𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬: 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

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𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬: 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

└──── °∘❉∘° ────┘

𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐓𝐖𝐎

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰ ───

--THE TRAIN RATTLED GENTLY AS IT SPED TOWARD CENTRAL TOKYO, the hum of conversation and the occasional announcement filling the air. The four of them sat together in a corner of the carriage, Nobara scrolling through her phone with an annoyed expression, Megumi quietly reading a small book, and Yuji and Misa seated next to each other across the aisle.

Misa leaned her head against the window, watching the city blur past. The golden hour sunlight bathed the train car in a warm glow, and for a moment, she let herself relax. The calm was a rare luxury in their chaotic lives.

"Ugh, we should've just gotten a cab," Nobara muttered, flicking her phone screen aggressively. "This is taking forever."

"You realize we're saving money, right?" Megumi replied without looking up from his book. "Besides, a cab wouldn't be any faster in Tokyo traffic."

"Well, I wouldn't be stuck here with this noise," Nobara grumbled, motioning toward a group of chattering schoolkids further down the carriage.

Meanwhile, Yuji turned slightly in his seat to face Misa. He hesitated for a second before speaking, his tone unusually soft. "Hey... you okay? You've been kinda quiet."

Misa blinked, turning away from the window to look at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking, I guess."

"Thinking about what?" Yuji asked, his expression curious but warm.

Misa shrugged lightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You know, the usual—curses, school, saving the world. Nothing too heavy."

Yuji chuckled softly, the sound low and comforting. "Yeah, nothing heavy at all."

Their eyes met for a moment, and the noise of the train seemed to fade into the background. Misa noticed how the sunlight caught the golden flecks in Yuji's brown eyes, and for a split second, her chest tightened. He wasn't looking at her like he usually did, with his usual bright energy or playful teasing—there was something gentler, almost tender, in his gaze.

"You're staring," Misa pointed out, her voice quieter than she'd intended.

Yuji blinked, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Oh—sorry! I wasn't, uh, I mean..." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "I was just, you know, making sure you're good."

"I'm good," Misa said quickly, though her own cheeks felt warmer than they should. She turned back to the window, hoping the sunlight would hide the faint blush creeping up her neck.

Yuji cleared his throat, shifting in his seat as he tried to compose himself. He glanced sideways at her again, unable to stop himself from smiling. "Cool. Just checking."

Across the aisle, Nobara groaned dramatically. "This is so boring. Megumi, why are you always reading? It's like you're allergic to fun."

Megumi didn't look up. "Maybe I just find this more fun than listening to you complain."

"Excuse me?!" Nobara shot back, her tone indignant. The two of them launched into their usual bickering, their voices filling the train car.

Misa bit her lip, holding back a laugh as she glanced at Yuji again. He was watching Megumi and Nobara with a small grin, clearly amused by their antics. When he noticed her looking, his grin widened slightly, and for a moment, it felt like they were sharing a secret.

The train lurched slightly, pulling into the next station, and the moment passed as quickly as it had arrived. Nobara and Megumi continued their argument, oblivious to the quiet exchange. Misa exhaled softly, turning her gaze back to the window, her heart still fluttering.

Yuji leaned back in his seat, his hand brushing against hers briefly on the armrest. Neither of them moved it away, and neither said a word.

Nobara turned her attention from Megumi to Misa, her brows furrowing in mock suspicion. "Okay, so you've been all quiet and mysterious over there. What's going on in your brain, Ice Queen?"

Misa raised an eyebrow at the nickname. "Ice Queen? That's the best you've got?"

"Well, yeah," Nobara said, leaning forward slightly. "You've got the whole frosty vibe. Cold stares, sharp comebacks, the whole package. Own it."

Misa smirked, sitting up straighter. "You know, coming from someone who's basically an emotional tornado, I'll take that as a compliment."

"Emotional tornado?" Nobara repeated, her voice pitching up slightly. "What does that even mean?"

"It means you're loud, unpredictable, and cause unnecessary damage wherever you go," Misa replied smoothly, taking a sip from the drink she'd brought along.

"Unnecessary damage?!" Nobara's jaw dropped, her indignation growing. "I'll have you know my damage is alwaysnecessary. Unlike your ice theatrics that just leave everyone shivering."

"Oh, please," Misa retorted, rolling her eyes. "You throw nails everywhere like it's some kind of confetti party."

"They're cursed energy nails, thank you very much," Nobara shot back, crossing her arms. "At least they're effective. You, on the other hand, are just over here freezing the atmosphere for fun."

"Fun?" Misa scoffed, narrowing her eyes. "My technique actually involves skill. You're just out here with a hammer and vibes."

