The women's clothing department at the sprawling shopping mall was a veritable wonderland of colour, texture, and style. Row upon row of racks stretched out before you, each one overflowing with a dizzying array of garments.

Soft, billowing fabrics in every hue imaginable—vibrant reds, lush greens, and delicate pastels—caught the light and created a mesmerising visual display. Sleek, tailored blazers in stark blacks and crisp whites hung nearby, contrasting with the more flowing, feminine pieces.

The air was filled with the pleasant aroma of perfume samples, mingling with the fresh scent of newly laundered clothes. Gentle piano music played softly in the background, adding to the serene, relaxing atmosphere.

Hollis held your hand and guided you inside. Once in, his fingers trailed across the various fabrics as he examined the options. Plush velvet, cool silk, and soft cotton all beckoned to him, each one promising a different level of comfort and style.

Ornate accessories—sparkling jewellery, delicate scarves, and structured handbags—were arranged on display tables, catching the eyes of other customers and drawing them in for a closer look. Mirrors were placed strategically throughout, allowing customers to admire potential purchases from every angle.

"Try it, darling. This might look good on you."

You blinked twice, looking at the pristine white turtleneck sweater that your escort lover picked up for you, and you couldn't help but laugh. "Hollis, this world isn't limited to only one color. I've been wearing white since the day I met you, don't you want to see me in other colours, preferably in darker shades?"

Hollis remained silent, as if mulling your suggestion. He then picked up another sweater with the same design, but this time in a different dye; the first one being silver, and the other ivory.

You smiled helplessly when you saw his choices, taking note that this boyfriend of yours seemed to like lighter colors. You then picked up a matching turtleneck sweater of the same colour, imagining you and him together, wearing matching outfits. You glanced at the people walking around, especially couples. You assumed that the matching attire that they are wearing must have been a sign of their affection, a way to outwardly express the connection they feel.

Although you have been in a few relationships in the past, no matter if it's wearing matching outfits or showing affection in public, you have never indulged your partners. After all, you were immature back then, so dependent on Yohan that you neglected whatever connections you had formed, and they, in return, cut you off.

You turned to Hollis, smiling. "Let's match. I read somewhere that it can bring a sense of unity and belonging."

Your lover was stunned at first, giving you the look of absurdity, but he didn't seem to reject the idea when he took it.

Though the two of you went to the fitting rooms at the same time, you walked out earlier than him. You waited for him patiently, wondering what took him so long, when eventually he walked out, looking as dashing as ever. You smiled, yet he looked awkward.

"Did you hate it?" You asked.

He remained silent for a while before answering. "Don't you think we're too old for this?"

You were surprised. "Do we need to be a certain age to wear matching clothes?"

Looking at your gullible expression, Hollis had a hunch that you must have missed out on a lot of things in your life. Personally, wearing matching outfits doesn't bother him at all, but probably because his ex-girlfriends were all so rich and sophisticated that even if they wanted him to wear outfits that matched with them, the clothes would have to at least cost thousands, and there must be an important event happening soon so that they can flaunt him like an accessory. Hence, wearing something so simple like this with such a pure intention feels different; it feels like he was thrown back to his school year, experiencing the puppy love that every human who adored him would offer.

In other words, your love is so inexperienced and immature that it made him feel embarrassed—in a way that made him feel a tinge of self-consciousness yet also an undeniable sense of endearment and longing that he couldn't ignore.

Hollis looked at your earnest expression and realised just how sheltered you are. With a wistful sigh, he replied, "You know, when people were younger, couples used to do all sorts of silly, romantic things together. Like wearing matching outfits to school, passing notes in class, or walking hand-in-hand down the hallways."

It was something that he would do too, back in his teenage days.

"Back then, it didn't matter what anyone else thought. People would do whatever it took to show the world how much they cared for each other, even if it was a little embarrassing." He paused, reaching out and gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear, his touch lingering. "But as they grew older, they tended to become more self-conscious, more concerned about what others might think. They started to worry that they would be seen as immature or childish if they indulged in those kinds of public displays of affection."

He then leaned down to whisper. "Are you sure you won't chicken out later when people stare and whisper at us, considering how thin-skinned you are?"

You blinked, imagining the scenario he whispered to you: people occasionally glancing and whispering to each other as they saw you, or more specifically, the handsome man that is whispering to you right now. You frowned, coming to the conclusion that his look alone was enough to become the centre of attention. So how powerful can a matching turtleneck sweater be to be able to shift the public's attention from his good-looking face to an ordinary fabric?

Of course, thinking twice, you do feel embarrassed, but it's not to the point where you would run away. To you, this kind of public display of affection is better than kissing in the crowd. Plus, you weren't the only couple wearing matching outfits here.

"I don't mind. In fact, I'm quite excited to experience those silly, romantic things together." You told him. "Weren't you the one who told me that you're going to teach me about love? So? Do you mind, Hollis?"

The man remained silent for a while before you saw his mouth open to say something, but your body was suddenly jerked away from him, your back hitting something hard, and you glanced back to see a familiar face.

"Louyi..." Your eyes widened in surprise.

—it was your ex-boyfriend.

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||HOLLIS'S LOVE STATUS||

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