"Kazunari-san, please don't overexert yourself."
Sara-senpai and I were currently drifting along the lazy river.
By the way, Yuji had been abducted... or rather, forcibly escorted away by Natsumi-senpai.
There were actually many other attraction-like spots that looked like a lot of fun, but Sara-senpai had stubbornly refused them out of concern for my right hand.
So now, the two of us were simply floating along, enjoying a leisurely trip around the lazy river.
"Sara-senpai... I'm sorry. Because of me, you're..."
"Kazunari-san... no, no."
Sara-senpai suddenly poked my forehead.
"I am doing this because it is what I desire. Therefore, the idea that this is somehow your fault is nonexistent."
She began to speak with a gentle smile, her words careful as if she were trying to convince me of a fundamental truth.
"Besides... I have been thinking lately. I have always felt happy and enjoyed being with you, Kazunari-san, but now it feels like something more than that..."
It seemed she had been reflecting on her own heart, and she let the thought trail off for a moment. Looking at her expression, that "more than that" didn't seem like a bad thing—at least, I hoped not.
"I cannot quite put it into words, but I am certain that this feeling is precious—something necessary for me. And it makes me happy to realize that I have become capable of understanding such a thing."
Just as I felt Sara-senpai's hand brush against my left hand, she gently interlaced her fingers with mine. I squeezed back slightly, and our hands became firmly linked.
"Just being together like this, just the two of us..."
This was likely a sign of the change in Sara-senpai's heart, a realization she had come to on her own. It might have been conceit on my part, but I truly felt she was directing a deep sense of affection toward me.
If she was viewing this not just as the fondness one has for a best friend, but consciously as an attraction between a man and a woman, it would make me incredibly happy...
As I was losing myself in those thoughts while relaxing in the lazy river with her, a sudden impact sent a massive spray of water flying nearby.
"Whoa!?"
"Kyaa!"
Since it was so sudden, I instinctively moved to shield Sara-senpai. It was obvious who had jumped in even before the water settled.
"Pwah! Sorry for interrupting, you two!"
Natsumi-senpai surfaced vigorously, laughing cheerfully. Despite her words, her expression didn't show a shred of genuine apology. She was in incredibly high spirits today. Well, we had come all this way, so it would be a waste not to enjoy it.
"A—Ah, Kazunari-san! Your right hand! Your right hand!"
Hearing Sara-senpai’s panicked voice, I looked down at my right hand. In the heat of the moment, I had gripped her shoulder with all my might.
I had touched her bare skin... It was so soft, so smooth...
Wait, that wasn't the point!
"Sara-senpai, I'm sorry! I touched you without thinking..."
"It is not that! Is your right hand alright!?"
Oh, that was what she meant.
It didn't exactly hurt, but I did feel a slight sense of discomfort. Sara-senpai hurriedly cradled my right hand in both of hers and began gently rubbing my wrist.
"I'm fine, really. It's just a little bit of discomfort."
"You feel discomfort? Is it around here?"
With an expression clouded by worry and anxiety, she carefully stroked the area. Watching our exchange, Natsumi-senpai spoke up, sounding a bit flustered.
"Ah, no, sorr—"
"Natsumi!! I told you Kazunari-san’s injury hasn’t healed yet, didn't I!? This is not a laughing matter!"
"I—I'm sorry!!"
It was the first time I had ever seen Sara-senpai get that angry with Natsumi-senpai. I realized I had to step in.
"Sara-senpai, it's really okay! I get this much discomfort occasionally even in my daily life. Honestly, I'm fine!"
My persuasion seemed to work, and she gradually regained her composure, though the fire in her eyes didn't entirely vanish. She continued to rub my wrist with a worried look.
"If you feel anything strange, please tell me immediately... Natsumi, we will be having a talk later."
"Yes..."
Apparently, it was going to be lecture time for Natsumi-senpai later. I suppose she had brought that on herself.
"Uh, what did I miss?"
Yuji returned, his arms full of drinks. He'd clearly been treated like an errand boy. Natsumi-senpai was definitely frolicking a bit too much today.
The sound of soft, rhythmic breathing reached my ears.
Sleeping with her head resting on my shoulder was Sara-senpai. The train home was empty, and there was plenty of room on the seats, which was a blessing. We were all exhausted; it would have been rough if we’d had to stand.
I thought this was a perfect chance to see Sara-senpai’s cute sleeping face, but the angle made it impossible. A real shame.
In front of me, Natsumi-senpai and Yuji were also asleep, leaning against each other in a surprisingly stable position. Those two actually seemed quite close in their own way, even if it usually just looked like Yuji was being dragged around.
Still, it had been a while since we’d all gone out like this, and it really was fun. I made a mental note to make sure Hayato was invited next time.
"U... n... Kazunari-san?"
It seemed Sara-senpai had woken up. We still had plenty of time before our stop, so I wouldn't have minded if she'd slept longer.
"Sara-senpai, we’ve still got a way to go. You can sleep a bit more if you want."
Despite my words, it seemed she was fully awake. I felt a twinge of regret that my blissful time as her pillow was over, but she didn't move her head from my shoulder.
"Sara-senpai?"
"Um... would it be alright if I stayed like this for a little while longer?"
She spoke in a slightly spoiled tone, leaning her body even closer to mine.
"Of course. You can stay like that until we get there."
"Thank you."
She murmured happily, looking so adorable that I felt an overwhelming urge to stroke her head. It was a bit awkward given our positions, but I reached my arm around and gently patted her hair.
"Fufu..."
Senpai nuzzled her head against my hand like a pampered cat. She was so cute that I lost myself in the moment, continuing to stroke her head.
"Hey, you stupid couple, knock it off already."
"I never thought Kazunari would turn into this kind of character."
It was only a few moments later that I realized Natsumi-senpai and Yuji had woken up and were staring at us with total disdain.