8 Chapter 8: Dress Shopping and Birthday Surprises
On the fourth floor of their community's shopping mall, Kim is seated on a stool, commenting on the dresses of Cristina and Rusa. Cristina insists that Rusa try on the blue flower-printed jumpsuit.
"Bro, what do you think about this jumpsuit?" Cristina asks.
"I wouldn't know until you put it on," Kim replies matter-of-factly.
Cristina smiles and heads to the changing room.
Kim decides to wait outside and entertain himself until the girls make their choices. However, he is taken aback when Rusa emerges from the changing room wearing a super short one-piece dress, looking absolutely stunning. The dress fits her slim body perfectly, accentuating her slender figure. Its short length showcases her sexy, slim, and long legs.
Unable to contain himself, Kim exclaims, "Wow...!"
Rusa notices Kim's reaction and feels a bit shy. Just then, Cristina comes out and exclaims, "Oh my God!"
She rushes over to Rusa and comments, "You look like a gorgeous model." She grabs her hand and leads her to the mirror. Rusa can't believe her eyes. She looks beautiful and stunning beyond her imagination. And the word that comes to her mind is sexy. She looks incredibly sexy. Rusa feels happier than she did in the morning. She glances at Kim once more, and he is still giving her a wow reaction.
Hiding her emotions, Rusa asks Kim, "What do you think?"
Kim thinks to himself, 'Unbelievable, she's even more beautiful than I had imagined.'
He responds, "Fabulous," trying to control his own reaction.
Rusa realizes that he is genuinely surprised, and she is thrilled with the dress. Her confidence grows. She looks around but Cristina is nowhere to be found.
Rusa hurries back to the changing room. Cristina knocks and passes another dress into the changing room. This time, she waits outside with her brother for Rusa to come out.
After a minute, Rusa emerges wearing a long crimson silk gown. The back lace design accentuates her beautiful neckline. Once again, she looks absolutely fabulous.
Kim applauds, thinking that this is a better response than his words. Cristina looks at her brother and says, "See, I told you boys drool over beautiful girls. Their eyes only see beauty." Rusa bursts into laughter.
Cristina sees her brother's annoyed expression and runs away. Kim chases her all over the hall, and Rusa continues laughing.
Cristina also selects stylish casual office dresses that suit Rusa. Rusa happily tries on each dress without hesitation.
After a long wait, the girls finally finish choosing their dresses. Rusa pays for her own dress with her card and insists on paying for Cristina's dresses, but Kim declines, stating that it is his promise to buy her dress as a birthday present. Rusa then offers to treat them to lunch, and without waiting for Kim's response, she walks out with Cristina, knowing that he won't agree. Kim pays the bill and quickly follows them.
On the first floor of the same mall is a restaurant and café. The girls enter the restaurant and sit by the window. Kim joins them at their table.
Rusa orders the Western lunch sets, and they all enjoy their meal. Rusa happily listens to Cristina's lively chatter. It seems that she is starting to enjoy her friend's chatty personality.
After lunch, Kim goes back to the marketplace, leaving the girls behind.
Cristina and Rusa head to the shoe shop. "I can't wear these," Rusa objects as Cristina presents a pair of high heels to her.
"Without these, no one will fully appreciate your beauty. Come on, don't you want others
to acknowledge you? And it's necessary to show that so-called Joe you were talking about all night."
"How long will it take me to learn to walk perfectly in these high heels?"
"An hour or less. It depends on you."
Rusa obediently tries on each pair of heels that Cristina suggests.
"Happy birthday, Cristina. Now I have to go. My dad might be worried," Rusa says as she pays the bill.
"No, stay for the party tonight. It'll be so much fun," Cristina pleads.
"I can't stay now, but if I get a chance, I'll come to your place tonight," Rusa seems genuinely interested in visiting their home.
Cristina returns to her home alone. She opens the door and finds her apartment decorated with lights and glittering stickers. Her best friends have already arrived and are helping her brother decorate. Kim is busy in the kitchen. Her aunt has also come with her cousin brothers, who are busy blowing up balloons. Overjoyed, Cristina runs to Kim and hugs him tightly from behind.
It's 7 pm, and everyone is dancing in the living room.
"Now gather everyone. It's time to cut the cake," Aunt Sally announces loudly, turning off the music.
Cristina looks out the window and sees a car parking in the building's parking area. Her best friends pull her and lead her to the living room, where Kim is waiting with everyone.
"Wait a minute," Cristina says.
"Why?" her friends ask. She looks towards the door and says, "Open the door."
Kim goes, opens the door without questioning, and sees Rusa standing there, wearing a black jumpsuit with white printed lilies, looking stunning.
"Hi," Rusa greets.
"Come in quickly," Cristina commands in a hurry.
They both rush inside and sit beside her.
Everyone sings the birthday song, and Cristina cuts the cake. Rusa feels happy to be a part of someone else's joy.
