She Became Distressed After I Stopped Being Restrained and Started Interacting with Others - Chapter 14

Staring at my phone screen, I hesitated for a moment.

(I should go… I should send it, right?)

Even though I’d already decided in my heart, my fingers wouldn’t move.

I still wasn’t quite used to making plans to go out with someone other than Honoka.

But there was no point in hesitating.

I let out a small sigh and typed on the screen.

“I’ll go to the aquarium with you.”

As soon as I hit send, the read receipt appeared immediately, and a reply came a few seconds later.

“Great! Looking forward to it!”

Though the words were simple, I could clearly feel Shiori’s happiness.

Somehow, her brightness made me feel relieved.

When I sent “When should we go?”, Shiori immediately made a suggestion, and after a few exchanges, we settled on a date and time.

(…The aquarium)

Though I’d been to many places with Honoka, we’d never happened to visit the aquarium.

That’s why there were no memories of Honoka there.

—Maybe that’s why this is okay.

A place where I could spend time without feeling Honoka’s shadow.

Maybe with Shiori, I could distract myself a little.

I let out a small sigh and closed my phone screen.

──────

Day off.

I arrived at the aquarium entrance a little earlier than our meeting time.

Normally, when meeting up, Honoka would usually arrive first.

But today was different.

(Shiori… doesn’t seem to be here yet)

I checked the time on my phone.

There was still plenty of time before our meeting.

I glanced around casually.

Families and couples were happily chatting and laughing as they entered the aquarium one after another.

If it were Honoka, she would have been naturally by my side even in this kind of atmosphere.

But today was different.

(…This feels strange)

The unfamiliar situation made me feel restless deep inside.

But if I had to say whether this restlessness was unpleasant, it wasn’t.

“Nanase-san, sorry to keep you waiting.”

Hearing the familiar voice, I looked up to see Shiori hurrying toward me.

She wore a simple dress, different from her usual school uniform.

I found her appearance somewhat refreshing.

“No, I just got here too,” I replied, though it came out a bit awkward.

“Shall we go in then?”

“Yeah.”

The aquarium’s automatic doors slid open.

Cool air brushed against my skin, and gentle music reached my ears.

Stepping inside, a blue world spread out before my eyes.

Countless fish were swimming leisurely beyond the large aquarium glass.

Light filtering through the water surface reflected, creating a magical scene.

“…It’s beautiful.”

The words slipped out before I realized, and Shiori chuckled beside me.

“Nanase-san, do you like aquariums?”

“…Well, yeah, I don’t dislike them.”

Thinking about it properly, it had been a while since I’d visited an aquarium like this.

“I’m glad. I quite like quiet places like this too.”

Shiori’s voice was calm and somehow soothing.

“Hey, that fish has a funny-looking face.”

“…You’re right.”

We exchanged trivial conversation as we slowly walked through the exhibits.

We became absorbed watching penguins swim, mesmerized by the jellyfish’s ethereal glow.

The time was more peaceful and quiet than I’d expected—

(…A message?)

I suddenly reached into my pocket.

I took out my phone and was about to check the screen—but stopped my fingers.

It wasn’t like I was expecting anything.

It was just a habitual, unconscious action.

But that’s when I realized.

I was still thinking about Honoka.

My hand gripping the phone tightened.

(…This is to create distance, that’s why)

While telling myself this, I turned off my phone.

Watching the screen go dark, I quietly exhaled.

“Nanase-san?”

Shiori’s voice reached my ears.

When I looked up, she was watching me with concern.

“Is something wrong?”

“…No, I’m fine.”

I shook my head.

“I see. That’s good then.”

Shiori smiled gently and stood beside me.

“Shall we go to the next area?”

I nodded slightly at her calm voice.