We started from the bottom.
In the food area, Yukari explained that if we wanted a proper meal, fast food or hot sandwiches were best, and if we just wanted to take a break, coffee or ice cream would do.
Going up to the second floor, we found miscellaneous goods and interior design shops.
“Should I buy something?”
I asked while looking at some girly accessories on display.
“It’s better not to go into it thinking, ‘Let’s do this here’ or anything like that,” Yukari advised. “It’ll just make you seem pushy. Unless… are you planning this as a date to win Minase-san’s heart? If that’s the case, I can give you some serious advice.”
“That’s not what I meant…”
I thought her phrasing sounded kind of old-fashioned, though she was probably saying it that way just to tease me.
Of course, it wasn’t anything like what she was suggesting. I was just showing Minase around because she asked me to, nothing more.
“If you really want to buy her something, make sure it’s something she actually wants and that it’s not a burden for either of you,” Yukari continued.
“Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”
That was some solid advice. I made a mental note of it.
On the next floor up, it became a full-on fashion section—no more small items or trinkets, just clothing everywhere.
We went into one of the stores.
“This one’s really popular since they rotate their stock a lot,” Yukari explained. “I always stop by when I’m here.”
“I see, so this is like a standard spot for girls, huh.”
As I nodded in understanding, something came to mind.
“Oh right—Sera, that model girl? Did she really send you something?”
During a video call the other day, Sera seemed to really like Yukari and said she’d send her some merch or something. I’d been wondering if that ever actually happened.
“Yeah, she did. Apparently, she’s collaborating with a brand that’s super popular among girls. She sent me a top and a cap from the upcoming collection. I guess she’s going for a cool look this time.”
As she said that, Yukari picked up one of the caps on display and put it on. She usually had a feminine vibe, but with her wearing pants today, it actually suited her surprisingly well.
“I sent her my thoughts on it. She said she also wanted to know how others would react, though. What do you think I should do?”
“Is there a problem?” I asked.
Unlike me, Yukari had tons of friends. If she wore it while hanging out, she’d easily get plenty of feedback.
“I’m starting to worry it might cause some jealousy,” she admitted with a wry smile, putting the cap back on the shelf.
Yukari might have that slightly aloof aura, but she was definitely admired by the other girls—and popular among the guys too. It made sense that people would envy her if they found out she got exclusive items from a famous high school model. Some might even take it the wrong way. I could see how even someone like Yukari could become a target if she stood out too much.
“I think I’ll wear them out sometime,” she added. “That way, I can see people’s reactions directly.”
“That’s… quite the bold approach,” I said.
It was the kind of idea that only someone used to being in the spotlight could come up with.
“The only problem is the guys who try to hit on me,” she muttered.
“Huh?”
She meant guys who would try to pick her up, right?
“Oh, it happens sometimes,” Yukari said casually, as if reading my thoughts. “You probably haven’t noticed, but even today, I’ve been getting a lot of looks.”
“Eh!?”
I immediately glanced around, scanning the area. But we were inside a store, and there weren’t any sketchy-looking guys around. I even peeked outside, just to be sure.
“Don’t worry,” Yukari said, laughing softly. “They can tell I’m with a guy, so they’re giving up.”
She found my reaction amusing and couldn’t help but giggle.
“Well… still, be careful,” I said awkwardly.
“Aw, are you worried about me?” she teased.
Feeling embarrassed after my outburst, I mumbled, “Of course I am. You’re my childhood friend.”
“Relax. I’m used to brushing off annoying guys by now,” she said confidently.
Now that was a dependable line.
She used to be such a tomboy, zipping around on her BMX. And now she’d become a refined, admired beauty. When did that change happen, I wondered? Probably around the time she stopped riding BMX. I should ask her about it someday.
§§§
Yukari’s lessons continued as she guided me through the mall. She picked out stores I should keep in mind and explained what kind of vibe each one had.
“Let’s go there next,” she suddenly said.
I blinked. That was unusual. Normally, she’d just walk around until we happened upon a shop before explaining it, but this time she pointed one out ahead of time. Why?
I followed her gaze—and froze.
It was a swimwear section, full of brightly colored bikinis and mannequins in revealing poses.
“Nope. Not going in there,” I said immediately.
That was the last place I wanted to step foot in.
“Why not? I’ll let you pick one out for me,” she teased. “I’m not bragging, but I’ve got a pretty good figure, so I think I can pull off just about anything.”
“Ugh…”
Unwanted mental images flashed through my head, and I lost my words. Yukari laughed softly, clearly satisfied by my reaction.
“Seriously though,” she said, “what if Minase-san wants to go swimsuit shopping? Are you planning to just tell her to go alone?”
“If that happens, I’ll just wing it,” I said flatly.
I really hoped it wouldn’t come to that… but knowing Minase, with her messed-up sense of distance, she might actually say it for real.
“Well, that’s fine. I just wanted to see how you’d react. Too bad. Oh, and by the way—Minase-san’s figure is actually pretty good, you know.”
“…”
That was information I definitely didn’t need. I’d never really thought about her that way—she was too loud and cheerful for me to even notice. I just hoped I wouldn’t start being weird about it tomorrow.
“Alright, let’s head back,” Yukari said suddenly.
I glanced at my phone—it was just past four in the afternoon.
“Isn’t it a bit early?”
“What are you talking about? Your real event is tomorrow. You should rest up.”
“Fair point.”
“Thanks for tagging along today,” I said. “Sorry for making you waste your time.”
“Don’t apologize. I invited myself along,” she replied.
“Still, you really helped. Thanks.”
I had planned to scout out the area anyway, but with Yukari’s help, I’d learned a lot about the kinds of places girls liked. I’d have to sort it all out when I got home and use it well tomorrow.
“I’ll treat you next time,” I offered.
“Really? Then take me to the skate park we used to go to,” she said with a nostalgic smile.
“That place still exists?” I asked in surprise.
I hadn’t thought about it in years—it was a childhood memory I’d just buried away.
“Of course. There aren’t many skate parks in Japan, so it’s still popular. I think one of the skaters who won gold in the last Olympics used to practice there, actually.”
That made sense. Back then, the park had felt so normal to us, but now I realized how rare it was to have a full-scale facility like that around.
“Then maybe we could go now—”
I stopped mid-sentence. Back then, we’d always biked there, but it was pretty far out, nowhere near the station. Yukari didn’t have a bike anymore, and I hadn’t needed one in ages either. Getting there would be tricky.
“Sorry, let’s save it for another time.”
“Sure,” she said with a knowing smile.
We’d figure out the details later.
And with that, our scouting trip for tomorrow came to an end.
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