Yuji, sitting between them, couldn't hold back his laughter anymore. He doubled over, clutching his stomach. "Hammer and vibes—oh my god, that's so true."

"Yuji!" Nobara snapped, glaring at him. "Whose side are you on?!"

"Uh..." Yuji hesitated, glancing nervously between Nobara and Misa. "Neither? Both? I'm Switzerland."

"Coward," Nobara muttered, leaning back in her seat with a huff. "You're lucky you're funny."

Misa smirked, turning her attention back to the window, clearly satisfied with the exchange. "Always a pleasure, Kugisaki."

Megumi, who had been quietly reading this whole time, finally looked up and sighed. "Do you two ever stop?"

"No," Misa and Nobara said in unison, both of them grinning now.

"Great," Megumi muttered, closing his book and staring out the window. "Remind me why I agreed to sit with you?"

"Because you secretly love the chaos," Misa teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow.

"Yeah, Fushiguro," Nobara chimed in, her grin widening. "Don't act like you're above all this."

Megumi didn't reply, his usual deadpan expression returning. Yuji, still recovering from his laughter. "Hey, at least you're not the target, man. Count your blessings."

Megumi shook his head, muttering under his breath as the train continued its journey, the sound of their playful banter filling the train.

───✱*.｡:｡✱*.:｡✧*.｡✰ ───

--The bustling streets of central Tokyo were alive with energy as the group made their way through a vibrant shopping district. The air was filled with the hum of chatter, the jingling of storefront bells, and the occasional shout from street vendors trying to attract customers. Nobara and Misa were leading the charge, their excitement infectious as they darted from window to window.

"Oh, this is cute!" Nobara exclaimed, pointing at a mannequin wearing a trendy jacket. She turned to Misa, who was already nodding in agreement.

"Super cute," Misa said, grinning. "We're going in."

Without waiting for a response, the two girls grabbed Yuji and Megumi by the arms, dragging them toward the entrance of the shop.

"Wait—what are we doing?" Yuji asked, stumbling slightly as he was pulled along.

"Shopping, obviously," Nobara said, rolling her eyes. "You two need better outfits."

"My outfits are fine," Megumi protested, though he didn't resist as much as Yuji. His tone was surprisingly neutral—less grumpy and more resigned to the chaos.

"They're fine if you're trying to blend in with the furniture," Misa quipped, smirking as she pushed him toward the men's section. "Come on, live a little."

Nobara had already grabbed a shirt off the rack and was holding it up to Yuji. "This would look great on you," she declared, ignoring his awkward expression. "You need more color in your wardrobe."

Yuji scratched the back of his neck. "Uh, I think I'm good with my usual stuff..."

"Wrong answer," Misa said, stepping in with a grin. "Trust us, you'll thank us later."

While Nobara and Misa raided the racks for options, Megumi wandered over to the jackets, inspecting them quietly. Yuji leaned toward him and whispered, "This is gonna take a while, isn't it?"

"Definitely," Megumi replied, though there was a faint smile on his face. "Just go with it. It's easier."

Before long, the girls returned with an armful of clothes, shoving outfits into Yuji and Megumi's hands. "Try these on," Nobara demanded, pointing toward the fitting rooms.

"This feels excessive," Megumi said, glancing at the pile in his arms.

"Stop complaining," Misa said, laughing. "You'll look great, trust me."

While the guys reluctantly headed to the fitting rooms, Misa spotted a dress on display and grabbed it. "I'm trying this one on," she told Nobara, who immediately grabbed a couple of other options for her. "And this. And this. Oh, and this one too."

In the fitting room area, Yuji emerged first, wearing a button-up shirt and dark jeans that actually fit him well. Nobara gave an approving nod. "See? Way better."

"I feel weird," Yuji admitted, tugging at the sleeves.

"You look great," Misa said, walking out of her fitting room wearing the dress she'd picked out. The deep green fabric hugged her figure perfectly, and she turned to Nobara for approval. "What do you think?"

"Gorgeous," Nobara said without hesitation. "You're definitely getting that."

Yuji, who had been mid-sentence about his shirt, suddenly froze. His eyes widened slightly as he took in Misa's outfit, and he felt his face heat up. "Uh—yeah, you look... great."

Misa glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "You okay, Yuji? You're looking a little red."

"What? No, I'm fine!" Yuji said quickly, scratching the back of his neck as he tried to compose himself. "I just—uh—yeah, it looks really nice."

Nobara noticed his reaction and smirked, but she didn't comment, deciding to save it for later. "Try on the next one, Misa!" she said, shoving another outfit into her hands.

Misa returned to the fitting room, and Yuji let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Megumi emerged in a sleek jacket that actually made him look polished and modern, earning a nod from Nobara.

