Chapter 19 : A rather quiet shopping trip

They arrive at the store a few minutes later after taking the bus.

" Well, even if we don't find anything today, it doesn't matter. Unless we find something we really love, let's be reasonable... We've already spent quite a bit of money on clothes this month... . "

he says. Komi nods, looking thoughtful.

" You're absolutely right, Ishi. We have to be pragmatic about things. I don't need to break the bank for fifteen outfits, no matter how fabulous they are. Let's focus on quality over quantity. A versatile outfit that can be worn from day to night and makes me feel confident and attractive. "

Komi methodically browses the racks, pulling out dresses and tops to inspect them.

" What do you think of this one ? Or maybe this one ? "

She shows him a flowing summer dress in a soft blue and a fitted wrap dress in a deep burgundy.

" Which one would you choose for a romantic dinner ? "

" Hmm, they're nice, but nothing special. They're missing that final touch that makes a garment unique. "

Komi frowns slightly, a determined expression forming on her face.

" Unique ? Well, I can do without that. Let's look for something that catches the eye, something that says, " look at me ! " . "

She continues to scan the racks, her eyes narrowing when she spots a garment in the distance.

" Ah ha ! Over here, Ishi. Come and see this. "

Komi leads him to a display case featuring a striking emerald green mid-length dress. The fabric appears to be a blend of silk and muslin, shimmering subtly under the store's lighting.

" What do you think ? The color is gorgeous, and the fabric is luxurious. Plus, the draped neckline gives a slight glimpse of cleavage. Elegant and seductive. "

She holds it up to her body, admiring the effect.

" Not bad indeed... . It's quite unusual. "

Komi and he try it on a few times. There are quite a few decent clothes, but in the end she decides not to buy anything, choosing to save money and not blow her budget. She is still a student.

" Well... it's okay if we didn't buy anything. You have enough clothes at home to decide what to wear for the date. "

He walks down the aisle.

" Why not look for some sexy outfits like shorts for fun now ? "

Komi blushes at his suggestion, a shy smile appearing on her lips.

" Sexy outfit, huh ? Why not, indeed. I guess a few fun and flirty additions to my wardrobe would do me good. "

She heads over to the rack, running her fingers over the different styles of shorts and skirts.

" Something that shows off my legs without being too daring for daytime. A happy medium between understated and bold. "

Komi picks up a pair of ultra-short, tight-fitting shorts and holds them up to her waist.

" Like these, maybe ? They're adorable, but I'm not sure I have the courage to wear them outside the house. "

She glances at him, seeking his opinion.

" Too daring to be seen in public ? Or just the right amount of indecency ? "

" They look a bit like the short shorts we picked up earlier... I think they're fine. "

Komi nods, a determined look in her eyes.

" If you think it's okay, I'm willing to take a chance. Confidence is key, right ? "

She carries the shorts to the locker room and disappears inside. A few minutes later, she emerges shyly, the little denim shorts hugging her curves like a second skin.

" So ? What do you think ? Too much flesh exposed, or just enough skin to drive a man crazy ? "

Komi slowly turns around, the shorts moving to make her butt bounce even more.

" Careful, I might jump on you ! "

He says, laughing. Komi laughs softly at his teasing remark, a shy smile appearing on her lips.

" Really ? Well, aren't you a charmer ? "

She strikes a playful pose, hands on her hips, chest thrust out.

" Seriously, do you think Tadano would approve of this style ? I want to be seductive, not downright scandalous. "

Komi does another pirouette, the shorts fluttering against her thighs.

" It makes my legs look miles long, doesn't it ? And the low waist really shows off my figure. Maybe I could pair it with a crop top and sandals for a casual, sexy look. "

" Tadano would like that, but it's true that it's daring. Just take it for me then. Like sleeping together, if you get used to dressing sexy with a guy around, you'll be able to do it without pressure with Tadano ! "

Ishi was on the attack ! Get Komi to come over to his place more often to sleep over and dress her in skimpy outfits all the time. What a great idea ! Komi nodded, a determined gleam in her eyes.

" You're right, Ishi. Practicing with you will help me push my fashion boundaries with Tadano. I'll start with the basics, like these shorts, and gradually work my way up to bolder choices. "

Komi put her usual clothes back on, carefully folded her shorts, and placed them in her basket.

" Thanks for your encouragement, Ishi. Your advice is invaluable to me. I'm a little closer to becoming the confident and attractive girlfriend Tadano deserves. "

" For that, we need to spend more time together. How about coming to sleep over at my place twice a week and getting used to wearing daring outfits or sexy lingerie at the same time ? "

Komi blushed at his suggestion.

" Sleepovers twice a week ? And take the opportunity to experiment with more daring outfits and lingerie ? Oh my, you certainly have a complete program planned for my education in intimacy. "

She tapped her chin with her finger, thinking about the proposal.

" I appreciate your thoroughness, Ishi, but I'm not sure my schedule allows for such frequent visits. But maybe we could find a compromise and have our sessions once a week ? That way, I could gradually get used to more provocative outfits without overloading either of us. "

" Once a week is fine! Every Friday, then ? Like we just did ? "

Komi nods, a satisfied smile lighting up her face.

" Great, Friday is perfect for our sleepovers. It gives me time to prepare mentally and choose the perfect lingerie. "

She claps her hands enthusiastically.

" I can't wait to put my newfound confidence into practice. Who knows, maybe by then, Tadano and I will have taken our relationship to the next level ! "

Komi winks at him and takes his arm as they leave the store.

" For now, let's celebrate the day with lunch. I'm hungry after all that walking ! "