By morning, hunger had set in. At exactly 9:00 AM, they checked out of the Highliner Hotel.
The hotel staff bowed deeply, expressing their immense gratitude to Johnny and Aerith for their dedication in protecting the sector. In the lobby, the large Shinra TV screens were replaying the news broadcast from the previous night.
Zack Fair's face filled the screen, looking charismatic despite the dust covering him.
"I managed to push them back," Zack said on screen with his trademark grin, "along with two trusted partners who are currently resting. That's all I can say for now!"
Johnny gave a curt nod to the staff, and then Aerith took his hand, pulling him out into the morning air.
The atmosphere outside the Highliner Hotel was vastly different from the Slums. The Shinra Airport district was filled with snack stalls, food vendors, and high-end souvenir shops. In this part of the Upper Plate Sector 1, the streetlights were already turned off—a strange sight for those used to living beneath the steel plate where lights had to burn 24 hours a day.
Here, the morning sun shone for real. Warm and dazzling. Yet, like all of Midgar, the streets still looked dry, dusty, and crowded with luxury cars speeding by.
Aerith walked with sparkling eyes, inspecting every food stall. Her shopping instinct ignited. She bought a: chicken croquettes, beef croquettes, two melon breads, and a large bubble tea. She didn't forget the little ones, buying mini croquette portions and a bottle of water for Puck and Ivalera.
They sat on a city park bench.
This time, Johnny just sat quietly, observing his surroundings. But Aerith—perhaps due to the intimacy of the previous night—seemed much more affectionate. She cut a piece of croquette and held it to Johnny's mouth.
"Aaa... open up, Johnny," Aerith requested.
Johnny obeyed, eating the bite. They even shared the single cup of bubble tea with two straws. Several pedestrians passing by smiled at the sight.
"Look at that couple, so romantic," a woman whispered to her friend.
Behind his flat expression, Johnny's mind was racing. Does this really look romantic? Or do people just think I'm a guy who can't afford his own drink?
Once their stomachs were full, they walked toward a row of souvenir shops. Inside, it was filled with glittering women's accessories.
"Johnny, which one do you think suits me?" Aerith asked enthusiastically.
Johnny looked around. He pointed at ribbon headbands, hair clips, until his eyes locked onto one item. A headband with fluffy white bunny ears.
Wild imagination crossed Johnny's mind.
"Pfft," Puck covered his mouth on Johnny's shoulder. "Deep down, Johnny... Guts... is still a pervert at heart."
Johnny's hand moved with lightning speed. Pinch.
"Ouch!" Puck squeaked softly.
"Shut up," Johnny hissed. "Not now, you little pest."
Aerith laughed watching their interaction, then took the bunny ears and tried them on in front of a mirror. She tilted her head, the ears wobbling playfully.
"How is it?" Aerith asked.
"Fits," Johnny replied, a small smirk appearing on his face. "Fits... very well."
Ivalera shook her head in pity at her master's behavior. "Maybe because of the error in his brain last night, Johnny's taste has gotten weirder."
The journey continued to a clothing boutique. Aerith was immediately drawn to the racks of pink dresses. Johnny browsed along, his eyes settling on two dresses. One was a long pink dress, and the other was a knee-length dress—simple but elegant.
"These two suit you, Aerith," Johnny said. He bought both. However, Johnny asked her to wear the simple one now.
Aerith went into the fitting room. A few minutes later, the curtain opened.
Aerith stepped out wearing the simple pink dress. The cut was modest, but that simplicity only highlighted Aerith's natural beauty. With the new ribbon in her hair, she looked captivating.
Johnny's eyes widened. He stood frozen. The words caught in his throat.
Aerith twirled around, then looked at Johnny uncertainly. "Does this look bad, Johnny? I feel like it's too plain compared to the long one."
Johnny shook his head slowly, his eyes never leaving the girl.
"Oh, no, Aerith," his voice was hoarse but honest. "It's not bad at all. You... you are very beautiful."
Aerith's face flushed red, a happy smile blooming on her lips.
After leaving the boutique with her new dress, they walked along the sidewalk. Aerith looked radiant, occasionally spinning slowly, letting the skirt of her simple dress flare out in the wind.
Johnny's steps suddenly stopped.
His eyes were fixed on a thick glass display case across the street. A shop with an elegant gold sign: "Materia & Co. - Jewelry & Arcane Items".
