Episode Eight

Liking yourself in the mirror~

“Which floor would you like to go to?”

“Seventh floor, please.”

“Heading to the seventh floor.”

Xander replies to the automated elevator voice, leaning back against the wall.

“I’m kind of sad I didn’t get to attend Mx. Elvira’s class.. I wanted to practice my monologue some more!” Vonni speaks up, hugging her bookbag close to her chest. 

Hyori smiles at her, waving a hand downward. “Don’t worry! I’m sure we’ll have extra time tomorrow in our classes because of the emergency.” She leans against the adjacent wall to the demon, rolling on her heels. “Plus, you could practice once we get to Xander’s place!” 

“I guess that's true.. I have my papers. But.. its embarrassiiiing” Vonni drags out her words, hiding behind her bag.

Kai chimes in, taking a hand out of his pocket. “How are you gonna be in theater AND have stage fright??”

“I knowww but doing that stuff is scary! I wanna get better though..” The bunny girl says, hopeful.

The elevator dings, coming to a slow halt as a digital seven appears on the overhead crystal screen. 

Hyori lifts herself off the wall, turning to the demi-shark. “Do you have anything you wanna shop for specifically, Mareea??” She starts to step out of the machine, the group following suit.

“Hmm.. well I’m always down to buy whatever I see, Heh heh! But window shopping is fun too, I don’t have much coin to spend right now.” The shark girl chuckles as she replies, gripping her side bag. 

Xander walks out into the long, dimly lit hallway, heading towards his door. “Nahh don’t worry about that, I’ll buy whatever you guys need.”

“REALLY?! Thank you, Xander!” Hyori jumps up excitedly, skipping alongside Vonni.

Mareea smiles timidly, ruffling the back of her hair. “Maan, I couldn’t ask ya to do that!” She follows behind Hyori, addressing Xander.

“Trust me, he won’t let you say no.” Vonni states sternly, turning to Mareea with a serious face.

“It’s true! I’ve.. failed too many times.. So I know that all too well! Hehe!” Hyori pokes her own cheek, walking backwards. 

♩♫♪~ ♫♩♪~

The group comes to a total silence in front of Xander’s apartment entrance, listening in to the music.

“Is that.. Singing..?” Kai questions, pressing an ear to the door. He looks at Xander, expecting an answer. 

Knocking on the door a few times softly, he turns to Kai. “Yeah.. it’s probably my sister.. Though I haven’t heard her play in a bit..”

With the music stopping abruptly, the five beings hear a very faint “Ah! W-Who..?” from the other side of the door, clearly surprised.

I didn’t know she could sing.. Amazing! Hyori thinks to herself in awe.

“Juuzou! Can we come in?” Xander calls out, also a bit surprised. 

We..? “Uh.. Y-Yeah!” Juuzou sits upright from the couch, setting down Richard next to her. The door clicks, and in comes Vonni, Kai, Hyori, and Mareea all at once.

“You can sing!! Oh my sweetness, that sounded amazing!” Hyori’s bubbliness at seemingly max, she spins around, jumping happily. “We totally need to get you some clothes to match! Ouu! I’m thinkin’ spikey wristbands, black eyeshadow, painted nails, THE WHOLE LOOK.”

Voni chimes in, holding a hand up tp her mouth. "I'm surprised! What a lovely sound you were playing!"

Bursting out into a loud chortle, Juuzou holds her belly “Ahahaha! You know, that whole thing you do, Hyori, is incredibly amusing! But uh.. I’m cool with something more chill. And thanks you two..! A little embarrassing you guys heard me though..” She gives a small blushed smile to the bouncy human, then looks off to the rest of the group. 

“Ahhh I just get so excited when I meet new people! Plus I think painted nails would really suit you~!” She giggles, looking off at the item next to Juuzou.

She follows Hyori’s gaze, replying to her. “Well.. I’ve never really painted my nails before.. I.. actually don’t know how..” Juuzou rests a hand on her electric guitar’s base gingerly, glancing at her bare nails. They.. heard me sing.. But.. I’m not freaking out! This is.. new..

