Chapter 47 - Mall

Just as Luna was beginning to dive deeper into the quiet, unnerving maze of articles and databases about her mother, her tablet buzzed with a new message.

Kana 🦊: U up? Wanna hang? I got new gossip and a need for snacks.

Luna blinked, then smiled. She stretched with a satisfied groan and messaged back:

Luna 🌙: Let's go to the mall. Need to see real people before I forget how to exist.

Luna 🌙: Also, I'm paying for everything. Call it your emotional support heiress moment.

The reply came immediately:

Kana 🦊: 💖💖💖💖 MY HERO 💖💖💖 I shall glam appropriately for the occasion.

Luna laughed softly, a brightness lighting up her face. She grabbed her phone and headed to her father's study.

Emmerich was finishing up a video call, fingers steepled under his chin. He looked up as Luna poked her head in.

"Hey, Dad," she began, hands clasped behind her back in a faux-innocent stance. "Just letting you know I'm heading out to the mall with Kana."

Emmerich frowned immediately, his fingers tapping the table once, twice. "Luna, don't you think it's still a bit early to be out in public—crowds, noise, unexpected triggers…"

"I know," she said, stepping fully into the room. "But I also know if I never go out, I'll stay scared of going out. I won't overdo it—I just want to test how I feel."

His frown deepened, but his eyes were laced with concern more than denial.

"Then let me come with you."

Luna blinked, surprised. "You want to go shopping?"

"I want to make sure you're okay. Call it being cautious." His voice was light, but the underlying emotion was clear. Worry.

She hesitated, then smiled. "If Kana approves, fine. But you have to carry our bags and disguise yourself. If people recognize you, we'll be trampled by fans, investors, and influencers. And probably end up on a livestream."

Emmerich snorted. "Deal."

Luna pulled out her phone and quickly texted:

Luna 🌙: Dad wants to come. Bag carrier duty. Disguise required.

Kana 🦊: AWW. Let the dad join! As long as he wears sunglasses and doesn't give scary CEO glares at salespeople. 😎

Luna looked up. "Kana says you're in, but sunglasses are mandatory."

Emmerich stood up, already heading for his coat. "I'll wear a hat too. Maybe people will think I'm a rich man's bodyguard."

Luna rolled her eyes with a grin. "More like rich dad disguised as chill boomer. But we'll take what we can get."

As she turned to leave, Emmerich added quietly, "Thanks for telling me. And for being brave."

Luna gave him a glance over her shoulder, warm and teasing.

"Well, you are our designated bag mule now. Can't risk you feeling left out."

They both laughed, the sound lighter than it had been in days. The shopping trip hadn't even started, and yet something in Luna felt already a little freer.

The engine purred softly as Luna, dressed in a chic casual outfit—loose slacks, a cropped hoodie, and stylish sneakers—leaned back comfortably in the back seat. 

Her long hair was tied in a soft braid over her shoulder, and her minimal makeup highlighted her already radiant skin. The car door opened as Kana hopped in, immediately tossing her bag beside her and pulling Luna into a sideways hug.

"You look illegally good for mall errands," Kana said, mock-squinting.

"I am illegally good," Luna replied, tossing her braid like royalty. "I'm a menace with a credit card and unresolved trauma."

"Now that's the spirit," Kana laughed, buckling in. "Let's emotionally shoplift—but with actual money."

Up front, Emmerich—donning a muted button-down shirt, plain jacket, and a new slicked-back hairstyle that made him look more like a cool uncle than a CEO—was silently working on his tablet, stylus gliding across the screen as he monitored something. 

He didn't interrupt, but the faintest smile played on his lips at the sound of Luna's laughter and Kana's endless commentary on overpriced streetwear and banana-flavored candy corn.

It wasn't until they passed through an inconspicuous side gate, flanked by well-dressed guards with scanners, that Luna and Kana both fell quiet and looked up from their conversation.

The car cruised into an underground driveway guarded by biometric checkpoints and clean, silken stone walls. A valet team was already on standby.

"Wait," Kana blinked. "This isn't Treetop Plaza… is this—"

"The Auralis Pavilion?" Luna finished, eyes widening. "The invite-only luxury mall that opens like three hours a day?"

