kscans

Chapter 947 - Gentle Warmth

And so, after a day that began with bowling and was filled with all sorts of physical activities, there was only one thing left on the agenda as we waited for the sun to set.

"Alright, then! To our heroes for conquering the big tree!"

"""Cheers!"""

"Uh… uh…"

"It's okay to join in, Sora-san."

"Ah, ch-cheers…!"

A feast, gathered around a table.

After a rigorous debate, the chosen activity was a 'yakiniku' party—something few young people could ever dislike. But the deciding factor that beat out all the rivals was…

"Here, Sora-chan, take the tongs!!!"

"Huh, ah, yes! Thank y—"

"Help yourself."

"Yes, um, th—"

"The best way is for everyone to just do their own thing. Go on, don't worry about us."

"O-Oh, okay, um—"

"…Um, I think if everyone fusses over her at once, it might be a little… hard for her."

...the fact that my partner next to me, who was once again being showered with attention, had never experienced it before.

This was a familiar restaurant that Ms. Nagomi—the Yotsuya representative's assistant and our dormitory's exclusive chef—had brought me to several times in the past. It was an ultra-high-class establishment with a few completely private rooms, far more secluded than simple partitions.

"Haru…?"

"What's up? I don't think they'll make a move until you go first, Sora."

"Why is that…?!"

Seeing a group of out-of-place youths filling the seats… it felt like we were staging a rebellion against society, which in its own way was a pretty fun and rare experience.

Also,

"……………H-Heave-ho…"

""Ooh!""

"Please stop cheering…!"

"Hey, Nozomi, hey Nozomi-san."

"Yo, yo, Nozomiin."

"What is it? And what's with those obviously fake, sycophantic looks, you two?"

"Just a final confirmation."

"No… holding back… right?"

"Hah? —I already told you, there's no need. Bring it on."

""You're our sugar daddy!!!""

"You guys are getting paid pretty well too, you know???"

"But yakiniku tastes best…!"

"When someone else is paying!"

"Well, that is the truth."

For the sake of our very common mental well-being, which wasn't proportional to the contents of my wallet.

We decided to mentally kick aside all the intimidating factors, like the atmosphere of the restaurant that felt almost sacred and the demonic menu that had no prices listed.

◇◆◇◆◇

"—You full?"

"I am…"

Sometime after the initial toast, I took a temporary break from the banquet, which, for university students, was only just beginning to escalate. A faint night breeze cooled my heated body.

This, too, was a corner of the restaurant—a thoughtful little rest area. I called out to my partner, who had come out to the terrace with me, and she responded with a slightly embarrassed smile and tone.

She'd been fussed over, offered this and that, and was earnestly munching away. No wonder. I was a little worried about her stomach, which she was secretly rubbing.

…And speaking of worries, there was one more thing.

"This is a little late to ask, but."

"Yes?"

"Are you feeling okay? Physically?"

"I am…?"

During the day, we'd been swept up in the boundless energy of university students and had gone from one physical activity to another. I wondered if it had been okay to drag Sora along, knowing she wasn't very strong.

I had been keeping an eye on her, but still…

"Um…? —Ah, I'm fine, really. I know how to manage myself properly."

"I see. That's good."

Hearing it from her directly was the only way to be truly reassured. And I could tell from her voice that she wasn't lying.

This wasn't me being overprotective, by the way.

It was something her own maid had asked me to do—

"Itsuki-san and my father are both a little dramatic, you know."

Sora pouted, lumping her maid and parent together as she grumbled.

"I'm reasonably healthy now. As long as I don't, say, sprint a long distance at full speed… and even that's more of a 'just in case' precaution."

Her tone was sweet, befitting her age.

It was clear she wasn't truly complaining.

"So… it's fine if it's just for fun. I had a great time."

"…I see."

There was something that piqued my curiosity, but I didn't feel the need to press her about it right here, right now… We stood facing the city nightscape and the terrace railing, probably out of sight from behind.

When I accepted the warmth that touched the edge of my hand, her delicate fingers intertwined with mine happily.

And just like that, naturally, with both of us barely conscious of it, the distance between us closed—

"…Sora."

"…Haru."

We looked at each other at the same time, and only one phrase was exchanged.

"…It really smells like grilled meat."

"…The aroma of the meat is quite strong, isn't it?"

We both said something completely devoid of romance and shared a quiet laugh.

Afterward, however.

Even if they didn't see us holding hands, our friends had apparently gotten a perfect view of us looking all 'cozy' from the shadows, and the moment we returned to our seats, the teasing began…

But that's another story.

---

They're all so cute.