The next day arrived bright and clear.
Eve walked beside Rei through the bustling town streets, the postponed shopping trip finally underway. The air smelled of fresh bread from corner bakeries, spiced meats sizzling on grills, and the faint metallic tang of mana from the shops they passed.
She kept stealing glances at him.
Rei strode with unusual energy, armor clinking faintly, his usual lazy slouch replaced by a purposeful bounce. Every few steps he let out a low, giddy chuckle.
"Okay, let's get the boring stuff done quick! Then we move on to the main event... hehehehe."
"Uh... yeah."
Eve nodded, fingers twisting in the ends of her hair. She had never seen him like this—almost childlike, vibrating with excitement.
Shopping duty had not originally been his. Rei had refused at first, burrowing under blankets and muttering about how it was "a total pain" and "someone else can handle it." But Tiz had worked her magic: approached his bed, waved a small ticket in front of the helmet, whispered something, and suddenly Rei had shot upright, armor snapping into place, voice brisk.
"Hey, let's go. What are you waiting for? Hurry up."
When Eve later asked Tiz what she had done, the girl grinned wide.
"Discount ticket for a magic tool shop. Won it in a market raffle. He went from dead to sprinting in two seconds flat."
Eve was quietly impressed. And a little envious of how easily Tiz could move him.
The errands passed quickly. Rei dispatched them with efficient grunts—flour, herbs, candles, soap—then turned toward a narrow side street lined with glowing signs.
"Here we are."
The shop's sign read "Discount Magic Tools – Beginners Welcome." Inside, shelves overflowed with strange devices: glowing orbs, rune-etched rings, small crystal wands, mechanical birds that fluttered lazily in cages of light.
Rei dove in like a child in a candy store.
Eve watched him browse, fascinated. He picked up items, turned them over, muttered to himself, occasionally let out delighted "oohs" or "this is perfect."
"...Is it really that interesting?" she asked softly.
Rei paused, holding a palm-sized brass sphere.
"Yes. Really interesting." His voice brightened. "Magic tools are deep. Only people with perfect control, precise mana manipulation, and serious magical knowledge can make them. They're art. I've made a few myself, but... no, never mind. That would just be digging up old scars."
He trailed off, tone dropping at the end.
Then, noticing her curiosity, he brightened again.
"Since you seem interested... here. A gift. Beginner model. Easy to use, no maintenance."
He purchased a small egg-shaped device, paid quickly, and pressed it into her hands.
"Try it."
The description plaque nearby explained: a training tool for children. Pour mana in, and it cycles through seven colors.
Eve followed the instructions, channeling mana carefully.
Nothing happened.
"...Like this?"
"Hmm... close, but you need to push a little more. Here—"
Rei reached out without hesitation, took her hand in his gauntlet, and guided it gently over the egg.
He demonstrated the flow—slow, steady, a warm current she could almost feel through the metal.
Eve's breath caught.
His grip was firm but careful. Cold steel against her skin. No curse. No pain. Just the steady pulse of his mana mingling with hers.
Her heart slammed against her ribs, loud enough she was sure he could hear it.
"Did you get it?" he asked.
She could only nod, face burning, unable to speak.
Rei released her hand, seemingly oblivious, and turned back to the shelves with renewed enthusiasm.
Eve stared at the egg in her palm, cheeks still hot.
After a moment, curiosity won out.
"...Rei. Is there anyone you talk to about magic tools?"
He stopped browsing, crossed his arms, thought for a second.
"Nope. None. I'm on such a high level most people can't keep up. Well, I'm sure there are some out there, but finding them is too much hassle."
"...I see."
So no one. Eve felt a small, strange pang. He lit up so much when he talked about this. It seemed a shame.
She watched him resume his happy browsing—picking up tools, testing them, muttering delightedly under his breath.
An idea bloomed.
What if she learned about magic tools too? What if she studied enough to surprise him one day? To hold a real conversation, to see that boyish excitement directed at her?
She tried picturing it: the two of them sitting together, comparing notes, him looking at her with genuine surprise and delight.
Warmth spread through her chest. The corners of her mouth lifted without permission.
Yes.
She wanted that.
She wanted to be able to talk with him like that.
To share something.
And maybe—just maybe—to see him smile under the helmet because of her.
"Hey! Finished here! Let's head back. Gufufu... I can't wait to play with these at home!"
Rei practically bounced toward the exit, arms full of carefully wrapped packages.
Eve hurried to keep up, glancing sideways at him again.
The helmet hid his face, but she could picture it clearly: wide grin, sparkling eyes, pure happiness.
She turned her own face away so he would not see her expression.
She could not wait to surprise him.
To make that face appear because of her.