As classes ended, Hanaria went home and changed into a more casual attire as she walked to the mall while listening to her favorite playlist through her headphones. She adjusted her green canvas messenger bag, making sure it didn't shift awkwardly against her white sleeveless shirt.
As she reached the entrance, she saw Alexis leaning against a pillar with his usual and collected demeanor. She shot him a message making sure it was really him before walking closer. Alexis adjusted his glasses before checking his phone one more time. He saw Hanaria's message and scanned the mall entrance.
Just before he was going to check his phone, a familiar voice was heard. He turned around only to find her standing there, he was unaccustomed to seeing her in her casual attire, but deep inside he felt his heart skip a bit. He couldn't believe that the person in front of him was even the same person who gave him a black eye after the volleyball match or one who is feared by other students because of her unusual strength.
"Oh you're here," Alexis said, adjusting his blue cardigan over his plain white shirt. "Let's just get this over with before my cousins think something is off."
As they started walking towards the entrance, Hanaria tilted her head to see his face better, "I didn't know you wore glasses," she said in a playful tone, "They look good on you."
Alexis blinked at her compliment, "Uh.. thanks? I guess." He wasn't sure what she really meant but he had enough teasing for the week so he continued keeping his eyes straight.
Meanwhile from a distance, Sheila and Kenjiro were hiding behind a potted plant peaking at the two. Sheila whispered dramatically, "I knew it! I knew something was up when she said she's going to the mall alone! That girl is so indecisive, she always needs to ask me for advice."
Kenjiro on the other hand, equally as sneaky, had crouched next to her. "You're just jealous you weren't invited. You can admit it."
Sheila scoffed, "Oh? Alexis didn't invite you either, what are you doing here?"
"No reason, I needed to know if my bet was sailing." Kenjiro replied, doing his best to peek as Hanaria and Alexis made their way to a shop filled with punk rock outfits. "Let's go, but stay low!" Kenjiro whispered.
Alexis sifted through the racks of black leather, plaid skirts, and chains. Then pulled out a black striped top, red plaid skirt and baggy jeans from the racks, "Here, try this on."
Hanaria took the clothes and after a few minutes, she stepped out of the fitting room.
Alexis glanced once and put a black beanie on her head, "There.. Fits you, you look cool."
"Cool?" Hanaria tilted her head, raising her eyebrow. "You've got to work on your compliments, Alexis."
After paying for the items, they made their way to another shop as Sheila and Kenjiro darted between displays, ducking behind mannequins.
They then went inside a soft girl-themed shop with pastel-colored outfits. Alexis, slightly overwhelmed by the soft colors, began to sift through the racks once again, taking the pink dress with delicate lace and handing it to Hanaria. "Try this."
"This is so not my style.." Hanaria muttered, biting her lip, "Maybe we should call Sheila to wear this, she's more feminine to be able to pull off this kind of stuff."
Hanaria sighed, holding the dress up to her body in the mirror. "Look, it's so... soft and girly, I really like it but, I'm not exactly the soft and girly type, you know?" She paused, her voice growing a little quieter. "What if I just look weird?"
Alexis raised an eyebrow. "Why would you look weird? It's just a dress."
Hanaria shrugged, still not convinced. "Because I'm not... feminine enough. People already think I'm too boyish. I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard. And I don't think it's really me."
