Dealing with Devils Pt. 4

While I browsed through a selection of hoodies, Alice kept her distance while observing like a hawk. It made it even more awkward because she was standing no more than a couple of steps away.

"Hey," I said.

"What?" she replied.

"Don't you think you're staying too close?"

"What do you mean?"

"Isn't your presence here gonna affect whatever fate is in store for me?"

"No. We as the Goddesses of Fate aren't involved in anyone's fate. Even if someone were to approach you right now, they would simply ignore my presence."

"Hello there!" a cheerful employee suddenly greeted me, which made me jump a little. "Are you finding everything okay?"

"I... think so?" I answered unsurely.

"Perfect!" She then unexpectedly turned to Alice. "And how about you, ma'am? Wow! You're so pretty! How about taking a pick from our finest selections? I'm sure they'd all look great on you!"

"What? I mean... N-no, I'm okay."

"Nonsense! Look at your fair skin! Your amazing complexion, luscious hair, and flawless body! It's like there's nothing wrong with your appearance at all!" Every flattery comment she made sent Alice further into a hole of embarrassment. "What do you say we try something on? No matter what it is, I'm sure it'll look great on you! How about this? Or this one?"

However, the lady kept picking off glamorous pieces of clothes and shoving them into Alice's arms. All the while, Alice was trying so hard to decline, yet the lady wouldn't listen. The best part is that I know she's trying to be polite despite her status as a goddess. If she wanted to, she could easily stop her.

"W-wait, please..." Alice begged, but the lady wouldn't give up.

"Alright! You've got some of the store's best selections in your arms right now," she said proudly. "Why don't you go and try them on?"

"But I—"

"I think your boyfriend here would love to see you trying on different outfits!"

"Eh?!"

I almost let out a burst of laughter, but Alice was sure to get angry. Her head turned to me with the most irritated look she's had today, but the subtle blush that adorned her natural beauty made it a lot less intimidating.

"Yeah, Alice," I scoffed. "I'd like to see you try them on."

"You see?" the lady grinned happily.

"Ugh... Fine." Alice finally gave in and went into one of the changing stalls.

I sat down on a small seat in front of the stall and waited. The lady was standing right next to me, her eyes sparkling as if eager to see Alice in these clothes. I thought she was just trying her best to sell the products, but it seems she had a little bit more in mind.

"So much for ignoring your presence," I chuckled under my breath.

After a minute, Alice walked out, and I nearly lost my breath. Loosely covering a white laced shirt with thin straps was a black coat that stretched down to her thighs. A buttoned short skirt wrapped around her waist, almost enveloping her entire belly.

I know she isn't doing it on purpose, but the way she's posing so nervously made it... Gah, what am I even thinking right now?

"Oh my!" the lady squealed. "You look absolutely stunning! This style suits you so well! What do you think, sir?"

While her body remained still, her eyes trailed to me. What am I even supposed to say here? It's like she's expecting some kind of answer, but that's not what we're here for... right?

"It... suits you," I muttered.

Her eyes expanded for a single second, but they quickly lowered as an almost unnoticeably small smile grew on her face.

"Is that so?" she said while looking down at herself. "Then, shall I try on something else for you?"

"...I-if you'd like."

"Hmm... Alright, Aikami... Wait for me."

As soon as she went back inside the changing stall, I felt myself drooping down. Why does my face feel so hot right now? I know Alice is pretty. I've always thought so ever since the day I first saw her and her sisters, but I didn't have that much of a reaction until now.

"Aikami," Alice called out once more.

"Y-yeah?" I said as I lifted my head, and again, my jaws dropped unintentionally.

This time, her hair was tied up in a long ponytail. She wore nothing but a loose jacket over a heavily cropped top and a pair of baggy sweatpants. While the last combination was elegant, this one is much more relaxed and casual. It's like something she would wear to the gym but also maintaining a stylish appeal.

"Well?" she smiled, but that smile indicated a fate worse than death if I were to give the wrong answer.

"W-what do you want me to say?" I asked almost incoherently.

The smile on her only stretched wider as she approached me. The lady next to us held her hands to her mouth as if she were watching a scene straight out of a drama.

"Say whatever is on your mind," she said with a soft tone. "You don't seem to have a problem with doing whatever you want when it comes to your fate, so this shouldn't be too difficult, hmm?"

Crap. What do I say here? I can't lie, but I can't be overly vague about it either. Along with the others, I've already had an underlying opinion of Alice, but I never thought I'd have to voice it directly to her. Maybe I'll suck it just this once.

"...Beautiful," I whispered.

"What was that? I couldn't hear you."

"You look... beautiful."

"More beautiful than Aphrodite herself? After all, she is the Goddess of Beauty."

"I... personally think so..."

I was turned away to avoid eye contact, but I could tell that she was satisfied with a wide smirk.

"Hehe~ I see." She turned to the store clerk. "Excuse me, ma'am. I'll buy this outfit as well as the one I tried on before."

"Of course!" the lady shouted unnecessarily. "Shall we head to the checkout station?"

I thought she was kidding at first, but Alice really bought those outfits. She had to have spent at least two months of my rent's worth, and she dropped it like it was pocket change.

"Thank you for coming in!" the lady waved us out. "Don't forget to swing by next time!"

Alice and I haven't said a word to each other since we left the store. Together, we passed up many other stores that somewhat caught our attention, but Alice always shook her head and continued onward. Every so often, I'd look over at her, but she would trail away, avoiding eye contact with me the entire time.

"So... Was all of that also a part of my fate?" I broke the silence and said.

"I don't even know anymore," she sighed. "You receive a thread, but your fate doesn't align with that thread. And then, the thread disappears completely, right before my eyes. It makes no sense, almost as if you don't even exist in this world."

"That definitely made me feel better. Thanks."

"Well, it's fine either way since you don't really know anyone, but..."

She turned her head and finally, our eyes met. It was as if the entire world had gone silent, and the only thing I heard was her voice.

"I know you, and you exist to me. That should be enough for someone like you, hmm?"

She kept her gaze on me as if anticipating my reaction, but I couldn't even do that. Perhaps my lack of reaction is a reaction in and of itself.

"Nothing at all?" she scoffed. "I was expecting some kind of reaction, but all I get in return is total silence. My, you truly have no experience with girls."

"I thought that was obvious," I muttered.

"It was, but it's more fun to tease you about it."

"Hah. So I'm a lab rat AND a laughing stock. Cool."

"Oh, don't be like that, Aikami. Think of it this way. At least now, you actually have some people to interact with, even if we are an... abnormal bunch."

"Hah. I guess so. Wait... Speaking of the abnormal bunch..." I looked behind us to see that it was only us two. "Did we leave Lana and Chloe behind?"

Alice came to that realization as I did. "That... would appear to the case."