As the play began, Kaori stole a glance at Kaito, who was sitting beside her. Though the spectator seats were shrouded in shadow, the light from the stage cast a soft glow across his profile. He seemed completely absorbed in the performance, seemingly oblivious to her gaze.
(U-Ugh... How did I end up agreeing to this lover’s hold too? I mean, I’d be lying if I said I wasn't curious, and I’ve always wanted to try it at least once! I just wondered if it really felt that different from regular hand-holding... It’s more of an intellectual curiosity, really. It’s definitely not that I’m dwelling on the sweet and sour memories of youth I missed out on in high school... Well, maybe just a little... Wait, who am I even making excuses to?)
Before being summoned to this world, Kaori’s life had been a series of misfortunes that left her no room to enjoy the typical experiences of youth. Even after her arrival, she had spent so much time desperately trying to find her footing that romance had been the last thing on her mind.
Now, however, she had found her own path. Her heart was at peace, her restaurant was thriving, and with her life finally stable, she had begun to consciously notice the things she had missed.
With her thirty-year milestone approaching, her longing for a romantic connection had grown quite strong. She found herself particularly drawn to the kind of "sweet and sour" youthful moments she’d never had—and interlacing her fingers with a man certainly fit the bill.
(Wait, but is it even possible to switch from regular hand-holding to a lover’s hold without it being awkward? It’s not just the embarrassment—it’s the logistics. To interlace our fingers while sitting here, I’d have to move my hand quite a bit. I’ll need Kaito-kun’s cooperation to make it work. Even if he is a romance expert, is he really going to realize I want to switch just because I start wiggling my fingers? That seems like a stretch.)
Kaori’s concern was perfectly logical. She had no way of knowing that Kaito had overheard her secret strategy session with Olivia and was already prepared to follow her lead.
(So, what now? Do I just... pry his fingers open with brute force? Or is a man as popular as Kaito-kun capable of sensing my intent from the slightest movement? Ugh, I’ve never done this before, so I have no idea... Wait, didn't one of my friends from school who had a boyfriend say something about this?)
Searching her memory, Kaori reached back for a conversation from years ago.
(Let’s see... "I was so shocked when he suddenly went for the lover’s hold! Like, give me a warning first, you know? His fingers were moving kind of lewdly, too... I wanted more of a conversation catch-ball first! But honestly, I didn't hate the assertiveness." ...Right. That was just her bragging. Just blow up already... Dammit, I dug through my brain for that and got zero useful info.)
In the end, all she’d managed to recall was her friend’s endless boasting about her romantic life.
(Fine! Whatever happens, happens! I'm leaving it all to Kaito-kun! Please, just figure it out!)
Giving up on any calculated strategy, Kaori decided to just dive in. Pinning her hopes on Kaito’s experience and following a vague image of how it should work, she shifted her hand to entwine her fingers with his.
To her surprise, Kaito responded instantly. He relaxed his grip, allowing her fingers to slide between his in one fluid, seamless motion.
(We... we did it? It’s actually happening? It was so smooth... So this is the power of a romance powerhouse... But putting that aside, oh... This feels so much more intimate. My heart is pounding... I had no idea it felt like this. I think... I think I really like it.)
The warmth of his hand felt more intense than before. As her face grew hot, Kaori found herself drifting into a state of lightheaded bliss.
(Wait, oh no... I told Olivia-sama we should do this during a romantic scene, but I just went and did it without thinking. Well, I probably would have chickened out later, so maybe it's for the best. And Kaito-kun accepted me so naturally... Does that mean... he doesn't mind holding my hand like this? Can I really believe that? ...Haha... Wow, my face is on fire. I must be bright red. Thank goodness it's dark in here.)
Comforted by the shadows of the theater, Kaori stole another look at Kaito’s profile and smiled bashfully.
Serious-senpai: "W-What?! From this side too...? Guh, an attack from an entirely unexpected direction!"