Hyori’s eyes widen, surprised at the shy succubi's words. “Wait, really?! I can help you, hehe!” She walks over to the couch and takes a seat next to Juuzou, bouncing at the weight difference. Sitting criss-crossed, the beaming human places her shoes on the floor in front of her. 

“That.. would be nice.. Thank you..! Y-You.. really think I sounded good?” Juuzou inquires towards Hyori, glancing at the others and making room by moving Richard onto her lap.

Hyori smiles, springing in her seat. “Of course! And, YEAH! I only heard a little and don’t really know much about music, but I think you sounded sweet!”

“I have to agree with Hyori, dear. You were great!” Vonni shows a buck-toothed grin, placing her bag on the ground and sitting beside the bubbly pink-haired being.

Kai pulls up a chair and sits backwards, facing the three. “Yeah! I'm curious, what was that you were singing? Didn’t sound familiar.”

Butting in, Hyori smiles ear to ear. “WAS IT YOUR OWN SONG?! ohmysweets that would be so cool!” She balls up her fists, placing small hands under her chin while resting her elbows on her crossed legs. 

“Uhh.. yeah, actually. I-It wasn't anything special, just a tune I was humming..” Juuzou replies shyly, gripping the neck of her guitar. “Oh..! I wanted to ask— what was that alarm about..?”

“I heard from one of our teachers that someone might’ve spotted a suspicious being on school grounds.” Kai answers, rolling his eyes at the thought. “I think peeps were prolly overreacting or something.” 

Vonni rests a hand on her cheek as a bit of concern washes over her. “Well, I don’t think it was an overreaction if the principal didn't feel safe with us staying there..”

Nodding her head, Hyori agrees with Vonni, not saying a word.

Xander appears from the hallway, having changed clothes to a t-shirt and black leather jacket. “Alright, we good to go? Feel free to leave your stuff here, should be good.”

“W-Where..? You guys leaving?” Juuzou perks up, a little saddened as she looks down at her guitar.

“Shopping, silly! You’re coming too, of course!” Hyori winks, nudging Juuzou. 

With widened eyes, Juuzou looks at her. “O-Oh, right! Yeah!” Feeling her face flush with a red hue, she stands. “Let me uh.. Put Richard away..”

“Richard?” Hyori questions, puzzled.

Xander chimes in, leaning from behind the sofa. “That’s her guitar’s name. A little silly, Juju, imo.” He teases the succubus girl with a sly smirk plastered on his face.

“I think it’s cute! Hehe!” The human gives her two coins, uncrossing her legs to stand. 

Juuzou’s face reddens more, embarrassed by Xander’s antics. “D-Don’t call me that!” She steps around Hyori, being mindful of her space. 

“Whaat?? "Why not? That’s a cute nickname too!” Hyori giggles, oblivious to Xander’s teasing. Grabbing her shoes, she sticks out her tongue as she struggles to put them on. 

“You.. think so? O-Okay..” She shakily says, thinking for a moment. Juuzou walks towards the hallway to her room, carefully handling her precious guitar.

Xander laughs loudly, enjoying Juuzou’s reactions. “Hahah! Quick turn around!”

“Sh-Shut up!” Juuzou calls out from her doorway.

Vonni looks around, wondering “Hey, where did Mareea go?”

“Oh, she went to the bathroo—” Hyori gets cut off by a door opening abruptly.

“Present!” Mareea stands proudly with her hands on her hips, ready to leave. “Once I heard Xander ask if we’re ready, I hurried up! Wasn’t gonna miss shopping. Shells no.” She wiggles a finger, moving her hand from left to right.

Kai chuckles, admiring the shark girl. “Heh heh. I know Yori already asked, but anything specific you want? I’d love to buy something nice for you if you’d like.” He adds, starting to get up as well and pushing in Xander’s dining chair. 

“Well, I dunno.." She pauses to think. "I’ve been meanin’ to buy a new bathing suit, I suppose! That would be awesome, Kai!” She smiles, appreciating the gesture. “Next time I get some coin, I’ll buy you something too!” Mareea says, hoping to return the favor.

