Chapter 11: A Day with Aria

A Curious Invitation

The streets of Civic Sector Delta bustled with the usual hum of activity as Gaona followed Aria out of the diner. His mind was still racing, trying to process what had just happened. One moment, he was ready to quietly slip out and return to his solitary weekend; the next, Aria had effortlessly pulled him into her orbit.

"You're awfully quiet," Aria said, glancing at him with a playful smile as they walked. "Cat got your tongue, or are you just not used to spending time with gorgeous women?"

Gaona flushed, fumbling for a response. "I just… wasn't expecting this," he said honestly.

Aria chuckled, her laughter light and melodic. "Well, get used to it. You're stuck with me for the day."

Gaona’s heart fluttered at the thought. As strange and intimidating as Aria was, her presence made him feel… noticed. Valued. It wasn’t something he was used to, and he wasn’t sure how to handle it.

The Department Store Adventure

Their first stop was a large department store, its sleek design and bright displays a stark contrast to the crumbling streets outside. The holographic entrance display advertised everything from the latest fashion to customizable Archon accessories.

"I need a few new outfits," Aria said, her tone casual as she led Gaona inside. "And I think you're just the person to help me choose."

"Me?" Gaona asked, incredulous.

"Of course," Aria said, giving him a sidelong glance. "You have good taste, don’t you?"

Gaona wasn’t sure how to respond. He had never been in a situation like this before, and the idea of helping someone like Aria pick out clothes felt surreal.

Aria wasted no time, heading straight for the holographic display racks. She tapped on a screen, and a shimmering projection of an elegant dress appeared in front of her.

"What do you think?" she asked, spinning slightly as if she were already wearing it.

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Gaona hesitated, unsure of what to say. "It’s… nice," he mumbled.

Aria frowned, crossing her arms. "Nice? That’s not very helpful, Gaona. I need specifics."

She moved on to another outfit, this one a sleek jumpsuit with bold, angular patterns. "Better?"

Gaona studied it for a moment before nodding. "It suits you. The lines make you look taller… not that you need it."

Aria smiled, her eyes sparkling. "See? You’re getting the hang of this."

Swimsuits and Dares

As they continued shopping, Aria’s playful side began to emerge more fully. She stopped by a rack of swimwear, holding up a sleek black swimsuit against her body and giving Gaona a teasing look.

"What do you think?" she asked, her tone mischievous.

Gaona’s face turned red as he tried to look anywhere but at her. "I-I think it’s fine!" he stammered.

"Just fine?" Aria teased, tilting her head. "Come on, Gaona, you’re supposed to be helping me."

She grabbed a few more swimsuits and headed toward the fitting rooms, glancing over her shoulder with a grin. "Wait right here. I’ll show you."

Gaona’s heart pounded as he stood awkwardly outside the fitting rooms, his mind racing. When Aria reappeared in one of the swimsuits—a simple but flattering design—he felt his face heat up again.

"Not bad, right?" she said, striking a playful pose.

"It’s… it’s great," Gaona managed, his voice barely audible.

Aria giggled at his reaction, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "You’re too easy to fluster, Gaona," she said, disappearing back into the fitting room.

When she emerged, she held up a lace-trimmed nightgown from the lingerie section with a smirk. "What about this? Think it suits me?"

Gaona’s eyes widened, and he took a step back, his face bright red. "I-I don’t think—"

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Aria burst out laughing, setting the nightgown aside. "Relax, I’m just teasing. But I might buy something fun… maybe I’ll show you later."

Gaona didn’t know how to respond, so he just nodded, his heart still racing.

The Perfect Outfit

Eventually, Gaona began to find his footing, offering genuine suggestions that helped Aria put together outfits that truly suited her. A fitted coat, an elegant dress, and a casual yet stylish jacket all made it into her cart, each one chosen with his input.

"You really do have an eye for this," Aria said as they left the store, her arms full of shopping bags. "I think I’ll keep you around."

Gaona laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck. "Glad I could help."

Whispers and Snide Remarks

As they left the store, Gaona couldn’t help but notice the way other women had been looking at Aria during their shopping trip. Some had stared with thinly veiled envy, while others had whispered to each other with judgmental smirks.

"She thinks she’s better than everyone else," one woman had muttered loudly enough for Gaona to hear.

Aria, however, seemed completely unfazed. She carried herself with the same confidence and grace, as if the world around her didn’t matter.

"Do people always act like that around you?" Gaona asked quietly as they walked.

Aria shrugged. "People like to make assumptions. It’s easier than asking questions."

Gaona nodded, though he felt a protective pang in his chest. He admired the way she brushed off the negativity, but he couldn’t help feeling frustrated on her behalf.

Sharing Dreams

Later, they stopped at a small café to take a break. They sat outside, the air filled with the faint hum of the biodome’s systems and the quiet chatter of other patrons.

"So," Aria began, leaning forward slightly. "What’s next for you, Gaona?"

He blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Next?"

"In life," she clarified. "What do you want to do? What are your dreams?"

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Portillo / Eternal Code /

Gaona hesitated, staring down at his drink. No one had ever asked him that before—not seriously, at least.

"I don’t know," he admitted. "I’ve always just… done what I had to. Work, survive, repeat."

Aria tilted her head, her green eyes studying him intently. "But that’s not living. What do you want, Gaona? If you could do anything, what would it be?"

After a pause, he admitted his dream of finishing his visual novel and maybe even creating a game out of it someday. Aria listened intently, her expression softening.

"You shouldn’t stay in that diner forever," she said. "You’re better than that place. I’d miss seeing your handsome face there, but there are other ways we can see each other regularly."

Her words left him speechless, his chest tight with a mix of emotions he couldn’t quite name.

An Unexpected Surprise

As the day wound down, they walked back to their respective apartments. When they reached Gaona’s building, he froze.

"Aria?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

She smiled, holding up a shopping bag. "I told you I’d show you what I bought, didn’t I?" She pulled out the nightgown she had teased him with earlier, holding it up with a sly grin.

Gaona’s face turned bright red, and he took a step back. "You didn’t—"

"Relax," she said, laughing. "I’m just showing it to you. See? No need to panic."

Still laughing at his reaction, she added, "And guess what? I live here now. Moved in yesterday. Guess I’ll be seeing you more often, just like I said."

Gaona stood there, stunned, as Aria walked toward her apartment with a wave. "Goodnight, Gaona," she said, her voice warm.

As the door closed behind her, he let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

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