They continued like that until they left the stationery store. Once outside, we went to the nearest clothing store at Tsukiyomi's request. The farm store Hina had to go to was a bit far from the shopping center.
To avoid seeming like a stalker or a pervert, I subtly looked at boys' clothes while the girls were looking at clothes, especially when they were trying them on. I had to distance myself from the group as a result, and Otsuki quickly noticed.
"Riku, what do you think—? But it's on the other side of town!"
She didn't hesitate to grab me by the hood and drag me with them by force.
Tsukiyomi was holding in front of her a sweater different from the one she was wearing, being flat-surfaced, without any pattern, and with white horizontal stripes.
"It doesn't look bad on you, but I like the sweater you're wearing now better."
I avoided looking directly at her for more than three seconds. It was no use; Otsuki and Hina soon joined the conversation.
"And is this one? Otsuki says it looks good on her."
Well, they have contributed something.
Now Hina was holding up a pastel red blouse in front of Tsukiyomi, with buttons down the front and a slight cinched waist. I hadn't known what a blouse was before that. The only thing worth noting was that it seemed to be too small for her.
"…"
Realizing her friend's mistake, Hina looked for a larger size. However, the damage was already done, and Tsukiyomi's face was red.
"I'm just as happy with the other one. I could try it on to be sure."
"How disgusting." "Riku, I didn't expect that from you."
"That's not why!"
This is what I thought they would contribute.
While Otsuki and Hina were teasing me, Tsukiyomi thought about it for a while before deciding what to do. When I finished complaining about their criticism,
"Okay, I'll try it on. And don't you dare look, Atsumi."
"So, can I?"
"N-nobody can!"
Hina intervened only to annoy Tsukiyomi, but she soon realized the opportunity she had before her.
"I'll let you touch my hair later. Besides, that way I can tell you beforehand if it suits you or not, and help you."
"…If you pay me what I take."
"Only two things."
It was so easy to convince her to go for Hina.
I wonder what kind of black magic she must have done to make her hair so captivating.
"Riku, take Atsumi with you so she doesn't surprise us."
I followed Hina's order and walked away from the fitting room with Otsuki, far enough away that I didn't know what was happening in there. I'd rather not think about it.
"What have you done to deserve this treatment?"
From what they implied, Otsuki was a complete pervert when it came to Tsukiyomi. I guess that wasn't the case and they were just teasing her. Still, I'm curious.
"Just a joke," he said, adding nothing more. My instinct told me to drop the subject.
I would normally want to avoid being alone with Otsuki, but at that moment it was like a breath of fresh air. She was the only one I knew who had ever offered me more than just an apology.
Otsuki didn't like the air being so fresh, so he broke the ice.
"Have you seen any clothes you like? Don't be afraid to try anything on. And if not, I'll find something for you."
"What are you, a model maker? No, there's nothing here that interests me."
I haven't really looked at much.
I hadn't gone out intending to buy anything, and Otsuki was going to have a hard time changing my mind. If I haven't spent it on manga, nothing's going to take money out of my wallet.
"Well, I'll find you something."
After saying that, Otsuki went to the men's section to get some clothes for me. She didn't let me stop her; she left without saying a word. I had to stay behind so Hina and Tsukiyomi wouldn't be shocked when they opened the curtain.
She didn't even last a minute by my side... Is she hyperactive?
Since I didn't want to look at clothes, I waited for Hina and Tsukiyomi, who still thought their friend would be waiting for them with open arms. Well, not quite.
*Push!*
"What do you think, Atsumi? Ara, she's not here. Has she accepted defeat and gone home crying?"
"She's gone to look at clothes."
The curtain opened to allow Hina to tease Otsuki even when he wasn't present, while Tsukiyomi stared at the ground wearing her red blouse.
"Hmm, and what do you think?"
Hina asked me to replace Otsuki. What a fashion faux pas. I didn't want to say too much in case it seemed strange or embarrassed Tsukiyomi again, but I had to give my opinion.
Tsukiyomi wouldn't let me do it.
"I know I like it… Can I put on the sweater?"
"Mhm, okay."
Hina drew the curtain. Then she peeked out from the side to speak to me.
"Riku, you can go with Atsumi if you want. Natsuki will melt if you stay."
"Hina!"
Hands covered Hina's mouth immediately afterward, pulling her into the fitting room. I figured it would be best to go with Otsuki, now that they've lost their judge.
I had to spend time with Otsuki forcing me to look at clothes, and sometimes even try them on. We stayed in the store longer than usual just because she was using me as a mannequin.
If he was right after all…
I didn't like anything she chose.
Otsuki, however, took the task of finding me clothes as a personal matter, while Tsukiyomi and Hina were looking for theirs. Without realizing it, it turned into a competition.
Therefore, Otsuki began to dress me in a similar way to how Tsukiyomi dressed.
"Hmm, now that you mention it, I don't know who looks better."
"Even I'm surprised it looks good on him."
Hina and Otsuki, our stylists, chatted as they looked at what I was wearing: a beige sweater with a cable-knit pattern and sleeves that covered half my hands, and jeans one size too big. I needed a belt to keep them from falling down.
My verdict was,
"I don't like this one either."
"You don't like anything…"
Otsuki sighed afterwards, appearing to be irritated.
"I give up. You win, Hina."
"Thank you, Tsukiyomi!"
"What? W-why?"
Tsukiyomi had already tried on everything Hina had shown her in this store, and adding in the other stores, she liked three outfits in total, which she also decided to buy. The mortal enemies chose this method to determine a winner.
Tsukiyomi didn't realize there was a competition until the very end.
We went to a total of five shops before finishing, and I was the only one who didn't buy anything in any of them. Aside from my personal taste, it was because I said I didn't bring much money.
I should have lied so Otsuki could win… although she might have forced me to buy the clothes later. Even without any money.
"It doesn't matter, at least I 'm funnier."
"Oh, what a liar!"
"Are you here again?"
Otsuki didn't take losing well, much less being called a liar to Hina's face. I was incredulous.
After that moment, we took another stroll before leaving the mall. In the end, I was the only one who didn't buy anything, and the only one carrying bags.
"For making me lose, " Otsuki's expression screamed at me.
Actually, no one forced me to do it; I offered. Mostly to protect my image. It would be terrible if someone saw a group of girls with shopping bags and then a guy standing off to the side with his hands in his pockets, hanging around them. And yes, I also felt guilty for making her lose. Even though she didn't bet anything. Except her dignity.