Chapter Text
The afternoon sun over the shopping district was filtering through the dense leaves of the zelkova trees, casting dappled, golden light across the wide sidewalks. It was a Tuesday, a rare pocket of quiet luxury in the middle of a hectic academy week.
Ruby walked with a rhythmic grace, her posture immaculate. Today, she wasn't in her standard Tracen uniform. Instead, she wore a tailored, soft lavender A-line coat over a cream lace blouse.
Her hair, usually bound with strict precision, held a slightly softer curl today, held back by a pale pink velvet bow, a style she had secretly found herself enamored with after her private “gyaru makeover” date with Helios.
She carried herself with the discipline expected of the Daiichi family name. Yet, if one were to look closely, her eyes weren't scanning the high-end boutique windows for herself. They flicked subtly toward the crowds, her ears twitching at every sudden burst of laughter.
“I am merely taking the air,” Ruby reminded herself, her fingers tightening slightly around the handle of her parasol. “A proper lady requires a change of scenery to maintain mental clarity.”
"RUBY-CHIIIII! NO WAY! TOTAL SERENDIPITY!"
The voice shattered the calmness in the street like a firework in a library. Ruby froze, her ears instantly pinning backward before turning directly toward the source.
Sprinting across the brick pavement, a blur of neon blue streaks, bright hairclips and the clanking of jewelry, was Daitaku Helios. She was waving her arms so wildly it was a miracle she wasn't dropping her phone or her multiple shopping bags. Right behind her, walking with a practiced stride that exuded effortless cool, was Gold City.
"Helios," Ruby murmured, her voice instinctively dropping into its poised, formal cadence, though a telltale flush of warmth immediately bloomed at the tips of her ears. "Please, do not run on the public thoroughfare. It is-“
Before she could finish, Helios had completely closed the distance, skidding to a halt just inches from Ruby's personal space. The scent of sweet strawberries and ozone washed over Ruby.
"Oh my gosh, look at you! The bow! The coat! You are a literal goddess, I'm literally crying right now!" Helios beamed, her eyes sparkling with that familiar, blinding radiance that always made Ruby’s heart do an unauthorized extra beat.
Without asking, Helios snagged both of Ruby's gloved hands, squeezing them tightly. "We were just talking about you! Well, okay, I was talking about you, but City was listening! Tell her, City!"
City caught up, stopping a respectable distance away. Compared to Helios, she looked like a poised, shiny piece of obsidian: a sharp, oversized charcoal blazer draped casually over her shoulders, a crisp striped shirt tucked into high-waisted black shorts, and knee-high leather boots that emphasized her long legs.
Her hair was styled in loose, mature waves, and a pair of designer sunglasses rested on the bridge of her nose. She looked like she had walked straight out of a high-fashion editorial.
"Hey, Ruby," City said, giving a small, tired but genuine wave. Her gaze flicked down to Ruby's pink bow, a knowing, amused smirk touching her lips. "Don't mind her. She's been bouncing off the walls since we left Shibuya."
"City," Ruby bowed her head slightly, maintaining her composure despite Helios still holding her hands. "It is a pleasure to see you. You look... exceptionally coordinated today."
"God, don't remind me," City sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's for work. My agency threw a sudden photoshoot at me for next week. The theme is 'Sophisticated Urban Streetwear,' but everything they pitched felt completely soulless. I wanted to put something together myself, so I dragged Helios along to get me out of my own head."
"And I was trying my best, but my brain is totally dialed right now!" Helios chimed in, finally letting go of Ruby's hands only to dramatically clasp her own hands together in a prayer motion.
"Ruby! Ruby, please! You have to save us! You’re like, the literal CEO of elegance! Your taste is immaculate! Come with us to the boutique? Just for an hour? Pretty please with a cherry on top?!"
Ruby blinked, looking from Helios’s wide, pleading eyes to Gold City, who looked slightly embarrassed but undeniably hopeful.