“Aww! Well, I’m sure it’ll be cool!” Kai replies with his own toothy smile.

Xander goes to stand straight as Juuzou approaches from the hallway. “Alright, so we ready?”

The group collectively nods in agreement, Vonni being the last to stand.

“Looks like it!” The bunny girl fixes the wrinkles in her uniform, skipping to Xander’s side.

“Oh, Vonni, can we stop at your place for some smoothies? Maybe hit the water?” Kai turns to Vonni, wiggling his brows.

Hyori jumps up, pumping a fist in the air. “Ouuu NEWWW SWIMSUITS! Swimming would be nice!” 

“Sounds like a plan then!” Vonni beams.

The group, now six, walk out of Xander’s neatly cleaned apartment, raring to go shopping. They banter with each other about the things they plan to get as Juuzou lags behind, crossing her arms.

“Grum! How was your little trip?” A commanding voice booms from behind the bulletproof glass. He grips the edge of the white table with magically cuffed hands, pressing firmly on the telephone button to speak. 

A timid imp shakily presses his own telephone button, speaking directly at the microphone. “I-It was good, Master! Grum saw some.. Pretty trees.. And.. Oh! Grum s-saw a little birdie hehe.” The creature nastily giggles, flashing jagged yellow teeth. 

“NOT—” The man yells, but quickly halts, aware of his volume. “Not that, you imbecile!” He hisses. Turning to a whisper, the bright red being leans in close to the magic crystal glass. “The school, Grum. Your t r i p?” The demon angrily grimaces at the idiotic imp’s reply, spitting a bit on the glass as he drags out his words.

Grum’s eyes widen, facepalming. “O-Ooh yes, yes, Master Xizath! Grum was good! He did good, yes..” The reddish imp stares at a peculiar beeping device in his hands, pointing at a certain still dot. “Th-the uh.. Gift..! It.. should’ve been delivered!”

Xizath smirks, bringing his tied hands to his chin. “Excellent! Very well, Grum. I’m glad your trip was good..” He pauses, pondering a thought. “And.. how is she? The girl?” The demon man looks back at the imp, flicking his pointed tail to his lap. 

“Oh, y-yes! The girl! She has made friends! Grum thinks friends would be nice.. Yes..” Grum fiddles with the device, almost dropping it. 

“Be careful with that! Ugh, of course, I get stuck talking with you.. Of all imps..” Xizath goes on, reminiscing his time on Uroth. “All the armies I ruled. The good men under my command. Yet… I’m with you.” The chain attached to his ankle clinks against the cold floor as he moves about. Guards at his side ready at every movement. “What? I can’t itch my foot, now?” He addresses the left guard eyeing Xizath, the guard then relaxes a smidge.

The right guard clears her throat “Your time is up, sir. Please exit to the door behind you.” She watches Grum with a stern gaze, guiding Xizath to stand.

“Ah, y-yes, yes! Of course..” The imp replies with a stutter, following the guard’s directions.

Xizath calls out, turning his head. “See you again soon, Grum.” Then, he follows the other guard leading him to an adjacent door, hiding a grin. 

“Hmm.. Oh!” Vonni turns to the group, having an ‘aha!’ moment. “What if we head to The Angry Bull? That should have some good clothing options!” The five other beings standing outside the apartment lobby perk up all at once. "And it's not too far!"

Hyori jumps in with enthusiasm “Ouuu! Yeah! They have fitting rooms in there too!” 

“The.. Angry Bull..?” Juuzou curiously asks, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Mareea nods, placing a sassy hand on her hip. “Mhm! It’sa clothing store, should be right up your alley, heh!” She sashays towards the direction of The Angry Bull.

Following the demi-shark’s lead, Kai butts in. “Pretty good store, they have awesome graphic tees, figurines, bags, the whole thing.” He pockets his hand as he walks, creeping up behind Mareea. “Boop!”

“Haha! Hey!” She squirms away from the playful shark man, batting her hands. “That tickles!”

