(Momo POV – Shopping Mall)
I arrive at the mall at 2:30 PM. That's thirty minutes early. 'Plenty of time to—'
"Momo. You're early." A calm, familiar voice cuts in from behind me.
"Ah!" I squeak, spinning around in surprise. My hand shoots to my mouth as my cheeks flare red. 'Did I really just make that noise?'
I cough lightly to recover. "Kata… you're early."
He's dressed casually—black fitted t-shirt, dark green cargo shorts, and black trainers. 'He looks good...'
But what catches my attention more is the little girl he's holding effortlessly in one arm.
She's wearing a pale pink dress with frilly edges and tiny bunny prints, paired with white sneakers. Adorable.
"Wow, she's adorable," I murmur aloud—then instantly regret it when she tightens her grip on Kata's shirt.
"Ah, I'm sorry if I startled you," I say quickly, bowing slightly as my face warms again. I'm definitely not helping the situation.
"It's nice to see you too, Momo. You look good," Kata says.
I blink, caught off guard. I'm wearing a white sundress with floral embroidery near the hem, a light lavender cardigan, and tan sandals. It's simple, but his compliment still makes my heart flutter a little.
I smile and nod politely, trying not to overthink it and my gaze drifts to the girl again.
"And this is Eri. She's my little sister," Kata says, turning slightly so she can see me. "And that's Momo. Say hello."
My brain briefly freezes. 'Kata has a little sister?!'
But now that I look closely… their features really are similar.
More surprising is the tone of his voice... it's so gentle. I've only ever heard him speak in a flat monotone. 'This is... new. But I like hearing him speak like that.'
"Hello. I'm Eri… nice to meet you," comes a soft voice. She's clinging to Kata like her life depends on it, but her little effort is endearing.
'She's so cute!'
I kneel slightly, softening my voice. "Hi there, Eri. I'm Momo. It's very nice to meet you too."
She nods, but doesn't say much. She's probably shy.
I glance up at Kata, who's watching us with quiet interest. "Did you ask for my help because we're shopping for her?" I ask.
He nods. "I don't really know what a little girl would need, so… yeah. I appreciate the help."
I nod back. Makes sense. But if she's his sister, has he been taking care of her all this time?
He must have noticed the question on my face, because he answers before I speak. "It's complicated. She didn't start living with me until yesterday."
No elaboration. Which usually means don't ask or he'll start dodging the topic.
"That's fine," I say instead, smiling. "So we're shopping for everything she'll need?" I ask, trying to sound excited while looking at Eri.
'Maybe if I'm excited enough… she'll feel it too.'
"Pretty much," he says.
I glance at Eri again. She's still clinging tightly, but there's a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes.
I bring my hands together excitedly. "Then how about we start with clothes?"
Shopping for clothes is one of life's greatest joys.
Kata gives a quiet nod, and I turn to Eri, eyes practically sparkling. "What do you think, Eri? Want to try on something cute?"
She tilts her head, brows furrowing in confusion rather than disapproval.
'It's adorable. Kata does the same thing when he's confused.' I giggle softly to myself.
'She doesn't seem to understand the appeal, though. I can't have that. But how to get her excited…'
"Oh!" I lean forward slightly, lowering my voice to a secretive whisper. "Eri, don't you want to look even cuter?" I inch closer slowly, careful not to startle her, and whisper to her. "I think Kata would be really happy to see you all dressed up."
I know full well he can hear me, regardless of the whisper—but it's more for her than him.
Her crimson eyes widen as she studies my face, measuring my sincerity. 'Just like him, she's super cautious.' I sigh inwardly. 'But it's endearing.'
She looks to Kata. An unspoken understanding passes between them, and he gently sets her down.
She toddles over to me, then raises a hand to wave me down. I blink in surprise, crouching to meet her—and she whispers back, "Will Kata really be happy if I dress up?"
'She must really loves him a lot.'
I smile softly. "Definitely. You're already super cute, but I'll make sure you're extra cute today. So… will you rely on me, Eri?"
There's a flicker of determination in her eyes as she nods with conviction. "I'll do my best."
I grin and offer my hand. She hesitates for a few second before slipping her small hand into mine. Then she reaches out her other hand to Kata, who's been watching us with... satisfaction?
"What were you whispering about?" he asks, taking her hand in his.
Eri glances at me in panic. She probably doesn't want to lie, but also wants to keep our secret.
Lying would probably make her feel bad... and based on what I've seen, I might lose her trust. But telling him outright might make her feel betrayed.
I offer a wry smile. "It's girl talk, Kata. A secret between us, right Eri?" I bring a finger to my lips and wink.
Eri nods solemnly. "Yeah. It's a secret."
He shrugs. "Alright. I'm glad you two are getting along. Let's start shopping then."
Eri and I exchange a look as we both nod.
'She doesn't smile.' I notice.
It's another trait they share, but I'd rather see them both smile often.
Then, hand in hand with Kata and me on either side, she steps forward between us as we walk into the shopping mall together.
(Kata POV – Shopping Mall)
Despite the unity we had walking in, I quickly became a spectator. I had no idea what I was doing when it came to kids' clothing, so I could only watch.
