A Life Once More-Chapter 52: Prelude to their Blossoming

Walking out of the changing room, the cool air hit my bare arms, making me shiver slightly as Eiz stared at me with his stupid smile. Well, it wasn't actually stupid, but it did something to me that made me feel that way—like my stomach doing these annoying little flips.

"I-I'm sorry to ask, but could you buy this? I'll send the money later."

The words tumbled out awkwardly, the fabric of the bag in my hand crinkling under my grip.

Everything in me was filled with regret for buying that anime statue. I felt embarrassed having to ask when I technically had plenty of money.

"It's a gift now!"

"Huh? No no, I can't mak—"

"Shut it. It's a gift."

'O-Oh, that's hot as fuck, Eiz!'

I liked this side of Eiz more than I thought I would. Both his gentle side... and this sudden, firm side that left a strange fluttering warmth buzzing under my skin.

Walking behind him to the counter, I stared at his back—the way his shoulders looked so broad and steady—and felt a bit lighter, though it could've been my imagination.

I gave the employee what I wanted, the cool smoothness of the counter briefly brushing my fingertips. She smirked at me, an almost teasing glint in her eyes.

I felt a little embarrassed but didn't say anything and just retreated behind Eiz, letting his presence shield me a little.

Looking at him, I saw that he was staring back at me, confused.

"W-what?"

"I'm just not used to you like this. Normally you're more outgoing? No, perhaps that's not the right word."

He tapped his phone against the reader, the faint beep sounding louder than it probably should have, and everything proceeded smoothly.

But I couldn't help but tilt my head slightly, wondering what exactly he meant.

'He just doesn't understand the silent conversation between women!'

The employee laughed quietly, the sound a soft puff of air, and made eye contact with me, giving a sly thumbs-up.

I gave her one of my own, and saw her eyes widen in surprise, her mouth parting slightly like she wasn't expecting that.

'Huh?'

I followed her gaze—and nearly choked.

Eiz stood there, hand to his chin, squinting his eyes dramatically like some cartoon detective, staring at the both of us.

"I see. It's similar but not the same!"

"You weirdo!"

"Huh? What are you talking about?! Where is he?"

'...'

"Okay, don't look at me like that. I know it was a bad joke."

"At least you know~"

Grabbing his arm, I let him lead. He was like a headless chicken though, causing me to sigh.

"It's been about three hours. If you want, we can go back to your place? I still haven't seen it!" While I did enjoy being out and about, I kind of wanted to relax with just the two of us.

"Sure, I'll just order food for delivery. What do you want to eat?"

'You!'But I couldn't say that yet. I wasn't so shameless... so I hurriedly answered with everyone's favorite delivery food.

"Pizza!"

"Pfft~ okay, just for you then—I'll grace my apartment with pizza."

"Shouldn't it be I'm gracing your apartment, not the pizza?!"

"Bahaha~" He didn't even correct himself—he just laughed as we walked out of the mall, the evening breeze brushing against us as the automatic doors whooshed shut behind.

It was such a mean thing to do!

Read lat𝙚st chapters at fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓ Only.

'Hmph!' I pinched his side and twisted as hard as I could, feeling the soft fabric of his shirt bunch beneath my fingers. I watched him groan in pain... but he still laughed!

'I can't believe him!' After a few minutes, I let him go, the warmth of his body still lingering against my side as we made our way to his apartment. The thought making my heart beat faster for some reason

---

{Eizkel's POV}

Click~

Unlocking the door, I led her in and set our stuff near the entrance. The soft thud of our bags hitting the floor echoed faintly in the quiet apartment.

"Welcome to my humble abode!"

"Hehe~ I don't think this classifies as humble."

"Considering how much money I have and will continue to make, I beg to differ."I shrugged my shoulders and let Kate make herself at home. The faint scent of air freshener still lingered in the air.

Fortunately, the pizza was going to be here in like five minutes, so I just got us some soft drinks.

One being Sprizz and Dr. Spice. Yes, once again, hah~

The cold fizz stung my fingertips as I pulled the cans from the fridge.

'I don't even think I have to mention it anymore.'

[Yeah dude, this is actually awful haha~!]

"What's wrong, Eiz?"

Pop~

The cap snapped off with a satisfying hiss.

"The names of the drinks are so bad."

"W-what?! Dr. Spice is superior! Don't talk bad about it!"

Pa~

A pillow smacked my arm soft but sudden, the fabric brushing against my skin with a muted thump.

"Why throw the pillow?! What if I spilled it?!"

"Then too bad~"

Ding Dong~

'Pizza time!' The doorbell's chime echoed faintly through the apartment. I set my drink down on the table, the cold condensation leaving a little ring, and made my way over to grab our pepperoni pizza. The box was warm in my hands, the smell of melted cheese and crisp crust already making my mouth water.

After placing it on the counter, I grabbed two plates, stacked two slices each, and returned to the couch.

"Here ya go!"

"Thanks, babe!"

"Guah!?"

I was not expecting her to say that. My plate almost fell to the floor, and she just giggled at me.She tore into the pizza while scrolling through movies. Thankfully, she had enough respect to eat with one hand and use the remote with the other.

"We should watch this!" It was a romance anime with a bunny girl and a high school student. One that I'd watched back on Earth... but who knows, maybe it's different here!