Chapter 9
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Let's Get Some Clothes (2)
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"VVIP personal shopping room...?"
A reflexive question slipped from my lips at the unfamiliar term.
"Yes. It's a private space reserved for a select few customers. There's no need for you to browse; the staff brings the clothes to you."
"Ah...."
Her explanation made it clear. They didn't sell anything special—it was just that the staff picked out clothes on my behalf?
If that was the case, sign me up. Wandering around searching for outfits had been a real chore.
And above all, that word 'VVIP' really tugged at my heartstrings. VVIP! What a fantastic ring to it! Just hearing it evoked images of wealth and exclusivity.
There couldn't be a more fitting shopping spot for my shimmering scales.
"Ahem, got it. Please show me the way."
"Of course. The department store is crowded, so let me hold your hand."
Yoo So-jeong extended her hand toward me. Her pale, slender fingers reached out invitingly.
When our hands clasped, a warm body heat transmitted through her otherwise stoic demeanor. Confirming the grip, she started walking without hesitation.
"Ack...?!"
The surroundings blurred past in a flash. It was as if no one stood in her way—her steps were utterly unimpeded, weaving through the narrow gaps between people as smoothly as flowing water.
'Is this that 'movement-related skill' of hers?'
Definitely. If she hadn't held my hand, I'd have been lost in the crowd in an instant, turned into a wandering lost child.
I wondered if we could've just gone slowly without holding hands, but hey, she was probably hurrying for my sake.
In less than three minutes, we arrived at an elevator tucked in the corner. Despite brushing past all those people, not a single hair on Yoo So-jeong's head was out of place.
*Ding-*
We boarded, and she pressed the top-floor button. The elevator ascended smoothly, the streetscape rushing by beyond the glass walls.
The top floor felt worlds apart from the floors below, atmosphere-wise. Foot traffic was sparse, and the hallway was carpeted in luxurious fabric.
The few people passing by all looked decked out in expensive attire.
That's when a twinge of anxiety hit me.
'...This isn't a place just for the mega-rich, is it?'
Sure, I'd soon be joining their ranks, but I couldn't shake the worry that the clothes here might exceed what was in my bank account.
Yoo So-jeong stopped before an elegant door equipped with a card reader. She tapped her card against it, and with a *beep*, the door slid open.
"Please come in."
As we stepped inside, a staff member greeted us, and I couldn't hide my astonishment.
"Welcome. Are you looking for something specific?"
I'd imagined a shopping room crammed wall-to-wall with clothes, but this was more like a luxury hotel suite.
In the spacious center sat a plush sofa and a marble table. One wall was floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a panoramic view of Seoul. Soft lighting and a pleasant aroma soothed the soul.
"Whoa...."
Marveling, I glanced around, and Yoo So-jeong spoke up.
"Please have a seat on this sofa and wait just a moment."
"Ah, sure."
As I settled in, a staff member brought chocolate muffins and strawberry lattes. Even though I'd just eaten cake and macarons and felt full, the sight of dessert melted away my satiety, replaced by hunger.
"Yawn."
*Munch.*
I bit into the muffin and slurped the latte. Sweetness filled my mouth, bringing pure satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Yoo So-jeong chatted with the staff, who soon vanished and returned with several outfits. Yoo So-jeong wore a faintly satisfied smile.
"This is an S/S season new release children's dress, made from the finest silk fabric, hand-embroidered with gold thread by our brand's artisan."
The dress was a sky-blue number—classic yet cute. The fabric looked impossibly soft just from sight, accented by tasteful lace that screamed luxury.
But,
'A dress is a bit...'
It was tough for my inner masculinity to accept. Sure, my body was that of a little girl now, but my mind was still a strapping 25-year-old guy. Wearing something so frilly went against my pride.
"Um... do you have anything with pants?"
I mumbled awkwardly, and the staffer didn't miss a beat, pulling out the next item.
"Of course. How about this one?"
Next up: a short-sleeved T-shirt with subtle frills on the sleeves, paired with wide-legged denim shorts.
