Netori: I Shall Steal All Of My Enemies' Women For Revenge!

"Eh? But... I don't think I have a nice dress for something like this," Chiyo said, her cheeks flushed, though her eyes sparkled with excitement.

She couldn't remember the last time they'd planned something so special, just the two of them.

"You don't need to worry about that," Haruto replied with a reassuring smile. "We can go shopping first."

"Right now?" she asked, half surprised, half thrilled.

"Yup. Go get changed. I'll wait here," he said, giving her a little nudge.

Chiyo, hardly able to contain her excitement, nodded quickly before hurrying off to her room, a slight skip in her step.

She couldn't help but feel like a teenager again, getting ready for her first date.

As she disappeared down the hall, Haruto's phone buzzed. It was a message from Asuka:

'I'm so sorry! I've been busy lately. Why don't you join me today? I'm opening a new makeup store—it's officially launching!'

A smirk tugged at Haruto's lips as he read the message. He'd been waiting for her to reach out, but he wasn't about to make it easy.

If he made himself too available, Asuka would come to see him as convenient—someone she could call at her whim.

He typed back:

'Sure. Where's the store? I'll come by.'

Within moments, she sent the address along with some money for him to dress "appropriately."

He chuckled, pocketing his phone.

'Shame you'll not become my partner today,'

he thought, glancing toward the hallway where Chiyo was getting ready.

A few minutes later, Chiyo reappeared in a simple blue dress paired with a black outer jacket. She looked at him hesitantly.

"Um… is it alright if I just wear this? It's nothing fancy."

Haruto stepped closer, resting a hand on her waist to reassure her. "I told you, we're going shopping. It doesn't matter what you wear right now," he murmured.

Then, leaning in, he pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. "And, for the record, you're beautiful in anything."

Her cheeks flushed a deeper pink as she nodded, trying to hide her shy smile. Together, they left for the mall, arriving near the new store Asuka had mentioned.

Before they could stop at Asuka's launch, Haruto led Chiyo toward a luxury boutique. They wandered through aisles of elegant dresses, each more stunning than the last.

As Chiyo browsed, he discreetly selected a few extra dresses for her, knowing she'd only choose one if left to her own devices.

He also found a few dresses for Haruka, an absent thought passing over him as he considered what might suit her.

After some time, Chiyo emerged from the dressing room, wearing a sleek black dress with a low neckline and a thigh-high slit that accentuated her figure elegantly.

She tugged at the hem, unsure. "Is this… alright? Not too much for dinner?"

Haruto looked her over, his expression warm and genuine. "You look perfect," he said softly, unable to hide the admiration in his gaze.

Chiyo's face went scarlet as she looked away, mumbling a shy thanks. They continued to the shoe store, selecting a pair of heels, and then to the salon.

At the salon's entrance, she hesitated, eyeing the bustling interior. "Are you sure this is necessary?" she asked, glancing at him doubtfully.

"Absolutely. You deserve to be pampered," Haruto replied, guiding her gently but firmly inside. "I'll drop our bags at the car and be right back."

After securing the shopping bags, he picked out a sleek outfit for himself and a small box of jewelry for Chiyo, imagining how it would complete her look.

He also put the 'Flawless Face' potion he got from Mari's quest. That potion was good for healing wounds, especially after his fight with Daiki.

With that potion, all the wounds on his face were gone without any trace.

By the time he returned to the salon, she was just finishing up.

Chiyo turned to him, her hair styled in soft waves and her makeup enhancing her natural beauty, giving her a fresh, radiant glow.

She shyly clasped her hands together. "Is this… good?"

Haruto's breath caught. "You're... stunning," he managed, his voice lower than usual as he took her in, his gaze lingering.

"Truly the most beautiful I've ever seen you."

Chiyo blushed deeply, glancing around as a few bystanders looked on with amused smiles.

"Haruto… people are staring," she whispered, trying to push him back lightly.

"So what if they are?" he replied with a mischievous grin, hugging her tightly and squeezing her buttocks playfully.

"You should dress up like this more often. Just for me," he whispered, leaning close enough that only she could hear the seductive lilt in his tone.

Chiyo turned bright red and stomped his foot with a mock scowl. "You… you incorrigible tease!"

Haruto chuckled, his grin widening, as they walked away arm in arm. Other shoppers glanced their way, some with a hint of envy, others with warm smiles at the romantic scene unfolding before them.

They didn't know that they were a pair of stepmother and son.

They finally arrived at Asuka's new store, an elegant space with a charming, Rococo-inspired design in white and soft pink.

The decor exuded a soft, feminine touch, with delicate details and ornate moldings along the walls.

The staff matched the aesthetic perfectly, all wearing white blouses paired with pink skirts, looking graceful and poised.

Chiyo looked up at Haruto, confusion flickering across her face. "Are we… going inside?"

He nodded a playful glint in his eyes. "Of course. I told you I wanted you to dress up more for me, didn't I? And a little makeup will complete the look. I've got a friend here who can help you find the perfect shades."

As they entered, their presence drew glances from the other patrons, the two of them looking strikingly elegant together.

Chiyo's eyes lit up as one of the store attendants approached, enthusiastically showcasing new products and promotional offers.

Chiyo eagerly browsed through the selection, fingers lightly grazing lipsticks and foundations she had only ever admired from afar.

With money being tight before Haruto began working, moments like these had been rare for her.

She held up a deep rose lipstick, glancing at Haruto for his opinion. He leaned in, examining the shade against her skin with a thoughtful smile.

"I think this color suits you."

She smiled shyly, savoring his attention, before someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned, and there stood Asuka, a polished smile on her lips.

"You finally made it," she said, her tone light.

"Of course," Haruto replied with a casual grin.

Chiyo looked between them, curiosity and a hint of uncertainty in her gaze. "Haruto… who's this?"

He wrapped an arm around Chiyo's waist, keeping her close. "This is the friend I mentioned—the one who'll help you pick the right products. Her name is Asuka Inoue."

Chiyo inclined her head politely. "Nice to meet you… I'm Chiyo," she introduced herself, her voice soft as she instinctively hugged his arm a little tighter.

For a brief moment, a flicker of something unreadable passed over Asuka's face, though she quickly masked it with a professional smile.

"Welcome to my store," she said smoothly, her gaze never leaving Chiyo.

"Since Haruto and I are… close friends, I'll be your guide today."

[Ding!]

[The Host triggered a new quest!]