In the center of a black velvet display, a gold ring shone under the spotlight. In its center sat a deep red gemstone—a Ruby—glowing brightly. A rich, deep red.
(Author Note: This one Is Enchanted Ring, like in ff7 remake. Abilities Extends the duration of beneficial status effects applied by wearer)
For some reason, seeing that red color made Johnny's heart flutter. It wasn't just jewelry. The color felt as if it were made to be on Aerith's finger.
Subconsciously, Johnny pulled Aerith's hand, striding toward the shop.
"Johnny?" Aerith was confused, but she followed Johnny's long strides.
When they reached the window, Aerith's eyes widened at the small price tag next to the ring.
"Johnny!" Aerith whispered in panic, tugging on Johnny's muscular arm. "Let's go. That... that is way too expensive! Look at the zeros! We could eat well for a year with that money!"
Johnny didn't budge. His feet were planted firmly on the asphalt.
"No," Johnny answered flatly but firmly.
"But Johnny..." Aerith tried to persuade him, her frugal Slums nature kicking in. "We need money for church repairs, for train tickets, for..."
"Aerith," Johnny cut her off. He looked at the girl intently. "Money can be earned again. I can kill any monster, work at the garage, I already have plenty of Gil. But a beautiful thing like this..."
Johnny pointed at the ring again. "This suits you. It fits perfectly. I want you to have it."
Without giving Aerith a chance to protest further, Johnny pushed open the glass door and pulled Aerith inside.
The chime of the doorbell welcomed them. The air inside was cool and smelled of calming aromatherapy.
A female shop assistant in a neat uniform and white gloves approached immediately. At first, she looked hesitant seeing the massive sword on Johnny's back, but seeing Johnny's confident charisma and the beautiful Aerith beside him, a professional smile instantly appeared.
"Welcome," the assistant greeted warmly. "How may I help you, Sir? Miss?"
"The ring in the front display," Johnny said directly, without preamble. "The one with the red gem."
The assistant's eyes lit up. "Ah, a very exquisite choice. The Crimson Tear. A symbol of passion and protection."
The assistant deftly retrieved the ring from the case and placed it on a velvet tray on the counter. The ruby sparkled beautifully, reflecting the shop lights.
Aerith stared at the ring in awe, but her hands still hesitated at her sides. She glanced at Johnny, then at the shop assistant.
The assistant smiled warmly, looking at the gallant Johnny in his SOLDIER attire, then at the blushing Aerith.
"Is this for a special occasion, Sir?" the assistant asked with a gentle, meaningful tone. "An engagement ring, perhaps? Before the Hero returns to duty?"
Instant silence.
Aerith's face turned beet red all the way to her ears. Her eyes widened in shock. Her heart pounded, waiting for the man to answer.
However, Johnny did not deny it.
Johnny looked at Aerith. Seeing the blush on her cheeks, seeing how beautiful she looked in her new dress and with that ring... Johnny felt there was nothing wrong with this misunderstanding. In fact, it felt... right.
Johnny exhaled slowly, then cleared his throat to cover his own nervousness.
"Ahem. Yes... Let's just say that," Johnny answered, his voice heavy and serious. "I'll take it."
The assistant let out a stifled squeal of delight, clasping her hands together. "Oh, how romantic! Congratulations, Sir! Congratulations, Miss!"
Aerith looked down, hiding her shy smile behind her loose brown hair.
"Please, Sir, go ahead and put it on her," the assistant said, offering the ring to Johnny.
Johnny took the tiny ring with his large, rough, scarred fingers. He reached for Aerith's left hand. The girl's hand felt so small and delicate in his grip.
Johnny's hand trembled slightly—not out of fear, but because he was afraid of ruining this fragile moment.
Slowly, with a gentleness that contrasted with his appearance, Johnny slid the ring onto Aerith's ring finger.
It fit. Perfectly.
The ruby red color shone in contrast against Aerith's fair skin, as if binding a silent vow between them.
"Beautiful," Johnny murmured softly, looking at Aerith's hand, then meeting her eyes. "Don't ever take it off, okay?"
Aerith looked up, her eyes misty with emotion. She nodded slowly. "I won't. I promise, Johnny. I will never take it off."
Behind Johnny's collar, Puck nudged Ivalera gently.
"Look at that," Puck whispered, wiping away a fake tear. "Our Boss is all grown up."
"Quiet, Puck," Ivalera whispered, smiling broadly. "This time... I agree with you. They are a perfect match."