Following Laguna’s lead, we reached the dining hall and took our seats side-by-side. It was only then that I realized something—since there hadn't been a natural moment to break away, we were still holding hands. Now I was stuck wondering what to do next.
Logically, sitting down was the perfect time to let go, but Falce-san's grip was surprisingly firm. I found myself feeling a bit hesitant to be the one to pull away.
Still, we were about to eat; we couldn't exactly stay like this forever. I waited until Laguna slipped away to check on the kitchen before finally speaking up.
"Um... we’re in the dining hall now, so maybe we should let go?"
"Ah... yes, of course. It’s hardly practical to eat while holding hands. This is the sensible time to stop. My apologies; it seems I’m forever a burden to you."
Wait, did I say something wrong? For a fleeting second, she looked terribly reluctant—even lonely. I felt a twinge of guilt, but if I hadn't said anything, we might have actually tried to eat while joined at the palm. It had to be done.
I could understand the pang of loneliness that came with letting go after holding someone's hand for so long; I think most people were prone to that.
While I was lost in thought, Laguna returned from the kitchen.
"It seems everything is ready. Shall I have them bring it out?"
"Ah, yes. Please do."
After my answer, Laguna signaled the maids to begin the service. Then, she sat down right next to me—on the side opposite Falce-san.
"...Laguna, may I ask you something?"
"Hmm? What is it?"
"Why are we sitting so close together at such a massive table in this giant room?"
"There is no rule saying we must use the entire table, is there? Besides, why should I be the odd one out while you two sit there acting all lovey-dovey?"
"...Laguna? If you're that eager to be buried in the dirt again, you only have to say the word. The only reason we were sitting together was because we were holding hands until just a moment ago. It was unavoidable. In fact, the whole reason we were holding hands was because of the bizarre instructions you sent over the Hummingbird."
"...Those were perfectly appropriate instructions..."
To be honest, I agreed with Laguna. If I hadn't held her hand or taken some kind of precaution, Falce-san almost certainly would have wandered off. Holding hands had been the right call.
Laguna replied with an exasperated look, but then she flashed a mischievous grin and gave my side a playful nudge with her elbow.
"Look at you, Kaito. A flower in each hand—how lucky can one man get?"
"Oh, hush, Self-proclaimed Flower-kun. You're bothering him. Besides, he's probably used to this sort of thing... and given the illustrious women he calls his lovers, I'm sure someone of my level seems mundane to a playboy like him."
"Wait, what? I don't think that at all. I think you're a very cute and charming woman, Falce-san."
"…………………I see. Well… thank you…"
I had simply stated what I thought, but Falce-san turned away in embarrassment and didn't look back at me for quite some time.
Serious-senpai: "...This isn't good... This atmosphere is very, very not good."