Hyori walks backwards in front of Juuzou, lighting up. “I’m sure you’ll love it! Plus, we can go with the idea I mentioned earlier! The Angry Bull has a BUNCH of different looks to try!” Talking with her hands, she occasionally glances back to see where she’s stepping. “Oh! And they have biiiig mirrors for inclusivity! You know, you’re pretty tall! I hope that's not rude to say-”

“Heh.. no, it’s alright. I get it a lot. Can’t imagine how my brother feels though—” Juuzou glances in his direction as Xander picks at his teeth, completely oblivious.

“HUH? Wha?? What we talkin’ about?” 

The succubus girl focuses back on the gleaming human, walking with her and ignoring her odd brother. “..Anyways. I’m.. kinda excited! You guys seem to really.. like this place..” She addresses the whole group, clasping a hand to her opposite upper arm. 

“Yayyy! Trust me, It’ll be a blast!” Hyori happily flashes a wide smile, then turns forward swiftly; her ribbons whip around as she does so. 

Juuzou slowly moves her gaze up at a bright red sign with a grimacing bull plastered on, reading “The Angry Bull” in large bold lettering. “Huh. That is a pretty angry bull.” She tries her hand at a joke, regretting the silly comment already.

“Hehe! True to their name I guess!” Hyori chuckles, skipping inside the store. 

Juuzou and the rest follow after her, each going in their own direction to some oddities they find amusing. The store front has posters pinned up on the wall of some movies and games Juuzou has seen advertised occasionally on TV, along with a wall having a large assortment of graphic tees, pants, and jewelry around. Taking a look at the back wall, Juuzou meets the eyes of a rather furious-looking minotaur running the register as he folds some t-shirts, shelving them after he finishes. Flustered at the stern eye contact, she glances away, meeting kinder eyes with the pink-haired human.

“So.. anything you specifically like? Colors?” Hyori inquires the demon girl, curious.

Juuzou catches her eye on some graphic tees with skulls on them, touching the fabric. “Well.. I like dark colors.. And.. pretty loose clothing is ideal.. I need clothes.. that are easy to take off..” She says, a little embarrassed at the words. Looking over some folded denim pants, she stands awkwardly at a tall mirror, holding the pants in front of her waist.

“Hm? Why’s that?” Hyori looks over some pink skirts, her eyes glimmering at their cutesy nature. She gingerly swipes her fingers against the fabric, making the hangers swing about.

“For.. my wings.. I don’t want to ruin any shirts.. They usually rip.” Juuzou replies, glancing at different pairs of jeans. “Ouu..” The succubus takes a gander at a specific cropped skull t-shirt in awe, enjoying its oversizedness and length. “I.. kinda want.. To try this one.. Oh and.. These pants look nice..” Grabbing some denim pants, Juuzou turns back to Hyori, who’s distracted by some frilly tank tops. “What uh.. What do you think?” She asks, awaiting her opinion.

Hyori focuses her attention on the shy demon, her eyes somehow gleaming more. “Ohh! That looks great! Just ask Joey for a fitting room key!” She smiles, spinning in place. 

“Th-That.. intimidating minotaur? Ahh.. I-I dunno.. I’m.. a bit nervous…” She stutters, flicking her vision to Joey, then back to the human. Juuzou hugs the clothing in her arms close to her chest, looking over the gem tag with a holographic screen displaying the price. 

Hyori clasps her hands around Juuzou’s, jumping up. “I’ll go with you! No worries!” The bobbing human grins warmly with her eyes closed, happy to help. "Joey is pretty nice anyway."

“O-Oh.. thank you, Hyori..” Juuzou stammers, looking down at the pink-haired being’s delicate hold. “I.. really a-appreciate.. it…” 

Admiring the dark, punk-like styles of clothing, Juuzou’s eyes wander across the walls of the store; noticing the quiet upbeat music video of some popular monster band playing on a magic crystal screen. 

Huh.. nice sound. She peers to another wall where Mareea and Kai stand, looking at mannequins fit for fins and other protruding appendages a being may have. 

