A New Star in the Starry Sky

7. Behind his Back

The group arrived at Chiori's place, standing in front of its intimidating size.

"Paimon's still salty about not getting a new outfit as well." Paimon crossed her arms, "but! Paimon is no longer a child, and so she will act like a grown-up!" She said proudly.

Traveler clapped for her.

"That's right! Paimon is mature now!"

"Let's head inside." Diluc interrupted.

"Alright."

They all agreed.

Ding!

The sound of a bell, signaling a customer has arrived.

Chiori looked over to see who arrived, only to be struck with invisible delight, "you're back already, Cale." She smiled a tad bit.

"Hello." Cale greeted her.

"They're ready. You can try them on over there, they're already placed inside." Chiori pointed towards a door. "Try on the couple's outfit first. If you need help, just ask Diluc."

"Yes..." Cale didn't like the sound of this for some reason, some senses told him so. Cale walked over to the door and opened it carefully.

It looked like a normal dressing room for a noble. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Cale sighed in relief, only to see Diluc entering the room with him. "Why're you coming in as well...?" He asked, a bit frightened.

"There is only one changing room." Diluc said.

'Then wait your turn!' Cale shouted inside his head.

"Chiori wants to see the outfits together  without spoilers." Diluc didn't really express much emotion. "And she told me to help you dress up."

Cale nodded nervously and moved aside, letting Diluc inside.

"I'm not the type to peek, so don't worry." Diluc reassured him.

'You saying that makes it more suspicious.' Cale eyed him as he went to the opposite side of the room from him.

Cale changed quickly, but he couldn't tie his shirt properly. The shirt had no buttons, and the knot was on the back where his arms couldn't reach. Cale struggled quite a bit.

"Need help?" Diluc approached him.

Cale looked at him from behind, he didn't want to admit it but, "yes..."

"Here." Diluc pushed gently Cale's hair to the side, picking up the two pieces of straps then carefully tied it into a neat bow.

Cale flinched slightly, feeling Diluc's fingers swipe against his skin.

Diluc didn't seem to notice.

"There, it's done." Diluc let go of the ribbon.

Cale turned around, "I'll leave now, you can get dressed." Cale left the room, closing the door behind.

Diluc's face became slightly red, his eyes widened a bit, realizing he was undressed during the moment. 'How inappropriate of me...' He never thought he would show such discourtesy to anyone, moreover to Cale...

"Cale! Where's Diluc?" Paimon noticed him first. "How come your here before him? Oh my god," Paimon was easily distracted, "you look so beautiful! It's like seeing a painting in real life!"

Traveler nodded in agreement, "you look great, Cale."

"Thank you."

Keaya walked towards the group, "I finished talking..." his voice trailed off, "oh, I see you're done, Cale." He smiled, "you look lovely as always."

Cale thanked him.

"Why don't I do your hair?" Keaya offered.

'My hair...?' Cale wondered, tilting his head.

'Ugh!' The hearts of many inside the room was struck with a piercing arrow.

"Yes... your hair." Keaya spoke, a bit carried away. "I can put it in a braid."

"Alright." Cale sat on the couch in the lobby.

Keaya stoof behind him, picking his hair up from his shoulders. He fiddled with the red strands, admiring the color.

His touch was similar yet different to his brother's.

Murmur murmur.

"They look like a loving couple." Traveler whispered to Paimon.

Paimon squealed silently, "they really do!"