As Daniel and Emily left the cafe, Daniel couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort in his new body. Every step he took made him acutely aware of how his clothes fit differently. His pants, snug around his hips and bum and his shirt clung to his chest and torso. They walked to the mall, and Daniel felt like everyone was staring at him, even though he knew it was just his paranoia.

Once at the mall, they made their way to the food court passing various stores along the way. Emily tried to engage Daniel in light conversation to ease his discomfort. "Remember that time we came here for Black Friday and you almost got trampled for a TV?"

Daniel chuckled weakly, the memory feeling distant and surreal. "Yeah, good times. At least we got a great deal."

Emily smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "And then we spent the entire weekend binge-watching shows on it. It was worth the chaos."

As they arrived at the food court, Daniel scanned the options and decided to stick with what he usually got: fried noodles from Panda Express. As they sat down to eat, he took a bite of his noodles, but something was off. The taste was different, less appealing.

"Is everything okay?" Emily asked, noticing his scrunched-up face.

"It's just... this doesn't taste right," Daniel replied, putting the burger down.

"Maybe your new body has different taste preferences," Emily suggested, taking a bite of his noodles to see if they taste normal.

Daniel sighed, frustrated by yet another reminder of how things are changing. "Great, just another thing to get used to."

They ate in relative silence, Daniel pushing his food around more than eating it. After a while, Emily cleared her throat. "So, I've been thinking..."

"What's up?" Daniel asked, wary of her tone.

"We need to get you some clothes that fit," Emily said, watching his reaction carefully.

Daniel groaned. "Do we really have to? I mean, I can just borrow your clothes for now."

"Daniel, my clothes don't fit you properly. You need something that's actually your size, especially if this takes longer to sort out," Emily insisted.

"I don't want to go shopping for women's clothes," Daniel muttered, looking away.

"Okay, how about this," Emily said, trying to compromise. "We'll just get a few outfits, enough to get you by. Nothing too crazy."

Daniel sighed, realizing she was right. "Fine, just a few outfits."

After they finished eating, they walked back into the mall. Emily led the way, and soon enough, they were standing in front of Victoria's Secret. Daniel's eyes widened in surprise and discomfort.

"Why are we here?" Daniel asked, already dreading the answer.

"You need underwear that fits, and my old bras don't work for you," Emily explained. "Trust me, it'll be a lot more comfortable."

Feeling trapped, Daniel followed Emily inside, trying to avoid making eye contact with anyone. Emily started picking out a few pairs of panties while Daniel stood awkwardly behind her.

"Go ask one of the attendants to fit you for a bra," Emily instructed. "Tell her you usually wear a 32D but think you might be a C."

Daniel's heart raced as he approached a store attendant. "Um, excuse me," he said, his voice soft and nervous. "I, uh, need to be fitted for a bra."

The attendant smiled kindly. "Of course, sweetie. Right this way." She led him to a fitting area and grabbed a measuring tape. "Let's get your measurements."

Daniel's inner monologue was a chaotic mix of embarrassment and resignation as the attendant wrapped the tape around his chest. He could feel every second stretch out, each moment amplifying his discomfort.

"Looks like you're a 32C," the attendant announced. "Here, let me show you some options."

Daniel grabbed the first bra she suggested, eager to end the interaction. "Thanks, I'll take this one."

He found Emily at the checkout, already done with her shopping. Daniel quickly purchased the bra and joined her outside the store.

"We'll head to the restroom so you can change into your new bra and panties," Emily said, matter-of-factly.

Daniel, too tired to argue, just nodded. As they approached the women's washroom, Daniel felt a new wave of anxiety. This was his first time entering a women's restroom.

Luckily, there weren't many people inside. Daniel headed straight for a stall, avoiding eye contact. He pulled out the panties Emily had bought him. There were three pairs: a black lacy one, a black one made of thin stretchy material, and a nude one that matched the bra. Trying not to think too much about it, he chose the nude pair.

As he put on the new underwear, Daniel was aware of every sensation. The bra fit snugly, and the panties felt foreign and uncomfortable against his skin. He put his borrowed clothes back on, took a deep breath, and stepped out of the stall. Emily gave him a big smile.

"You look great babe," she said. "Ready to go?"

Daniel nodded, but there was no relief in his expression. The continuing unease gnawed at him as they left the restroom together. The reality of his situation was settling in deeper, and he couldn't help but feel a persistent sense of permanence.