As we strolled hand in hand through the cobblestone streets, the gentle hum of life around us creating a soothing backdrop, I couldn't help but get lost in the moment. My nerves, while still present, had softened into something warmer—something I hadn't expected. This date, which I had been so apprehensive about, was turning into an experience I was genuinely enjoying.
"Lillian," I began hesitantly, glancing at her profile. She was as calm and radiant as ever, her pastel pink hair catching the golden light of the setting sun. "Are you sure your parents would allow this? I mean, you're disguised right now, but if people figure out who you are…"
Lillian turned her head to me, her smile soft and reassuring. "Don't worry, Sera," she said gently. "It's fine. My parents trust me, and besides, I don't get moments like this often. Enough worrying—today is our day, our date."
There it was again—that word. Date. It echoed in my mind, and like clockwork, warmth crept up my cheeks, settling into a telltale blush. I glanced down at our intertwined hands, marveling at how casually she held mine, as if this was the most natural thing in the world. For her, maybe it was. For me? My thoughts were a whirlwind.
"Come on," Lillian said, her voice lilting with excitement as she gently tugged me forward. "Let's shop around for a bit. There's a lovely little jewelry shop I've been wanting to visit."
"A jewelry shop?" I asked, my brow furrowing in curiosity as she led me through the bustling streets. "You don't seem like the type to go for flashy things."
She chuckled, her laugh as light as the breeze. "I'm not," she admitted. "But sometimes it's fun to browse, don't you think? Besides…" She glanced at me, her sparkling green eyes carrying a hint of mischief. "I thought it might be nice to pick something out for you."
"Wait, for me?" I nearly stumbled at her words. "Why would you—?"
"Why not?" she interrupted, her smile widening as we reached the shop. The sign above the door was elegantly carved, the glass display windows filled with shimmering trinkets and delicate accessories. "You deserve something nice, Sera. Let me treat you."
I stared at her, a mix of bewilderment and flustered warmth swirling inside me. "You don't have to do that," I mumbled, my voice barely audible. "This is already more than enough."
"Nonsense," she said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Let's take a look, shall we?"
Before I could protest further, she opened the door, a soft chime signaling our entrance. The interior of the shop was cozy yet elegant, with polished wooden shelves lined with intricate necklaces, rings, and bracelets that sparkled under the warm lighting.
"Welcome," the shopkeeper greeted us with a kind smile. "Feel free to take your time."
Lillian led me to one of the displays, her eyes scanning the delicate pieces with genuine interest. "See anything you like?" she asked, glancing at me.
I hesitated, my eyes flitting over the jewelry. "I'm not really used to this kind of thing…"
Lillian tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's exactly why I brought you here," she said. "To try something new. Here." She reached for a simple yet elegant necklace with a small, shimmering pendant in the shape of a crescent moon. "What do you think?"
"It's… pretty," I admitted, unable to tear my gaze away from her as she held the necklace up against my neck, her fingers brushing lightly against my skin. The touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I quickly looked away, hoping she wouldn't notice the deepening blush on my face.
"Pretty," she repeated, her tone teasing. "It suits you."
"I—uh, thanks," I stammered, feeling completely out of my depth.
Lillian chuckled softly and set the necklace aside. "Let's pick a few options and see what you like best. No rush, alright?"
As we continued browsing, I found myself drawn to a small display near the corner of the shop. Something there sparkled in a way that caught my eye, subtle but unmistakable. As I leaned closer, I saw them—matching bracelets. One had a golden gem, shimmering warmly under the light, while the other held a soft, pink gem that almost seemed to glow. The colors… they reminded me of us.
"Oh?" Lillian's voice floated over my shoulder, curious and warm. She stepped closer, her presence immediately making my heart race. Gently, she picked up the bracelet with the golden gem, holding it up to the light. "This looks like us," she said with a soft laugh, her emerald eyes sparkling. "What do you think?"
I swallowed, glancing between her and the bracelets. "They're… nice," I managed, the words catching slightly in my throat.
"How about we get them?" she suggested, her voice teasing yet earnest. "We'll match—like a couple."
My heart practically stopped. "A-a couple?" I stammered, heat rushing to my face so fast I thought I might faint. "Lillian, that's—"
She tilted her head, a playful smile gracing her lips. "What? Too bold? Or…" Her smile widened, and she leaned in ever so slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you like the idea?"
