How did I end up here?
Lilia stared blankly at her reflection, mouth slightly agape, as a frilly lavender dress hung in front of her like it was preparing to devour her dignity.
Next to her, Mari was practically bouncing with excitement, holding up outfit after outfit like a battlefield commander prepping for war.
"Try this one! And this one! Oh—and this one's so cute, I can't even—!"
Lilia didn't move.
Still processing.
Still suffering.
Still internally screaming.
Three days ago I was in jeans, chugging vending machine coffee and half-listening to a boring team meeting. Now I'm standing in a boutique that smells like roses and glitter, about to model dresses that have bows on places bows should never be.
Mari finally noticed her dazed expression.
"Oh come on, don't tell me you're one of those girls who hates shopping!"
I wasn't a girl at all, Lilia wanted to yell, but instead she managed a strained smile. "I'm… not used to it."
Mari tilted her head. "You're seriously weird, Lilia. Cute, but weird."
That earned her an eye twitch.
"Alright, I'll go try one," Lilia muttered like she was heading to the gallows. She took a fluffy pastel dress and headed for the fitting room, dragging her feet.
Inside, she stared at the dress like it was radioactive. Unzipping it, she sighed heavily and mumbled, "I used to buy t-shirts in bulk. Now I'm being eaten alive by lace."
She slipped into the outfit with considerable struggle, managing to squeeze into it with the grace of a drunk walrus. Her reflection in the mirror made her freeze.
I… don't look bad. Wait—no. Stop. I'm not thinking that. That's the game brainwashing me!
"Lilia! You done? Come out!" Mari chirped.
Lilia cracked the door open an inch. "I feel like I lost a bet."
"Oh my gods, you look adorable! I swear, if Prince Alric sees you in that, he's gonna—"
"Stop. Right. There." Lilia held up a hand like a traffic cop. "Don't you dare finish that sentence."
Mari just grinned wickedly.
"I don't know how you managed to dress like a doll and still look so grumpy."
"I'm a grumpy doll," Lilia deadpanned.
At that moment, another notification silently blinked into her vision.
=======================
[System Notice: You're currently shopping with a friend! Would you like to gain affection bonuses from social bonding?]
[Yes/ No]
[Warning: refusing may lower compatibility!]
=======================
Lilia stared.
Why is shopping a system event? I just wanted to survive this day. Not max out my friendship stats.
She gritted her teeth and muttered under her breath, "Fine. Yes. Whatever."
Ping.
[Affinity with Mari +3] [Closeness Level: Budding Bond]
Mari beamed, completely unaware of the internal breakdown happening beside her. "Hey, we should grab lunch after this!"
"Only if lunch doesn't come with sequins and sparkles," Lilia muttered, dragging her frilly self back into the changing room.
Lilia stepped out of the fitting room, holding the dress like it was evidence from a crime scene.
Mari was already holding a small pile of clothes in her arms. "These are perfect for you! You're buying at least two, right?"
That's when it hit her.
The color drained from Lilia's face.
Oh no. Oh no no no no no.
"Uh… Mari?" she asked slowly, voice barely above a whisper.
"Yeah?" Mari turned, beaming like this was the best day ever.
"I, uh…" Lilia cleared her throat, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "I… kinda… don't have any money."
Mari blinked.
Then blinked again.
"…What?"
"I mean, like, zero. As in: I could be arrested if I tried to pay with what's in my pockets," Lilia added, offering a guilty grin. "I didn't even know I'd need money today."
Mari stared.
Lilia stared back.
"Wait, you came out shopping with me… and you didn't bring anything?"
"In my defense," Lilia muttered, "I was emotionally blackmailed by sparkles and peer pressure."
Mari covered her mouth and burst into laughter. "You're unbelievable!"
"I'll just—uh—change and put the clothes back," Lilia said, already backing into the fitting room.
Mari waved her off. "Don't be silly. I'll cover for you this time."
Lilia froze. "No, no, I can't let you—"
"Too late." Mari smirked. "You owe me lunch, three favors, and your soul."
"That's oddly specific."
Mari winked. "I collect cute people. You're officially on my shelf."
Lilia sighed as she ducked back into the changing room.
Great. Now I'm broke, dressed like a marshmallow, and someone's prized collectible.
=======================
[System Notification: You accepted financial help from a friend!]
[Friendship flag raised. Affection with Mari: +1]
[New Trait Unlocked: 'Financially Useless']
=======================
"…What the hell kind of trait is that!?" Lilia hissed.
After managing to survive the frilly torture chamber and narrowly avoiding financial ruin, Lilia and Mari finally stepped out of the boutique. The sun was beginning to dip, casting a warm orange glow over the cobbled streets.
Lilia stretched her arms and exhaled like she'd just escaped prison. "Well, that was… a day."
Mari twirled the shopping bag in her hand with a grin. "A productive day. You now officially own a skirt that flutters when you walk."
"That skirt flutters like it's trying to fly off me," Lilia muttered, arms crossed over her chest. "I miss pants. Solid, emotionless pants."
Mari blinked, then tilted her head with a curious smirk. "Wait—you used to wear pants?"
Lilia froze for half a second. Crap.
"I—I meant…" She coughed awkwardly. "You know, like… childhood rebellion. A tomboy phase. Totally normal."
Mari snorted. "Riiight. Well, your pants must miss you too, because you look like you're mourning them."
"I am," Lilia said flatly. "Every day."
Mari giggled and bumped her shoulder playfully. "You're so weird. But it's kinda cute."
They reached a split in the path—one road leading toward the dorms, the other toward the market district.
Lilia stopped and gave a half-wave. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow."
Mari blinked. "So soon? You're running off already?"
"I'm emotionally exhausted and physically assaulted by frills," Lilia replied deadpan. "I need a quiet place to sit and mourn my old life."
Mari giggled and gave a mock pout. "Fine, but don't forget—you owe me lunch!"
Lilia groaned. "You're not gonna let that go, are you?"
"Nope!" Mari said brightly. "Start saving up. I'm ordering dessert."
"Guess I better sell my soul again," Lilia muttered.
As she turned to leave, another silent system message appeared in the corner of her vision:
=======================
[Quest Updated! - Buy Lunch for Mari.]
[Deadline: 3 days] [Reward: +3 Friendship / Avoid Being Teased Forever]
[Failure: You'll never hear the end of it.]
=======================
Lilia stared at the message, face blank.
"…This system is way too real."