Return With The Bride

[Yuxi sits next to Elie on the sofa, her tone dripping with concern as she places a hand on Elie's shoulder.]

Yuxi: "Don't worry, Elie. I'm here for you. If Shinji ever bullies you, just come to me, okay?"

[Elie chuckles softly, her lips curling into a shy smile.]

Elie: "Okay."

[In the kitchen, Shinji stands by the counter, drying his hands and glancing at the two women chatting comfortably on the sofa. His face twitches slightly as he overhears Yuxi's words.]

Shinji: (deadpan) "If you're both done bonding over my imaginary crimes, can we finally have breakfast?"

Yuxi: (cheerfully) "Yo, hoye! Coming!"

Elie: (smiling politely) "Yes."

[Shinji sets the table as the two women take their seats. Plates of steaming food fill the table, with a variety of dishes Shinji whipped up, including a perfectly fried egg dish. He sits down and looks at Elie with a soft smile.]

Shinji: "Elie, I hope this will suit your taste."

Elie: (nodding) "Hmm."

[Shinji places a piece of the egg dish on Elie's plate and pauses, remembering her struggles with chopsticks. Without thinking much of it, he picks up the piece with his own chopsticks and gently holds it out toward her.]

Shinji: "Here, try this."

[Elie leans forward and takes the bite, her eyes lighting up as she chews.]

Elie: "What is this? It's really delicious!"

[Before Shinji can bask in the praise, Yuxi freezes mid-bite, her eyes narrowing as she watches Shinji feed Elie. Her chopsticks clatter to the table as she dramatically leans back, glaring at him.]

Yuxi: (furiously) "Shinji! Come here. Right now."

[Shinji blinks, confused but obedient, and takes a few steps away from Elie.]

Shinji: "What? What did I do?"

Yuxi: (pointing an accusatory finger) "Are you seriously feeding someone with your own hands right in front of me? Are you trying to start a fight?!, can't you do this when i am not around you"

[Shinji flinches, his face pale as he waves his hands defensively.]

Shinji: "N-No! It's not like that! It's just... she doesn't know how to use chopsticks!"

Yuxi: (stopping mid-rant, blinking in surprise) "Huh? Who doesn't know how to use chopsticks?"

[Shinji clears his throat, scrambling to come up with an explanation. His mind races as Yuxi's suspicious gaze drills into him.]

Shinji: (awkwardly) "Uh, well... maybe it's... related to her past! Yeah! And she doesn't want to talk about it, so we shouldn't pry."

[Yuxi squints, clearly unconvinced but willing to humor him.]

Yuxi: "Okay, fine. But what about the fact that she didn't even recognize a fried egg dish? Are you telling me that's also 'related to her past'?"

[Shinji doubles down, nodding earnestly.]

Shinji: "Yes. Definitely. Let's not make her uncomfortable by asking too much."

[Yuxi turns to Elie with a worried expression, her tone softening.]

Yuxi: "Elie, I'm really worried about you. Are you okay?"

[Elie, slightly confused by the sudden interrogation, glances at Shinji for help. Shinji, internally panicking, tries to steer the conversation in another direction.]

Shinji: (clearing his throat) "Anyway, Yuxi, I was hoping you could help me with something later. I need you to go with us on shopping for clothes and daily necessities for Elie."

Yuxi: (nodding, her worry quickly replaced by enthusiasm) "Of course! Let's do it.

[After finishing breakfast, Yuxi leans back in her chair, twirling her chopsticks idly as she looks at Shinji with a teasing smirk.]

Yuxi: "So... when are you going home?"

[Shinji freezes mid-sip of his tea, his expression stiffening. He sets the cup down slowly and avoids Yuxi's gaze.]

Shinji: (hesitantly) "Well... I need to tell you something first."

[Yuxi raises an eyebrow, sensing his hesitation.]

Shinji: (sighing, rubbing the back of his neck) "Mom and Dad... don't know I'm married yet. So, I need you to keep this a secret for the time being."

[Yuxi's jaw drops, her chopsticks clattering to the table.]

Yuxi: "WHAT?! You're married, and you didn't tell your uncle and aunt?!"

