She Became Distressed After I Stopped Being Restrained and Started Interacting with Others - Chapter 32

The moment the lunch bell rang, I stretched lightly.

To be honest, the morning classes hadn’t really sunk in.

(…Is Honoka okay?)

Thinking this, I was about to stand up to go to Honoka’s classroom as usual when it happened.

“Yuna”

A quiet yet clear voice called my name.

I looked up.

Standing at the classroom entrance was Honoka.

“…Honoka?”

It was unusual for her to come to my classroom during lunch break.

If anything, I was usually the one who went to Honoka’s classroom.

Though slightly surprised, I naturally began walking toward her.

But on the way—

I saw Honoka’s gaze waver slightly.

(…?)

Her expression seemed concerned about something.

Following her line of sight, I saw Shiori’s back as she was about to leave the classroom.

(Shiori…?)

Somewhat curious, I looked back at Honoka.

Then I noticed Shiori had also glanced at Honoka for just a moment.

Honoka’s eyes narrowed slightly.

—As if they were both aware of each other.

But without saying anything, Shiori left the classroom.

Honoka remained still, her gaze lingering in that direction for just a moment.

“…Honoka?”

When I called out to her, she immediately turned her gaze back to me.

“…No, it’s nothing”

Even as she said this, her face didn’t look like it was “nothing.”

I furrowed my brows slightly but deliberately didn’t say anything, instead offering, “Want to sit?”

Honoka nodded with a “Yeah” and sat next to my desk.

As she unpacked her lunchbox, she kept glancing at me, showing signs of restlessness.

“…What?”

When I asked, Honoka relaxed her mouth slightly.

“No, I was just thinking how nice it is to be able to eat with you, Yuna”

As she said this, she suddenly tugged on my sleeve.

Then, under the desk, she gently touched my hand.

At that gesture, I blinked for a moment.

“…Honoka?”

“Hey, Yuna”

She smiled and deliberately leaned in closer to me.

Making a gesture as if resting her head lightly on my shoulder, she whispered in a sweet, affectionate voice.

“…I want to feel you more”

—As if showing off, without caring about our surroundings.

For a moment, I felt the eyes around us and hesitated slightly.

But Honoka showed no sign of caring about that, still lightly holding onto my sleeve without letting go.

“…Honoka, you’re a bit too close”

When I whispered softly, Honoka looked up at me with slightly upturned eyes.

“Is it not okay?”

“…No, it’s not that it’s not okay”

I couldn’t say no since it was something I used to do to Honoka before.

Besides, I myself was happy that Honoka was being affectionate like this.

Hearing my response, Honoka smiled contentedly and leaned against me again.

I could feel the surrounding chatter growing slightly louder.

Even so, Honoka continued to be affectionate with me without any concern.

Was it just my imagination that I sensed something like urgency hidden beneath her gestures—?