𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔 | 𝑫𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒖𝒌𝒆 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓

₊· ͟͟͞͞➳Daisuke's Dilemma

The next morning, you and Daisuke arrived at the department store, ready to tackle the shopping for Operation Santa, Snow still covered the streets outside, an unusual sight for this desert town, and the freezing temperatures made the drive slower than usual.

You adjusted your red Pony Express jumpsuit as you walked into the store, the sturdy fabric snug against the cold. The jumpsuits, recently issued by Curly, were embroidered with the company's name on the chest and had a sleek design to mark your
"elite employee" status.

They weren't exactly fashionable,
but at least they were practical.
Paired with your heavy black boots, which crunched against the slushy snow outside–they made you feel somewhat prepared for the weather,
if not for the long day ahead.

Daisuke walked beside you, his own jumpsuit fitting slightly loose around the shoulders, showing his sweater collar.
He pushed the cart, his boots squeaking faintly against the tiled floor.

His usual teasing smirk was nowhere to be seen as he focused on the task ahead—or at least tried to.
Despite his outward calm, his thoughts kept circling back to the folded slip of paper in his pocket

You stopped at the toy aisle, your eyes scanning the shelves filled with colorful action figures, dolls, and playsets. "Alright,"
you began, pulling the folded list from your coat pocket.

"We're looking for a superhero set and a dollhouse—
should be easy enough, right?"

"Yeah, totally,"
Daisuke said, snapping out of his thoughts as he followed you further into the aisle.

He let out a low whistle at the sheer variety of toys on display.
"Man, they've really upped their game since we were kids. Look at all this."

"Right! What the hell?"
You chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear.

"Hey, what about this one?"
you asked, standing and holding up the dollhouse. It had pastel pink shutters and a tiny garden.
"Think this works?"

"Looks perfect. You've got an eye for this stuff."
He grabbed the other set and tossed it into the cart.

You flashed him a small smile before continuing down the aisle, checking the next item on the list. Daisuke, meanwhile, lagged slightly behind, his thoughts drifting back to the folded slip of paper now tucked into his wallet.

It was strange how jittery he felt.
It wasn't like this was his first time shopping for a friend.
But something about finding the right gift for you—it mattered.

More than he expected.

"Earth to Daisuke.
You're zoning out again."
You waved a hand in front of his face.

"Huh? Oh, sorry,"
he said quickly, running a hand through his hair.
"Just... thinking about how we're gonna fit all this in the car."

You gave him a knowing look but didn't press further, instead gesturing to the overflowing shelves ahead.
"Let's finish this list before the snow piles up even more."

As you walked ahead, Daisuke couldn't help but glance back at you again, a small, inexplicable smile tugging at his lips. Butterflies were never something he thought he'd feel around you, but for some reason, they were impossible to ignore today.