"With security clearance and fragrance-coded elevators?" Kana gaped. "Luna. We're underdressed."

Emmerich looked over his shoulder, eyes calm behind his sleek sunglasses.

"It's for safety reasons," he said smoothly. "Open space, vetted crowd, zero press. You'll enjoy your day without distractions. And there's a beautiful patisserie that carries your favorite hazelnut mille-feuille."

Kana gave Luna a sly grin, whispering, "He even researched your dessert preferences. Dad of the year."

Luna sighed dramatically but couldn't keep the smile from forming.

"You're seriously being sly and overprotective again," she told her father. "But I'll let it slide. Only because I'm feeling generous."

"I humbly accept your kindness," Emmerich replied with mock gravity, slipping his tablet into a slim case.

The car door was opened by a white-gloved valet, and Emmerich stepped out first. 

With his sunglasses, neutral clothing, and subtly altered hairstyle, he looked nothing like the media-magnate Emmerich Arklight—more like a particularly stylish executive assistant.

Luna and Kana followed, both stylish in their own right, and were immediately greeted by a personal concierge. 

One of Emmerich's quiet security agents stepped forward and presented a shimmering platinum access card.

The automatic glass doors of the Auralis Pavilion parted.

What greeted them was a world of curated luxury—polished marble floors shimmered under bespoke chandeliers, the faintest notes of elegant perfume laced the air, and window displays seemed more like art galleries than storefronts. 

There were curated digital projections of limited-edition fashion, artisan tech, handcrafted jewelry, and even a silent auction hall.

Kana clutched Luna's arm, eyes sparkling.

"I'll be close by," Emmerich added lightly, tucking a wireless earpiece into his ear. "Call if anything feels off."

As they walked deeper into the Pavilion, with the scent of white truffle, bergamot, and warm pastries trailing behind them, Luna allowed herself to relax. 

The day unfolded like a vivid, luxurious dream—and Kana made it her personal mission to drag Luna into every boutique and curiosity corner of the VIP mall that glittered like a palace.

Luna blinked in surprise as she found herself surrounded by walls of plushies—from limited-edition collectible creatures to hyperrealistic stuffed animals. Kana was already two aisles deep, hugging an enormous plush penguin.

"Luna, look at this! It's got a weighted belly and realistic waddle physics!"

"That's not a thing," Luna deadpanned, but couldn't help giggling.

"It is now!" Kana declared, handing Luna a soft corgi with a bell collar. "For emotional support."

Luna didn't argue. The corgi plush felt oddly comforting, and she decided it was coming home with her.

Next stop: the exclusive gaming lounge. The futuristic setup showcased immersive VR co-op games and high-end consoles with unreleased game previews.

"We're trying this!" Kana declared, pointing at a rhythm shooter game with absurdly cute avatars.

"Fine," Luna sighed. "But I'm not letting you outscore me twice in one day."

"You'll cry when I sweep you."

They didn't notice Emmerich watching from behind a privacy screen, arms crossed, quietly amused as his daughter shouted "Reload!" while ducking behind digital cover with her best friend.

Next, Kana stormed into a renowned boutique: La Moné, where every pair was bespoke—crafted by hand with sensors, 3D modeling, and luxury materials.

Kana, with zero hesitation, listed her demands:

Ultra-comfy casual sneakers ("Clouds. I want to walk on clouds.")

High-fashion boots ("The kind that could kick a boardroom and a runway.")

Stylish loafers ("Versatile, powerful, executive realness.")

Rugged hiking boots ("In case I get chased by mountain wolves or fashion deadlines.")

Luna blinked at her friend's efficiency.

"I'm just here for two pairs of rubber shoes," Luna muttered.

"Nope." Kana looped her arm through Luna's. "You're getting—loafers. Boots. Hiking boots. And these half-open sandals with the ribbon straps."

"Kana—"

"Trust the process, Luna."

"This is peer pressure in suede."

By the end of it, Luna had six pairs selected and custom-molded, and she actually… didn't hate it.

Their stomachs led the way next. 

Fortunately, Emmerich—predictably ahead of them—had made a private reservation at Carne et Lux, a fine dining haven with golden ambient lights and food that looked like it belonged in a high-art gallery.

