Just as Kaori was lost in her internal debate, Olivia found herself equally vexed by the sign before her.
What exactly am I supposed to do here? This certainly wasn't in my projections. I assumed the boat ride would resemble my previous outing with Miyama Kaito-sama, but this specific arrangement is a complete surprise. I am painfully reminded of my own lack of experience.
Olivia was the type to meticulously plan every move—a fact evidenced by the exhaustive itinerary she’d shown Kaori earlier. She had researched the canal tour and booked the reservation in advance, but the fact that the Date Course utilized a specialized boat was a major oversight.
I have read references to draping an arm around another’s shoulders, but I didn't account for it in today's schedule. I judged that such high levels of physical contact should only develop after several successful outings; it isn't something that belongs on a first date. Even if I were to include it, it would most likely be during the evening sunset portion of the itinerary.
She hadn't strictly scheduled the lover's hand-holding during the play either, but she’d at least prepared a mental image for it, assuming she should try it if the opportunity arose. However, this situation was entirely outside her expectations, leaving her at a loss.
There is no point in ranking these acts, but from the perspective of physical contact... would it be considered less intimate than an embrace? Even so, it would undoubtedly be a stimulus far too strong for someone as inexperienced as me. I was so pathetic during that earlier hug; if Miyama Kaito-sama puts his arm around me and pulls me close... pulls me close... No, stay focused! I cannot allow myself to fall apart just by imagining it.
Fundamentally, Olivia would accept the gesture immediately if Kaito desired it. There was no doubt that she would be happy. Of course, there was a high probability her mind would go blank just as it had during their hug, but rejection was out of the question.
No... perhaps my worrying is the mistake. In this case, the right to decide our course of action lies with Miyama Kaito-sama. If he deems it correct to put his arm around me, then it is correct. If he judges that now is not the time, then that is surely for the best. My own opinion has no place here. My duty is simply to accept the conclusion he reaches...
Coincidentally, Olivia reached a conclusion remarkably similar to Kaori’s. She would leave the judgment to Kaito and simply wait. This wasn't an "evasive defense"—a cowardly refusal to make a decision—but rather an "aggressive defense" born of absolute faith. She would accept whatever answer he produced without reservation.
As she told herself this, Olivia prepared to wait for Kaito’s move.
It isn't that I want it. It is strictly because the decision-making power belongs to him. The faint flicker of expectation in my heart is a shallow, foolish thought... to actually hope he puts his arm around me... No, I cannot lie to myself where he is concerned. I won't deny that such a feeling exists, however slight. I shall discipline myself with harsh asceticism later, but for now, I will quietly wait for his judgment.
With both Kaori and Olivia having committed to a waiting posture, the power to decide—almost inevitably—fell to Kaito.
As for the man himself, Kaito was quite troubled.
Wait... what do I do? Honestly, I thought putting an arm around them just because the sign says so was a bit much. I intended to ignore it, but I’m sensing this weird wave of expectation coming from both Olivia-san and Kaori-san... Am I actually supposed to do this?
Initially, Kaito had looked at the recommended text and dismissed it. Since he wasn't technically dating either of them, he thought the gesture would be awkward, and he was worried about Olivia panicking again. He just wanted to enjoy the scenery.
However, his Sympathy Magic had other plans. It picked up on the faint, hopeful expectations lingering in their hearts, leaving him paralyzed by indecision.
Serious-senpai: "Hold it, Kaito! That's way too fast! Stay! Stay, damn it!"
???: "If Serious-senpai is panicking this much..."
Serious-senpai: "Could you not read the room in the most unpleasant way possible?!"