“Thank you very much. I apologize for making you answer such difficult questions.”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize for not being able to explain it better...”
We were supposed to be having a fun time, but I had let the mood dip.
“Takanashi-san, shall we continue our shopping?”
“Right. Let’s leave that conversation at that.”
If only there were something I could do to lift the mood...
Just as I was thinking that, Senpai stepped closer to me.
As if it were the most natural thing in the world, she took my hand in hers and started walking.
Wait, are we really going to walk while holding hands!?
“Hehe... We’ve shared our stories and become even closer, haven’t we? I am very happy right now. So... is it alright if we stay like this?”
Senpai peered up into my face with a smile and lifted our joined hands slightly.
I was sure she was doing this out of consideration for me because I seemed down. Her kindness made me incredibly happy.
“Yes! If you’re okay with it, Senpai, I’d like to stay like this too.”
“Then let us get back to our shopping.”
“Well... those two seem fine now. Let’s call it a day, shall we? This is getting painful to watch in more ways than one.”
“Yeah. To be honest, I was worried after what happened recently, but they look like they’ll be okay... more than okay, actually.”
“Then before we head home, let’s stop for some tea and a break. I’m exhausted. Should we hold hands too?”
“No, no, no, please don’t even joke about that.”
“I know it was a joke, but that’s such a boring reaction~”
Well, the two of you can enjoy yourselves~
I couldn't just keep letting her worry about me. That would be pathetic.
With that thought in mind, I decided to fulfill one of my goals, even if I had to be a little forceful about it.
“Senpai, there’s a shop I want to visit. Please come with me.”
“Certainly. Lead the way to whichever shop you like.”
Pulling her hand slightly, I led her toward the store I had spotted earlier.
Let’s see... it should be right around here... there.
“Um... Takanashi-san, this is a ladies' shop.”
“Yes, I know. It’s fine, I haven't made a mistake.”
Having said that, I walked straight into the store.
“Welcome!”
A shop clerk wearing clothes similar in style to Senpai’s greeted us as we entered.
“If you are looking for anything in particular, please let me know.”
There were several other female customers in the shop, but they all froze when they saw us—or more accurately, when they saw Senpai.
Well... she suited her outfit so perfectly that she looked like a fashion model for the store. I could understand why they were staring.
Since I already knew what I was looking for, I guided Senpai toward the hat section.
“Sorry, Senpai, could you stay still for just a moment?”
“Y-yes...?”
Going purely on my own intuition, I picked up a few berets that I thought would suit her and lightly placed them on her head one by one.
They all looked wonderful against her beautiful, long black hair, but I wanted to find the perfect one.
Finally, I placed a cute beret adorned with a large ribbon on the side onto her head. I knew instantly that this was the one.
“Sara-senpai... I want you to wear this hat.”
I stood her in front of a full-length mirror as I spoke.
The reflection showed Senpai looking a bit bewildered and bashful.
“Y-yes. Well, if that is what you want, Takanashi-san, I don’t mind...”
“Then please let me give this to you as a present. I’d really like you to have it.”
“Eh!? No, a present is too much!”
Senpai probably felt she had already received her gift when I bought the bento box, so I had expected her to hesitate. I decided to move quickly.
I called out to the nearby shop clerk.
“Excuse me, she’s going to wear this hat out, so could I just pay for it now?”
“Certainly, thank you! Oh my, it’s lovely. It doesn't just suit her; it looks incredible. You have wonderful taste, Mr. Boyfriend.”
“Um, Takanashi-san...”
The clerk removed the tag and headed for the register. I followed her and finished the payment.
“Thank you very much. Your girlfriend is stunning. It must be quite a handful having such a cute girlfriend, isn't it?”
I suppose most people would think that. But that wasn't the case, and I wasn't really focused on that anyway.
“We’re friends.”
“Eh!? ...Is that so? Well, keep working hard then!”
“Thanks.”
After finishing the transaction, I returned to Senpai.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Sara-senpai.”
“Um... about this hat...”
“Senpai, I want you to accept this separately from the bento box. I was certain it would look good on you. It’s just my own selfishness, but I really want you to wear it...”
“Takanashi-san...... Yes, I will gratefully accept it then. Thank you so much... I will treasure it.”
Seriously... Senpai’s smile, with its destructive power now doubled by the hat, was having a massive impact not just on me, but on everyone nearby.