Chapter 21 Mall Day Chaos
Amelia POV
Going to the mall with this group was already chaotic and we had only been here for fifteen minutes.
Clara was walking ahead of us like she had just discovered paradise.
Ryan was beside her, commenting on literally everything.
Sebastian and Sophie were walking a little behind them.
And I was just watching all of it unfold like it was a reality show.
Clara suddenly stopped in front of a store.
"Oh my god."
Ryan looked at the sign.
"It's a clothing store."
Clara turned toward him dramatically.
"I know that."
"You reacted like it was a life changing discovery."
She ignored him and walked inside anyway.
Ryan followed her with a grin.
"This is going to take forever, isn't it?"
"Yes," Clara said immediately.
Inside the store Clara immediately started looking through clothes.
Ryan leaned against a shelf watching her.
"You know you already bought three things."
Clara didn't even look at him.
"And?"
"And you don't need ten more."
She turned toward him with narrowed eyes.
"Who asked for your opinion?"
Ryan shrugged.
"I'm just trying to save you money."
Clara snorted.
"You live with Dominic."
Ryan laughed.
"Fair point."
Meanwhile on the other side of the store Sophie was looking through hoodies.
She picked up a soft grey one and held it up.
"This is cute."
Sebastian glanced at it.
"It looks comfortable."
Sophie smiled.
"It does."
She looked at the price tag.
"Not bad either."
Sebastian watched her for a moment.
Then she walked toward the counter to pay for it.
After she left, Sebastian quietly walked over to the rack.
He picked up the exact same hoodie.
Looked at it for a second.
Then casually took it to the register and bought it.
No one noticed.
Except me.
I blinked.
Then slowly smiled to myself.
That was adorable.
We all walked back into the hallway of the mall together.
Clara immediately looked excited again.
"Next store."
Ryan groaned dramatically.
"You are exhausting."
She ignored him again.
Sophie was walking next to Sebastian.
She held the small shopping bag with the hoodie inside.
"I'm glad we came today," she said.
Sebastian nodded slightly.
"So am I."
She looked around the mall.
"I haven't explored London much yet."
"You will."
Sophie smiled softly.
"I hope so."
Then suddenly a guy walked up to them.
He looked confident.
And he was definitely looking at Sophie.
"Hey."
Sophie blinked slightly.
"Oh... hi."
The guy smiled.
"I saw you walking earlier."
Sebastian's posture shifted slightly beside her.
Not aggressive.
Just attentive.
The guy continued.
"I was wondering if I could get your number."
Sophie froze.
She clearly hadn't expected that.
Before she could even answer, Sebastian spoke.
His voice was calm.
But firm.
"She doesn't want to."
The guy looked at him.
"I asked her."
Sebastian didn't move.
"She isn't interested."
Sophie looked up at him, slightly surprised.
The guy looked between them for a moment.
Then shrugged.
"Alright."
And walked away.
Sophie let out a small breath.
"You didn't have to do that."
Sebastian looked at her.
"You looked uncomfortable."
She smiled softly.
"I was just surprised."
A quiet moment passed.
Then she said gently,
"Thank you."
Sebastian nodded once.
They continued walking.
Clara, who had absolutely been watching the entire thing, leaned toward Ryan.
"Did you see that?"
Ryan grinned.
"Oh I saw that."
Clara laughed quietly.
"Sebastian just scared that guy away."
Ryan crossed his arms.
"He was very polite about it."
Clara glanced back at Sophie and Sebastian.
They were walking close together now.
"You think he likes her?"
Ryan smirked.
"I think it's obvious."
Meanwhile Sophie was still thinking about what had happened.
"You answered for me very quickly."
Sebastian looked confused.
"You didn't want to give him your number."
She laughed softly.
"You seem very sure about that."
"You didn't answer."
She looked at him for a moment.
Then admitted quietly,
"I didn't want to."
Sebastian nodded.
That seemed to settle it for him.
Ryan suddenly clapped loudly behind them.
"Alright."
Everyone looked at him.
"We are getting food."
Clara rolled her eyes.
"You are always hungry."
Ryan grinned.
"I enjoy food."
Clara pointed at him.
"You are paying."
Ryan looked offended.
"Why me?"
"Because you talk the most."
Ryan laughed.
"That is not a valid reason."
Clara shrugged.
"It is to me."
Sophie laughed.
Sebastian looked toward the food court.
"This way."
They started walking again.
The mall was getting busier now.
More people.
More noise.
Clara walked beside Ryan again.
"You really enjoy arguing with me."
Ryan smirked.
"You make it easy."
She crossed her arms.
"You are impossible."
Ryan shrugged.
"But entertaining."
Clara tried not to smile.
Meanwhile Sophie and Sebastian walked slightly behind them.
Their shoulders brushed when the crowd got tighter.
Neither of them moved away.
Sophie glanced at the shopping bag in her hand.
"You know..."
Sebastian looked at her.
"I really like this hoodie."
He nodded slightly.
"It suits you."
She smiled again.
And somehow...
Even in the middle of a loud crowded mall...
The moment between them felt quiet and warm.