But I won’t get discouraged over such a small thing. I’m someone who does big things.
So I immediately switched to a new topic.
“Speaking of which, if we’re getting a new computer, we need to compare them carefully,” I said.
I knew nothing about computers, but I pretended to be knowledgeable anyway.
After all, Yao Staryan didn’t seem very tech-savvy either. Faking it now might even boost my likability.
Wasn’t it said girls fall for their admirers?
“First, memory—it’s like the size of an activity space. Bigger means more things can run at once.”
“…”
“The CPU is like how energetic the people in that space are.”
“…”
“So, pick these two well, and you’re basically set.”
“…”
I spouted what I thought were profound insights. Yao Staryan didn’t respond at all. She must’ve been awed by my “expertise.”
How satisfying!
She really knew nothing about computers. Maybe she’d suggested this trip because she trusted me.
I felt one step closer to my goal.
Inside the mall, I got straight to the point:
“Thought about what kind to buy? For a girl, I’d say—”
“Let’s skip that. We should check computer cases first.”
Ignoring me, Yao Staryan eyed a shop on the first floor.
“We’ll see cases first, then pick your ‘space’ and ‘people.’”
Why did I suddenly feel pressured?
“After that, we’ll get matching components.”
“O-oh… I see.”
“But power consumption matters too. We need balance in components.”
Foolish me failed at showing off again—same person, same humiliation.
Was Yao Staryan really my natural nemesis?
Her words sounded nothing like simple PC assembly. She practically planned to build it herself. That tech-geek stuff clashed with her delicate looks.
How many of my impressions would this girl ruin?
“Hmph—”
Seeing me deflate, Yao Staryan resumed browsing alone.
The first floor had many computer parts stores. She entered one, ignored staff, didn’t speak to me, just silently examined parts. Then she left without buying, moving to the next shop.
I had no clue what she was doing.
We wandered like this for an hour, looping back to the first store.
She’d claimed to want a whole new computer, but now it seemed she only needed parts.
Earlier, Yao Staryan had been meticulous, inspecting everything. Now she barely glanced at items—just grabbed them directly.
Was she buying randomly?
I thought that, then dismissed it. These were items she’d seen before. She remembered every store layout, every shelf position.
She moved briskly, snatching parts with crisp efficiency.
While Yao Staryan checked out, I browsed nearby.
Most shops sold computer parts, but small accessory stores lined the walls with trinkets.
She’d never let me pay for components, but cheap trinkets? No big deal.
I entered one shop, pointing to an accessory:
“Ah, excuse me—how much is this?”
…
After buying, our date neared its end—though I felt I’d done nothing.
Carrying her heavy computer parts, walking back was impossible. We squeezed onto the packed subway.
The train was jammed. No hand straps left to grab. I struggled to shield the parts from crushing—
Through the window, I spotted a creepy uncle behind us.
His gleaming eyes were like a wolf spotting prey.
Whoa!
A subway pervert!
I actually encountered this!
Yao Staryan was clearly his target.
He probably wouldn’t act… but she didn’t look tough. He might think, “I can make a move.”
Anger flared inside me.
Even I didn’t know why.
I squeezed between him and Yao Staryan, pushing her deeper into the carriage.
Packed like sardines, moving annoyed others. I kept whispering, “Sorry, sorry.”
My good looks saved me. Angry glares melted into smiles at my apologetic face.
“What are you doing!” Yao Staryan snapped.
I ignored her scolding, pushing her to the carriage door.
She stood back against it. Safe now.
I relaxed—like an overprotective boyfriend in a romance.
Then I felt her “intense” stare.
“What exactly are you doing!”
“N-nothing… just being cautious.”
“…Huh?”
She glared, confused.
No matter. Precautions matter. Even as my “enemy,” I won’t compromise on this.
At the next stop, new passengers boarded. I adjusted carefully—perfect. The parts and I fully shielded her.
“Hey! You…”
Yao Staryan looked up at me, back to the door, ears burning red.
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Kind of cute.
Huh?
I realized how tightly we were pressed—close enough to stare at her chest.
A “perk” from moving. I couldn’t escape even if I wanted to.
She’d completely misunderstood me. My actions looked like deliberate groping.
“S-sorry… it’s not what you think…”
“I don’t believe you…”
Blushing, tearful, she seemed ready to cry.
Crap.
I think I got charmed.
