Entering the clothing shop, Shinji sat in the rest area, his gaze drifting toward the fitting room from time to time.
The shop owner's gentle praise kept reaching his ears.
"Miss, you have such a lovely figure. This yukata suits you perfectly."
"And this one too—you'd definitely look beautiful in it."
"Let me put your hair up for you. It'll make you look even more elegant."
Shinji unconsciously bounced his leg, feeling both expectant and a little nervous.
When Kurenai Yuhi slowly stepped out from behind the folding screen, his gaze froze instantly.
The pale cherry-blossom-colored yukata, embroidered with delicate wisteria flowers, made her already fair skin appear even clearer and softer. Her long hair was pinned high, with a few soft strands falling along her neck. A deep-purple sash cinched her slender waist, while the hem of her robe swayed gently as she walked. She had lost some of the crisp, cool sharpness she usually carried as a ninja, replaced by a gentle, graceful beauty.
She lowered her head slightly, holding a beige sachet in her hand, her cheeks already tinged with a faint blush.
Feeling Shinji stare at her so directly, she grew a little self-conscious. She lightly bit her lower lip, then looked up and shot him a coy glare.
"What are you staring at me like that for?"
Yet there was not the slightest trace of reproach in her eyes. Instead, they held a faint hint of delight and anticipation.
"It's my first time seeing you dressed like this." Shinji scratched his head, his heartbeat quickening uncontrollably. "Kurenai, it suits you so well."
Hearing his straightforward praise, Kurenai Yuhi relaxed, and a trace of a smile quietly appeared in her eyes.
She held out one hand toward Shinji.
It felt like a scene from one of