"I... I am merely out for a walk," Ruby stammered slightly, her defenses crumbling under the sheer gravity of Helios’s enthusiasm. "I do not possess knowledge of contemporary streetwear."
"But you do know quality," City countered smoothly, stepping closer. "And honestly? I could use a third opinion that doesn't work on 400 decibels."
"Hey! I'm right here!" Helios pouted, though her tail was swishing happily behind her, sensing a victory.
Ruby looked at Helios, at the way the sunlight caught the blue tips of her hair, at the genuine, eager smile that was directed entirely at her. The thought of returning to her quiet, lonely walk suddenly felt entirely unappealing.
"If..." Ruby cleared her throat, "If my presence would truly be of assistance to City’s professional endeavors, it would be improper of me to refuse. I shall accompany you."
"YESSSSS! Thankyouthankyou my princess!" Helios cheered, throwing an arm around Ruby’s shoulders and pulling her into a quick, side-hug. Ruby stiffened, her face burning, but she didn't pull away. "We're gonna make City look so fire, the cameras are gonna melt!"
With Helios’s arm still casually resting over her shoulders, Ruby found herself being guided away from the bustling main avenue of the district and down a quieter, cobblestone side street.
The raucous noise of the city faded into the background, replaced by the gentle clacking of Ruby’s low heels, the heavy thud of City’s leather boots, and the erratic, energetic skipping of Helios’s platform sneakers.
"Well, City," Ruby began, keeping her eyes fixed forward to hide the faint blush still lingering on her cheeks from Helios's sudden affection. "You mentioned a photoshoot. If your agency has already provided a theme, why must you procure the ensemble yourself?"
City let out a short, cynical laugh, crossing her arms as she walked. "Because the creative director has absolutely no idea what they actually want. The official brief says something about rebellious streetwear, but when I looked at their mood board, it was a disaster. They literally just pinned photos of standard, stiff office suits and added heavy eyeliner. It’s so basic. It completely misses the point."
"Ah," Ruby nodded slowly, her understanding of professional obligations clicking into place. "They desire the aesthetic of independence, but are projecting a rigid, corporate interpretation onto it."
City stopped in her tracks for a fraction of a second, looking at Ruby with a mixture of surprise and profound respect. "Exactly. Wow. You put that way better than I did. They want me to look like a model playing dress-up, but the whole point of it is that it’s supposed to be mature, self-assured, and effortless. It’s for women who have their own style, who aren't trying to please anyone else."
"Right, right?!" Helios broke in, her tail swishing so hard it brushed against the back of Ruby's lavender coat. She leaned her head closer to Ruby's, her eyes wide with excitement. "Like, City’s got that super-model aura, but she’s also totally street-smart! If they put her in a regular old suit, it’s just gonna look like she’s going to a parent-teacher conferencemaxxing or something! Major downer!"
Ruby couldn't help but let a very small, rare smile slip past her lips at Helios's dramatic phrasing. "I see. A mismatch of concept and execution. In the business world, such a lack of cohesion often results in a failure to connect with the intended audience.
“Fashion, I imagine, is no different. It should reflect one's inner disposition, not merely serve as a costume."
"Precisely," City said, a genuine warmth softening her usually cool blue eyes. She gestured toward a sleek, minimalist storefront a few yards ahead. The sign above the door was etched in elegant, understated gold lettering. "That's why I wanted to check this place out. It's an independent label."
Helios beamed, nudging Ruby affectionately with her elbow. "See? I told you Ruby-chan was the ultimate secret weapon! She can spot a cheap stitch from a mile away! Plus..." Helios’s voice dropped slightly, her bright eyes scanning Ruby’s face with a softness that made Ruby’s breath hitch. "...she’s been looking extra stylish lately. That pink bow today? She’s totally looksmaxxing!”
