"You don't have to do that," Yuki said, still looking overwhelmed.
"I want to," Akari winked. "Plus, My manager is going to be thrilled." She tallied everything up.
"With the discount applied, your total comes to ¥1.4million"
Yuki made a small choking sound.
Max didn't even blink. "That's fine."
Yuki looked at him, then at the pile of beautiful clothes, then back at him. Her eyes were getting watery again. "You're absolutely sure?"
"I've never been more sure of anything."
She nodded slowly, unable to speak.
Akari processed the payment, then began carefully packing everything into elegant shopping bags with the boutique's logo.
"These are all going to look amazing on you," she said warmly to Yuki. "And please, come back anytime. I'd love to help you shop again."
"Thank you, Akari," Yuki managed.
They left the boutique with six large bags between them, Max carrying most of them. The late afternoon sun had turned everything golden, and the streets were filling with the early evening crowd.
Max adjusted the bags in his hands. "Now, I believe someone mentioned being hungry?"
Yuki chuckled. "Starving, actually."
**
They stopped at a high-end cafe for a late lunch. Yuki ordered without looking at prices and they sat by the window, bags from various stores piled around them.
"I can't believe we did all this," Yuki said, sipping her coffee. "I feel like I'm living someone else's life."
"You're living your life," Max corrected. "Just a better version than before."
She reached across the table and took his hand. "When did you grow up? I swear you were still a teenager yesterday."
"I grew up watching you," Max said. "You taught me what strength looks like."
Yuki's eyes got misty. "Stop, you'll make me cry in this fancy café."
"Can't have that. We're rich people now. We don't cry in public."
"We absolutely cry in public. We're just rich while doing it."
They both laughed.
As they finished their meal, a glass of wine and pasta, Max watched his mother in the candlelight. The wine had brought color to her cheeks, and she looked relaxed in a way he hadn't seen since before his father died.
This was what success really meant, Max realized.
Seeing his mother smile without exhaustion behind it. Giving her the life she deserved.
"What are you thinking about?" Yuki asked, noticing his expression.
"Just that I'm really glad you're my mom."
"I'm pretty glad about that too."
**
They finished their wine as the waiter brought dessert menus. Neither of them had room for much more, but they split the pastries anyway, because why not?
By the time they left the restaurant, the Tokyo night was in full swing. Max carried the shopping bags while Yuki linked her arm through his, slightly unsteady from the wine but gloriously happy.
"Best day ever?" Max asked.
"Best day ever," Yuki confirmed. "No contest."
They caught a taxi home, and as they rode through the city streets, Yuki leaned her head on Max's shoulder.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "For today. For everything. For being an amazing son."
When they got home to their small, cramped apartment—soon to be their old apartment—Max helped carry all the bags inside. The difference was jarring—from the luxury restaurant and high-end boutique to their tiny, worn living space.
But somehow, even that felt different now. Less depressing.
Yuki immediately started unpacking the shopping bags, pulling out outfits and holding them close to herself in front of the small mirror by the door.
"Should I try these on again? Match different pieces together?"
Max laughed. "Mom, it's almost 9 PM."
"So? I'm not tired. I'm excited." She pulled out the burgundy dress. "And I want to figure out what I'm wearing on moving day."
"Moving day is two weeks away."
"So I'll have it planned perfectly."
Max shook his head, grinning. "Go ahead. Fashion show, part two."
And so Yuki did, trying on different combinations, asking his opinion on what worked together, laughing at herself when things didn't match, glowing with an energy Max hadn't seen in years.
He sat on their worn couch, watching her, his heart full.
This was worth everything.
Every raid, every challenge, every hour spent grinding levels and perfecting his skills—it all meant something because he could share it with her.
His phone buzzed. A message from Velara: Guild meeting Thursday, 7 PM. Don't forget. Also, heard you've been offline shopping all day. Find anything good?
Max typed back: Best shopping trip of my life. Spent a fortune, regret nothing.
That's the spirit. See you Thursday.
He pocketed his phone and looked back at his mother, who was now wearing the green ankle-length dress with the cashmere sweater over it, examining herself critically in the mirror.
"You know what, Mom?"
"Hmm?" She turned to look at him.
"I think everything's going to be okay. Better than okay."
Yuki's smile was radiant. "Yeah. I think you're right."