The sorrows and joys between people are never truly shared. While Natsukawa Kanade was left puzzled by Kasumigaoka Utaha's sudden outburst on the train, she had already stepped off, looking refreshed and rejuvenated.
Her mood was excellent. Not only had she successfully probed his thoughts, but she'd also vented her pent-up frustrations—a perfect double win. She'd won twice.
On top of that, seeing Kanade's utterly bewildered expression filled her with an indescribable sense of satisfaction.
"So, which way do we go now?" Utaha asked casually, glancing at him.
The train ride hadn't been particularly long, but the emotional ups and downs made her feel physically tired when she stepped off. She couldn't resist stretching, and the motion accentuated her curvaceous figure, inevitably drawing a few discreet gazes.
Utaha disliked the feeling of being ogled, but when traveling with her dear junior, she didn't mind as much. In fact, she took a certain pride in it. See? Even nameless passersby can tell who's the most outstanding. This body isn't something you find every day, you know?
"If it's you, my dear junior, you could openly—"
However, when she turned her gaze to him, she found that he was entirely focused elsewhere. Like a block of wood, he wasn't even glancing in her direction and seemed oblivious to her words.
"Hang on, I'm checking the map," Kanade said without so much as looking at her, completely absorbed in his task.
After confirming the direction, he carefully examined the map again before pointing forward and saying, "That way. About six or seven minutes on foot, and we'll make it on time."
Utaha: "..."
She didn't even know how to respond. Should she praise him for being so conscientious and reliable as a guide? But this kind of thing didn't really matter. Wasn't the point of going out with a girl to pay more attention to her?
Sure, she wasn't an average girl, but the dissatisfaction in her heart was still there. The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became.
What, am I so unappealing that I'm not even worth a second glance?
"I'm tired!" The words escaped her mouth before she could think, but realizing how unreasonable and nonsensical they sounded, she quickly added, "From sitting on the train. I don't feel like walking. Can you carry me there, dear junior?"
Satisfied with this follow-up, she nodded to herself. That's polite enough, right?
"???" Kanade immediately looked up, bewildered, wondering what strange mood had taken hold of her this time.
Tired from sitting on the train? How could she even say something like that with a straight face?
"Senpai… are you okay?" he asked hesitantly.
His concern was promptly met with a sharp glare.
"Don't look at me like that! I was just trying to be considerate!" Kanade sighed.
He really was at a loss. First, she'd randomly scolded him on the train, and now, as soon as they got off, he had to deal with her whims. Any normal person would've lost it by now.
"Let's just get straight to the point. What is it you want this time?"
Utaha pursed her lips, clearly unwilling to answer.
After a moment of silence, Kanade seemed to grasp what was happening. Feeling slightly guilty, he coughed awkwardly and said, "Ahem… I'll admit I wasn't paying attention earlier. That was my bad. But isn't this a bit much as punishment? Besides, carrying you in public like this... it's not exactly ideal, you know."
Utaha's expression softened slightly.
Kanade noticed and thought to himself, So it's true—girls want attention, especially from the guy they're with. If his focus drifts elsewhere, especially to other women, it's bound to upset them.
Thankfully, he hadn't done anything that stupid, so the situation was salvageable.
Striking while the iron was hot, he raised his hand in a gesture of assurance. "I promise I won't ignore you again. If I do, you can ask me for anything you want."
Hearing this, Utaha's brows finally relaxed completely, though a small thought still lingered in her mind.
"...Your hand," she murmured.
"My hand?" Kanade asked, puzzled.
"..."
Seeing that he was utterly clueless, Utaha rolled her eyes and extended her hand halfway, though she stopped, unwilling to grab his directly. Her own embarrassment held her back.
Reaching out was already my limit. There's no way I'll just grab his hand outright. I'm not some obedient puppy.
"..."
Kanade finally understood.
So that's what this is about. She really doesn't feel like walking, so she wants me to pull her along. I thought she was just complaining earlier, but she actually meant it.
In hindsight, Utaha had likely intended to punish him by refusing to move at all. However, after his reassurance and her mood improved, she decided to compromise—but her reluctance to walk hadn't completely vanished, so she settled on holding hands.
This was fine by Kanade. It wasn't much effort, and he agreed without hesitation.
"Got it. No problem."
With that, he reached out and took her hand, leading her in the direction of the cinema.
The suddenness of his action left Utaha no time to react. Before she realized it, she was being pulled along, taking a moment to process what had just happened. Then, a flood of disbelief filled her mind.
Wait—why is he so decisive? And why does he seem so experienced, like he's held countless hands before?!
But this is my first time, okay? Can't he show a little respect for my feelings?!
Of course, the guy leading the way couldn't hear her inner thoughts. Even if he could, he might scoff at them—after all, this was Kasumigaoka Utaha, master of dirty jokes and risqué humor. The idea of her blushing and getting flustered over something as simple as holding hands? Ridiculous!
But no matter what Kanade might think, Utaha's inner turmoil was real. The firm warmth of his grip made her instinctively match his pace, stumbling a little before she fully adjusted to his rhythm.
Only then did she have the mental space to reflect on her situation.
So this is what a boy's hand feels like—so broad and steady…
I wonder what the rest of him is like…
Her curiosity sparkled in her eyes as her thoughts wandered further.