When Two Wounded Hearts Find Solace In Each Other, Snow White (The School's Beauty) And I Were Mistakenly Labeled As A Silly Couple. - Chapter 18: Snow White and Shopping.

Snow White and Shopping.

“It was fun at the karaoke, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

Although we had entered the karaoke shop near the station for a free time session on a holiday, we couldn’t stay there for the entire duration. We were asked to leave after the guaranteed three hours had passed.

During the payment, a male employee, presumably a part-timer, shot us jealous glances, probably thinking, “Dating such a cute girl.”

“Um… I have a place I’d like to go. Is that okay?”

It was a suggestion from Himeno, who was holding my hand.

“Where?”

“I want to see clothes at the shopping mall.”

“Of course, that’s fine. But are you okay with a crowded place?”

I had received enough thanks, and the remaining time was hers to use as she pleased. However, on a holiday, shopping malls tend to be crowded, which might not be suitable for Himeno right now.

“It’s okay. I have Taka-kun with me.”

Blushing, she spoke shyly. She looked so cute, and if I hadn’t been into Marika, I might have fallen for her.

“Alright then.”

With a smile and a thank you, Himeno and I, hand in hand, headed to the shopping mall.

***

“Um, Taka-kun, I want you to choose clothes for me.”

The place Himeno had taken us to was a women’s clothing store. It being a holiday, there were many customers, mostly women. Although there were also male customers, they seemed like the kind of couples enjoying their time together.

“I choose? Is that okay?”

“Yes. Since we’ll be together from now on, I thought it would be better to have clothes that Taka-kun likes.”

Her mentioning my preference in casual wear made me wonder if it implied spending holidays together. It wouldn’t be bad, but that would mean less private time for Himeno.

“We’ll be together on holidays too?”

“Yes. Is that not okay?”

“It’s not bad.”

Looking into her blue eyes, slightly teary, there was no way I could refuse. Besides, even though it might be a bit challenging to talk to Marika for a while, being able to spend holidays with Himeno was something to be thankful for. Though she unknowingly did embarrassing things that made my heart race, it was still somewhat easier compared to the pain of heartbreak.

“I really appreciate everything Taka-kun has done for me, so I want to thank you by making meals for you.”

“Got it.”

Even though Marika usually cooks for me, I agreed. Himeno’s cooking was delicious, and Marika would probably say something like, “Stay with Shirayuki,” anyway. While briefly considering if it was okay to let someone take Marika’s position, it seemed that Marika prioritized taking care of Himeno’s emotional wounds over everything else.

“I’m happy to be able to spend the holidays with Taka-kun.”

“Hehe,” Himeno said shyly, and I felt a flutter in my heart. Of course, it wasn’t that I fell in love because there was someone I liked, but unconsciously saying such things was really bad for my heart.

However, Himeno probably wasn’t saying it to make me aware of anything. I had to remind myself that it was just gratitude.

Looking at Himeno, often referred to as Snow White, saying such things, it was clear that she wouldn’t develop feelings for me, and even if I did like her, there was no way we could date.

“What’s wrong? Is it bothersome to spend holidays together after all?”

“No, it’s not that. I was just lost in thought a bit.”

“Lost in thought? Is it about Shikibe-san by any chance?”

“It’s just a little about Marika.”

I used the thumb and index finger of the hand not holding Himeno’s to create a small gap and explain. For some reason, Himeno pouted as if she were angry.

“Even though we’re spending time together, you shouldn’t be thinking about other girls.”

“I’m sorry.”

Certainly, since we were out together, it wasn’t appropriate to be thinking about other girls. I apologized sincerely to Himeno.

“If you feel bad about it, then please choose my clothes.”

“Got it.”

Looking around to see what kind of clothes might be good, I realized that I didn’t know much about women’s clothing. Marika chose her own clothes since she liked to play the older sister role, and I had no idea what kind of clothes would make Himeno happy.

“Hmm? What’s this…”

I happened to pick up a dress that looked exactly like the one worn by an anime heroine. It was a one-piece garment with a white top and gray bottom. It seemed to be in a girly style.

“How about this?” I showed the dress to Himeno.

“Oh… this is…”

The dress had a slightly see-through shoulder area, revealing the collarbone, and its short length seemed to make Himeno’s face flush. Perhaps she wasn’t used to dresses with a higher level of exposure.

“Sorry, let’s choose something else.”

“W-Wait, please.”

As I tried to put the dress back, Himeno stopped me.

“Do you… wish to see me wearing this kind of dress, Taka-kun?”

“Well, maybe.”

Answering directly while looking straight ahead felt embarrassing, so I averted my gaze slightly. I thought that while a modest style suited her, something with a girly touch that emphasized her cuteness might also look good on her.

“Understood. I’ll wear something like this when we’re alone together, Taka-kun.”

Blushing, Himeno whispered sweetly. After checking the size in the fitting room, she brought the dress to the cashier and made the purchase.