They were ushered to a quiet window-side table, with hand-stitched leather seats and a lazy jazz quartet playing discreetly nearby.

Luna and Kana were quick to savor the feast:

Wagyu steak with garlic-herb butter.

Grilled tiger shrimp glazed with yuzu and honey.

Roasted seasonal vegetables with truffle oil.

And Kana's impromptu dessert trio challenge.

"We're ordering all three. We pick the winner. Loser owes the other a foot massage."

"I already bought you loafers. No way," Luna argued, slicing into her steak.

Even Emmerich looked impressed by the volume of food the two managed to devour.

Kana somehow spotted a serene little feng shui boutique nestled between a perfume hall and a music alcove. The scent of sandalwood and soft chimes greeted them inside.

A kind-eyed elderly woman told them their auras were warm but restless—entwined, chaotic, and supportive. 

She recommended a matching pair of jade friendship bracelets carved with quiet resilience and energy.

"We'll take them," Kana said before Luna could react.

"This wasn't in the plan," Luna murmured as the lady wrapped the bracelets in red silk.

"Neither was surviving trauma and becoming iconic. Wear the bracelet."

After, Luna wandered off into The Verse & Quill, a personalized bookstore where books were displayed like rare wines. 

She sat in her reading nook, poring over philosophy, industrial economics, and a new fantasy novel that promised soul-searching elves and revolution.

Kana? Off to the gourmet snack bar—returning triumphantly with bags of exotic candy, dried fruit blends, and suspiciously glittery mochi.

As evening painted the Pavilion gold, they all entered the final oasis: Elysia Spa. Gentle incense floated through the air, and every sound was muffled by cascading water and padded floors.

Kana signed them up for the full treatment:

Hot stone massage.

Aroma facial.

Reflexology soak.

Luna relaxed under a heated towel, half-asleep, while Kana whispered about spa conspiracy theories—like bath bombs secretly being interdimensional portals.

"It's called exfoliation, Kana…" Luna sighed dreamily.

"You don't know that."

And to everyone's surprise, Emmerich didn't resist at all. He settled into his chair, letting the staff work around him as he exchanged amused glances with his daughter.

The car ride back from the VIP mall was filled with gentle silence. 

Luna leaned slightly toward the window, watching the darkened skyline blur past, the city lights glittering like stardust beneath a velvet sky. 

Emmerich sat in the front, still replying to messages on his tablet while Kana beside her gently picked at the seal of a fancy snack box.

That was when Luna noticed it—a sleek, dark vehicle trailing a little too close.

Her heart dropped.

Her hands clenched.

Her breath stuttered.

It wasn't rational, but her body had already decided. In her mind, sirens were blaring, memories resurfacing like claws.

"Dad…" Luna said, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's a car behind us."

Kana immediately perked up and looked.

Emmerich glanced at the rear-view camera, then calmly said,

"It's one of ours, sweetheart. Just another of our guards shadowing from a different angle."

But Luna's tremble wouldn't stop. Her fingers dug into the plush corgi plushy Kana bought her. Her throat was tight. Her eyes stung.

Kana didn't hesitate—she unbuckled her seatbelt and scooted close, wrapping both arms around Luna.

"Hey, hey—it's okay," Kana whispered gently. "You're safe. I'm here. You're safe."

Luna pressed her face against Kana's shoulder, jaw clenched. She nodded quickly, too quickly.

"I'm fine," Luna said, voice louder than necessary, more defiance than truth. "I'm fine."

Emmerich glanced back, his eyes filled with concern. 

Luna could see him hesitate, wanting to pull over, to gather her up and hug her tight, but she offered a shaky smile and leaned her head on Kana.

"Let's just go home," she said quietly.

Back at the estate, the girls made their way up with minimal words. Milo greeted them at the door, purring and nudging Luna's ankle before leaping onto the bed like a prince.

Kana didn't even ask. 

She dropped her bag by the door and made herself at home, already pulling out her plush pajamas she used last time.

Luna was brushing her hair when Emmerich knocked gently, peeking in.

"You girls need anything?" he asked softly.

"Just rest," Luna replied, standing. "Good night, Dad."

"Good night, sweetheart," he said warmly, giving her a long look—one that spoke volumes—then closed the door behind him.

