The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 9

Deciding to postpone their phone upgrades for another day, the trio headed towards the clothing section of the shopping mall. As they browsed the vibrant store, Riri was as lively as a fish in water, enthusiastically picking out clothes for Hayato and Jousuke one after another. Both men trusted her taste implicitly and silently tried on whatever she handed them.

“That item suits you perfectly!”
“Yeah, yeah! Next, try this one too!”

The young female clerk and Riri seemed to chime in unison. They worked together eagerly, constantly suggesting new outfit combinations. Hayato changed obediently as instructed. Jousuke tilted his head slightly, wondering if he was supposed to change too, but followed his companion’s lead.

As a result, the shopping baskets filled up with clothes chosen by the tag-team of Riri and the clerk. By the end, Hayato and Jousuke found themselves holding numerous paper bags each.

“Guess we should take these to the car first.”
“Before that, hold on a sec?”
“What’s up?”

Hayato pulled one small bag from his load and offered it to Riri. It was a little accessory he’d secretly bought as a thank you for helping them choose electronics and clothes. While painfully aware of his own lack of fashion sense, he had spotted this cute piece that perfectly matched Riri’s style and bought it on impulse.

“Oh, this…”

It resembled the bracelet she used to wear when she was Lilia. Seeing it had sparked a wave of nostalgia, prompting Hayato to buy it. It wasn’t particularly expensive, but the quality seemed quite good.

“Riri, I found this. It reminded me of the bracelet you always wore when you were Lilia. Please accept it as thanks for today.”
“Thank you!”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she received Hayato’s gift. It wasn’t just happiness at getting a present; it was likely the emotion of sharing a bond through memories of their past life. Seeing her promise to treasure it with a bright smile, Hayato felt his choice was truly worthwhile. Beside them, Jousuke watched the pair with warm eyes.

After loading the bags into the car trunk, they decided to take a break.

“If we’re taking a break, there’s a cafe I’d like to try!”
“Sounds good.”
“Alright, let’s head there next.”

Following Riri’s suggestion, they arrived at a refined cafe with a warm, wood-toned interior.

“Please make yourselves comfortable.”

Seated at their table, the three opened the menus and ordered lunch and dessert. Under the soft lighting, they chatted quietly, reminiscing about their memories from the other world.

“Sitting here together like this reminds me of our meals over there.”
“Though the food over there wasn’t nearly as delicious as this.”
“I guess I really am from this world originally. Stuff like this just feels normal to me.”

Even after spending over ten years in the other world, Hayato had never gotten used to the food. Nibbling on the light snacks that arrived, he continued.

“Speaking of which, Hayato, you always said the food over there didn’t agree with you. Seeing how easily you can get stuff like this here, I get it now.”

Jousuke slowly brought his coffee to his lips. His movements seemed more refined than they had been in the other world. In this world, he seemed to carry an even greater air of mature composure.

“That’s right. Everything here is delicious. So much delicious food! I keep worrying I’ll eat too much and get fat.”
“You worry about that too, Riri?”
“Of course I do. I am a high school girl, you know.”
“…Oh, right. I forgot. Doesn’t really show.”

At Jousuke’s unintentional remark, a sharp look shot from Riri.

“What was that, Jousuke?”
“Whoops. Talking about a woman’s age is taboo, right?”
“It certainly is. Well, I’ll forgive you today, thanks to this delicious cake.”
“That’s a relief. Want another one?”
“I just said I’m worried about getting fat! But… I will order one more piece.”

As they shared stories of events in the royal capital and memories from their ten-year journey, Hayato watched Riri’s eyes sparkle with delight at the taste of modern food, finding it endearing. Muttering that she’d need to exercise later, she nevertheless savored the sweets to her heart’s content.

In her casual clothes, Riri exuded a different kind of sophisticated charm than she did in her uniform. Even back in the electronics store, her presence had naturally drawn attention. Hayato recalled how the staff would look at Riri’s face and happily serve her, while casting envious and jealous glances at him and Jousuke. Considering her beauty, Hayato thought such attention was only natural.

“Alright, let’s continue our shopping!”

Stepping out of the cafe after their meal, Riri announced brightly.

“Don’t worry about money. Today, we’re buying everything. Prepare yourself, Hayato.”

Jousuke added, holding up a black card he pulled from his pocket. His expression was completely serious.

“Seriously, give me a break.”

Hayato joked in response, but inwardly, his guilt about continuing to accept his friends’ generosity was growing. Still, he wouldn’t refuse their kindness.

While feeling uneasy about such extravagant spending, he had to admit it was also fun. Looking gloomy because he was overthinking it would feel ungrateful to them. More than anything, he was genuinely happy to spend this precious time with his important companions.

Consciously pushing aside his backward-leaning feelings, Hayato decided to simply enjoy this happy time.