The room felt a little too warm all of a sudden, and I could barely think straight. "I-if you want, sure!" I blurted out, the words tumbling from my lips before I could even process them.
Lillian chuckled softly, her laughter as light and soothing as a breeze. "You're adorable when you're flustered, you know that?" she murmured, setting the golden bracelet aside to pick up the pink one. With a deliberate, almost lazy motion, she brought it up to my wrist, fastening it gently around me. Her fingers brushed against my skin as she worked, and I had to hold my breath to stop the fluttering in my chest.
"There," she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "It suits you."
I glanced down at the bracelet, the pink gem resting delicately against my wrist. "It's… nice," I said again, though my voice came out much softer this time.
Suddenly, I felt her hands on my cheeks, warm and gentle, as she pinched them lightly. "Cute," she teased, her grin widening as she leaned in, her face so close to mine that I could feel the warmth of her breath. "So cute, Sera."
My blush deepened to what I was sure was an alarming shade of red. "L-Lillian!" I spluttered, trying to look anywhere but at her.
She laughed again, clearly delighted by my reaction, and picked up the golden bracelet. "Alright," she said, fastening it around her own wrist with practiced ease. "Now we match. Happy?"
I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Y-yeah."
Lillian took my hand in hers, giving it a gentle squeeze as she guided me back toward the counter to pay. "You know," she said, her tone shifting to something softer, "I think this suits us. Don't you?"
I glanced at her, her soft smile lighting up her features in a way that made my heart skip. For a moment, all I could do was nod, unable to find the words to respond. Because, somehow, in that fleeting moment, I knew she was right.
This did suit us.
But the price tag? That didn't suit me at all.
"It's this expensive?!" I blurted out, nearly choking on the number displayed. My voice echoed slightly, drawing a few amused glances from other customers in the shop.
Lillian chuckled softly, the sound as graceful as ever, while the store attendant fidgeted awkwardly behind the counter. "The gems are quite rare," the worker explained hesitantly. "That's why the price is… well, what it is."
Of course. Because nothing with the word "rare" attached to it ever came cheap. My past-life instincts kicked in, a pang of frugality making me consider whether I should just run for the exit. But before I could open my mouth to protest again, Lillian spoke up.
"Don't worry," she said, her voice calm and confident as she reached into her bag. "I'll pay for it."
"Wait—Lillian—" I started, but she silenced me with a single look. Her gaze was soft but firm, the kind of look that could gently disarm an army, and I found myself faltering under it.
"It's a gift," she said simply, pulling out a small, pristine pouch filled with coins that looked far too extravagant for casual spending. "And besides, I insisted on coming here with you, so this is partly my idea."
I hesitated, torn between my pride and the sheer magnetic pull of her kindness. Finally, with a sigh of defeat, I muttered, "Alright… thank you."
As she handed over the payment, I couldn't help but think about the sheer contrast between this life and my old one. Here, I was born into the wealthy Vandren family, with estates, businesses, and enough resources to live comfortably without much thought. But back in my old life? Jeez, I'd been living paycheck to paycheck, sometimes even rationing groceries just to make ends meet.
If my past self could see me now, accepting a luxury bracelet like it was no big deal, she'd probably shake me by the shoulders and demand to know what I was thinking.
Lillian's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Are you alright, Sera?" she asked, tilting her head slightly as she studied my expression.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I'm fine," I said quickly, though my cheeks flushed under her gentle scrutiny. "Just… thinking about how different things are now."
She smiled, her expression warm and understanding. "Well, different isn't always a bad thing. Besides…" She held up her wrist, showing off the golden bracelet. "I think we're pretty lucky to have found these, don't you?"
I looked down at the matching pink gem on my own bracelet, feeling the smooth surface of the band against my skin. Despite the price tag and the lingering guilt in the back of my mind, I couldn't deny how much I liked it. It wasn't just a piece of jewelry—it was a reminder of this strange, unexpected connection we'd built.
"Yeah," I admitted softly. "We are."
Lillian beamed at me, her happiness so radiant that I couldn't help but smile back. "Then let's make the most of the rest of today," she said, offering me her hand again.
I hesitated for only a moment before taking it, letting her lead me out of the shop and back into the lively streets of Fiore. Whatever the rest of this date held, one thing was certain: Lillian Aurora had a way of making even the simplest moments feel extraordinary.