Luna flopped onto the bed with a long sigh.

"You didn't have to stay over," she mumbled as Kana tucked in beside her.

"Oh, please," Kana snorted. "After seeing you freak out like that? No way I'm leaving. You clung to me like a koala on caffeine."

"It wasn't that bad…"

"It was that bad."

Luna covered her face with a pillow, groaning.

"I really thought I was fine," she muttered into the fabric. "Like… therapy, running, facing people, even talking to Edward. I was doing so well. Then just—one car and it all fell apart."

Kana reached over and gently pulled the pillow down so she could see Luna's face.

"It didn't fall apart," she said softly. "You just… got reminded you're still healing."

Luna's lips twisted into a wry smile.

"Funny how fate loves to humble me."

Kana made a face and hugged her again, side to side under the covers.

"That's because you're too special. Fate's got a personal interest in your storyline."

"You're the heiress to an empire and dressed like royalty since preschool. You should be the special one." Luna commented jokingly.

"No, thank you," Kana said immediately. "Let fate keep its dramatic twists. I just want a quiet life with cute shoes, good skincare, and maybe a snack shop."

Luna laughed—small, but real. The weight on her chest didn't disappear, but it lessened. Bit by bit. Breath by breath.

"Thanks, Kana," she said, nudging her friend's shoulder. "You're annoying… but I'd probably be worse without you."

"Obviously," Kana replied, flipping her hair dramatically. "Now shut up and sleep. I'll kick your emotional trauma's ass in your dreams."

And somehow… Luna believed her. 

The bedroom lights had been dimmed to a warm amber glow, the air scented faintly with vanilla from a nearby candle. Luna thought—hoped—they were done talking for the night.

She was wrong.

Kana suddenly sat up in bed like a cat scenting milk.

"Wait a second," Kana said slowly, eyes narrowing. "Backtrack. Did you just say 'talking to Edward' in that 'I've been kissed by moonlight' tone?"

Luna froze, already halfway turned to the wall. "No, I didn't."

"Oh yes you did."

"Kana," Luna said sternly, "go to sleep."

"No. Absolutely not. You don't just drop a romantic bomb like that and expect me to sleep."

Luna sighed loudly and stuffed her face into her pillow.

Kana rolled closer, relentless.

"Come on, spill! What did the Most Eligible, Brooding, Soft-Spoken Prince say to you that has you all pink in the cheeks? Look at you! You're literally glowing!"

Luna waved her hand behind her. "You're imagining things. It was just… a long talk. He apologized for not being around, that's all."

"That's all," Kana echoed with heavy sarcasm. "Please, Luna. I know that dreamy edge in your voice. That wasn't just a 'how are you feeling' call. That was a 'I wish I could hold you right now' call."

Luna groaned. "He did say that."

Kana squealed and shook her shoulders. "AHHH! HE SAID THAT?! YOU'RE JUST GLOSSING OVER IT LIKE IT'S WEATHER REPORTS!"

"Stop it, Kana—!"

"No. This is my new favorite drama. Tell me everything."

Cornered, Luna finally gave in—though still turned away, speaking fast and low, trying to keep it casual.

"He… said he wished he was there to hug me, to make sure I was really okay. He felt guilty. I told him not to be. We ended up talking until morning."

"Talking until morning," Kana repeated, clutching her heart. "That's so romantic. I love that for you. I live for this. What else? Did he call you pretty? Did he call you his sunshine?"

Luna turned around and tackled her with a pillow. "Shut up, Kana!!"

Laughter burst between them like fireworks. They wrestled briefly in the soft sheets, giggles and squeals echoing through the room as Milo hopped down indignantly from the foot of the bed.

Eventually, breathless and tangled up in blankets, the chaos faded into contented warmth.

"You like him," Kana murmured teasingly.

"Maybe," Luna whispered into the dark, cheeks still warm. "But don't tell him. I haven't figured it out yet."

"My lips are sealed," Kana replied, yawn already forming. "Until he shows up at the gate holding a hundred roses."

"I'll push him into the fountain."

They both chuckled one last time before the silence settled.

Milo returned, curling between them.

And sleep finally claimed them—this time, without fear, only the comfort of shared laughter and gentle truths.