Please enjoy!
Chapter 7: Wavering Off the Path of Love by Pretzels
Natsu was captivated to find a wooden violin staring at him, with its dull, boring hue of oak. The note, which he had kept more safely, was hidden away in his pocket- comfy and snug. The violin seemed to be new and was relatively expensive- which made Natsu very glad he wasn't the one who purchased it. Though, his guitar was approximately around the same price so he shouldn't exactly complain.
He opened the case and placed the violin back inside. It was nice to know that mystery girl had a few of the same tastes. But it was something to linger on, he had more important things to do. Like shopping.
Now, shopping wasn't his favorite thing to do. He was ok (very ok) with buying wigs and clothes and fabrics for cosplay, but if it's for regular clothes, he wouldn't dare.
But, when it came to the mystery girl's approval, it was a whole other story; it was an enigma when it came to her tastes, and if he screwed up, it would most likely end with no more game. Which made Natsu even more fired up. It was challenging!
He scoured the electronic map in the lobby, trying to find the women's section. But had stopped. What if she enjoyed the boy's clothes instead? Maybe nonbinary instead? He sat there for a solid five minutes deliberating. It wasn't till a few dozen people left when he realized he was standing there like an idiot.
He grazed his fingers over the hardcover of his phone and realized he could confirm with Lucy on the matter. Better yet, Juvia herself-who knows the woman better than her girlfriend. He whipped out his phone, scrolled through his contacts -which, he'll admit, took a much longer time than he'll admit- and finally found her. Natsu shot her a text quickly, which put an end to his dilemma.
Which left him nothing else to do.
He stood there awkwardly for a couple of seconds, before someone tapped him on the shoulder and gestured towards the stores. He flashed them a sweet smile and headed out. They only scoffed in return.
Before long, the unwavering scent of fresh-backed pretzels called his name from across the mall. He caught the scent and promptly ran after the scent, speed-walking the distance like a pro.
He finally found the founder of the scent in a petite shop with only about two workers. There wasn't a long line of people outside -which surprised Natsu immensely- and went closer to the building. He surmised it to be a quick one-two task, and could easily grab his food before Juvia texted back.
He skipped up to one of the employees and before Natsu could get a word out, an electronic ding! did it for him. The worker raised their eyebrows in curiosity, and he excused himself from the premise.
He awakened his phone and checked the newest notification -which, as he thought, came from Juvia.
Juvia (5:05 pm): She enjoys dresses and fancy things. But why didn't you go to the nonbinary section if you were that lost?
Natsu slapped himself in retribution; of course, why didn't he think of that!
Natsu (5:06 pm): Yeah, thanks, Juvia!
Juvia (5:07 pm): You're very welcome!
Natsu, one last time, eyed the shop but waves it off. He had better things to do! Like, go impress a woman he has never met and hope she likes it!
And, there you go! I stayed true to my promise and brought you all to the next chapter. The next will be... Interesting to say the least, considering Natsu is going shopping.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed it! Stay healthy, stay safe, and have a good day/night! Bye~!