And really inclusive.. Juuzou looks closely at the pants the mannequin is wearing, having space for large tails and such. Bouncing her gaze off to another wall as she walks with Hyori, the demon notes the sun hats Vonni is staring at with holes for different ears, respecting the store’s reputation. “Wow.. you guys really weren't kidding with the inclusiveness..”

“Yeah! I love going here and seeing all their styles and options, it makes me so glad!” Hyori enthusiastically says, turning to the minotaur now looming over the coin register.

He clears his throat, loosening his tucked shirt. “How may I help you beings?” Joey says in a kind tone, ready to help. 

“Hi Joey! We were hoping to get a key for the fitting room!” Hyori states, showing a sickly sweet smile.

“Y-Yes please..” Juuzou mutters quietly, avoiding eye contact with the large minotaur.

Joey scratches his chin, taking a key with a big number tag attached to the ring. “Sure thing! Fitting rooms are to the right— your left, heh!” 

Hyori gently takes the offered key out of his hands, turning to Juuzou. “Thanks! Here you are, Juuzou.” She flashes a smile to the succubus again, holding out the key in front of her.

“Thank you.. Uh.. How is it.. How do you smile so much? I’d.. imagine your cheeks would hurt—”

“We talking about cheeks hurting? Hmmm~?” Xander comes up behind the pair, wiggling his brows with a wide, mischievous grin. 

Startled, Juuzou jolts up. “Ah! Xander—! I-Idiot, No! Ugh.. You’re embarrassing..” Flustered, she hides behind the clothes in her hands, gripping the key tightly.

“Huh? What does..? Wah??” Hyori pouts, huffing as she puts her hands on her hips. “Is this ANOTHER joke I don’t get?!”

“AAAHAHAHA! Don’t worry about it, Yori! Hahah!” Xander chortles, wiping tears from his eyes. “Inside joke, y’know?” He nudges Juuzou’s side with a sharp elbow, still laughing.

“Not an inside joke! Ughh!” Juuzou turns on her heels towards the fitting room, storming off. “I’m gonna try these on! Don’t tell her any weird.. stuff.. while I’m gone!” She puffs out her cheeks as she swiftly opens the room’s door. 

Hyori stands confused, placing a finger on her chin. “What was that?? I don’t get itttt! Xander! Explanation!” She commands, shifting her weight to one leg, then the other repeatedly as she lightly punches Xander with all her might over and over. 

“Nahh I was just teasing Zou. She gets embarrassed easily and I think her reaction is funny. Though..” He pauses, thinking for a second. “I hope.. She isn’t actually upset..” 

Ughh! Xander.. Hmm.. well. This room is pretty big.. Juuzou unfolds the clothing, placing them down on a long bench against the wall. This is nice.. We rarely got to see this much inclusivity on Uroth..

She holds out the graphic tee in front of her, staring at the skull design. Placing it on a hook hanger, Juuzou takes off her shirt, more excited than she thought she’d be to try clothes on. 

She glances at herself in the mirror, doing a double-take as she notices the small gem necklace around her neck. Huh.. I don't remember putting on the gift I received.. Juuzou looks down at the jewelry, gently pinching the end of it as she twirls the gem around. Hm.. must've forgotten. Let’s see here.. I hope this looks good… Grabbing the dark red shirt off the hanger, she threads her hands through, then her head, ignoring the odd thought and fixing where the shirt would nicely stay. She fidgets with the hem of the crop top, straightening it out. 

Nice and baggy.. I like it! She smiles at herself for once in the mirror, a little embarrassed of staring at herself. Hmmm.. Tucking in the jewelry behind her collar, a quiet knock makes Juuzou jump, interrupting her. “Uh.. y-yes..?”

“You okay in there? How’s it looking?” A caring voice questions, having hope in her tone. 

“Hyori! Uh.. yeah! I really like the shirt.. It’s nice..” Juuzou gives a hidden smile, looking down at herself as she stretches the shirt forward to see the graphic. 

“YAY! I’m so happy you like it! Are you done?? Can I see?!” Hyori calls out from the other side of the door excitedly.

