Boy Meets Ai

Chapter 55

Chapter 55

An hour past and the word was given that the player, Ogun had been unharmed physically and mentally in the real world. Additionally, Gabriel announced at the Finale Banquet that all contestants would be invited to attend.

"Please dress in formal attire! Its going to be a classy affair so look your best!"

Thomas approached Seiko and the group after the announcement finished.

"Looks like we gotta do some shopping for something to wear. Any of you guys want to join me."

"We'll all come! I'd never pass up an opportunity to style up my friends." Shinobu said gleefully. In a matter of moments, Seiko found himself swept up in a pretty woman style montage of outfits. He was forced into several garments until the samurai was satisfied. She cheered in enthusiastic approval as he stepped out of the dressing room in a Victorian era emerald tailcoat with a black tunic. Its embellishments were glimmering gold, accompanied by a brooch in the shape of a soaring hawk. His friends whooped and hollered loudly, drawing the attention of the other patrons. Seiko immediately ducked back into the dressing room to hide.

Next up, Hendricks quickly found a crushed lavender suit with a burgundy frilly lace tunic underneath. He looked suspiciously like Prince, but everyone was gracious enough not to burst his bubble. Shortly after him, Thomas and Aramais made their reveal. The healer had opted to glamour his armor. Its typically dull metal sheen had been polished to a bright silver. His tunic was given a soft glow effect that made it look as if it were sewn by angels. Thomas placed a small dangling silver skull earring on his left ear. Aramais on the other hand, wore simple garb. A formal monk's robes with silver trim and a string of very large ceremonial beads around his neck.

Shinobu and Oaklee took much more time with the process, looking through the multitude of garments. After a couple hours, Shinobu finally made her entrance first. She was dressed in a tight fitting traditional kamishimo (formal samurai attire), her hair tied in a top knot. The robe was dyed a rich crimson color and had flakes of gold sewn into it. It shimmered as she moved, reminding Seiko of the autumn leaves.

"What do you think? Do you like?" she asked Seiko, twirling in in front of him. Her gaze was eager, and expectant of his approval.

"You look nice." He responded.

Shinobu's brow furrowed. "Just nice?"

Seiko was confused. "Umm... You look very nice?"

Her mood noticeably nosedived. Despite attending several red-carpet affairs, she never dressed herself up. It was always her mother, or her stylists did, and she hardly ever paid attention to those kinds of things. Shinobu slunk away to one of the waiting couches with her shoulders hunched, muttering under her breath. "Just wear a dress like a normal person, you weirdo. Stupid!"

Last up was Oaklee. Everyone's jaw dropped as she emerged from the dressing room. Her navy-blue hair had been restyled to a cute, curly bob cut that framed her face. Golden hoops hung from her ears. She wore on her small frame, a perfectly tailored tuxedo. It was a pale blush color, with gold buttons running down it. The soft contrasted beautifully against her azure skin and made her eyes pop even more. The form-fitting attire shocked them all as they were so used to seeing her covered up in a heavy cloak.

"Holy crap." The words tumbled from Hendricks' mouth. Oaklee felt her face reddening as they all stared at her.