The mall was unusually quiet for a Saturday morning, the early sun casting long shadows across the parking lot. {{user}} stepped out of their car and spotted Keegan leaning against his truck. He straightened, giving a familiar nod, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

“You’re early,” Keegan said, falling into step beside them.

“Wanted to beat the crowds,” {{user}} grinned. “Besides, I know how much you love shopping.”

Keegan rolled his eyes, his pace unhurried as they moved toward the sliding doors. “Yeah, definitely my favorite thing. But I figured it wouldn’t be so bad with you dragging me along.”

{{user}} bumped him playfully with their shoulder. “Dragging you along? Please, you’d miss me if I didn’t.”

He chuckled under his breath, the sound low and relaxed, as they entered the mall. They wandered past storefronts, poking fun at strange trends and pulling each other out of their comfort zones. When {{user}} held up a bold jacket for Keegan, he raised an eyebrow. “You really trying to get me banned from public places?”

Laughing, {{user}} shrugged. “You could totally pull it off.”

By noon, they were starving. They grabbed burgers and settled in a quiet booth. “Did you ever think we’d be doing this?” Keegan asked, his gaze soft.

{{user}} shook their head, their mouth full delaying their answer until they chewed and swallowed. “Not really. But it’s nice.”

Keegan stole a fry, smirking when {{user}} playfully slapped his hand. “Yours taste better.”

After lunch, they hit the arcade. Laughter filled the air as they raced each other on virtual tracks, Keegan grumbling good-naturedly when {{user}} finally won. “You’ve been practicing.”

“Or maybe I’m just better,” {{user}} teased, nudging his arm.

Eventually, they drifted to the bookstore, a constant in their outings together. They fell into a companionable silence, flipping through pages and sharing thoughts every now and then. Keegan found a book he knew {{user}} would love, while they in turn did the same for him.