Stumbling Over Love | ✓

Chapter 32

_Chapter 32~ Fake Smiles_

"Are we ever going to leave?"

Erika Amaya shrugged, continuing to admire her complexion in the reflection of the store. "Yeah, yeah, almost. Give me a minute."

I let out a loud sigh, bending over and petting a happy Marco. "You said that five minutes ago. Why do you keep stopping to admire your reflection? We even stopped by that mirror store..."

"Look, it's not killing anyone, is it?" Erika finally backed away, throwing back on her scarf around her neck. "In fact, these stores should be grateful I'm looking at myself with their mirrors."

I made a slight face as she took the leash from my grip, leading Marco down the road. I've only started hanging out with her today, and it's become clear to me rather quickly that Erika was somewhat of a narcissist.

Upholding to that one-sided agreement my parents had made, I was stuck having to show Erika around the city. Thankfully, it was finally spring vacation so I didn't entirely mind knowing I still had nine days to myself after this. All there was left to do was to get through this. I could do it.

"So where are we going next?" Erika asked, adjusting the glasses on her face. Despite being decently humid outside already, for some reason, Erika was dressed pretty bundled. A scarf, a long sleeved t-shirt and knee-high boots. She was stylish— more than I ever could be at that— but how was she not suffering from that?

She hadn't even broke a sweat while here I was, in a short sleeved shirt and sweltering.

"Um, we haven't gone by that area of downtown," I suggested, gazing down at the map on my phone. "But before that, do you want to—"

"Hey," Erika cut me off, peeking over at me.

"Yes?" I asked, raising my gaze. "Is there a problem?"

"A bit," she replied, fairly easily. "I'm getting kind of tired of walking aimlessly."

"Oh, do you want to stop by somewhere?"

Erika immediately perked at the suggestion. "Yes, actually. I do." She held up a finger. "See, you've taken me to plenty of tourist attractions and such around the city, but you haven't taken me to a music store!"

I blinked slowly. "A music store?"

"A music store," she clarified with a nod, searching left and right. "Where is a nearby one? I also wouldn't mind going to a bookstore afterwards, I'm running low on things to read."

Books...? Music...? For some reason, I wasn't exactly expecting such stuff to come from Erika's mouth, so to say I'm surprised would be an understatement.

Erika looked my way, frowning slightly. "Can we not go?"

"No, we can. Let's go," I quickly refuted, picking up my pace and leading her in the direction of a store I had in mind.

"Phew, you scared me for a second," Erika breathed, attempting to keep up. "Do you have an interest in music too, Reina?"

"Um, playing it, no. But listening, yes."

For some reason, Erika smirked. "You don't seem very knowledgeable about it though. Do you have a favourite type?"

"I don't really mind all genres," I admitted, tentatively meeting her eyes.

"Same." Erika nodded. "But, then what about bands? Do you have a certain one you really like?"

"Bands... I guess I really like Mortal Mania."

Erika let out a squeal. "Ooh, that band is a favourite of mine too! Aren't their songs really good?"

"Yeah, they are." I smiled. "I even heard they were coming to this city sooner or later."