They piled into the car, Raphael, Radit, and Ethan squeezed into the back row; Felicia, Thivi, Isabel, and Livia took the middle; Frans drove up front. Beside him, Kaivan sat with Zinnia curled calmly in his lap.
Thivi broke the tension with a mischievous grin. "Why not let me sit on your lap instead, Kaivan?"
Zinnia replied before he could, a soft smile touching her lips. "If you sit in front, Felicia might get jealous. I'm safer."
Quiet laughter rippled through the car, loosening the air. But even as Zinnia smiled, there was a quiet earnestness in her eyes. When the car began to move, she leaned in close and whispered, "You like it, don't you?"
Kaivan held back a sigh. "Not here," he murmured, though his arms tightened around her as if protecting her from the world.
They sank into a gentle silence, private, fragile. Zinnia closed her eyes and settled into him. Outside, chaos waited; but inside the moving car, they found a small refuge.
Kaivan looked ahead. The Tome Omnicent rested on Zinnia's lap. Her small frame fit perfectly against him. He tried to read, but his focus kept slipping between its ancient script and the warmth pulsing at his chest.
With a slow breath, he spoke. "Frans, we need to stop by a clothing store. We're infiltrating a formal event."
"Got it," Frans replied, steering toward the nearest shop.
They arrived at a dimly lit boutique tucked among old colonial buildings. Streetlights stretched long shadows across the pavement. Once parked, everyone stepped out quickly.
Inside, rows of tailored suits and long dresses greeted them. Warm lighting shimmered across the fabrics.
Raphael lifted a sleek suit jacket. "So we're wearing these, huh?" he said lightly, though his eyes were focused, ready.
Thivi's excited voice rang out. "Yes! I finally get to wear a dress!" She twirled with a deep red gown in hand.
But the mood shifted when Kaivan checked his wallet. It was empty.
"I… forgot to bring money," he whispered.
Silence fell.
Zinnia snapped her head toward him. "Huh? But we already picked everything."
Ethan chuckled. "We could borrow and return them afterward?"
Radit cut in flatly, "That's still stealing."
Livia stepped forward, graceful as ever. "I brought some money, but… only enough for five people."
Kaivan lowered his gaze to the Tome Omnicent in his hand, as if hoping it would offer guidance. Felicia approached him calmly. "So… who gets to go?"
After a brief pause, Kaivan answered with clarity. "Me, Ethan, Felicia, Zinnia, and Livia. We'll infiltrate. The rest of you stay outside."
Thivi's smile faded. "I'm not going again?"
"Sorry, Thiv. It's not about capability. We need eyes outside. You're crucial."
She hesitated, then nodded. "…Okay. I understand."
Isabel added, "Good plan. We'll be ready for backup."
Time passed as they sorted through clothes. Kaivan slipped into a classic black suit that framed his silhouette perfectly. Zinnia chose a dark, understated dress that captured quiet elegance. Their eyes met in the mirror, sharing a small, knowing smile.
No words were needed.
In that moment, their unity felt like a quiet vow.
But reality returned swiftly.
Under the warm neon lights, the pile of outfits suddenly felt heavy, not because of their fabric, but because of their price.
Livia spoke timidly, "Um… sorry. The money isn't enough. We need something cheaper."
Felicia examined the jacket in her hands. "Men's suits are expensive. But maybe the girls can find cheaper dresses."
Zinnia looked down at the elegant dress she held. "So… I can't wear this one," she murmured, smiling faintly, though disappointment lingered in her voice.
Thivi, brimming with excitement, moved first. "Look! I found something perfect for Felicia!" she announced, holding up a bright red dress.
Felicia frowned as she inspected it. "Too revealing. My armpits would show. And it's way too tight."