“Episode 16”
Ray felt empty inside. The carriage was now in the bustling downtown area, far from where she had thrown her underwear. According to Clodan’s explanation, this place was inspired by Red City, famous for its ochre coastline.
Certainly, it was different from the bustling downtown she knew. Instead of stalls lining the streets, each store here had glass display shelves.
There were no pushy vendors or street peddlers pestering them. Instead of newsboys or shoeshine boys, people here exchanged elegant store recommendations.
“Do you like it?”
“Stop asking.”
“Why? Is it because of the draft down there?”
“I said stop!”
Ray muttered quietly and looked around. No one paid them any attention. She shrugged off Clodan’s hand and walked a few steps away from him.
“Shall I wipe it for you?”
“Clodan!”
“It would be awkward if it flows down to your ankles.”
“Don’t. Bother.”
“We need to buy shoes soon.”
Clodan suddenly walked up beside Ray. He subtly took her hand and linked arms with her. They looked like any other couple, strolling together. It was always a dreamy scene for her – walking leisurely with her lover through a beautiful street, forgetting any anger and smiling happily. Clodan whispered in Ray’s ear as she smiled softly.
“That one seems nice.”
“Huh?”
Clodan’s gaze fixed on a particular pair of shoes. They were purple, without any patterns, and adorned with beautiful jewels and diamonds on the sides. Ray felt intimidated rather than appreciative.
“Where would you wear those? They’re too much.”
“They’re fine.”
“Just get something else.”
“How about we go in and discuss it?”
Clodan took Ray’s shoulder and led her inside forcefully. Ray didn’t want shoes for special occasions; she just wanted something comfortable for walking.
“Welcome. Did you make a reservation?”
The staff stood in line at the entrance, and the polished interior felt overwhelming. Among them, one kind and capable woman stood out. Ray grabbed Clodan’s jacket and shook him.
“I want to try on the shoes displayed in the shop.”
“Oh. Sure. Let me prepare for you.”
Clodan, familiar with such places, responded smoothly. The staff and Clodan worked well together. Whenever Clodan asked, the staff brought out the actual items for him to examine and presented several pairs of shoes for Ray to try on. Clodan seemed pleased, and Ray noticed that. She was just browsing the shoes when Clodan pulled her aside.
“Ray, I prefer something with patterns and decorations.”
“I don’t.”
“But it’s for me.”
“These are my shoes, though.”
Clodan sat Ray down and had the staff bring her the shoes. They were custom-made, but surprisingly, they fit Ray perfectly.
“It’s comfortable.”
To be honest, she liked them. They fit snugly around her ankles, and the seemingly excessive jewels complemented the shoes well. However, Ray, who had only shopped once or twice before, estimated the price. The shoes she thought Clodan would gift her weren’t such luxury items.
“But… I think they’re a bit too much.”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah. Let’s try somewhere else.”
Clodan stared at Ray intently. Then, as if making a decision, he locked eyes with her and gave her a meaningful smile. Ray felt a lump in her throat as Clodan’s determination left her speechless.
“I like you.”
Ray’s hand, which was about to remove the shoes, froze. She felt like she was about to cry.
“Just giving you nice things isn’t enough.”
“Clodan… This is still too much.”
“Then do you want me to pick out cheap things and give them to you? Is that what you want?”
“No, it’s not that…”
Ray felt weak and teary-eyed as she looked down at her nails. Whether it was for better or for worse, Clodan had a knack for leaving her speechless. Moved to tears, Ray hugged him tightly.
From that moment on, whether she bought five pairs of shoes or ten, it didn’t matter. Ray smiled happily. Today felt like her second birthday, a day when luck smiled upon her.
—
They ordered five pairs of custom-made shoes and walked out with five pairs that fit perfectly. Despite having other places to visit, they decided to take a break due to hunger and fatigue.
Clodan liked sweet things. He woke up to tea with five cubes of sugar, and his wife, Mary, always made sweet desserts for every meal. Ray had figured out his taste after living with him for so long.
“Clodan, is it delicious?”
Ray had no money. She didn’t have a fancy wallet like Clodan’s. But she could make sure he enjoyed his favorite foods. Ray looked at Clodan, who had chosen vanilla ice cream, with affectionate eyes. Clodan pointed out that the strawberry ice cream was melting.
“Why aren’t you eating?”
“I prefer watching you eat.”
“But you haven’t had a proper meal.”
“I don’t know why. Is it okay if I don’t eat anything?”
Clodan chuckled as if finding Ray’s behavior cute.
“We have many places to visit. Let’s eat something.”
“I don’t feel like eating anymore.”
“But I do.”
“Oh, for you?”
“No, for you.”
“Seriously, that’s enough.”
As Ray played with her strawberry ice cream, Clodan leaned forward on the table.
“Ray.”
“Yeah?”
“You’re not wearing any underwear.”
Ray’s face turned the color of strawberry ice cream. She immediately covered Clodan’s mouth with a teaspoon.
“We’re outside.”
“So what?”
“People can hear…”
“It’s not like it’s embarrassing if it gets wet, right?”
“Clodan, you’re incorrigible. I’m done, I’m leaving.”
Clodan grabbed Ray’s arm and pulled her back onto his lap. Ray felt embarrassed and let go of the ice cream.
“Stop teasing me all the time.”
“Let go. Clodan! It’s embarrassing.”
It was an outdoor table, and people around seemed to be whispering to each other. Ray felt disgusted as Clodan’s hand caressed her stomach.
“Want to take a short break somewhere?”
“But, but we have a lot to buy.”
“You were also lacking earlier. If you keep complaining…”
She covered his lips with her small hand to stop him from talking. Clodan laughed even louder.
“Let’s go shopping.”
“What for?”
“For underwear and other things! Come on.”
Ray grabbed Clodan’s wrist and dragged him along. He followed her like someone dragging a heavy sack. Clodan pretended to resist.
“I know a place.”
“I don’t want to. Look, I’ll go to the place I know.”
“Where?”
He remained silent, seemingly refusing to answer. But his cute behavior of looking around while resisting was adorable to Ray. Clodan licked his dry lips. He couldn’t hold back anymore.
“Let’s go there.”
It seemed like a clothing store without display shelves. Ray quickly led Clodan inside, holding his arm. It was a clever move, and Clodan willingly followed.
“Do you need anything…”
Clodan quickly picked out a few clothes hanging on the rack and grabbed Ray’s wrist.
“This one.”
“Oh, okay.”
