors gives the image a beautiful look.

Phillip gulps," Then I'll wait outside. If you need anything, just tell...come grab me." He takes once last peek at the silent boy before leaving. He goes back to the racks of clothes, picking up a small white button-up with long sleeves, a pair of black slacks, and dress shoes. He looks around for a tie or bow tie to complete the outfit. "Fufu." He thinks about other concepts to dress up his doll.

Tih walks out of the dressing room as Phillip finds a matching bow tie. Loose black pant with a cute navy blue hoodie gives Tih a cool vibe. He walks back to the bench and sits down, leaning forward and staring at the drawstring swaying around.

Phillip admires his own good taste in fashion as he fixes up Tih's messy hair. He touches the brown curls and finds a unique softness. Phillip can't help but ruffle the child's fluffy head, making more of a mess. He pulls the hood over Tih's head to hide the mess he caused. Phillip wonders,"Have you worn a hoodie before? Look here, the best part about them is their singular pocket." Phillip takes Tih's small, squishy hands and stuffs them into the pocket. He stands back to admire his masterpiece," A cool, frosty style that highlights your pale skin and off-putting aura. Okay, now try this one." He hands Tih the next outfit and shuffles him into the dressing room.

This fashion montage continues for longer than an hour as Phillip carries him from store to store, leaving with more and more bags. As he exits the fifth store, Phillip looks at the sky to see the evening sun. "Oh...I spent more time than I was originally planning to. I usually get bored of this fairly quickly." Phillip has done this numerous times, but he usually doesn't spend so much time or money on them. The more he buys, the greedier they become. They always want more and more. It doesn't end until he gets bored and kicks them out.