"Unexpected Encounter: Grocery #1"

TIME 6PM LOCATION: MALL - GROCERY

"Hey Shiroe, are we just here at the mall to pick up some groceries?" Shiriku asked his brother, looking around the crowded aisles.

Shiroe, with his hands casually tucked into his pockets, responded, "I think so... Dad needed some help, and we're the only two siblings available. Plus, it's Sunday night!" He said with a cheerful tone, his vibe infectious.

Matching his brother's energy, Shiriku grinned and said, "Oh, I need to grab something to drink for school tomorrow. Can I do that?"

Shiroe nodded, oozing confidence as he replied, "I don't see why not. Whenever Dad and I go grocery shopping, I always get what I want, and he never complains."

With a satisfied nod, Shiriku turned to their father and asked if he could pick out something for himself. Their father, accustomed to their routine, readily agreed.

Excitedly, the two brothers asked their father if they could head to the section where the soft drinks were located. Their father, giving them a nod of approval, watched as they scurried off, their laughter echoing through the aisles as they made their way to their destination.

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LOCATION: BEVERAGES AISLE

"Wow, look at all these choices!" Shiriku exclaimed, his eyes scanning the array of soft drinks with excitement.

Meanwhile, Shiroe casually opened the refrigerator, effortlessly grabbing the drink he wanted while flashing a relaxed smile.

As Shiriku reached out to open the refrigerator for his own drink, he was suddenly enveloped in a tight hug from behind. Startled, he turned to see his classmate and friend, Sachi.

Shiroe, observing the unexpected interaction, raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Shiriku, who's that? A friend of yours?" he asked, trying to understand the situation.

Shiriku, slightly embarrassed by the unexpected embrace, politely asked Sachi to release him. "Yeah, she's a friend," he replied to Shiroe's question, his tone casual yet composed.

Sachi quickly complied, apologizing for surprising Shiriku. "Sorry about that, Shiriku," she said, stepping back with a sheepish smile.

Shiriku chuckled, relieved by the release from Sachi's hug. "It's all good. You almost gave me a heart attack there," he joked, his laughter filling the air. "If my brother wasn't here with me, I might've accidentally punched you or something!" he added with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

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Sachi giggled, her hands almost covering her face as she tilted her head to the right. "But you wouldn't hit me, right...?" she asked Shiriku in a cute, energetic voice.

Shiriku laughed along with her, enjoying the lighthearted moment. However, their laughter was interrupted by a sudden cough from Shiroe, catching Shiriku's attention.

"Oh, right. Shiroe, umm... This is my classmate, also known as my energetic friend," Shiriku explained to Shiroe, gesturing towards Sachi.

Sachi immediately extended her hand for a handshake with Shiroe, her smile bright and enthusiastic. "It's an honor to meet you face to face like this, Shiroe-senpai! I see you every day at school, being a respectable 'Kami,' but meeting you in person is just wonderful," she exclaimed energetically.

Shiroe, feeling a bit awkward but matching Sachi's energetic vibe, smiled politely. "Likewise, Sachi-chan," he replied, trying to keep up with her enthusiasm.

Observing the exchange between Shiroe and Sachi, Shiriku couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and amusement. Seeing Shiroe, who was usually calm and composed, matching Sachi's energy was a new and unexpected sight for him.

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"Anyways, Sachi, are you here with someone or...?" Shiriku asked, his expression puzzled.

"Oh (⁠✿⁠^_⁠^⁠), I'm with my Mom," Sachi replied, her smile never faltering.

"Ah, your mother. Well, where is she?" Shiroe inquired, curious about Sachi's companion.

"My Mom is currently on the third floor as we speak. The two of us separated when I saw Shiriku entering the grocery store," Sachi explained cheerfully.

Shiriku furrowed his brow, feeling a mixture of worry and confusion. "O-okay, but is that the only reason you're separated from your Mom? Because you saw me come here?" he asked, his tone concerned.

"Yup, hehe~," Sachi replied energetically, unfazed by Shiriku's concern.

"Huh, but is your mother okay being alone right now?" Shiroe interjected, his eyebrows furrowing in concern.

Sachi turned to Shiroe, smiling brightly as she reassured him. "Don't worry, my Mom is strong, and she knows I can handle myself," she said confidently.

"Hmm, okay," Shiroe conceded, though still feeling a bit uncertain.

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Shiroe then pulled out his phone and beckoned Shiriku and Sachi to come closer. Shiriku, caught off guard, asked, "Wa-wait, what are you doing?"

"What do you think I'm doing? We're taking a picture," Shiroe replied casually, already positioning the three of them for the photo.

Shiriku felt embarrassed and hesitated, saying, "A pi-picture? But Shiroe, you know I hate taking pictures in public. That's the sole reason why I hesitated to come buy groceries with you and Dad."

Shiroe chuckled understandingly. "I know... But look," he said, nodding towards Sachi.

Shiriku glanced at Sachi and noticed her puppy-like expression, which made him feel a bit weirded out. Sachi then grabbed his left hand, pleading, "Please, Shiriku, you don't want to see me sad, right? Hehehe."

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, Shiriku sighed and relented, "Well, alright."

"Yey! (⁠ﾉ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠.⁠✧," Sachi exclaimed excitedly as they took the picture.

After the photo was taken, Sachi eagerly asked Shiroe to show her the picture. Shiriku hesitated to check the picture, but Sachi insisted in a tone he couldn't refuse. As they looked at the photo, Shiroe noticed someone familiar in the distance.

He handed his phone to Shiriku and walked a little distance from Sachi and Shiriku, focusing hard on something. "No way... It's Kujou Shimizu-chan~," he muttered to himself, his face forming a smirk.

Shiroe swiftly retrieved his phone from Shiriku and Sachi, leaving them both looking puzzled. With a mischievous grin, Shiroe exclaimed, "Let's go, guys! We've got someone to meet up with! Hehehe."

Shiriku and Sachi exchanged confused glances, but Shiroe's excitement was contagious as they followed him eagerly.

Shiriku, feeling a bit weirded out by Shiroe's sudden excitement, shrugged it off with a small laugh. He glanced at Sachi, who seemed equally bewildered, before turning back to follow Shiroe with a curious expression.