Ruby instinctively reached up, her gloved fingers brushing against the velvet ribbon in her hair. "It... it is merely an accessory..." she murmured, looking away as her ears twitched with sudden shyness. “But I do not understand these terms of yours, Helios..”
"Helios, you're scaring her," City chuckled, holding the door open for the two of them as they arrived at the boutique. A subtle scent of cedar and high-end textiles drifted out into the cool afternoon air. "But I do agree. It's got a nice balance."
The interior of the boutique was a striking contrast to the bright, sunlit streets of the city. The air was cool, carrying the faint, rich scent of genuine leather and high-end textiles.
The atmosphere was undeniably alternative; concrete floors, industrial iron clothing racks, and moody, recessed lighting that cast dramatic shadows across the garments. Yet, it maintained an undeniable atmosphere of luxury. It wasn't messy or overcrowded; every piece was curated, hanging with precision.
"Wow," City murmured, her eyes immediately scanning the racks. "They actually have the new structural linen pieces I saw online. This is exactly what I was hoping for."
Ruby stepped into the space, her parasol neatly folded and tucked under her arm. Her eyes immediately evaluated the construction of the closest display. "The stitching is remarkably consistent for a boutique label. It appears they prioritize durability alongside their... unconventional silhouettes."
"Right? That's what caught my eye," City said, walking over to a rack of asymmetrical outerwear. She pulled out a deconstructed, slate-grey blazer. It featured a sharp, traditional lapel on one side, but the other side draped elegantly down into a fluid, unchecked hemline. "What do you think of this, Ruby? If I pair it with a simple black bandeau and structured trousers, it’ll give a structured silhouette."
Ruby stepped closer, her gloved fingers gently lifting the fabric of the sleeve to inspect the weave. "The drape is exceptional. Because it is a high-grade wool blend, the asymmetry looks intentional and fluid rather than sloppy.”
“..However, if you wear a simple bandeau beneath it, the look may lean too heavily into 'streetwear' and lose the 'elegance' your agency desires. Perhaps a silk camisole with a geometric neckline? It would maintain the alternative edge while anchoring the outfit in high fashion."
City’s eyes widened slightly, a genuine smile breaking through her cool exterior. "A geometric silk camisole… That balances the textures perfectly. Let me go grab one."
While City and Ruby were deep in their professional analysis, a whirlwind of energy was tearing through the opposite side of the store.
"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, look at this!" Helios’s voice echoed from behind a display of heavy leather boots.
Ruby turned her head just in time to see Helios sprinting toward them, holding up a massive, oversized pleather jacket covered in heavy silver studs and chains. Her eyes were wide with hope, her tail swishing so fast it was practically a blur.
"Ruby-chan! Look! If I wore this, would I look like a cool rockstar? Do you think it’s totally fire?!" Helios beamed, practically vibrating as she held the heavy jacket up to her chest, leaning in close to wait for Ruby's reaction.
Ruby blinked, taking a half-step back from the sheer volume of silver metal reflecting the boutique's spotlights. "It is... undeniably vibrant, Helios. However, I believe the weight of those embellishments might compromise your posture during a long walk."
"Aw, man! Major bummer!" Helios pouted dramatically, though she didn't lose her smile for a second. She immediately spun on her heel, the platform of her sneakers squeaking against the floor.
"Hold that thought! I'm gonna find something that makes you go 'Wow, Helios, you're the coolest!' Just wait!"
With that, she bolted off toward the accessory wall, her eyes scanning the shelves like a hawk on a mission.
City walked back over, holding a sleek black silk top and a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers that matched the slate blazer. She watched Helios zip past a row of mannequin heads with an amused shake of her head. "She's really trying hard to impress you today, huh?"
Ruby felt a sudden, intense spike of warmth rush up her neck, her ears twitching violently. "I... I am sure I do not know what you mean, City-san. Helios is simply energetic by nature."
"Sure," City smirked, holding the clothes against herself in front of a full-length mirror. "But she usually doesn't look like a puppy waiting for a treat every time she shows someone a jacket.
