She Became Distressed After I Stopped Being Restrained and Started Interacting with Others - Chapter 20

“…Honoka.”

Before I realized it, I had called her name.

‘Mm…?’

Though she responded, no further words followed.

Truthfully, I wanted to see her right now.

But that might just lead to the same cycle repeating itself.

—Even so,

“…I want to see you.”

Before I knew it, my true feelings had slipped out.

The moment I spoke them aloud, something stirred deep in my heart.

I realized I had been suppressing these feelings more than I’d thought.

If I showed even a hint of hesitation, I might make Honoka worry again—that thought had been holding me back all this time.

‘…Really?’

Honoka’s voice trembled slightly.

“Yeah! I want to see you.”

My heart raced.

Putting it into words made the feeling grow even stronger.

But was this really okay?

Even though I’d decided to keep my distance.

If we met now, wouldn’t we just fall back into old patterns?

Such anxieties crossed my mind.

‘…I want to see you too.’

The moment I heard those words, warmth spread through my chest.

“…Should I come now?”

Before I knew it, those words had left my mouth.

Even though I should be hesitant, hearing the loneliness in Honoka’s voice made my desire to see her swell, pushing aside my doubts.

After a brief pause, Honoka made a soft, inhaled sound.

‘Yeah. I’ll come right now.’

Her words soaked deep into my heart.

Clutching my phone, I let out a small, involuntary laugh.

“…I’ll be waiting.”

But not just waiting.

I quietly stood up, left through the entrance, and started walking toward Honoka.

Outside, the cool night air enveloped me.

The occasional breeze rustled through the deserted street.

Guided by the distant streetlights, I moved forward step by step.

What expression would Honoka have when she arrived?

Amidst the mix of anxiety and anticipation, I heard footsteps approaching from afar.

Trying to calm my racing heart, I watched for the source of the sound.

Soon, Honoka’s figure, illuminated by a streetlight, emerged from the darkness.

She spotted me too, and her expression softened slightly.

But deep in her eyes, a trace of unease remained.

I naturally quickened my pace.

“…Honoka.”

When I called her name, she took a step toward me too.

And then, no more words were needed.

As the distance between us closed, I gently took Honoka’s hand when she was close enough to touch.

Her fingertips were cold. But they soon warmed from the heat of my hand.

“Were you cold?”

When I asked, Honoka shook her head slightly.

“…With Yuna here, I’m okay now.”

Her words tightened my chest.

I gently squeezed her hand again.

Being apart for just a few days made me miss her this much.

But was this really okay?

I hadn’t fully decided to close the distance between us yet.

“…Shall we go?”

Even as I formed the words, the hesitation lingering in my heart didn’t disappear.