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"Where are we going, Vanessa nee-san?" Areum yawned as she walked alongside Noelle. She had been woken up from her peaceful afternoon nap because Vanessa insisted they needed to buy essentials for their mission two days from now.
"I don't feel good about this," she heard Noelle mumble, which made Areum chuckle softly.
"I hope it’s a bookstore, though," Areum said, her eyes lighting up at the thought.
"You always think about books. I wonder if you've ever thought of eating books instead of food," Noelle teased, rolling her eyes.
"Wait, how did you know what I was thinking just now?" Areum asked, narrowing her eyes in mock suspicion.
"You’re unbelievable, Areum," Noelle replied, shaking her head in disbelief.
Conversations like these always made Areum laugh. She loved talking to Noelle. Besides Asta, Noelle was the only person she felt truly close to—a friend she could comfortably share her thoughts with.
"Now, now, stop chatting, girls! We’re here!" Vanessa clapped her hands excitedly as they stepped into a...
"Swimsuit store?" Areum questioned, her voice laced with confusion. She could hear Charmy-senpai throwing a tantrum in the background, complaining about how Vanessa had fooled her into thinking they were going to eat somewhere.
"What are we doing here, Vanessa?" Noelle asked, her cheeks turning pink as she glanced around nervously.
"We’re picking out the best swimsuits for the mission!" Vanessa gushed, clearly thrilled by the idea.
Areum and Noelle’s expressions soured immediately.
"Alright, I’ll head back. I have reading to do," Areum said, already turning to leave, but Vanessa grabbed her arm and dragged her back.
"Oh, stop being such a spoilsport, Areum! This is what it means to be young!" Vanessa declared.
Areum sighed in defeat, allowing herself to be pulled along. What a hassle, she thought as she reluctantly followed Vanessa.
She glanced around the store, trying to find something interesting amidst the array of bras and panties on display. While Areum understood the concept of dressing for specific occasions, swimsuits—especially the more revealing ones—always baffled her.
"Try this one, Areum! You’ll look adorable!" Vanessa chirped, holding up a tiny swimsuit that barely covered anything.
Areum’s eyes widened in horror.
"Are you nuts, Vanessa?!" Noelle gasped, snatching the swimsuit away before Areum could even react.
Vanessa burst into laughter at their reactions. "Oh, come on! You’re such an innocent child, Areum."
"I would like to respectfully pass," Areum replied flatly, shuddering at the thought of wearing something so revealing.
Thankfully, Vanessa’s attention shifted to Noelle, who was now the target of her swimsuit enthusiasm. Relieved, Areum wandered off to explore the store. She stopped in her tracks when something caught her eye—a beautiful set of earrings and a matching necklace made of shiny blue pearls, accented with delicate shell designs.
She admired the craftsmanship and decided to buy them despite their hefty price tag. "Totally worth it," she murmured, smiling at the cashier as she paid.
Her smile faded, however, when she heard Noelle’s panicked scream. Grabbing her paper bag, Areum rushed toward the commotion. Her eyes widened in shock when she arrived at the scene.
Noelle was stark naked, and standing before her, equally horrified, was Klaus-niisan.
Areum blinked as Klaus collapsed onto the floor in a dramatic faint. Mimosa rushed over to him, frantically using her magic to revive him.
"Klaus-san!" Mimosa cried out in concern.
It was then that Areum noticed another familiar presence.
"Hey, Flyspeck. What’s a minor like you doing here?"
Areum groaned inwardly. Of course, Yuno was here too.
"Vanessa-nee-san dragged me here," she replied, rolling her eyes. "She said we needed to pick out clothes for the beach. I have no idea why she thought it was necessary to involve me."
"Maybe she figured a bookworm like you should do something productive for once instead of rotting away in your books," Yuno teased, smirking.
"Reading is productive," Areum shot back, crossing her arms. "It’s part of a good lifestyle."
"Sure, if you don’t treat it like oxygen," Yuno retorted.
The two continued to bicker until Yuno finally decided to leave.
"Hmph. You should go," Areum huffed, annoyed.
Yuno chuckled, his mocking laugh only fueling her irritation. "What’s wrong? Are you mad already? Gonna terminate me, Flyspeck?"
Areum gritted her teeth. Sometimes she wondered why the universe had created someone who tested her patience so perfectly.
"Who says I’m mad?"
"You’re not a very good liar, you know," Yuno said softly, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Maybe you’re just bad at reading people," Areum countered, turning her head away.
"Yeah, sure," he said with a shrug. Then, after a pause, he added, "Anyway..."
Areum glanced back at him, curious.
"Want to go somewhere with me today? I have something to show you," he said with a grin.
A smile immediately spread across Areum’s face. Yuno often took her to random places, and she always enjoyed the surprises he had in store for her.
"Where are you taking me this time? I have a feeling it’s the sea."
"Nope. I’ve never even been to the sea before," Yuno admitted.
"Wait... really?"
"You think I’m lying?"
"Nope."
And so, the two teens set off, laughing and talking as they rode their respective means of transportation. Areum couldn’t help but smile as she realized how much she loved these moments with Yuno—his randomness, his teasing, and his quiet kindness.
It wasn’t just a childish crush anymore. This was something deeper, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.
——☘️☄️——
author's note:
I AM SO SORRY Y'ALL I GOT SO BUSY AND STUFF. HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS SHORT UPDATE THOUGH:D. Thanks for reading! ☕
