Chapter 158 - Consequences(V)

The New York City mall was bustling as always, filled with people coming and going with shopping bags in hand, the sound of voices mingling with the noise of advertisements from the loudspeakers. Ikki was never one to mind crowds, but it definitely wasn't his preferred environment.

Still, he was there.

Zia had sent him a short and direct message a few hours earlier: "Mall. 3 PM. Don't make me wait."

He could have refused. But, for some reason, he didn't.

Now, the two of them walked side by side through the mall, unhurried, without a specific destination. It was... normal. And that was strange.

"So, what's the plan?" Ikki asked, looking at Zia.

She shrugged. "None. Just thought it would be nice to get out for a bit. The Brooklyn House can be suffocating sometimes."

Ikki smirked. "And I was the best choice to accompany you?"

Zia glanced at him sideways, but there was a playful glint in her eyes. "You don't complain too much. Unlike Carter."

"Fair." Ikki rolled his eyes, guessing that wasn't the real reason.

They stopped in front of a bookstore window display, where a large pile of bestsellers was on display.

"I'd bet money Carter has all these books," Ikki commented, pointing to one of the titles on Egyptian history.

Zia snorted. "Probably. And he's probably read each one at least three times."

Ikki shook his head, smiling. "And you? Any interest in reading or are you more the type who focuses only on ancient scrolls?"

She crossed her arms, feigning indignation. "I read, yes. I just don't have as much time as I'd like for it."

Ikki raised an eyebrow. "And when you do have time?"

Zia hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Fiction. Stories that don't involve the fate of the world or gods wanting to kill us. Something that reminds me that life can be... simple."

Ikki was silent for a moment, absorbing her answer. Then, he nodded. "Makes sense."

Zia looked at him, as if studying his expression. "And you? What do you do when you're not training or saving the world?"

He smiled slightly. "Are there other options?"

She rolled her eyes. "Very funny."

Ikki thought for a moment before answering. "I like to listen to music. Simple things. I know it sounds strange, but... when you spend so much time dealing with supernatural complications, you learn to appreciate the quiet moments."

Zia nodded slowly, understanding exactly what he meant.

They continued walking, and the conversation flowed naturally. They talked about small things; favorite food, places they'd like to visit, childhood memories. Things that Zia didn't know, despite having spent an entire fake year with him.

After a while, they stopped at a food court. Zia chose a Mediterranean food stall, and Ikki grabbed a sandwich from a nearby deli.

As they ate, Zia watched him for a moment before asking, "If you could choose any place to be right now, where would it be?"

Ikki thought for a moment before answering. "Somewhere quiet. A place where no one expected anything from me."

Zia was silent for a moment, then smiled softly. "Sounds lonely."

Ikki shrugged. "Maybe. But loneliness can be comfortable."

Zia rested her chin on her hand. "Or it can be a shield."

Ikki looked at her, and for a moment, there was something more there. Something unspoken.

He smirked. "And you? If you could be anywhere?"

She let out a theatrical sigh. "Anywhere with good coffee."

Ikki laughed. "You really have a problem."

Zia raised the mug she had bought earlier. "And I'm not ashamed of it."

They continued talking, and time passed without them noticing.

After eating, Zia decided it wasn't time to leave yet.

"Since we're here, I'm going to take the opportunity to buy some clothes," she said casually, pulling Ikki by the sleeve of his shirt towards a clothing store.

Ikki raised an eyebrow but didn't protest. He wasn't the type to be bothered by this sort of thing, and, to be honest, the idea of seeing Zia trying on new clothes didn't seem like a bad experience.

The store was spacious, with rows of dresses, shirts, pants, and jackets organized in impeccable sections. Zia immediately started looking at the racks, examining the pieces with a critical eye.

"Do you have a specific style?" Ikki asked, leaning against a shelf while watching her.

Zia shrugged. "Practical. Something I can move easily in. But sometimes I like something more..." She hesitated, then picked up a dark blue dress and looked at it with a certain skepticism.

Ikki tilted his head. "Get that one. It'll look great on you."

Zia stared at him for a moment. "You say that like you're a fashion expert."

Ikki smirked. "I'm not. I just have eyes."

Zia snorted, but took the dress and went to a few more racks. Eventually, she also chose some blouses and a black leather jacket.

"And this one?" She held up a long, flowing skirt in a wine color.

Ikki analyzed it for a moment. "The color suits you. And it would look good with that black blouse you picked up earlier."

