Seize A Lost Identity

Chapter 17: Shopping Spree and Sweet Moments

Xio leaned against the claw machine, focused on maneuvering the joystick while Jules stood beside him, watching with a mix of amusement and curiosity. The mall around them thrummed with life, yet in this instant, their life felt very small and personal.

"You know these machines are rigged, right? Jules teased, arms crossed while Xio looked into the cuddle bear.

"They're not rigged. You just have to be talented," Xio said, deadpan. He shifted the joystick grip to pan the claw by calibrated steps.

"Skill, huh?" Jules smirked. Maybe Mr. Black Card has the chops to take home a $5 prize toy.

Xio parried her jab, unflinching under the claw approach. It caught the bear, carrying it just over the top and then dropping it with full force halfway into the chute.

"See?" Jules said, laughing. "Rigged."

Xio straightened, narrowing his eyes at the machine. "No way am I giving up. That bear is coming with me."

He put another coin in, holding the joystick like it was life and death. Jules chuckled and touched the glass while Xio attempted to do so again. On this occasion, the claw grabbed the bear quite firmly and dragged it into the chute before freeing it.

"Yes!" Xio exclaimed, holding up the bear triumphantly. He turned to Jules, his grin wide. "Told you I could do it."

Jules laughed, clapping her hands. "Alright, fine. I'll admit it—you've got skill."

Xio handed her the bear, his smile softening. "Here. It's yours."

Jules looked at him, surprised. "You spent all that time just to get it for me?

Certainly," Xio replied, scratching behind his neck. "It suits you."

Jules looked at the teddy bear for a second then stroked its soft fur. A strange warmth spread through her chest. "Thanks, Xio," she said, her voice quieter now.

Xio shrugged, doing his best to appear nonchalant even as the warmth crept up his cheeks. "No big deal."

Strolling Through Memories

Leaving the zone, Jules jumped on the bear and gave it a good squeeze. She felt a mixture of emotions—gratitude, fondness, and something deeper that she couldn't quite name.

"You know, she began, glancing at Xio, "you don't seem like the kind of guy who'd spend hours shopping or trying to win a stuffed animal.

Xio chuckled. "Yeah, I guess it's not really my thing. But I dunno... it feels different with you."

Jules smiled, her heart tugging at his words. She turned around and looked the other way as a tiny redness appeared on her cheeks.

Whenever they walked through the mall the occasional murmurs and glances from passersby trailed behind them. Jules noticed it, but she didn't mind. It felt oddly nice to be seen with Xio, even if she wasn't sure why.

"Do people always stare at you like this? she asked, half-joking.

"Not really," Xio replied, scratching his head. "Maybe it's because I'm with you. You're the one turning heads."

Jules laughed, shaking her head. "I doubt that."

The chat was then for a second frozen, however, there was not any discomfort between them. Jules glanced at Xio out of the corner of her eye. There was something about him—something familiar and comforting, yet mysterious.

She looked again at the black card, focusing on the name Viktor which just had appeared in her consciousness to look at it. Could it really be connected to her Xio? It was both exciting and terrifying, but she put it down for later.

A Moment of Realization

Leaving the mall, with the sun beginning to set, a golden, warm light of the setting sun cast itself upon the parking lot. When, Xio put the shopping bags in the box of the motorcycle, Jules continued to hold the bear.

It was a good day," she said, as if she felt surprise at her own statement.

Yeah, it was, Xio said, looking at her with a smile. "You know, I think I'm starting to like spending time with you.

Jules raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Starting to? I thought you already did."

Xio laughed, running a hand through his hair. "Okay, fine. I like it a lot."

Jules' heart jumped at his directness, but she quickly dissimulated it with a smile teasing her opponent. "Well, don't get too attached, kid."

"Kid again? [S] Xio groaned, rolling his eyes, as he put on his helmet. "You're never gonna let that go, are you?"

"Nope," Jules said, climbing onto the bike behind him. Come on now, let's move on before I decide to quit school.

Xio laughed, revving the engine. With the motorcycle's engines turning over, Jules embraced him, grabbing tight to his waist as it began to rush toward the horizon together.

For a couple of seconds, Jules turned off the queries, and the chronicling. All that mattered was the present—the warmth of the boy in front of her and the road stretching out ahead.