Juuzou giggles, amused by Hyori’s antics. “Heh, just a sec! I.. need to try the pants on..” 

“Okay, okay, I’ll calm myself! I’m just so eager to seeeeee!” Hyori beams, leaning on the wall next to the door. 

Hmm.. okay, jeans.. The succubus takes off her shoes, then unbuttons her pants hastily, now incredibly enthused to see the fit put together. Taking the jeans from the bench, she places her own pair down where the jeans were, speedily putting on the new lighter blue ones. Juuzou hops once, getting the jeans up on her lower waist, then buttons them, quickly looking at the mirror. “Oh wow..” She smiles wider, slightly posing to see different angles. 

“Eeeee I wanna seee! Juuzoooouuuuu—” The door clicks, putting Hyori off-balance. “woaah- Oh!” She looks up at the beaming succubus with a grin bigger than Hyori has witnessed thus far.. “WOWW! You look great!” She returns the smile, excited to see Juuzou happy.

“I know, right?? I love it!! This is amazing!” Juuzou calls out, putting her hands up behind her head. She takes a step out of the fitting room towards Hyori, who’s bouncing up. 

Hyori zips around Juuzou, analyzing every aspect of the look. “Ahh! Juuzzooouuuuu!” She drags her words out as she spins around the flustered succubus. “I never noticed your heart tail! It’s so cute! AHHHH!” Hyori yells, admiring respectfully. “Really, you look so cool! Now you just need some painted nails, hehe!”

“What’s all this excitement about— Oohh hey Zou, lookin’ great!” Xander walks up to the pair again, looking at his giddy sister. “Definitely suits you, heh!” He gives a proud thumbs up with a chuckle, cheering Juuzou on as she pulls out his coin bag. “So that’s what you’re getting?” 

Turning to Xander, Juuzou does a small spin, showing off her outfit. “It’s nice, isn’t it??” She grins again, looking down at herself. “If it's okay, I wanted to look.. At the bathing suits, too! You guys.. Mentioned swimming?”

“Ohh yeah! We should look at some for Vonni’s juice bar!” Hyori’s eyes fixate to the display of swimsuits on the far wall, ready to walk over. 

“Lemme just take these off, I’ll meet you over there!” Juuzou smiles timidly, turning back to the dressing room. 

Xander wanders off to a display of leather jackets, batting a hand. “Sure, just let me know when you wanna pay, get whatever you like.” 

“Thank you!” Juuzou closes the door, putting her original clothing back on. She then swiftly walks out, hanging her new clothes on her arm as she looks for Hyori. Hmm.. where did she.. Ah!” Spotting some pink heart buns behind a short shelf with some cute figurines, she makes her way towards it, peering around the corner. 

“Oh! Juuzou! Look at this one piece I found!” Hyori calls out, excited to show off the pink frilly bathing suit. 

Vonni appears from the opposite end of the shelf, asking “Oh, you found the one piece? I knew you’d like it! I saw the swimsuit earlier and thought of you.” She smiles, having a few articles of clothing in hand.

“Yeah.. looks pretty cute..! You uh.. Thinking of getting it?” Juuzou asks the excited human, who’s holding up the bathing suit to her chest. 

Hyori looks down at herself, then to an adjacent mirror, switching between a two-piece and the one-piece bathing suit Vonni recommended. “Hmmm.. maybe! Which do you think looks good? This..?” She holds up the baby yellow two-piece. “Orr.. this!” Holding up the pink suit now, she smiles at Juuzou, awaiting her response. 

“I think..” Juuzou points at the pink frilly swimwear. “This one seems like.. It suits you.. I think it.. Looks pretty..” She mutters loud enough to be heard, a bit blushed at the thought. 

“I have to agree with Juuzou here, pink is your color, heh!” Vonni says with a tender, buck-toothed grin, winking as she chuckles. 

Hyori places the yellow bathing suit back on the hook, taking a gander at the pink one in her hands. “Okie! I really like the pink one too, hehe! Though.. I always feel bad having Xander pay for my stuff..” The usually happy human frowns, losing herself in her mind. 