Zia seemed to ponder, then nodded and added the piece to her selection.

They continued like this for a while—Zia picking out pieces, Ikki giving his opinion. And, without exception, everything she tried on seemed to look amazing on her.

When Zia came out of the dressing room, Ikki held his gaze on her for longer than a second...

She was wearing a blue dress that fit her body perfectly, highlighting her newly defined young adult curves. The fabric flowed smoothly to just above her knees, with a light drape that accompanied her movements with natural elegance. The thin straps left her shoulders and collarbone exposed, and the discreet but strategically designed neckline added a touch of sophistication without losing its simplicity.

Her hair fell to the nape of her neck, framing her face impeccably. The perfectly cut bangs added an elegant touch, while the smooth, silky strands reflected the store's light.

And then, there were the eyes.

The same deep amber eyes, enhanced by the dark kohl that outlined their shape masterfully.

She crossed her arms, waiting for a comment, but hesitant.

"What? Is it bad?"

Ikki gave a slight smile and replied.

"Are you sure you're not trying to cast some kind of distraction spell?"

Zia arched an eyebrow.

"What?"

Ikki made a vague gesture in her direction.

"That. This dress. You came out of that dressing room and suddenly, everything else in the store seems... colorless..."

Zia blinked once, then frowned, suspicious—but the slight blush that crept up her neck and cheeks betrayed her.

"You're ridiculous..."

"I'm just stating a fact."

She looked away for a moment, absently touching the hem of the dress, and then shook her head.

"I'm going to try on something else."

She returned to the dressing room before Ikki could reply.

When Zia came out of the dressing room again, Ikki felt like the entire store had gone silent for a moment.

This time, she was wearing a tight black long-sleeved blouse made of thin fabric that hugged her silhouette effortlessly, highlighting the curve of her waist. The neckline was subtle, elegant, revealing just a glimpse of her collarbone. The pants were white, high-waisted, and made of a light but well-fitting fabric that elongated her legs and contrasted perfectly with the dark top.

The look was both sophisticated and casual, a mix of confidence and style that seemed to come naturally to her. Her black hair, still impeccably styled, swayed gently as she turned to face him, her amber eyes assessing her own appearance in the nearby mirror.

She raised an eyebrow.

"And now? Any smart comments this time?"

Ikki watched her for a moment, then tilted his head slightly.

"You know what's funny?"

Zia crossed her arms.

"I can hardly wait."

He smiled sideways.

"You could wear a potato sack and still make it look like it was custom made..."

She rolled her eyes, but beneath the impassive expression, Ikki noticed a small smile threatening to emerge.

"You're terrible at giving serious opinions."

"It's not my fault if everything looks good on you."

In truth, he was really trying to act with the mask that the fake year of his magic had created…

This time, Zia didn't hide her smile, shaking her head before turning back to the mirror, as if she didn't want him to notice the effect of his words.

"Hm. I think I like this one."

Ikki put his hands in his pockets, watching her for a moment before shrugging.

"So it's this one..."

While Zia gathered the clothes she'd chosen, they walked together to the cashier. The cashier, a woman with curly hair and a mischievous smile, watched them for a moment before breaking into an even bigger smile.

"You two make a beautiful couple," she commented casually, while scanning the tags.

Ikki sighed inwardly. He'd been expecting something like this.

Zia, on the other hand, seemed a little surprised. Her gaze shifted slightly, and for a brief moment, Ikki noticed a faint blush on her cheeks.

He opened his mouth to correct the cashier, but then realized it would probably make the situation even more awkward.

Without wasting any time, he pulled out his wallet and handed the money to the woman before she could continue the joke.

The cashier took the money, still smiling, and winked at Zia. "He's a gentleman, huh?"

Zia cleared her throat and quickly grabbed the bags. "Thanks for your help," she said hurriedly.

Ikki just shook his head, resigned, and followed Zia out of the store.

As soon as they were outside, he glanced sideways at her. "So... do you want me to carry the bags of my 'beautiful couple' or can you manage on your own?"

Zia glared at him. "Shut up."

He chuckled softly. "I'm just stating a fact."

She sighed dramatically, but Ikki didn't fail to notice that the blush on her face hadn't completely disappeared.

As they walked through the mall, Zia started looking around as if she was searching for something. Ikki noticed her concentrated expression and raised an eyebrow.