"See? You don't look like you hate fun for once," she teased, smirking.

Megumi shrugged, his expression calm. "It's not bad."

As Misa came out in another outfit—a casual but stylish top and skirt—Yuji's face turned pink again. He glanced away quickly, pretending to focus on his shoes, but Nobara caught him and elbowed him lightly. "Careful, Yuji, you might faint."

"Shut up," Yuji muttered, his ears burning.

Misa, oblivious to his reaction, twirled slightly and looked at Nobara. "This one's a maybe. Thoughts?"

"Definitely yes," Nobara said. "You're buying it."

By the time they left the shop, both Yuji and Megumi were outfitted in new clothes, and the girls had added a few new pieces to their wardrobes as well. As they walked back onto the busy street, Yuji nudged Misa lightly with his elbow.

"Thanks for, uh, picking stuff out," he said awkwardly. "You're good at this."

Misa smiled at him, her eyes glinting with humor. "I know. You're welcome."

Nobara rolled her eyes at the two of them. "Alright, what's next? Ice cream? Coffee? Let's keep the fun going!"

Nobara rolled her eyes at the two of them. "Alright, what's next? Ice cream? Coffee? Let's keep the fun going!"

"Definitely ice cream," Misa said immediately, adjusting the strap of her purse. "It's practically mandatory after shopping."

"Agreed," Yuji chimed in, grinning. "I could go for something sweet right now."

"Of course, you could," Nobara muttered, shoving her bags into his arms. "Here, hold these while you're at it."

Yuji blinked, his grin faltering as he suddenly found himself loaded with Nobara's shopping bags. "Uh, why am I carrying these?"

"Because you're nice," she replied with a smirk, already walking ahead toward the nearest ice cream stand.

Misa laughed, handing her own bags over to Megumi, who sighed but took them without complaint. "You're the best, Fushiguro," she teased, patting his shoulder.

Megumi gave her a flat look. "I'm pretty sure 'best' isn't the word I'd use for this situation."

"You'll survive," Misa said with a grin, falling into step beside him. "Consider it character development."

"Or a workout," Yuji muttered, shifting Nobara's bags in his arms as he hurried to catch up. "Seriously, Nobara, what did you buy? Bricks?"

"Fashion is worth the weight," Nobara replied over her shoulder, her tone matter-of-fact.

When they reached the ice cream stand, Misa and Nobara immediately began debating flavors while Yuji and Megumi stood off to the side, bags in tow.

"Why do I feel like a pack mule?" Megumi muttered, adjusting the bags in his hands.

"Because you are," Yuji replied with a laugh. "But hey, at least they're having fun."

Megumi glanced over at the girls, who were laughing and gesturing animatedly at the menu. Despite his earlier complaints, he felt a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Yeah, I guess they are."

A few minutes later, everyone had their ice cream in hand, and they found a bench near a small park to sit down. Nobara sat beside Yuji, who was still holding her bags, while Misa plopped down next to Megumi, her mood bright and cheerful.

"So," Misa said, taking a bite of her ice cream, "what do we think of today's shopping haul?"

"I think I'm never shopping with you two again," Megumi replied dryly, though there was a faint trace of humor in his tone.

"Oh, come on," Misa said, nudging him lightly. "You looked great in that jacket. Admit it, we did you a favor."

"You're welcome, by the way," Nobara added, smirking as she dug into her cone.

Yuji, who had been quietly enjoying his ice cream, glanced at Misa and smiled. "You looked great in those outfits too," he said, his voice soft and genuine.

Misa blinked, caught off guard by the compliment. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away, pretending to focus on her ice cream. "Thanks," she mumbled, her tone unusually shy.

Nobara, noticing the subtle exchange, narrowed her eyes suspiciously but said nothing, choosing instead to finish her cone with dramatic flair. Megumi, blissfully unaware, continued to eat his ice cream in silence, clearly relieved to be sitting down.

As the group finished their treats, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the bustling streets. For a moment, everything felt peaceful—no curses, no chaos, just friends enjoying the simplicity of a day out.

"So," Nobara said, standing up and brushing off her skirt. "Where to next?"

Misa groaned. "Are we seriously not done yet?"

"Nope," Nobara replied with a grin, pointing down the street. "There's a café over there, and I've been dying to try their cheesecake. Let's go!"

Yuji sighed dramatically, still holding her bags as he stood. "Do I at least get a reward for being your personal assistant today?"

"Sure," Nobara said with a smirk. "You can carry my cheesecake too."

Misa burst out laughing, while Megumi muttered something under his breath about never leaving the school again. Despite their complaints, the group followed Nobara down the street, their laughter echoing through the evening air.

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