Give Me Another Smile

hao-an, Tang Yu knew what they could buy.
After silently retracting her hand from Yin Zhao-an's grip, she returned to the section that sold daily necessities and weaved her way through the crowd before stopping in front of a shelf.

“What are you buying?” Yin Zhao-an asked while dutifully carrying the shopping basket behind Tang Yu.
However, she quickly got her answer when she saw the numerous “Space7” logos displayed on the shelf.
At the same time, she couldn't help but blush at the sight of the items displayed on the shelf.

After behaving like a tomboy for so long, she had nearly forgotten that she was a girl.

In the meantime, Tang Yu selected a few combinations and placed them into the basket.
When she saw the blush on Yin Zhao-an's face, the corners of her mouth twitched a little as she softly commented, “We're both girls, so what are you getting all embarrassed about?”

…

There weren't many things Yin Zhao-an and Tang Yu needed to get.
Or, more specifically, the two adults were responsible for securing most of what they needed.
Yin Zhao-an didn't wish to stay in crowded places, so after seeing that they had gotten everything they needed, she suggested:

“Let's pay for these things and wait outside.”

“Okay.”

“Give me your hand,” Yin Zhao-an said as she held out her hand toward Tang Yu.

“Can't we not hold hands?” Tang Yu asked as she reluctantly held out her hand, refusing to take the initiative to hold Yin Zhao-an's hand.

“No,” Yin Zhao-an firmly replied before taking Tang Yu's hand.

Then, as they weaved their way through the crowd, Tang Yu heard a calm and indistinct voice coming from ahead of her, “I'm worried I'll lose you.
If I lose you, I won't be able to find you again.”

Tang Yu suddenly felt as if something was stuck in her throat when she heard Yin Zhao-an's words.
Then, she lowered her head slightly, using her long and slender eyelashes to hide the ripples in her eyes.

But… You've already lost me once…

…

After their turn at the cashier arrived, Yin Zhao-an let go of Tang Yu's hand to reach for her wallet.

The cashier was a young woman working part-time.
When she saw Yin Zhao-an's face, she couldn't help but stare at Yin Zhao-an with lovestruck eyes.

When Yin Zhao-an looked up from her wallet and saw the cashier's expression, she knew another misunderstanding had occurred.
After chuckling helplessly and handing the money to the cashier, she explained, “I'm a girl.”

The young woman manning the cashier blushed when her actions were discovered.
Hurriedly, she turned away to get Yin Zhao-an's change.

After putting their purchases into a plastic bag, Yin Zhao-an turned around and said, “Let's go, Tang—”

The person beside her had disappeared.
In a panic, Yin Zhao-an haphazardly stuffed her change into her pocket and ran out of the supermarket.
However, even after running about for some time, she failed to find the familiar figure.

She's not joking with me, right?

Yin Zhao-an's eyes reddened with anxiety.
Left with no other options, she ran back to the cashier just now and anxiously asked, “Hello, have you seen the girl next to me just now? She's a white T-shirt, and she looks very pretty.” Yin Zhao-an gestured with her hands as she spoke, and even her voice was trembling.

Meanwhile, the cashier pondered for a moment before frowning slightly and saying, “I think I saw her walking away with a man.
I didn't hear her calling for help, so I thought she went with him willingly.”

“What kind of man?!” Yin Zhao-an lost control and propped herself on the counter.

“He was a strange-looking man.
He was wearing a black trenchcoat and a black hat.
He also looked like he had a limp leg… Eh? Where are you going?”