"Something wrong?" he asked.

She shook her head and then pointed to a bright sign on the upper floor.

"The movie theater."

Ikki followed her gaze, reading the titles on display. "You want to see a movie?"

Zia hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Actually... that was one of the reasons I called you today."

Ikki blinked, surprised. "Seriously?"

She looked away, crossing her arms. "I've never been to a movie theater before."

He stopped walking. "Wait... never?"

Zia rolled her eyes, clearly anticipating his reaction. "I grew up in the First Nome of Egypt, remember? It wasn't like we had time or opportunity for these things."

Ikki scratched the back of his neck, remembering this fact. He had never actually seen these memories of Zia through his Right Eye; the most he had seen was Carter inviting her out...

He looked at her and smirked. "Well, then I guess I should feel honored to have been chosen for your first time at the cinema."

Zia snorted, but a small smile danced on her lips. "Just choose a movie that won't make me regret this."

They ended up choosing an action-fantasy movie that looked promising. After grabbing popcorn and sodas, they entered the theater and settled into their seats.

During the movie, Ikki noticed how immersed Zia was in the experience - her amber eyes shone with the light of the screen, and from time to time, he noticed her expression changing according to the scenes.

He smiled slightly. It was funny to see someone as strong and serious as her being genuinely captivated by something as simple as a movie.

When the credits finally started rolling, Zia let out a sigh and leaned back in her seat.

"So..." Ikki began. "What did you think of your first movie theater experience?"

She grimaced. "It was fun... but that ending was horrible."

Ikki laughed. "I know, right? They built that whole story just to end it like that? They could have done something much better."

"Exactly!" Zia agreed, gesturing. "The protagonist went through so much and in the end, he just dies in such a meaningless way? He didn't even seem like the same character from the beginning of the movie!"

Ikki nodded.

"It seems like the writers decided to give up in the last twenty minutes."

They continued debating as they left the theater, the conversation flowing naturally. But at one point, Ikki fell silent for a moment before releasing a more nostalgic comment.

"My mother would have hated that ending too."

Zia looked at him, curious. "She liked movies?"

Ikki smirked. "More than that... she was an actress."

Zia blinked, surprised. "Seriously?"

He nodded. "She wasn't super famous, but she had her moment in the spotlight. Before giving up cinema to raise me..."

Zia studied him for a moment, noticing an almost melancholic tone in his voice.

"Do you miss her?"

Ikki let out a discreet sigh.

"Yes. But I think, if she were here, she would have been happy to see that I can still enjoy simple things like a bad movie at the cinema."

He admitted sincerely for the first time, and not pretending as he had in recent days...

Zia was silent for a moment before giving his shoulder a light nudge. "Then I guess we have to do this more often. Only next time, we choose a better movie."

Ikki glanced at her and smiled.

"Deal."

They continued walking through the mall, still debating the movie as the evening went on.

Zia looked around the mall and seemed to hesitate for a moment before pointing to a store with a flashy sign.

"Are there arcades there?" she asked, a little uncertain.

Ikki followed her gaze and smiled as he recognized the store. "Yes, there are. Want to try your luck against me?"

Zia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "I didn't say I wanted to play against you."

"But you will play against me," he said with a cocky smile, already walking towards the store.

Zia sighed, but followed him.

The store was full of video games, consoles, arcade machines, and virtual reality machines. The flashing lights and the sounds of the games happening around them created a vibrant atmosphere.

"Where do you want to start?" Ikki asked, putting his hands in his pockets.

Zia observed the available games and pointed to a fighting arcade game. "How about this one?"

Ikki smiled. "Great choice."

They put in the tokens and chose their characters. The screen flashed, announcing the start of the match.

The result?

Ikki won in less than a minute.

Zia blinked, trying to understand what had happened. "What?"

Ikki shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal. "I just played normally."

Zia frowned. "Again."

They put in another token.

Ikki won again.

"Damn it!" Zia gritted her teeth. "How are you so good at this?"

He laughed. "Lots of practice."

They tried other games - racing, shooting, sword fighting - but the result was always the same. Ikki simply won every game with an irritating naturalness.

In the end, Zia crossed her arms, sulking. "This isn't fair."

Ikki just laughed, amused by her frustration. "Maybe games aren't your forte."

"Or maybe you're just a cheater," she muttered.

He raised an eyebrow. "If you want, I can teach you a few tricks."

