Ch. 3: Feelings Becoming Stronger
The next day, I was choosing a dress for the weekend banquet in the room I had been given, along with the help of a maid.
However…
Totori: "I do not have the relationship with her that you seem to think."
Remembering the day before, my hand stopped going through the dresses.
I wonder how I can become a woman that fits with how mature Totori is…
Maid: "Lady OO, what about a dress like this one?"
OO: "…this deep red one?"
The dress she recommended was a brilliantly deep crimson, with a large opening on the chest.
It's a little too showy but…
I was bewildered by the dress in front of me, not being able to see myself wearing it…
Totori: "Pardon me, is it alright for me to come in?"
OO: "…ah, yes."
The door opened, and Totori stood there holding a bouquet of pure white lilies.
OO: "What are those flowers for?"
Totori: "I thought you'd feel more at ease if you decorated your room with them, so I got some from the gardener."
OO: "They're beautiful…thank you."
Taking the bouquet, I breathed in their sweet fragrance.
Totori smiled as I did so, then looked at the red dress spread out on the table.
Totori: "Are you selecting a dress for the banquet?"
OO: "Yes. But I can't seem to make up my mind…"
He furrowed his brow, looking at the red dress that clearly didn't suit me.
Totori: "Well then, let's see if I can choose a dress that will suit you."
At his unexpected offer, I…
[CHOICE]
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Yes, please do (SUN)
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It's not too much trouble? (MOON)
Totori chose a single dress for me from among the many that were there.
Totori: "How about this one? I think it would look good if we arrange it with some of these white lilies like this."
Totori held up a pale pink dress to my shoulder.
Then he pulled a few flowers from the bouquet in my hands, and fastened them to the front like an accessory.
Totori: "There, this will bring out your best features, and it looks gorgeous."
OO: "It's beautiful…I look like a completely different person."
I spoke unintentionally as I looked at myself in the mirror, suddenly looking more mature.
Totori: "I'm glad it pleases you."
My heart started pounding as I saw him watching me and smiling.
Totori: "Now then, I shall take my leave."
Totori turned his back to me, and left the room.
OO: "Ah…"
But I didn't get the chance to thank him…!
OO: "Wait, Totor-…!"
I took a single step forward…
The heels I was wearing caught on the hem of the dress, and I felt myself start to pitch forward.
…!
Totori: "OO!"
Totori turned and rushed over, quickly catching me.
Totori: "That was dangerous."
[CHOICE]
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Say thank you (SUN)
-
Avert eyes (MOON)
Totori: "While I'm at it, I'll go ahead and choose a pair of shoes for you before the weekend. Something that'll suit you perfectly…"
OO: "…"
As he spoke like a refined gentleman, I felt my face heat up in a flash.
He tapped his lips, which had formed into a gentle semicircle smile.
OO: "Totori…"
Totori: "So please look forward to this weekend, alright?"
Saying as much, Totori quietly left the room, just like he'd entered.
But this weekend is…
The banquet was the final day I'd agreed to stay…
The day after, I would leave Toriarl.
I tightly squeezed my hands in front of my chest, filled with a feeling I couldn't put into words.
Totori choosing a dress for me…
A slightly embarrassed yet delighted feeling filled my heart.
OO: "…yes, please do."
Totori: "Very well, I shall choose the perfect dress that fits how cute you are. I think a slightly more subdued design than this red one would be good for you."
OO: "But, isn't that too much trouble?"
I hesitated, not wanting to cause him any trouble.
Totori: "I'd be happy if I can only make you smile."
OO: "My…smile?"
I stared blankly and met his eyes, which shone with a gentle light.
Totori: "If you're going to wear it…I think something like this would be better than the red color…"
With his arm around me, I was very aware of the distance between us and averted my eyes.
Totori: "OO, are you alright? The hem of this dress may be a little long. I'll take it in for some minor adjustments."
OO: "Ah, thank you…"
Totori: "Not at all. But it may be dangerous to wear those heels if you aren't accustomed to them."