As much of a hassle as it was, Kensuke could hardly argue against the payment process; after all, that was simply how the world operated. Though being able to purchase her clothes while she’s still wearing them would be way more convenient, he also acknowledges there was no point in not being a law abiding citizen for something so trivial. Thankfully, on the other hand, Serah seemed to understand, which made things a lot EASIER to deal with.
“ Sure, that would be great, ” he tells her. Of course, Kensuke had to wonder whether the low growl he hears happened to be from her stomach or the rock music playing in the background, but for the time being, he decides not to bring it up. Honestly enough, it could have been just his imagination, hence why he’s giving her the benefit of the doubt until he happens to hear her stomach growl a second time.
Once Serah slips back inside, however, it gradually occurs to him she must have been stripping herself naked behind that curtain, yet at the same time, he decides not to a risk a glance, despite his fingers twitching from the sheer temptation to peep. If nothing else, he’s still a gentleman, so Kensuke merely waits until she hands over her clothes before extending an arm to graciously ACCEPT them, while trying hard not to think about how she must look out of them.
“ Right, very much appreciated! ” he casually sang. Upon registering her gratitude, Kensuke proceeds to shake his head. “ Don’t mention it, Serah-chan. You just hang tight for a little bit, okay? I’ll be right back, ” Kensuke promises her, then saunters off. A few minutes later, he is quick to return, carrying a white plastic bag that contained her new clothes. “ Thank you for the wait! You’ll be pleased to know I’ve completed the transaction. ” Naturally, Kensuke doesn’t hesitate pushing his hand past the curtain in the hopes she’ll take it. “ Now, do doll yourself up, hm? The sooner we bring ourselves to blow this Popsicle stand, the sooner I can go buy you a crêpe. ”
kensuke, serah notices, has so many more sides to him than the eye may catch on the first sight. it shows in little quirks which make themselves present, be it in the way he sings his response or his manner of speech that reminds her akin of a salesman. she wonders what else there is to discover, finds herself looking forward to getting to know him better. it is as if this world is forcing her to forget her initial goal, her home; as if it’s yet another illusion caius created to keep serah trapped and prevent her from changing the timeline.
once he returns, she accepts the bag, though the mention of crêpes triggers the one specific sound she’s been trying so very hard to conceal -- stomach growling loud enough for the man to hear. in fact, serah believes, anyone in the store might be able to hear it judging by its volume. ❝ t - thank you so much, again. ❞ she speaks, voice sheepish, timid, embarrassed. ❝ i promise to make it up to you, for getting me these cute clothes, kensuke-kun. ❞ no mention of her hunger just yet. perhaps a bit too proud, or scared, to ask for anything other than what he’s already gotten her. she doesn’t want to exploit him.
the new fabric feels good against her skin, she muses once the clothes have been tugged on and her old attire neatly placed inside the plastic bag. a final look is taken into the mirror: the thigh high socks are adjusted, as well as side ponytail she’s always sporting. the soft, natural makeup her face donned always complimenting her features in the best way possible.
❝ you mentioned something about crêpes? i haven’t had any in such a long while! ❞ she proclaims, hum in her voice, once the curtain is tugged aside and she steps out, finding herself right in front of him. it’s a brief moment where she realizes she may stand a bit too close to kensuke, can’t help but scan his features, take in the details. quick to avert her gaze, however, she clears her throat and gently tugs him outside of the store, bidding goodbye to the clerk.