[Shinji groans, pinching the bridge of his nose.]

Shinji: (frustrated) "I was going to tell them, okay? But things have been... complicated. I'll visit home soon and tell them personally. Just don't blurt it out before I get the chance, alright?"

[Yuxi crosses her arms, leaning back in her chair with a skeptical look.]

Yuxi: "Fine, but you owe me for this. I can't believe you're keeping that from Uncle and Auntie."

[Meanwhile, Elie, who has been quietly observing the conversation, stiffens. Her eyes dart nervously between Shinji and Yuxi.]

Elie: (thinking) "I'm going to meet Shinji's parents soon... his in-laws... Oh no, what if they don't like me? What if I mess up?"

[Yuxi notices Elie's tense expression and softens, reaching out to pat her hand reassuringly.]

Yuxi: (gently) "Don't worry, Elie. Uncle and Auntie aren't strict at all. They're really warm and kind. Trust me, they'll love you."

[Elie looks at Yuxi, her nervous expression easing slightly. She nods, her voice barely above a whisper.]

Elie: "Yes... Thank you."

[Shinji glances at Elie, noticing her unease, and tries to hide a small smile.]

Shinji: (thinking) "She's already worrying about meeting them... She's so earnest. But Yuxi's right—Mom and Dad will love her."

At the Store

[The trio arrives at the clothing store, Shinji hesitating slightly at the entrance. Memories of his previous visit flood back—the awkward stares, the judgmental cashier, and the lingering embarrassment of being mistaken for a crossdresser. Yuxi, noticing his hesitation, gives him a puzzled look.]

Yuxi: "What's wrong? Why are you standing there like a statue?"

Shinji: (grumbling) "Nothing... Let's just go in."

[As they enter, the store lady behind the counter glances up and immediately recognizes Shinji. Her eyes narrow slightly as she recalls his last visit. She crosses her arms, thinking to herself.]

Store Lady: (thinking) "oh, he came again?"

[Shinji notices her stare and immediately feels the awkwardness return. Determined to clear his name this time, he walks straight up to her, trying to sound confident.]

Shinji: "We're here to look for clothes for my wife."

[He emphasizes the word 'wife,' making it abundantly clear that he's not here for himself. The store lady's gaze shifts to Elie, who steps in behind him. For a moment, the store lady is taken aback by Elie's stunning appearance. Her delicate features and graceful demeanor make her look almost ethereal.]

Store Lady: (thinking, slightly jealous but also in awe) "She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen... It's unfair how gorgeous she is."

[The store lady approaches Elie with a smile and leans in close, lowering her voice to a whisper.]

Store Lady: "Are you sure he's your husband? You do know he has a thing for crossdressing, right?"

[Shinji overhears and immediately bristles, his face turning red with both embarrassment and irritation.]

Shinji: "Hey! Are you done with the false accusations? Can't you see she's wearing one of your store's dresses that I bought last time?!"

[The store lady straightens up, blinking in surprise.]

Store Lady: "Wait... are you serious?"

Shinji: (glaring) "Yes! I told you the last time—I was buying clothes for my wife. And now, here she is!"

[Elie, watching the heated exchange from behind, starts giggling softly. Her laughter grows as the argument continues, her voice like a gentle melody.]

Elie: (smiling) "Shinji... calm down. It's okay."

[The store lady finally cracks a grin, waving her hand dismissively.]

Store Lady: "Alright, alright, I was just messing with you. Congratulations—you've got yourself the most beautiful wife here."

[Shinji, still slightly flustered, puffs out his chest a little.]

Shinji: "I know that very well, thank you."

[The store lady turns to Elie, her tone warm and friendly.]

Store Lady: "Little lady, you've got yourself a good man here. He might act a little stiff, but I can tell he cares about you a lot."

[Shinji freezes at the comment, feeling both proud and embarrassed. Meanwhile, Elie blushes lightly, nodding shyly.]

Elie: "Thank you..."

[As the store lady steps away to help them with their shopping, Shinji watches her with narrowed eyes, something nagging at him.]

Shinji: (thinking) "Why does it feel like she knows me... like, really knows me?"