Ai tilted her head slowly, trying take in the details, "It's like... Like..." She didn't finished the sentence, but the wonder in her voice said enough.
Shiki's eyes turned side ways, toward her. Ai wasn't looking him, but she rested her head on his shoulder, without hee even realising it. Like it always belonged their. Her eyes stayed fixed on the civilisation below.
Shiki didn't said anything, just let her admire the View.
Then she asked, "Ne, ne, Shiki... Did you actually made this because you got bored?"
She teased, "Maybe..."
She pouted toward him, "Maybe? That's not an answer."
"That's the answer you're getting." Shiki smirked.
"Ne, ne," Ai asked again, puffing her cheek out cutely, her arms still looped around her arm, locked. "You didn't seriously just made up an whole civilisation cause you got bored?"
"Why not?"
"Because that's… that's insane." She gestured at the city with her free hand, then looked back at him, her expression halfway between disbelief and awe. "It's so… detailed. You even have, like… tiny people walking around!"
"You're very observant, kitten." Shiki chuckled under his breath.
"Don't change the subject!" Her eyes narrowed in mock suspicion. "Tell me."
He let the silence drag for a beat, enjoying the way her curiosity kept building until she was practically bouncing against his side.
Then he said it. Simple. Clear. "For you."
"Huh?" She blinked at him like she'd misheard.
"I thought you'd need more space," he went on, still watching the city instead of her. "Thought Ymyou'd get bored staying in one place. And maybe…" His eyes flicked toward her, "I wanted you to grow."
For a moment, Ai just stared, not at the city, but really at him.
The breeze tugged gently at her hair, but she didn't move. Didn't speak. Something in her chest felt tight, like her heart was climbing up her throat. "You…" Her voice cracked slightly before she caught herself. "You might be smug, handsome, and an idiot..." She shifted suddenly, wrapping both arms around him in a sudden hug that knocked him just a little off balance. "but… thank you."
He froze for a second, then rested a hand lightly on her back. "Cute."
She groaned against his coat. "Ugh…"
"Not gonna argue this time, kitten?"he teased, his smirk audible.
"No."
"Accepting it?"
"I didn't say that." She pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, cheeks tinged pink but her gaze steady. "But if you're going to keep repeating it all the time…" She hesitated, then smirked faintly herself. "...then I guess it's alright."
"Alright?"
"Take it as a reward for thinking about me." She crossed her arms, or at least tried to, her elbow still hooked around his. She didn't even seem to realize she hadn't let go yet.
He looked down at their linked arms, then back at her with a slightly raised brow. "You're still holding on."
She glanced down too, then shrugged like it was no big deal. "Mm. Warm."
He shook his head, chuckling quietly, and let his arm shift just enough so their hands brushed, once, twice, before her fingers instinctively curled around his.
When she finally spoke again, her voice was softer. "It really does feel… like a whole other world."
"It is," he said simply.
"Mm." Her eyes stayed on the city, but her arm gave his the tiniest squeeze.
---
Shiki finally turned toward her, his hand came up, firmly but not unkindly on her shoulder. He looked her closely. He face was so close, that Ai could see the reflection of the city in his eyes.
"W-what?" Ai asked, her voice trembling, her cheeks dusted red.
He tilted his head slightly, studying her in that way that always made her feel like she was under a magnifying glass. "Hmm..."
"Hmm...?" She repeated.
"You need a change of clothes." Shiki said it, finally.
"Eh?" Ai asked, confused.
"You can't just enter the city with what you're wearing now." Shiki explained, tugging at her cat hoodie.
"Why?"
"You look too modern. You look like you came front he future, according to their perspective." Shiki replied.
"But... It just a hoodie, you gave me." Ai said, looking away.
"Exactly." Shiki said, "A hoodie with cat ears, and the fabric looks like it is from the future."
She groweled, but accepted relatively, "Fine... But I am not wearing anything stupid."
"Why're so invested on this hoodie?" Shiki asked.
"Well..." She replied, filled with nervous energy, "It has emotional value."
"Explain, emotional value, kitten." Shiki smirked.
Ai continued, shyly, "You gave this. I have been wearing this since I was born."
"Hmm..." Shiki exhaled, like he was a saint, "Don't worry... I will be save with me."
"T-thankyou." Ai said.
Then a tall mirror spawned in front of her.
"That mirror from earlier." Ai murmured.
"You can see how you look." Shiki smirked.
"O-okay."
---
"Stand still." His commanded, though it was filled with teasing energy.
He was already cycling through the mental menu of outfit templates. And then he triggered the first change.
From Ai's perspective, the swap was instant. Her current outfit blinked away and the new one settled on her body. But from his side, that stretched into one long second. A one second gap where every layer vanished, leaving the ultra-detailed projection of her body fully exposed before the new gear settled in.
He didn't bother looking away. If anything, he stared at her more often.
The first outfit materialized: a practical adventurer's set — long-sleeved brown tunic, leather bracers, dark trousers tucked into calf-high boots, and a plain belt with a pouch. Good for blending in, sure… but it hung a little baggy on her frame, flattening her shape in the most boring way possible.
Ai's reflection stared back at her with a flat expression. "I look like a delivery girl."
---
The next outfit formed — still practical, but heavier: light chainmail over a dark green tunic, a short cape at the back, sturdy leggings, and reinforced gloves. Too bulky. It made her look ready for a siege instead of casual city wandering.
