DOWNFALL -HIERARCHY

Chapter 16: The Talk

Narrator's POV:

Kang Ha and Nabi continue walking through the mall, the atmosphere around them tinged with a touch of tension. Kang Ha glances at Nabi, sensing her conflicted feelings. The sound of people talking fill the air, the hustle and bustle of the mall continuing around them. Nabi walks silently beside Kang Ha, her thoughts still preoccupied with the weight of their conversation.

Nabi tried to shake off the heavy conversation and just focus on the task at hand - shopping. They moved through different stores, browsing the racks of clothing, and Nabi periodically picked out various items to try on.

As Nabi tried on dresses and skirts, Kang Ha waited patiently nearby, occasionally offering his opinion when asked. He watched her with a mix of concern and admiration, knowing how conflicted she was about the situation with Woojin.

With each outfit, Nabi would come out and show Kang Ha, searching for his approval and feedback. Despite the earlier tension, they fell into a sort of routine, focusing on the mundane task of shopping.

Nabi and Kang Ha gradually began to enjoy themselves more. The tension from their earlier conversation faded into the background as they focused on finding the perfect outfits for Nabi. Shopping soon turned into a more lighthearted experience, and they even found themselves laughing and joking around as they tried on different clothes. It was a welcome escape from the heaviness of their previous conversation.

They made a pretty good team, with Nabi's eye for fashion and Kang Ha's brutally honest feedback. Nabi stepped out from the fitting room, wearing a dress she had picked out. She twirled a bit, showing off the outfit to Kang Ha, seeking his opinion. She is wearing a pink chic cropped tweed jacket adorned by her upper body, paired with a pink mermaid-style tweed skirt that hugged her curves and flared out slightly at the bottom. The combination created an upscale, fashion-forward look that exuded elegance and luxury.

Kang Ha's gaze swept over Nabi, and he couldn't help but be taken aback by her appearance. The luxurious tweed ensemble looked both elegant and sophisticated on her, highlighting her natural beauty. He took a moment to appreciate the way the cropped jacket emphasized her slender frame, and the mermaid skirt hugged her curves perfectly.

Feeling impressed, Kang Ha finally spoke up, his voice slightly huskier than usual. "Wow," he said, his eyes still taking in the sight before him. "That outfit looks amazing on you. You look really elegant and beautiful."

Nabi's cheeks flushed a slight shade of pink at Kang Ha's compliment, a small smile playing on her lips. "Really?" she asked, a hint of pleasant surprise in her voice. "You think so? I thought it might be too much."

Kang Ha shook his head, a warm smile spreading across his face. "No, not at all," he assured her. "It's perfect. You look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine. Seriously."

Nabi felt a tingle of happiness at his words, a sense of pride and confidence swelling within her. "Thank you," she said, her voice carrying a hint of gratitude. "I'm glad you like it. I was a bit worried it might be too fancy or something."

Kang Ha chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Trust me, it's not too fancy at all," he said, his tone slightly teasing. "In fact, I bet you'll turn heads whenever you wear it."

Nabi let out a small laugh as well, amused by his comment. She twirled a little, her skirt flaring out around her hips. "Well, I guess I'll just have to make sure I'm ready to handle all the attention then," she replied, her voice filled with playful confidence.

Kang Ha's gaze landed on the nearby table near him. There he saw an expensive, luxurious cartier necklace, its sparkling gemstones catching his eye. He picked up the necklace, examining it closely, his mind wandering.