At the suggestion of Rice Shower's parents, I ended up going shopping with them.
I wanted to decline—I barely had any money with me—but when they offered to buy things for me, I felt even more awkward refusing. So I was swept off to an outlet shopping mall.
Outlets aren't that expensive… right?
Clinging to that hope, the four of us headed out. I felt guilty the whole way.
The first stop?
A lingerie shop.
Why!?
Rice's dad looked visibly uncomfortable. "I'll wait at the coffee shop," he mumbled before making a swift exit.
Should I have followed him?
"No, we came to buy Viola's underwear," Rice-chan said firmly.
I knew what she meant.
My body had changed a lot since entering school—thanks to all the running and eating with Rice. Except for my height. That hadn't budged a millimeter.
It was frustrating. My old underwear didn't fit anymore. Even the replacements I'd scraped together were useless. I'd spent a while surviving on free samples, negotiating my way through the day without proper support.
Rice-chan knew all of this. She'd seen me change clothes. She knew the situation.
I was wearing underwear now—barely—but it was time to face reality.
"So let's get new underwear for both Rice and Viola."
"No, I'm fine… I'll just grow again and it'll be a waste."
"I won't let you escape."
"Rice-chan!?"
Her eyes were serious. She grabbed my arm with purpose.
I knew I couldn't win. I was dragged into the sacred realm of lace and satin.
The measuring process took over an hour.
Underwear fittings are exhausting. After getting all the numbers, they started placing samples on my chest, debating styles and fits. I just stood there, red-faced, wondering if this was really necessary.
Rice-chan, meanwhile, was glowing. She looked at the delicate fabrics with dreamy eyes. I couldn't help but feel a little envious—not of the size, but of her confidence.
Eventually, a selection of semi-custom pieces was made. I was too embarrassed to choose anything myself, so I left it to Rice and her mother.
The prices? Astronomical.
Each piece cost several times more than the standard school-issued underwear.
"Um… I don't have much money…"
"It's okay," Rice said.
"I've already been indebted to you so much…"
"Then think of it as a contract bonus."
"Contract money?"
"Yeah. I signed you as my trainer. That's worth something."
"I mean… I know that kind of thing exists, but Rice-chan is so talented. It's not like I earned it…"
In some circles, trainers are paid upfront to secure contracts. It's not illegal, but that's not the kind of relationship I have with Rice.
"Then call it a dowry."
"Dowry..?"
"Mother!!"
"Kidding, kidding. Well… half kidding. Right, Rice?"
"Mmm..."
I didn't fully understand what they meant, but in the end, I accepted the gift as a "contract fee."
I'm a little scared I'll never be able to repay it. But I'll worry about that if Rice ever decides to abandon me.
After that, Rice and her mother continued shopping with boundless energy. Her father and I, meanwhile, were completely drained.