"…Do I have to look like I'm about to punch you?" she asked, tugging at the cape's edge.
---
Click. New set: sleeveless leather jerkin over a cream blouse with puffed sleeves, short skirt layered over fitted leggings, knee-high boots. Closer… but the blouse was so frilly it almost made her laugh. "What am I, a barmaid with armor?"
Another change — dark violet tunic with gold trim, belt slung diagonally across her hip, side-slit skirt over shorts. Stylish, but the color made her look like she'd wandered out of a noble's parade.
"Do I have to bow to myself when I walk past a mirror in this?"
---
Then came the first skimpy misstep — a cropped wrap top with a deep V and tight leather pants, no cloak or coat to soften it. Ai frowned at her reflection.
Shiki's lips twitched.
The next outfit wasn't much better, tiny pleated skirt, sleeveless vest, mismatched striped stockings, oversized scarf. She looked down, then up again. "You're trolling me now."
Another change... high-collared coat that went all the way down to her calves, cinched with a thick belt, paired with fitted trousers. The coat was so stiff it could stand on its own. "I feel like I'm wearing a portable wall."
---
A second skimpy one appeared — laced-up corset, thigh straps, loose sash hanging at her waist, sheer sleeves. Ai's nose wrinkled. "I look like I should be charging admission to see me."
---
The tenth try — close-fitting leather tunic with asymmetrical straps, shorts, and a cropped cape. Sleek, yes… but the colors clashed hard enough to hurt. She winced. "Shiki, I look like a bad painting."
---
Then… the last one.
The cropped sleeveless hoodie fit snug over her chest, the zipper tugged down just enough to show a teasing hint of cleavage — not too much, but enough that Shiki noticed immediately. The cut ended just above her ribs, showing a stretch of smooth, toned midriff. The hoodie's fabric molded softly around the curve of her breasts without squeezing, while the light weight of it let the rise and fall of her breathing show.
Her hair was slightly waved now, messy bangs framing her face, the rest tied back in a ponytail.
Her shorts hugged her hips perfectly, rugged, frayed edges brushing the tops of her thighs, the fit so precise it almost looked molded to her shape. The low waistline and tilt of the belt emphasized the curve between her hip and stomach. A single rubber armband clung to one thigh, fitted with neat rows of throwing knives. The other thigh was bare, the asymmetry making her legs look even longer.
The black leather belt slung a little crooked around her hips carried small pouches, a sheathed dagger, and empty loop hooks for whatever else she might pick up.
Fingerless gloves gripped snug around her hands, the leather worn in at the palms for comfort but still fitted enough to show the shape of her fingers.
Her boots were knee-high with folded cuffs, the dark socks just peeking over the top adding a layered look that made her legs seem even more balanced.
And then there was the garter system — thin straps running from the waistband inside her shorts, looping subtly under the hoodie, and connecting to each shoulder. Not tight enough to be obvious unless you knew what you were looking for, but just enough to give her chest secure, bounce-free support while still highlighting the natural curve beneath the fabric.
She turned slowly in the mirror, the hoodie's zipper dipping just enough with each shift of her shoulders to keep offering that maddening little glimpse.
Shiki's gaze caught on her mid-spin, and for just a breath he didn't move. "Yeah… that's the one."
Ai blinked at his tone, heat flickering up her neck. "You… think so?"
"I know so," he said, no hesitation... but there was something in the way his eyes lingered that made her pulse skip.
Her cheeks warmed, though she tried to hide it with a little smirk. "Mm… guess you do have an eye for this stuff."
She spun once, the cropped hoodie rising a little over her ribs with the motion, and then reached up to push the hood back. Her hair spilled down in loose waves.
In the mirror, she barely recognized herself. someone who could slip a dagger under your ribs, wink, and still make you buy her coffee afterward. Dangerous, yes… but the cuteness was still there, just enough to make it worse.
"You know," he said slowly, "you're going to be a problem walking around like that."
Ai's brows drew together. "Problem?"
"Mhm." His eyes dragged deliberately down to the zipper, then back up, voice lowering just enough to make her heartbeat feel louder. "People are going to stare… and I'm not sure if I'll be more annoyed at them for looking, or at you for letting them."
Her face went hot instantly. "I'm not 'letting' anyone—!"
He cut her off with a small shrug, eyes still on her. "Even me?"
"I- I didn't said that." Ai said, looking away, trying to hide her blush
"So... I can?" Shiki teased.
She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, the heat in her cheeks refusing to go away. "You just like seeing me in it."
He didn't even bother denying it. "And out of it."
Ai froze mid-turn, eyes going wide as the words sank in. "E-Excuse me?"
Shiki's gaze didn't waver, but the corners of his mouth tugged up just enough to betray him. "Relax. I meant when you're changing outfits."
She narrowed her eyes, suspicious. "Uh-huh… sure you did."
He didn't answer... just let that quiet little smirk linger, knowing full well she'd be chewing on it the rest of the day.
Ai choked on air, whipping around to glare at him, but he was already looking off to the side like nothing had happened.
She stood there for a beat, torn between smacking him and… something else entirely, then finally huffed and stepped closer. Without another word, she hooked her arm through his, tugging him toward the path. "Guess I'll let you dress me… this time."
Her grin was quick, bright, almost too much for the tension in the air. "Let's go."
---
END OF CHAPTER : 7 : PREPARATION!
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