(Un) Fortunately the Yandere is Not After Me

Dragging Heels

So what should his plan be? Arata wondered if it would be best to try and delay this as long as he could. Akiba is not a dumb or naïve girl, that much he could tell from their conversations. The longer this went on, the more likely she was to find him out. Although she was clearly suspicious of him, that much he could tell.

He was not the type to go shopping often, especially not when he didn't have a goal in mind. So coming to the mall during this time was a new experience to him. Unsurprisingly, it was decorated from head-to-toe with holiday lights, imagery of Christmas, and employees dressed up as elves and the like. Odd to see as someone not used to being here, though clear that this wasn't the norm.

"You don't mind if we stop here first, do you?" As they entered, she pointed over to one of the stores. It was a familiar store to him, they had went here to find materials for the culture festival. That was the last time he was here, which also was the same time she had her outburst towards him. That moment completely changed how he saw that girl.

"Sure." He replied. Hopefully this time was going to be much better, but being inside once again reminded him of something forgotten a long time ago...

Never did return that dress she bought.

Akiba never asked about it, probably forgot about it considering how she lost her temper that day. However, Arata still had it stashed away in his closet, probably an awkward thing to leave around, especially if his mother ever found it.

"So anything catch your eye?" He asked as they walked around. She didn't seem to gravitate to anything, but it's not like just browsing would be a problem for him.

Akiba shook her head in response. This was going well so far for him. But the tables were going to be turned on him soon.

"What about you?" She asked instead. Something odd, since he didn't think any of this was his style.

"This type of stuff isn't what I'd wear." He replied. Outside of school, an unassuming hoodie and generic pants were more than enough for him. "Honestly, it's probably wasted on me."

"I don't think that's very nice to say about yourself." Briefly skimming through the clothing options. Soon, she picked out a button-up. "Try this." She offered it to him. Arata wasn't sure why she was pushing this on him, but it wasn't that big of a deal. So he took it and went to the changing room.

When he took his off his shirt, the chill hit him, causing him to shiver a little. Doing this was weird for him, since it wasn't something he did often at all. The cold made his body much more sensitive to the touch, which is why he immediately noticed something touch his shoulder.

In fear, he let out a yelp. Tripping over himself thinking that it was a spider. Note, it wasn't.

"Are you okay?" She rushed in and opened the curtain. This was a familiar sight, just reversed with her on the outside.

"I'm fine..." He covered himself, bashful with a beautiful girl like her seeing him half-naked. "I just thought there was something in here."

"Hehe." She giggled in his face. "I guess it's not so funny when it happens to you." When she walked away, he had a look of dread on his face. Did she know he was responsible for what happened that day? That didn't sound like it was a... Good thing.

The shirt she picked out for him wasn't bad, but not something that was going to be put onto his shopping list. They exited the store together, which is when she offered that the two stop to grab a bite to eat before continuing. Though with what she said earlier, he was now a bit on edge.

"So where else did you have in mind?" He started the conversation, after they got their meals. His being some rice and beef, hers being a light salad.