Cursed Seas and Slashing Tides

Storms of Fate: The Cursed Being's Revelation

Nami and Ryomen stood inside a small clothing shop, its walls adorned with vibrant fabrics and accessories. Ryomen sat on a bench beside the vendor, his eyes flickering between the changing booth and the front entrance, looking a bit out of place. He sighed, watching Nami step out in yet another outfit.

“How’s this one?” She asked, donning a fur coat over a leather crop top and a wool skirt.

“It looks good.” Ryomen replied, his tone as flat as ever.

“You look stunning!” The vendor chimed in, his enthusiasm far too exaggerated.

Nami's lips twisted into a tight smile, as though she expected more. She returned to the booth and emerged in a red cheongsam, its fabric glinting under the dim lighting of the shop.

“And this?” She prompted, her eyes searching Ryomen’s face for a more engaging response.

“It’s nice.” Ryomen said again, his eyes wandering to a distant corner of the shop.

“So elegant!” The vendor echoed, this time clasping his hands together in awe.

Nami’s patience visibly thinned. Her foot tapped once against the wooden floor. “Ryomen, can you actually give an opinion instead of just saying ‘it’s nice’?”

“S-Sorry.” Ryomen mumbled, looking more confused than apologetic. He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at the vendor as if for help. “But…Why did I have to come here again?”

Nami shot him a sharp look before disappearing into the booth again.

The vendor leaned over, whispering conspiratorially. “Trouble in paradise?”

Ryomen blinked, perplexed. “Huh? No, why would there be trouble?”

“Well, just a tip—tell her what she wants to hear. Trust me, it’s easier that way.” The vendor advised with a knowing nod.

Ryomen nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. ‘Poor guy doesn’t know what he’s up against,’ He thought. ‘Nami’s practically the embodiment of greed itself.’

Nami emerged once more, now wearing a simple but elegant sky-blue dress. It clung to her frame in all the right places, softening her usual sharp edges.

“Well? What do you think?” Her tone was more hopeful, a slight vulnerability sneaking into her voice.

Ryomen stared longer this time, gathering his thoughts. He didn’t want to give his usual indifferent answer. “It’s… really pretty. It makes you look strong but delicate. It suits you.”

Nami blinked, clearly taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. Her lips curled into a small, satisfied smile. “That so? Alright, next outfit.”
…

After what felt like an eternity of outfits and Ryomen’s increasingly elaborate compliments, Nami finally wrapped up her shopping.

“Will you be purchasing them all?” The vendor asked, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

“Nope, just this one.” Nami replied, handing him the sky-blue dress.

Ryomen sighed in relief as they stepped outside. He glanced at the bag in her hand. “You bought the blue dress?”

Nami shot him a sidelong glance. “Hmm. Someone liked this one the most.”

Ryomen’s eyes widened slightly, a hint of panic rising in his chest. “Nami, don’t misunderstand. You looked beautiful in everything you tried on. Don’t waste your money just because of my opinion.”