Zia stared at him for a moment before snorting. "I don't need your pity."

Ikki laughed again and, to tease her even more, bought a cotton candy on the way out and held it out to her.

"Here. A consolation prize for your impressive losing streak."

Zia took the candy, but lightly punched his arm.

"Next time, I'll win," she said, determined.

Ikki just smiled, doubting it. "We'll see."

After walking for a bit, the two decided to end the night with dinner. They walked through the mall until they found a brightly lit and inviting burger joint, with the irresistible smell of grilled meat and fries hanging in the air.

"This looks good," Ikki commented, opening the door for Zia to enter first.

She didn't argue. After so much time playing and losing, she was starving.

They placed their orders and sat at a table near the window. The restaurant wasn't crowded, so the atmosphere was quiet, with soft music playing in the background. When the food arrived, Ikki picked up his burger and took a generous bite, while Zia watched him for a moment before doing the same.

"So," Ikki began, chewing. "What's your assessment of the day? Shopping, movies, crushing defeat in the games... Was it worth it?"

Zia rolled her eyes, but smiled. "Besides the part of my humiliation in the games, it was a good day."

Ikki laughed. "If you want a rematch, just say the word."

She picked up a fry and pointed it at him. "Next time, I'll choose a game where you don't have such an advantage."

He shrugged. "Good luck with that."

The silence between them was comfortable, and Zia found herself just watching Ikki for a few moments. He seemed relaxed, distracted by the food, without the rigid posture he usually carried. Something inside her tightened.

She could say it now.

She could just let out the words that had been trapped inside her for so long.

"I love you."

Or she could lean in and kiss him.

The idea went through her mind like a sudden impulse, and her fingers tightened slightly around the glass she was holding. It would be so easy. This was a good moment. Maybe even perfect.

But then, a pang of doubt settled in her chest.

What if it ruined everything?

What if Ikki didn't feel the same way? Or, worse, what if he did, but things changed between them afterward? She didn't want to lose the naturalness, the comfort, the lightness they had together.

She hesitated.

She lowered her gaze, bringing the glass to her lips to disguise the lump in her throat.

"Zia?" Ikki called, noticing that she was strangely quiet.

She blinked, forcing a small smile. "Huh?"

He watched her for a moment, as if trying to decipher something, but in the end, he just took a sip of his soda. "Nothing. It seemed like you were going to say something."

"Oh, it wasn't anything important," she said quickly, looking away.

Ikki didn't insist, and soon they were back to talking normally.

But deep down, Zia knew she had missed an opportunity.

After dinner, Ikki and Zia left the mall, walking side-by-side through the almost empty parking lot. The night was calm, with a gentle wind blowing through the city, and few people were passing by.

"It was a good day," Zia commented, hugging herself slightly because of the cool breeze.

Ikki nodded.

"Yeah... It was fun..."

The two continued walking in silence for a few minutes, just enjoying the tranquility of the night. The cool wind made Zia's hair sway slightly, and she shrugged her shoulders to protect herself from the cold.

Ikki noticed the movement and, without saying anything, took off the jacket he was wearing and placed it over her shoulders.

Zia's eyes widened for a moment before she glanced at him. "You didn't have to do that."

He shrugged. "You looked cold."

She held the fabric for a moment, feeling the warmth that still lingered on it. A small smile appeared on her lips.

"Thank you," she said in a softer tone.

They walked to a more secluded spot where they could transport themselves without attracting attention. Zia took her amulet and activated it, and soon both were enveloped in a golden glow before disappearing.

When they arrived on the Brooklyn House rooftop, the place was silent. Most of the students must have been asleep or in their rooms studying.

Zia took off the jacket and returned it to Ikki. "Here."

He took it back, but he didn't fail to notice how she hesitated for a second before handing it over.

"Well..." She ran her hand through her hair, looking uncertain. "I think I'll be going now."

Ikki nodded. "Right."

There was a brief silence between the two. Neither of them seemed willing to end the night yet, but they didn't know what else to say either.

Then, Zia took a deep breath and smiled slightly.

"Good night, Ikki."

"Good night, Zia."

She hesitated for a second, as if she was going to say something more, but then just turned and entered the House.

Ikki stood there, watching her disappear down the stairs.

He let out a soft sigh before finally turning, looking at the illuminated city in the distance.

There were only a few days left until everything ended, but somehow, he felt a bad feeling thinking about it. Was he starting to get attached to all of them?