Momo enthusiastically suggests outfits to Eri, explaining how cute each one is and why she picked it. Eri looks confused, overwhelmed even, but Momo never rushes her. She just keeps gently asking how she feels.
'I made the right choice asking Momo for help.'
Honestly, I didn't have many people I could rely on—and even fewer who'd be useful in a situation like this.
Mina might've been my only other option, but she wouldn't know how to approach someone like Eri. Momo knew not to push. She saw how guarded Eri was and managed to earn her trust without prying.
'Which is quite impressive.'
Understanding how to handle Eri's emotional state was probably the most important part of today. And Momo did it wonderfully.
I stay quiet and let them do their thing. I ask questions now and then when I don't understand something, and Momo always answers with a smile, even explaining her reasoning.
'I can't ask her for help every time.' I sigh, but seeing how happy she looks picking out clothes for Eri… maybe she wouldn't mind.
'This… feels strangely calming.'
I decide not to overthink it and just enjoy the peace.
Eventually, they settle on several outfits, so I walk over. "Have you decided on these?" I ask.
Momo glances at Eri, who looks nervous, and offers a small smile. "For the most part, yes. She just needs to try them on. Can you be the judge?" she says, clearly trying to hype Eri up—but it only makes her more anxious.
I crouch slightly and look at her. "What's wrong, Eri?"
She fiddles with her dress, eyes downcast. "They're pretty, but… aren't they too expensive for me?"
It's a simple question—but it hits harder than I expect.
"They're not expensive," I say gently, patting her head. "And even if they were, I'd still get them for you. You deserve everything you want, okay?"
Eri nods, her grip loosening on her dress as the tension in her shoulders eases.
Momo's gaze softens. I notice the glimmer of tears forming in her eyes as she watches us—deeply moved, but holding it back.
She crouches next to Eri. "And don't forget what we're trying to achieve," she reminds her with a playful wink. That seems to do the trick as Eri straightens up with renewed resolve.
"I'll help her change," Momo says brightly, giving me a mischievous smile. "Be ready to get blown away, Judge Kata."
I smirk slightly. 'I'll play along.'
"I'm really excited to see you dressed up," I tell Eri.
'I mean it. She's cute no matter what, but I know she'll shine even more when she's dressed in something pretty.'
Her face lights up at that and Momo leads her toward the changing room, while I wait outside.
'Will I be able to smile naturally when she walks out?'
I know I'll be happy, but I want to show her a smile that come from the heart.
I sigh softly. 'I'm sure it will.'
(Eri POV – Shopping Mall, Changing Room)
Momo helps me change into the outfit, and I stare at my reflection in the mirror.
I'm wearing a light-blue denim overall dress over a striped yellow t-shirt, and white sneakers. There's a little cartoon unicorn stitched onto the chest pocket.
I nervously tug at the straps. 'Will this really make Kata happy? What if he doesn't like it? What if I look weird?'
The more I think about it, the more nervous I feel.
"Are you feeling nervous?" Momo asks gently.
I nod. "What if… what if he thinks I look bad?" I whisper, clutching the fabric.
Momo chuckles softly and kneels down to my level with a big smile. "I've spent a lot of time with Kata. And I can tell—he's happiest when you're around. He'll definitely think you look amazing."
I study her face carefully. 'She's not lying.'
I tilt my head. "How long have you known him?"
She seems surprised but answers anyway. "About five weeks now. Since classes started."
I nod slowly. 'That's a long time… much longer than me.' The thought makes me feel a little sad.
"If you want," Momo adds, "I can tell you stories about Kata from that time. Would you like that?"
My eyes light up, and I nod quickly.
She giggles. "Then I'll tell you once we finish shopping. But first, you have to show him how beautiful you look."
I take a deep breath and nod. 'Even if I'm nervous… I want to make Kata happy.'
But… there's something I'm curious about.
"Do you like Kata?" I ask.
Momo tilts her head. "Hmm? Of course I like Kata. We're friends."
I frown slightly. "I mean, do you really like him?"
She freezes, and her cheeks start to turn pink. "O-of course I like him!" she blurts, then coughs awkwardly. "B-but not in that way. He's my friend and classmate, even if…" Her voice trails off as she starts muttering nervously and waving her hand like a fan.
I tilt my head. 'Why is she acting so weird?'
"If you like him," I ask seriously, "then… have you bitten him yet?"
Momo blinks. "Huh?"
"I remember Himiko said she only bites people she really likes. So, did you bite Kata yet?"
Momo stares at me, confused. "No, I haven't bitten Kata before," she says, still trying to process.
I nod, understandingly. "It's okay if you're too shy to tell him. I'll help you."
'Himiko's also really shy. I'll help her too.' I think, feeling determined.
Momo's face goes completely red as she covers her cheek with her hand and mumbles, "You don't need to help me with that, but I appreciate it…" Then she groans quietly.
She's acting weird again. I gently tug her hand. "Momo, I'm not nervous anymore."
My words seem to snap her out of it. She shakes her head and smiles warmly at me. "Let's show Kata what you're made of."
I nod, still a little nervous… but I trust Momo. If she says Kata will think I look nice—then I believe her.