Shopping Invitation

She didn't linger. After a few pleasantries, she took her companion and sat down a short distance away.

But Toudou Shizuka could clearly feel a faint, evaluative gaze, like soft yet tenacious spider silk, drifting towards him and Sakura from time to time.

[Kushida Kikyo Affection +1 (Slight interest in Toudou Shizuka's response and potential value). Current: 16 (Neutral) -> Target 60 (Trust).]

[Ayanokouji Kiyotaka Relevance Alert: Kushida Kikyo's intervention may increase Ayanokouji's attention.]

Toudou Shizuka withdrew his gaze and looked at Sakura Airi, who was still uneasy opposite him. The sense of relief he'd gained from confessing was replaced by a heavy solemnity. Kushida's shadow loomed silently.

Ayanokouji, Kushida, Sakura... these three threads seemed to be quietly intertwining in a way he couldn't yet fully control.

"Sakura," Toudou Shizuka's voice remained gentle, but with a newfound steadiness, "Don't worry. If Kushida or anyone else asks about us meeting at school, just say we were discussing the Photography Club, or... exchanging study notes. Understand?" He provided a safe and reasonable framework.

Sakura Airi looked at his calm and reliable gaze, her panic subsiding slightly. She nodded vigorously, "Mhm... I... I understand." She knew Toudou Shizuka was protecting her.

Toudou Shizuka looked at Sakura's trusting eyes, then glanced at Kushida Kikyo, who was chatting and laughing in the distance. The resilience from his [Stamina Enhancement] supported him, while [Rational Analysis] and [Information Synthesis] operated at high speed in his mind. The A-Rank Photography Skill was unlocked, 65 Simulation Points were in hand, and Kushida's A-Rank Disguise Skill shimmered enticingly.

The aroma of coffee still permeated the air, and jazz music flowed softly. But in this seemingly peaceful Aikun Cafe, a silent undercover battle had already begun. Toudou Shizuka picked up his slightly cool coffee and took a sip. The bitter taste spread on his tongue, reminding him of the complexity ahead.

Next, should he immediately simulate A-Rank Photography? Or save points to prepare for conquering Kushida's closed door? Or perhaps... first investigate Kushida's true purpose for intervening? The answers, under Kushida's subtle gaze and Sakura's dependent eyes, solidified into an increasingly clear sense of urgency.

The confession in the cafe and Kushida's unexpected intrusion had cast a tense shadow over the previously relaxed atmosphere. Sakura Airi put on her oversized black-rimmed glasses again, as if donning her armor of self-protection. But Toudou Shizuka could feel that the trust beneath the armor hadn't disappeared, only that a wariness of her surroundings had been added.

Seeing Sakura's still somewhat pale face and her fingers unconsciously rubbing her art supply bag, Toudou Shizuka's heart stirred. The 60 points of affection had unlocked the A-Rank Photography Skill, but at this moment, he was more concerned with reinforcing the trust that had just weathered a storm and was now somewhat fragile, while also providing Sakura with practical support that wouldn't touch her sensitive nerves.

"Sakura," Toudou Shizuka put down his coffee cup, his tone returning to its usual gentleness, "We were so caught up in chatting earlier. I remember you said the points you saved were almost gone?" He naturally steered the conversation towards a more practical issue, avoiding Kushida's shadow.

Sakura Airi's body tensed almost imperceptibly. A flicker of embarrassment flashed behind her large glasses, and she nodded slightly, "Mhm... because... the cafeteria... and... some stationery..."

"Perfect timing," Toudou Shizuka smiled, as if he'd just remembered, "I need to go to the commercial street to buy some things myself, replenish some daily necessities and notebooks. Want to go together? It's more interesting to shop together than alone. And," he paused, adjusted his glasses, and added in a slightly teasing but sincere tone, "I'm completely clueless about pigments and paper. I don't know if the last set I bought for you was suitable. With a professional like you here this time, you can help me choose, so I don't buy the wrong things and waste them."

The reason he gave was plausible: he genuinely needed to shop, while cleverly elevating Sakura's professional value ("professional," "consultant"), framing "helping her" as "needing her help," greatly alleviating the psychological pressure that direct financial assistance might bring.

Sakura Airi froze, her large glasses revealing hesitation and struggle. She wanted to go with Toudou Shizuka... a part of her was willing, even harboring a secret anticipation. But the dire situation of Class D's zero points, the shadow of the Yamauchi incident, and Kushida's scrutinizing gaze made her instinctively want to retreat into her shell. Appearing together in the bustling commercial street? Wouldn't that attract unnecessary attention? Wouldn't it... trouble Toudou Shizuka?

"No... no need... Toudou... I... I can do it myself..." She lowered her head, her voice small, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, refusing without conviction.

"Are you sure?" Toudou Shizuka wasn't discouraged. He lowered his voice, making it softer, with a kind of friendly, slightly helpless "gentle persistence." "That set of paints last time, I spent a long time picking it out, afraid I'd buy the wrong brand you wouldn't like. If I buy the wrong one again this time, it'll really be a waste. And..." He deliberately drew out his words, with a hint of a playful smile, "If I go alone to buy notebooks, I'll easily be tricked by salespeople into buying a bunch of useless loose-leaf paper. It's a big loss. Sakura, just help me out, and also... um... keep an eye on me so I don't spend money recklessly?"

His [Social Affinity A-Rank] and [Infectious Vitality B-Rank] flowed naturally in his tone and demeanor, carrying an irresistible warmth, a blend of sincere request and friendly banter. Sakura Airi was flustered by his rare, somewhat "shameless" request. Behind her large glasses, her clear eyes blinked. She looked at Toudou Shizuka's smiling face, then at her own empty art supply bag (she did need to replenish some basic supplies). Then she thought about him being "tricked by salespeople"... A strange warmth, a mix of feeling needed and a touch of amusement, quietly diluted her unease.

"Then... okay..." She seemed to have finally made up her mind. Her voice was still quiet, but much clearer than before, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. "I... I can help Toudou look at... notebooks..."

[Sakura Airi Affection +1 (Gains slight pleasure and closeness due to feeling needed and Toudou Shizuka's rare "showing weakness"). Current: 61 (High Trust).]