'Oh, this works.'
A touch casual, sure, but perfect for everyday wear.
"Alright, I'll try this on."
The moment I took the clothes, I sensed movement behind me.
*Flap.*
My wings twitched unconsciously, asserting their presence on my back.
'Right, I have wings and a tail.'
I'd completely forgotten until now. No normal clothes for me. What a letdown.
"Sigh...."
Yoo So-jeong, still expressionless but seemingly holding back a laugh, asked,
"Does this outfit please you?"
"It's fine, but I can't wear it anyway. Wings and tail...."
I replied glumly, and she turned to the staff.
"We'll take this one."
"Pardon? No, I can't wear it!"
Despite my protests, Yoo So-jeong took the clothes from the staff. Then she told me,
"Please wait a moment."
Clutching the outfit, she murmured softly.
Mending (D)
Tailoring and repairing garments to fit unique forms.
A faint light seeped from her hands.
No major changes were visible, but when she handed me the clothes, I was stunned.
"Wha?! What happened here?"
Two neat holes had appeared on the T-shirt's back—perfect for wings to slip through. The edges were finished impeccably, as if designed that way from the start.
"...Huh?"
The shorts had a tail hole at the rear, plus a small button and loop above it to secure the base snugly without looseness.
"D-Grade 'Mending' skill."
"Wow... skills like this exist too."
I'd lumped Awakener skills into combat or physical enhancements, but everyday conveniences like this were real.
"The fitting room is this way."
I headed toward it as directed, but Yoo So-jeong stuck right behind me.
"...? I'm going to change."
"Yes, I'm aware."
"Pardon?"
Confused, I tilted my head at her.
"Your wings or tail might be tricky, so I thought I'd assist."
"Oh, no, it's fine. I can manage alone."
There was some awkwardness, sure, but having a girl my age see me change and help felt embarrassing. I could handle dressing myself.
"Ah... Understood."
Leaving her refusal behind, I entered the fitting room. I stripped off my current T-shirt and shorts, trying the new shorts first.
Denim-like material, but buttery soft against the skin. The tail spot fit perfectly—no exposure on my back or butt.
Next, the top. I stretched my wings up and got my head through fine, but finding the four holes for arms and wings? Not easy.
"Urgh...."
Twisting my wings every which way, they refused to cooperate once snagged. After over thirty seconds of struggling, I worried the shirt might stretch out of shape.
"...Yoo So-jeong."
"Yes. What is it?"
Her voice came from outside. No choice—I called her.
"Um... could you help me put it on?"
"Yes. Coming in."
Embarrassing, but better than ruining the shirt. And it was just the top—I had shorts on.
She opened the door and entered. Through the taut fabric, her silhouette was faint.
With a slight smile, she inspected me front and back, then fiddled with my back.
"Hm... please hold still."
"Ack, that tickles a bit."
"I'll be careful."
Even as she said it, she probed inside the shirt at my wings. A weird sensation at first, but I accepted it as necessary.
Wings aren't human parts, so figuring them out took time, naturally.
After handling the wing membranes and scales, she guided them into the holes. Sleeves were easy after that.
"All done."
"Thanks."
Stepping out to the mirror, the clothes fit like custom-made. Perfectly matched to my unknown size.
Casual vibe overall, making me look like an energetic kid. Yet no cheap feel—pure elegance.
"Does it suit you?"
"Yeah. Super comfy, especially the wings."
My makeshift old T-shirt had exposed half my back; this was spot-on.
We tried more outfits after. Mostly easy shirts and pants. Button-up shirts were simple—no help needed.
Yoo So-jeong kept pushing T-shirts for some reason, but I wasn't keen on discomfort. T-shirts were comfy as a guy; not now.
I even bought the initial dress plus two more. No intention at first, but her praises of how well they suited me led to impulse buys.
Then came checkout.
'Over ten pieces already.'
More than expected—big spend incoming. At a department store, easily over a million won.
The staff's words cracked my psyche.
"...for a total of 12,013,000 won."
"...Pardon?"