Chapter 21:

This one has 'world wide weeb' printed on the front

Noa's Arc


Gin exits the changing room. A baggy black hoodie with rainbow splatter art, tight-fitting charcoal gray pants, teal and yellow flannel sneakers, and golden gold-rimmed cosmetic glasses.

"You sure about this Noa?"

"I now realize that this was a mistake. Neither of us know anything about fashion."

Dozens of people peruse through the various articles of clothing displayed throughout the open floor of the megamarket. Unlike the grocery store near chicken street, this floor alone occupies an entire city block, and is but one of many clothing floors.

"Can't we just, I dunno, buy a set featured in some fashion magazine?"

"If we could afford such things, we wouldn't be here in the special year sales."

Gin pulls at the price tag and a holographic 'Only 2,222 CRD!' pops out.

"Man they really went hard on the whole 2222 being the current year, huh?"

"Why wouldn't they? Any excuse to make their products sell is a good enough excuse."

"This is ridiculous, why do I have to dress up if we're just going to be hanging out at home?"

"Don't you want Diana to get a good impression of you? Aren't stylish men attractive?"

"Well, yeah, but this all feels... weird. Unnatural. No one dresses like this in their own home! ...or outdoors!"

Gin steps back into the dressing room. It automatically slides shut thin glass from either side and immediately turns opaque. Clothes start rustling from within.

"Also, why are we only looking for new clothes for me?"

"I'm not the one trying to look presentable, am I? I also won't be present regardless."

"Say that again?"

The sliding glass slide open and Gin steps out of the changing room, wearing one of his tacky shirts. This one has 'world wide weeb' printed on the front.

"I'm not the one trying to look presentable. I'm starting to think the outfit you were just wearing is still objectively an improvement.

"No, no, what do you mean you won't be present?"

"Why would I be? This is an opportunity for you and Diana to grow more intimate with one another."

"Noa, that's... No, no no no. No. This is supposed to be a friend hangout. We can't just set her up like this."

"If I stay with the two of you can you promise that you'll ask her out on an actual date afterwards?"

"...Well-"

"Coward."

"Easy for you to say! You have no idea what it's like 'cause you're not attracted to anybody."

"Although it's true that I am most likely aromantic, it does not make you any less of a coward."

Gin glances at the hoodie he had just taken off. His face is showing that an idea is forming in his mind. Most likely an idiotic idea.

"You know what? How about we settle this... with a little game."

Definitely an idiotic idea.

Eir
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