“Anyway, back to the shoot. If I use the silk camisole, should I keep the jewelry minimal? I don't want to clutter the neckline."
Ruby forced her focus away from the blur of neon blue hair across the store and looked at City's reflection. "Minimalism would be wisest. A single, structured silver cuff on the wrist would suffice. It draws the eye to the hands and complements the asymmetry of the blazer without competing with it."
"Perfect. I'm going to go try this on," City said, heading toward the fitting rooms with a satisfied nod.
Just as the fitting room door clicked shut, a breathless Helios appeared at Ruby’s side once again. She wasn't running this time, but her cheeks were slightly flushed from her frantic searching.
"Okay, okay, I think I actually found the holy grail," Helios whispered, her voice uncharacteristically soft, dropping into that sweet, intimate tone that always made Ruby's chest feel tight.
Ruby turned to look at her. Helios was holding a delicate, midnight-black choker. It was made of soft velvet, but hanging from the center was a beautifully intricate, vintage-style silver crest framed by tiny, dark pearls. It was the perfect bridge between alternative street style and royal, antique elegance.
"I saw it and I just... I instantly thought of you!" Helios murmured, rubbing the back of her neck with her free hand, suddenly looking a little shy. She held it out toward Ruby. "I know it’s black and edgy, but the pearls and the crest totally give off YOU vibes, right? I wanted to find something that showed you I’ve been paying attention to what you like. Do you... do you hate it?"
Ruby stared at the choker, then looked up into Helios’s bright, anxious eyes. The genuine care and sweetness behind the gesture caught her completely off guard. The walls of her formal composure melted entirely away, leaving her heart pounding against her ribs.
"I do not hate it," Ruby said, her voice barely above a whisper, filled with a softness she rarely allowed anyone to hear. She reached out, her gloved hand brushing against Helios’s fingers as she gently took the choker. "In fact... I find it to be utterly beautiful, Helios. Thank you."
Helios’s face lit up with a grin so wide and radiant it could have easily outshone the sun. "YES! Direct hit! Total victory!" she cheered, her tail swishing happily as she leaned in a little closer. "Can I... can I help you put it on?! Just to see how it looks with your bow? I tried finding a pink one, but it was so cluttered!"
The atmosphere in the quiet, dimly lit corner of the boutique seemed to shift, the ambient electronic music fading into a low hum. Ruby felt the weight of the moment pressing softly against her chest. She looked down at the velvet ribbon in Helios’s hands, then back up to those bright, earnest eyes.
"If... if you would be so kind," Ruby murmured, her voice carrying a rare vulnerability.
Helios’s eyes widened slightly, a soft, genuine smile replacing her usual energetic grin. "O- Of course my princess! Just turn around a tiny bit, Ruby-chi!"
Ruby turned her back to the full-length mirror, her posture stiffening instinctively as she tried to maintain her composure. She gathered her long, dark hair, lifting the elegant curls with both hands to clear her neck. Her pale pink velvet bow swayed slightly with the movement.
Step by step, Helios closed the distance. The sharp scent of her strawberry perfume grew stronger, wrapping around Ruby like a warm blanket. When Helios's fingers brushed against the skin of Ruby's neck, a shiver ran straight down Ruby's spine.
Helios’s hands, usually flying around in wild gestures or gripping a smartphone at lightning speed, were incredibly gentle. They were warm, a stark contrast to the cool air of the boutique.
"Is it too tight?" Helios asked softly, her breath tickling Ruby’s ear. She was completely locked in, her usual loud demeanor completely melting away into pure, focused care. "Tell me if it pinches, okay? I want it to be perfect!"
"It is... quite comfortable," Ruby managed to say, though her heart was hammering so loudly against her ribs she was certain Helios could hear it.
With a faint, metallic click, the silver clasp secured. Helios didn't pull away immediately. Her thumbs brushed lightly over the velvet band, straightening it against Ruby’s collarbone, before her fingers gently stroked the edge of the intricate silver crest.
