Synchroneity » Places

         

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She peeked out from behind a clothing rack upon hearing Jin. Giving him a brisk nod, Kotone grinned and went back to looking through the clothes. There were all sorts of items that caught her interest, so it came to no surprise that one of the clerks approached her albeit a bit nervously. “Ah Lady Diva? Would you care for some assistance?” Turning her head to look at the older girl, Kotone smiled warmly. “Oh would you be so kind? Thank you! I came in here for a new pair of boots, but I saw all these clothing items.” Kotone clasped her hands together in front of her, looking at the female clerk expectantly. The clerk looked at Kotone with some confusion before she realized Kotone was asking her to help choose something. “Oh! Of course. Well why don’t we pick a pair of boots and then select an outfit to go with it?” With a vigorous nod, Kotone let herself be led back to the shelves that held all sorts of boots. “What kind of boots are you looking for?” The brunette placed a finger to her chin as she tried to determine which kind of boots she wanted. Finally her face lit up and Kotone lifted up her skirt to show off the boots that she had on currently.

“I would very much like to have one’s like these. A pair of boots that are nice a sturdy for long travels.” The clerk smiled and took Kotone to the far side of the room, picking up a pair of brown boots that folded over just above the ankle. The sole wasn’t too thin but not thick where it got too heavy and it had a very good grip on the bottom. “Would these do? They’re lace up boots.” Kotone took the pair from the clerk and began to put them on her feet. To the clerks surprise, Kotone began to jump around and jog around the store to test out how they were. “Oh yes! These will do just nicely. I’ll take them! Now would it be alright if I wear them now? I’d like to break them in as much as possible before tomorrow.” The clerk nodded and then led her back to the clothing rack. “Now for an outfit. I see that you’re wearing a long skirt. Would you care for something like what you’re wearing?”

“Surprise me! Choose what you think would do nicely.” Again, the clerk was taken aback as she was never given so much responsibility in choosing a customer's attire. Eventually she pulled out a thigh length dark blue tunic with white trim and petal designs along the cuffs and hem of the tunic. She also had a thick pair of black riding pants that were form fitting. “I’m not sure how long you will be traveling for, but these riding pants will do the job, especially if you’re riding.” Kotone took the items from the clerk with a smile. “Thank you very much. I always wore skirts or trousers, but these riding pants will do just nicely!” Taking the items up to pay, Kotone was told that it was on the house just like they told Jin earlier.

A bit guilty for not having paid for the items she left the store and began to search for Jin. It didn’t take her long to locate him as he was the only person she knew who would do poses in front of a fountain. Approaching him, Kotone laced her fingers behind her back and giggled. “Are you practicing for a photo shoot? To see which ones are the best?’” Kotone was aware that photo shoot wasn’t the correct term as they did not have cameras like they did in Japan, but she wasn’t sure what they had. Or maybe they do portraits. Kotone wondered where the others had gone. She remembered seeing them as she left for the clothing store, but she wasn’t sure in what direction they went in. “Say Jin-san, you wouldn’t happen to know where the others had gone would you? I recall seeing them as I left . . .” she said with a sheepish smile.