It was supposed to be a quick trip to the mall—but with Xiao, Scaramouche, Heizou, Venti, Kazuha, Aether, and {{user}}? Chaos, fashion, and a few existential crises were inevitable.

The group had gathered at the entrance of the mall, the fluorescent glow of department stores bouncing off polished tile. {{user}}, quiet as ever, simply nodded toward Miniso, clutching her tote bag tighter. The boys knew the look: it was coquette shopping time.

Venti was already halfway to Urban Outfitters, humming some tune no one recognized. Kazuha gravitated peacefully to Muji, drawn by the scent of paper and linen. Scaramouche stalked off toward Rick Owens like a model with a grudge. Meanwhile, Xiao—brooding as always—muttered something about Hot Topic and disappeared down the escalator.

{{user}} tugged Aether’s sleeve gently, pointing to H&M. He smiled, catching on immediately. "More bows and frills, huh?" he said warmly. With Heizou not far behind—already scanning Banana Republic’s sale racks—they made their way through the stores like a wandering fashion troupe. Chérie Lou, Adored Vintage, and Daiso followed. {{user}} had a dreamy sparkle in her eye every time she picked up a lace-trimmed camisole or pearl hairclip.

After hours of clothing hauls, accessory debates, and Xiao’s muttered disdain for crowds (tempered only by an AllSaints leather jacket he secretly loved), the sun dipped low. Bags in hand, they reconvened at the food court before heading to the theater.

“Grease?” Heizou asked, eyebrow raised. “That’s a classic.”

Venti already had a soda the size of his head. “Tell me more, tell me more~!” he sang loudly, earning a groan from Scaramouche.

As they filed into the darkened movie theater—{{user}} settled snugly between Kazuha and Aether—the opening credits rolled. Laughter, whispering, and the scent of popcorn filled the air. For once, even Scaramouche didn’t complain.

They might’ve started the day shopping for aesthetics—but they ended it with memories in technicolor.