Retreat immediately for your own safety
[player]AHHHHHHHHH!
A scream rushes out of my throat uncontrollably. I quickly pull Sora back and only manage to barely calm down when my back hits the door of the shop. Fortunately, the "ghost" doesn't follow us and laughs in a horrifying manner at us from where it stands.
[Employee]Oh no! Are you okay? I'm sorry! I appeared too suddenly.
[player]Stop! Just stand where you are and don't come any closer. Give me some time to adjust myself.
[Employee]Ahem, okay. I'm sorry for giving you such an unpleasant experience. Welcome to the "Ghouls and Ghasts" costume shop! How can I help you?
[Sora Ichinose]PLAYER, what are you doing here?
[player]Sora? Are you also here to buy a costume?
The employee in the skeleton costume moved aside to let me inside. Only then do I see Sora Ichinose, who was completely hidden behind him, holding a costume in his hands and looking like he's about to try it on.
[Employee]Ah, so you two are friends. I never expected two people who reacted so differently to my surprise to know each other. I'm extremely honored to facilitate your meeting at this store.
[player]It sounds like Sora also received your special welcome when he entered?
[Employee]Yes, I dressed up as a ghost of the night, but he wasn't afraid at all. He even told me very seriously that there is no concrete evidence that proves ghosts are real in this world.
[Employee]After that, he suggested that I dress up as something that exists in the real world for better effects. And... it was brilliant! It gave me a whole new source of inspiration!
To be skeptical of things that can't be proven while believing deeply in science is so typical of Sora.
[Sora Ichinose]Reina recommended this shop to you, right? Didn't she remind you to be careful of the employee here?
[player]I didn't think she meant I had to be physically careful...
[Sora Ichinose]It's so great to run into you here. I was just worried about what I should do... Has Reina told you about the fashion show?
[Sora Ichinose]According to the results of past years, there's a higher chance of winning if I dress up as something like a vampire, a mage, or a cute zombie. Can you give me some advice later? Reina said that I should ask you for advice if I need help because you usually give effective advice. So...
[player]Well, if you put it like that, how can I say no? I'm happy to help. I'm also looking for a costume, so maybe we can help each other.
Sora is visibly relieved after hearing an affirmative answer. I follow the employee's instructions to the fitting room. The closed door blocks my curious line of sight... so I redirect my attention and listen carefully to the employee's introduction of the most popular Halloween costumes.
[Employee]This Nicolas collaboration mage costume is the bestselling product this season. Would you like to try it on?
[player]Okay... I'll try it.
There are so many costumes inside that I feel a little lost. I trust the employee's recommendation and enter the fitting room with a costume.
[Sora Ichinose]PLAYER, have you picked a costume yet? I've just finished changing.
I see a cute yet elegant "vampire" after I push open the door of the fitting room. His dark brown hair makes his skin look fairer, and his beautiful blue pupils remind me of the gorgeous color of the sea.
This isn't the biased opinion of a friend. In fact, the employee beside me couldn't hold back from asking Sora if he can take a photo with him.
[player]It suits you perfectly, young Count Dracula!
[Sora Ichinose]Ahem, you too, great mage.
Sora's expression relaxed after hearing these words of praise. He turned around a few times in front of the mirror, and the cumbersome ornaments on the large cloak seem to cause him some inconvenience.
[Employee]Oh, be careful not to trip.
[player]Watch out!
Seeing that Sora is about to step on a corner of his cloak, I reach out quickly to support him so he won't fall over.
[Sora Ichinose]Thank you... This costume looks marvelous, but it might have some... safety issues.
[player]The ornaments on the cape are too sharp. There will be lots of people visiting the school during the fashion show, so it'll be dangerous to walk around in this costume.
[Sora Ichinose]That's what I think too.
It's obvious that Sora has also noticed the cape's issues, but his eyes are showing an emotion that I can't quite understand. It's like he is feeling bothered and happy at the same time?
This is strange... Sora is here to look for a Halloween costume that suits him. Why would he feel happy about missing out on a good option?
[Sora Ichinose]*Coughs*... Then I guess we can only look at other types of costumes. This... can't be helped.
[Employee]You can try an adorable zombie costume. This type of costume doesn't have many ornaments, so it will be easier to move around in it.
[Sora Ichinose]This is also one of the intended options, but I actually...
[player]Hmm?
[player]Hmm?
[Sora Ichinose]Nothing. I'll go change my clothes.
I actually? I can't help wondering what he was going to say. But Sora returns to the fitting room before I can figure it out.
I change back into my own clothes with many questions running through my head. I turn down the employee's proposal to try on other clothes and wait for Sora to appear again.
I'm not really fixated on what costume I wear, so I'm mainly helping Sora choose one right now.
[Sora Ichinose]What about this one?
The door of the fitting room opens again, and a small zombie walks out slowly. The talisman hanging on his forehead sways as he moves, giving people the urge to touch it.
[player]Although it isn't as stunning as the Dracula costume, it also suits you very well.
[Sora Ichinose]Mmm, I don't think the doctor would let me do that because it will put too much burden on my body.
[player]Since it looks suitable, we can keep this one as a backup. Now let's try on other ones.
[Employee]Are you interested in dressing up as a wizard? The other customer also tried this one on. You can consider dressing up as a pair of close friends who are soulmates.
[player]Hey! Using that wordhere isn't quite right!
[Employee]I have a little suggestion to make. A duo featuring a mage who has lived alone for thousands of years and an amazingly talented wizard will surely attract lots of attention.
Sora doesn't say anything this time and returns to the fitting room directly with the clothes. The door opens again in less than five minutes.
[player]That was quick... Huh?
Sora didn't walk out wearing the mage costume. He has changed back into his normal clothes. He frowns and returns the clothes to the employee, firmly rejecting his offer to try on more costumes.
[Employee]Is there something you don't like about this costume?
[Sora Ichinose]...Not really. It's very beautiful.
[Employee]Is it because of the size then?
[Sora Ichinose]No, it's not because of the costume itself...
Sora answered all the employee's questions by shaking his head. I look at the perplexed expression on his face and suggest going to another clothing shop. Before we step outside the shop, Sora suddenly turns his head and glances at a certain corner.
[Employee]That spot... Ah, it looks like we'll be meeting again soon, customer.
[player]...?
The sky had become dark by the time we left the last store in the commercial strip. The moon had taken the sun's place above the branches, emitting a soft light that can't be compared with artificial neon lights.
[Sora Ichinose]*Coughs*... What am I doing? I should decide as soon as possible...
The difference in the temperature during the day and at night is already quite significant in October. I'm fine, but it does affect Sora to some extent. His worsening health and the fact that he hadn't found a suitable costume yet made him anxious.
I think back to the clothes that Sora found random reasons to reject even though they were all great. After visiting so many shops, it stands to reason that he should have been able to find something suitable.
Also... he seemed strangely happy when he rejected the costume at that time...
[player]...Sora.
After thinking for a while, I make a bold speculation.
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