Chapter 26: Jun’s Shopping

The Academy’s shopping district was a marvel of artificial engineering and cultural fusion. As Jun walked between Sora and Akane, he felt as though he had stepped into a miniature, hyper-luxurious version of the world. The streets were paved with iridescent white stone that shimmered under the afternoon sun, lined with boutiques and cafes that represented the pinnacle of Asian luxury. To the left, the architecture shifted into the sleek, neon-infused aesthetics of Seoul; to the right, the elegant, traditional curves of Kyoto; and further down, the opulent, red-and-gold grandeur of Shanghai.

It was a place where the air smelled of expensive perfume, roasted coffee, and the faint, salty tang of the surrounding ocean. For the students, this was the heart of the island’s social life—a place to see and be seen.

Sora led the way, her gait much steadier than it had been that morning, though she still walked with a certain softness, a lingering reminder of the nights she had spent in Jun’s arms. She played the role of the guide perfectly, pointing out the most exclusive stores and explaining the history of the brands that had set up shop on the neutral island.

“The boutiques in this sector are the most prestigious,” Sora explained, her voice returning to its poised, authoritative tone, though she kept a close eye on Jun’s reactions. “Most of the girls from the elite families spend their entire allowance here. It’s a battleground of status, really.”

Jun looked around, unimpressed by the labels but intrigued by the scale of it all. He noticed the way other female students stopped and stared as they passed. It wasn’t just Sora’s presence that drew their attention—it was him. Being a Prime Candidate made him a celebrity in his own right, and he could feel the hunger in their gazes.

“Do you see anything you like, Sora?” Jun asked, glancing at her. “Or are you just showing me the sights?”

Sora hesitated, a slight blush creeping into her cheeks. She wasn’t used to being the one who “wanted” something; she was usually the one providing or commanding. “Actually…” she murmured, glancing toward a sleek, glass-fronted store that looked distinctly European. “There is a new boutique that just opened. An overseas brand called L’Aura. They’re known for their cuts and fabrics. I’ve been… curious about their new collection.”

Jun nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Lead the way.”

The interior of L’Aura was a sanctuary of minimalism and wealth. The walls were a soft cream, the lighting was recessed and warm, and the air was scented with a subtle blend of vanilla and sandalwood. The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by a female clerk who looked as though she had stepped off a runway. She bowed deeply, her eyes widening as she realized who was walking into her store.

“Welcome to L’Aura,” the clerk chirped, her voice dripping with professional sweetness. “Is there anything specific we can help you find today?”

Sora took over, her “Iron Lady” persona returning as she began to describe the specific styles and fabrics she was looking for. The clerk moved with lightning speed, pulling several dresses and blouses from the racks—pieces that were elegant, daring, and designed to accentuate the feminine form.

“Please, follow me to the private fitting lounge,” the clerk suggested, gesturing toward a secluded area of the store.

The fitting lounge was more of a suite than a room. It featured plush velvet sofas, a large ornate mirror, and a small table where the clerk immediately began serving a selection of high-end teas and delicate finger sandwiches.

Jun sank into the velvet chair, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other. He watched as Sora disappeared behind the heavy curtain of the fitting room. For the next hour, the lounge became a stage.

Sora would emerge every few minutes, wearing a different outfit. First, it was a form-fitting cocktail dress in a deep emerald green that clung to her voluptuous curves like a second skin. She stepped out cautiously, her eyes searching Jun’s face for approval.

“What do you think?” she asked, her voice small.

Jun took a slow sip of his tea, his gaze traveling slowly from her toes up to her flushed face. “The color is good,” he said, his voice low and teasing. “But it’s almost too modest. I can tell it’s fighting a losing battle against your chest.”

Sora gasped, her face turning red, but a small, satisfied smile played on her lips. She loved the way he looked at her—not as a CEO, but as a woman.

Then came a white silk dress that flowed like water, emphasizing her narrow waist and the flare of her hips. She twirled in front of the mirror, her expression a mix of uncertainty and hope.

“This one is more my style,” she whispered.

“I prefer the green,” Jun replied simply. “It makes you look… hungrier.”

Sora pouted, but she didn’t put the white dress back. Instead, she began to play a game, trying on outfits that were slightly more daring, testing the boundaries of Jun’s preferences. She wanted to know exactly what he liked, and she enjoyed the way his eyes darkened every time she stepped out in something that left little to the imagination.

As the hour dragged on, Sora noticed Akane standing quietly by the door, her expression neutral but her eyes observant. A mischievous thought struck Sora.

“Akane, come here,” Sora commanded, though her tone was playful. “I think this blue dress would look lovely on you. Why don’t you try it on and show Jun-sama?”

Akane blinked, clearly surprised. “Me, Mistress? I don’t think it would be appropriate—”

“It’s an order,” Sora teased, giving her a little push toward the fitting room.

For the first time, Akane entered the curtain. When she emerged, the atmosphere in the room shifted. She was wearing a simple, navy blue wrap dress. Unlike Sora, who filled the clothes with her curves, Akane looked sleek and agile. The dress hugged her slim, athletic frame, highlighting her toned legs and her petite B-cup chest. She looked refined, a sharp contrast to Sora’s lushness.

Jun paused, his tea cup halfway to his lips. He looked at Akane, who was standing stiffly, her face dusting with a light pink blush. She looked uncomfortable but curious, her eyes darting to Jun to see his reaction.

“It suits you,” Jun said, his voice genuine. “You look… sharp. I like the contrast.”

Akane’s posture relaxed slightly, and a small, shy smile touched her lips. She didn’t say anything, but the way she looked at Jun changed. She felt a spark of something new—a desire to be seen by him, not just as a protector, but as a woman.

As Akane disappeared back behind the curtain to change, Jun leaned back and sighed. He looked at the empty tea cups and the half-eaten sandwiches. He realized that regardless of the era or the country, women and shopping were a constant. He didn’t mind the wait, though. Watching them—seeing the way they sought his approval and the way they competed for his attention—was a pleasure in itself.

By the time they finally finished, the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of violet and orange.

“I’m starving,” Jun admitted, standing up and stretching his arms. “Let’s find some dinner. I believe I saw a few interesting spots near the plaza.”

Sora laughed, clutching her shopping bags. “I’ll treat you. Consider it a thank-you for being such a patient audience.”

As they walked back out into the shopping district, the evening breeze cooling the air, Jun felt a sense of contentment. The Academy was a strange place, but with Sora and Akane by his side, he was starting to feel right at home.