"So, is this how all humans spend their time together?" Tohka asked as the two walked near the river.
"Well, not all. Everyone likes different things." Shido answered, and then pointed at buildings far away. "There's a little place nearby called a market, where we can buy some food, if you'd like."
"Food? What kind of food?"
"Well- I'm not sure yet. But I'm sure you'll find something you like!"
"Hm. I don't remember what kind of food I like." She thought for a moment. "I guess I like stuff that's soft in the mouth, and warm."
Nia's voice was heard through Shido's earpiece for a brief second "Hah!! Like a DIC- OW!!!" Her sentence was cut short by a muffled shuffling noise.
"Shut the fuck up, Nia!!" Munechika - probably the one who hit her - then said.
Shido pretended he didn't hear that.
As they arrived near the market, scents of food filled the air. Immediately, Tohka's eyes started to sparkle and she smiled, looking around excitedly. "Whoa!! So much... stuff!!" she huffed, and grabbed Shido's hand to lead him to the nearest stand, selling meat and vegetable skewers. Seeing Tohka's excited face, the merchant laughed softly, and leaned towards her.
"Hungry? I have many good things to sell here. What would you like?"
"I wanna try everything!!" She exclaimed, and the man laughed, looking at Shido who was now getting a bit worried.
"Uh, I don't think I can pay for all-"
"Don't worry Shido. We'll pay for you." Aulis said in the earpiece, and Shido sighed in relief. "Oh, nevermind, actually, I can pay for everything." He said.
"Use the GPS unit to pay. It is connected to our ship, we can do the transaction ourselves."
Shido did as he was told and bought everything. And now Tohka was sitting on a nearby bench, eating to her heart's content every type of item the first stand sold. She ate fast, and a bit messily too. Seeing how some people were staring, Shido wondered if they'd get found out. He took out a tissue from his pocket, and gently wiped Tohka's mouth with it. "Here. Be careful. And don't eat too fast, or you'll get a stomachache."
"Oh!! Sorry! But it's all so good!! I love the textures, the flavors, the smells, the tastes!!!" she explained, face still looking somewhat serious, yet amazed by what she was eating.
"It's unlikely that she'll get a stomachache. Her metabolism is high as she needs a lot of energy to function, fight and use her powers, she is able to consume a lot before being full." Reine explained.
Huh. Wonder how she knew that.
Tohka suddenly stood up, and grabbed Shido's arm. "Okay, I'm done!! I wanna see the other places too!!"
Shido smiled, and followed her to the next stand.
They walked around for hours, at first just to eat, but as they went further in the market, other types of stands started appearing. Selling jewelry, hats, sunglasses, clothes...
Secretly, Shido bought a plush that she'd been eyeing down for her, a large one in the shape of her favorite food so far, kinako bread. When she saw it, she was so excited, she hugged him.
Shido realized that even though this was supposed to be just friendly, she was being very touchy, and... he was feeling a bit flustered when she held his hand or hugged him.
This really felt like a regular, romantic date.
Not that he was against it, mind you, he would be lying if he said he didn't feel lonely, but he wondered if she realized this herself or not.
YOU ARE READING
Seirei Ai
Science-FictionYoung college student Shido Itsuka had one goal in mind this school year: lay low and survive. But between his parents' recent deaths, his little sister Kotori's tantrums, and a weird girl from his class stalking him, Shido thinks that his school ye...