"Alright... Take a look, my princess!" Helios whispered.
Ruby lowered her hair and faced the mirror. The transformation was subtle, yet breathtaking. The midnight-black velvet band hugged her neck, anchoring her soft lavender coat and cream blouse in a way that felt entirely modern. The silver crest and dark pearls caught the moody boutique lighting perfectly, mirroring the sophisticated elegance of her pink bow while adding a daring, rebellious edge.
Behind her in the reflection, Helios was beaming, her cheeks dusted with a faint pink. "Oh my gosh," Helios breathed, her hands resting lightly on Ruby's shoulders. "Ruby-chi... you look absolutely stunning. It’s like you’re a real princess! Not like.. Um.. Not like you aren’t.. I was just-"
Ruby stared at her own reflection, her fingers tracing the cool silver of the crest. A warmth blossomed in her chest that had nothing to do with the boutique's heating. "Thank you, Helios. I shall... treasure it."
"Alright, you two. Break it up, I need a third opinion."
The click of a fitting room door broke the spell. Both Ruby and Helios turned as City stepped out onto the concrete floor of the boutique.
The deconstructed, slate-grey blazer hung effortlessly off her shoulders, its asymmetrical lines giving her an air of careless confidence. Beneath it, the black silk camisole with its sharp, geometric neckline perfectly bridged the gap between raw street fashion and high-end luxury.
The wide-leg trousers elongated her frame, and on her left wrist, a single, chunky silver cuff gleamed under the spotlights.
Helios instantly gasped, her sentimental mood flipping right back into maximum hype-woman energy. "HUGE VIBES! CITY, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY KILLING IT!" she shrieked, jumping up and down. "The cameras are literally going to explode! Look at that drape! Look at that cuff!"
City leaned against the wooden pillar near the mirror, a confident, satisfied smirk on her face as she looked at her reflection. "Honestly? I love it. The geometric neckline was the missing piece, Ruby. It pulls the whole concept together without making me look messy."
Her blue eyes then flicked down to Ruby’s neck, noticing the new velvet choker resting beneath the lavender coat. City’s smirk softened into a knowing, supportive smile.
"And I see you found something too," City noted, raising an eyebrow playfully at Helios, who was rubbing the back of her neck with a proud, goofy grin. "That’s a good look on you, Ruby. Very sophisticated. It seems Helios actually has some taste after all."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" Helios pouted, though her tail was wagging so fast it was a wonder she wasn't lifting off the ground.
Before finalizing her choice, City turned back to the rack, a competitive spark in her eyes. "Since we’re here, I should throw together a backup look just in case the director wants options. Let’s try something slightly warmer in tone but just as sharp."
With Ruby’s newfound eye for alternative tailoring and Helios’s enthusiastic color-matching commentary, they assembled a second outfit that could serve as a good backup.
A deep chocolate-brown, oversized trench coat made of a heavy, structured gabardine that swept down past her calves. Paired with a sleek, ribbed charcoal-grey knit midi-dress that hugged her silhouette, balancing the volume of the coat.
Lastly, a wide, cracked-leather waist belt with a dull gold buckle, anchoring the entire look in a rugged, urban aesthetic.
When City stepped out this time, she didn't even need to ask for their opinions. The sheer, effortless authority she radiated said it all.
"The texture contrast between the ribbed knit and the heavy gabardine is utterly flawless, City," Ruby praised, her eyes widening slightly at how commanding the look was. "It conveys a sense of unshakeable prestige."
"Major boss lady energy!" Helios cheered, taking a flurry of photos on her phone from three different angles. "You look like the CEO of a cool record label who drives a sports car, City! Literally iconic!"
City laughed, checking her angles in the glass. "Alright, I'm sold. I'm taking both. If the director complains about either of these, I'm telling them they have to argue with the Daiichi family's personal stylist."
