Mira stepped out of the hospital slowly. The outside world felt unfamiliar. It all felt distant, like she had been dropped into someone else's life. Her fingers instinctively tightened around Leon's hand.
He noticed immediately.
"It's okay," he said softly, guiding her toward the car waiting nearby.
James and the driver were already inside.
Leon opened the door for her carefully, his hand lingering at her back for a second longer than necessary. Seeing her nervousness... seeing her rely on him so naturally made something warm settle inside him.
By now, he was certain. Mira had truly forgotten.
"Leo…" Mira narrowed her eyes slightly while sitting beside him. "Why do I feel like you're smiling?"
"No," he replied instantly. But the corner of his lips betrayed him.
Before she could complain, he pulled her closer and gently patted her head.
The drive continued until the car finally stopped before a massive building glowing with lights and advertisements.
Mira stepped out and looked up.
D – Mall
The giant letters reflected in her eyes.
"Mira…" Leon called.
"Hm?"
"I have a task for you."
She blinked. "A task?"
"Hmmm."
He nodded seriously.
"We're conducting an assessment for the company."
"Company?"
"D… for Deskmore Group."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Ohhh… I thought you were going to empty the whole mall for me."
Leon immediately turned toward James. "Should I—"
"No!" Mira grabbed his sleeve quickly. "I was joking!" A small laugh escaped her.
"I just read a scene like that in a novel…"
Leon's expression shifted subtly. "Novel?"
"Hmmm." She smiled faintly. "Finn gave me one."
Leon hummed quietly before continuing in an almost serious tone.
"Your task is simple. Visit every store in this mall and select at least five things from each."
Mira stared at him. "…Each?"
"If you like more, you can take more."
"But why me?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Leon looked at her calmly. "Because your mind is blank right now."
She blinked. "You won't be influenced by brand names, trends, or reputation."
A small pause.
"So your choices will be honest."
Mira gasped dramatically. "Ahhh… black-hearted capitalist!"
James nearly choked trying not to laugh.
"I'm an ex-injured patient," she continued accusingly, "and you're already treating me like an employee."
She crossed her arms. "Where are my wages?"
Leon looked at her for a moment before answering smoothly,
"Hmmm… to compensate my ex-injured Mira…" He leaned slightly closer. "I can grant you three wishes."
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?!" A grin spread across her face.
"You can't back off now."
"I won't." A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"But all three wishes have to be completed today."
"Ohhh…" Mira pouted immediately.
Leon looked at her for a second too long.
**Cute…**
And so the day began. Store after store. Floor after floor.
Leon walked behind her quietly, watching everything.
The dresses she paused before.
The colors she touched first.
The books she picked up absentmindedly.
The snacks she stared at twice before pretending not to want them.
Every tiny preference.
Every habit.
Every expression.
Leon memorized them all carefully, like he was rebuilding her from scratch.
And perhaps… That was exactly what he was doing.