I’ve never seen her.. Look like that.. Juuzou thinks to herself, now reflecting Hyori’s frown. Her thoughts get interrupted by a laid-back voice speaking up. 

“Yo, you guys ready? Mareea and I already checked out our stuff.” Kai calls out, walking up to the three beings. 

“Oh, yeah! Juuzou’s still gotta pick out swimming wear though!” Hyori, seemingly brushing away her sadness, replies to the demi-shark with a bit of a forced grin. 

Kai takes a hand out of his pocket and shows a thumbs up, turning back around. “Sounds good, we’ll be waiting out front.”

“Thanks for waiting..!” Juuzou yells out to Kai, already made his way across the store. “Let’s see.. I’d like some swim trunks, I think..” Looking over a selection of shorts, Juuzou touches the fabric with her free hand, glancing at the designs.

Hyori does the same, peering over Juuzou’s shoulder to see her waist size on the jeans she’s holding. “Hmm.. what about this?” The pink-haired being holds up a black swim top paired with dark-hued swim shorts with a reddish stripe at the bottom. Handing the outfit to the succubus girl with a smile, she states happily. “I think you’ll like it!”

“Ouu.. I do! It’s nice and simple.. This should be the same size as the jeans I have.. I think.. I’ll get it!” Juuzou grins warmly, holding up the set to her neck. 

“Great! I’m getting a hankering for juice and the waterrr! It sounds soooo nice right now with the weather.” Hyori skips to the front desk with Juuzou and Vonni following behind. "We can get you some more clothes after a nice destress, sound okay?"

“I know, it seems perfect right now! I really want to wash off the stress from school today..” Vonni chimes in, happily hopping with her choices of clothing in hand.

"Yeah, that's alright!" Juuzou places her items on the desk, turning to the two beings. “Though I’ve.. never actually swam before.. The place.. where I’m from.. It uh.. Doesn’t have beaches..”

“Whaaaat?? Really? Well, I hope you enjoy Vonni’s Place! It has such a nice juice bar with yummy treats and the beach is always so niiiicee!” Hyori bounces at the thought, already enthused. “Oh! And the view is so pretty and calming and they have nice music there! It’s amazing!” She fantasizes, gleaming with delight.

“Just this for you?” Joey asks politely to Juuzou, scanning the gem tags on the reader. 

“O-Oh! Um.. yes..” She replies quietly, avoiding the minotaur’s eyes again. Juuzou turns to call Xander’s attention, but jumps up, seeing him already present. "Ah!"

“Heyo! Heh, were you looking for me?” He assumes, laughing a little. Xander steps up to the counter, addressing the other two girls. “You guys can put your items too, I can pay all at once.” 

“Ahhh you sure? I still feel baaad..” Hyori pouts as Vonni places her clothes down on the desk, already knowing what’s coming. 

Xander waves a hand, gesturing for Hyori to place her clothes down. “Nahh! It’s fine, go ahead! I love gifting to my friends!” He says with a wide smile, preparing his coin bag. “And of course, my lovely bunny~” 

"Aww..!~"

Hyori puffs out her cheeks, begrudgingly putting her swimsuit on the counter. “Hnnn okay fine! But I owe you a sweet treat!”

“I’ll take that as a fair exchange! Heh!” Xander loudly announces, happily taking the offer. 

The four beings finish up with Joey, saying their nice goodbyes and thank yous as they exit the vivid, poster-adorned building. They meet up with the two sharks, each leaning on opposite walls outside the store.

“Hey! We all done??” Mareea asks, glad with her new outfit and swimwear. 

Xander yells excitedly “Hells yeah! Ready to head to Vonni’s Place?” He pumps a fist in the air, raring to get in the water with his own new shorts. 

Hyori spins around all giddy, jumping up. “WOOOHOOO!!”

“Yess PLEASE! I need a good swim!” The shark girl starts walking towards the juice bar down the block, ready to get her beach funk on.

“Alrighty, Let’s head to my place then!”