.
.
.
The mid-afternoon sun of early summer warmed the streets around Tracen Academy. A few weeks had passed since that chaotic, golden afternoon, and the daily rhythm of classes and training had kept everyone occupied.
Ruby walked back toward the dormitories, carrying a small, reusable canvas tote bag containing a few select groceries; some imported Earl Grey tea leaves, fresh lemons, and a small carton of high-grade cream. She preferred handling these small errands herself; it provided a quiet, grounding routine away from the constant spotlight of her family name.
As she passed a café near the station, a prominent display in the front window caught her eye. Her footsteps slowed, then stopped entirely.
There, stacked neatly in a cascading arrangement, was the latest issue of VIVID, one of the city’s premier fashion and lifestyle magazines. And commanding the front cover was none other than Gold City.
Ruby stepped closer, her breath catching slightly. The cover photo was magnificent. City was framed against the blurry, glittering neon lights of a Shibuya alleyway at dusk. She was wearing the first outfit they had chosen, the asymmetrical slate-grey blazer, the geometric black silk camisole, and the silver cuff gleaming on her wrist. The headline printed in bold, silver lettering read:
"VIVID: GOLD CITY DEFINES THE NEW AGE OF STYLE."
A strange, fluttering sense of pride swelled in Ruby's chest. She immediately stepped inside the shop, carefully selected a pristine copy from the middle of the stack, and brought it to the counter. When the clerk handed her the receipt, Ruby tucked the glossy magazine into her tote bag, her heart beating with a quiet, eager anticipation.
.
.
.
Back in the sanctuary of her private dorm room, the atmosphere was perfectly serene. The room was impeccably tidy, decorated with dark mahogany furniture, antique porcelain tea sets, and heavy lace curtains that filtered the evening light into a soft amber glow. From a small speaker on her desk, the custom digital playlist Helios had made for her was playing; a gentle, lofi-hip-hop track built around a looping, melancholic classical piano chord.
Ruby set her tea tray down on the table, a single cup of steaming Earl Grey sending ribbons of fragrant vapor into the air.
With slow, deliberate movements, she pulled the fashion magazine from her tote bag and laid it flat on the polished wood. She smoothed her skirt, sat down with her posture perfectly straight, and opened the glossy pages.
She flipped past the initial advertisements until she reached the main feature spread. The layout was breathtaking. Over six pages, City absolutely dominated the camera. There were shots of her leaning against a concrete wall, walking down a rain-slicked street, and looking directly into the lens with that fierce, independent gaze.
On the fourth page, City was wearing the second outfit; the chocolate trench coat and charcoal midi-dress. She looked unshakeable.
Ruby traced the edge of the page with her finger, noticing a small block of text at the bottom detailing the styling choices.
“For this shoot, I wanted to strip away the corporate stiffness usually associated with mature tailoring,” City’s printed quote read. “A couple of close friends helped me realize that real elegance is about having the confidence to break the rules beautifully.”
Ruby felt a warm, prickling blush bloom across her cheeks. A couple of close friends. Slowly, Ruby turned her gaze toward her vanity mirror across the room. Sitting under the glass dome of her jewelry stand, resting right beside her family’s traditional pearls, was the midnight-black velvet choker with its intricate silver crest.
She rose from her chair, walking over to the vanity. She picked up the choker, the velvet soft against her fingertips, and brought it to her neck, holding it in place as she looked at her reflection.
The lofi music hummed softly in the background, a steady, comforting rhythm. Ruby closed her eyes for a brief moment, remembering the warmth of Helios’s hands, the sweet scent of strawberries, and the gentle, focused care in her voice when she had fastened the clasp.
Looking at the magazine, and looking at the rebellious little velvet ribbon in her hand, she realized that Helios’s world was offering her something entirely different.
It was a world where she could still be a lady, but she didn't have to be lonely. She could be bold. She could be seen.