"The prices in this store are more reasonable, not too expensive. I come here sometimes to buy things."

Miwako personally introduced the store.

That answer caught Ren a bit off guard.

"Miwako, you wear jewelry?"

Miwako's expression stiffened. She turned toward Ren with a glare.

"So I don't look like someone who would wear jewelry?"

"That's not what I meant."

Realizing his wording was off, Ren quickly shook his head.

"I mean, you're usually working, right? Do you wear jewelry while on duty?"

"Of course not."

Miwako denied it flatly.

You're not supposed to wear unnecessary items while on the job, especially anything that could be grabbed or used against you.

Realizing what he meant, she softened a bit.

Miwako rolled her eyes.

"Your thinking is too rigid. On weekends, I also wear jewelry when I go out. I don't just sit at home. I go out with Yumi too."

"Girls like to dress up when going out together."

Seems like the situation between girls and guys is different… Ren couldn't recall ever needing to be that meticulous when going out with his guy friends. They just went out casually.

"Hehe~ Even if girls are just hanging out together, we still make sure we look good."

Miwako was slightly proud of having corrected Ren.

"Anyway, I'm still a girl."

Though, every time Yumi dragged her into some mixer or social event… Miwako wasn't going to bring that up. Just like she said, she was still a girl.

"That's not a problem. I think Miwako is pretty."

Her delicate face and clean short hair might not work for everyone, but they suited her perfectly.

As a woman, Miwako wasn't lacking at all. In fact, she stood out more than most of the girls Ren had met.

Plus, as a police officer, her personality was great—straightforward and easygoing.

"Oh~ You're smooth. I'll take that compliment."

Miwako accepted the praise with a satisfied smile.

The two of them walked into the store, where a wide variety of jewelry was on display.

Necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, watches—plenty of options. The prices were reasonable too. They weren't luxury brands, but quality items that everyday people could afford.

"The styles are refined, and the prices aren't bad either."

These weren't flashy luxury goods, but Ren was still a bit impressed.

"Exactly."

Hearing Ren's comment, Miwako smiled again.

"This store's brand isn't bad. The craftsmanship is good. Even if it's not a high-end label, the style is nice. Whether you're buying for yourself or as a gift, it's a solid choice."

"True."

The jewelry was indeed well-made. It was clear that attention had been paid to the details.

Most of it was silver, though a few gold bracelets stood out. It seemed you could even customize things here if you were willing to pay.

Ren no longer felt financial pressure these days.

As long as it wasn't an outrageous expense, the 600 million yen he'd earned through Maple Leaf Gold Coin was more than enough to handle it.

Of that, 300 million had already gone to help Yoko build her studio.

Even so, the remaining 300 million yen gave Ren plenty of freedom when it came to daily purchases.

He glanced around. The priciest item in the shop was a gold piece priced around 150,000 yen.

It was steep, but still within reach for most people.

As Ren browsed, Miwako had her eyes on a string of crystal bracelets.

Seeing this, Ren walked over.

It was a delicate ladies' bracelet. Ren checked the price tag—123,000 yen. Fairly high.

"Excuse me, miss. Could I see this bracelet, please?"

"Certainly. Just a moment."

The clerk, who had been standing nearby, quickly opened the display case and took out the bracelet.

Ren handed it to Miwako.

"Miwako, try it on."

"Huh?"

Miwako blinked in confusion, clearly not expecting that.

Ren didn't explain. He picked up the bracelet, unclasped it, and gently took Miwako's left hand, slipping it on.

"Looks good."

The bracelet sparkled under the lighting, perfectly matching the preferences of most girls. Miwako's skin was very fair, and the bracelet complemented it well. It made her arm appear even more delicate and soft.

It wasn't until the bracelet was securely on her wrist that Miwako finally snapped out of it.

"Wait—why are you making me try it on? Wasn't I supposed to buy you a birthday present?"

"Isn't today your birthday?"

"Well, yes, but…"

"Then that's all that matters."

Ren cut her off before she could continue.

"This isn't a big expense for me now. I can easily afford it."

"Besides, it's a little early, but—Happy Birthday, Miwako."

"…"

Miwako stared at the bracelet on her wrist in silence.

It was the first time she'd received a birthday gift from someone other than Yumi. She felt… happy.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Ren smiled and gave her a moment to collect herself.

Once she calmed down, Miwako turned to look at Ren.

"Then, do you still need to pick out gifts for the others?"

"Three. One is a maid, one is my girlfriend, and the last is a 13-year-old girl."

(To be continued.)

***

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