Novel Catchup
Chapter 2128: Date with Kaori and Olivia ⑰
<Author's Notes>
My colleague has been infected with the flu so my work schedule has been changed suddenly, so I'm sorry but there will be no updates tomorrow.
For the time being, Olivia-san seems to have regained a certain level of composure, so I thought we should resume moving toward the café we were headed to…… but Olivia-san had a contemplative look on her face.
[Olivia-san, is something the matter?]
[Ah, no, it wasn’t part of the plan but…… having the privilege of being embraced by Miyama Kaito-sama during a date was quite a significant event. However, in this case…… I thought that Mizuhara Kaori might also have the right to experience something similar. Of course, Miyama Kaito-sama’s will is the highest priority but……]
[Uehh!? Y- You're sparking things my way now!? Ehhh…… N- No, I mean, a hug is just too embarrassing…… I don't really have the courage…… Not that I'm saying I dislike it, but umm, it's really embarrassing……]
Kaori-san, suddenly being brought into the conversation, hurriedly responded with flustered words while glancing shyly in my direction.
Her actions were, to put it simply, adorable. From her reaction, it seemed like she didn’t dislike the idea of a hug but felt too embarrassed to go through with it.
If I had to guess, Olivia-san was suggesting that since Kaori-san was also part of the date, she should have a similar experience for fairness’ sake. It was likely a statement made out of consideration for Kaori-san’s feelings.
After all, she’d asked Kaori-san’s opinion even when it came to interlocking fingers earlier……[Fumu…… I see. Indeed, this hug is clearly a higher-level act and something one would normally save for later. If done carelessly, there’s the risk of losing consciousness, as I nearly did. Perhaps we should save it for another opportunity? Miyama Kaito-sama, what do you think? If the occasion arises, would you embrace Mizuhara Kaori as well, just as you did for me?]
[Eh? Yes, if Kaori-san is okay with it……]
[……Arehh? It’s like we’ve already decided I’ll be hugged at some point later…… Uh, well, putting that aside…… Olivia-sama, was the hug really that amazing?]
Whether or not a hug is considered a high-level act aside, I suppose it does have a high level of physical closeness. Kaori-san, despite her embarrassment, seemed somewhat interested in the idea, possibly influenced by her love for romance stories.
[Yes, it truly is an entirely different experience from simply knowing about it intellectually. Mizuhara Kaori, I believe you also felt at least some impact when Miyama Kaito-sama interlocked fingers with you while holding hands. However, compared to that…… the warmth and all-encompassing sense of security of a hug were extraordinary.]Nôv(el)B\\jnn
[Y- You're describing it to that extent…… H- Heehhh…… I see……]
Hearing Olivia-san passionately speak, Kaori-san looked at me with a deeply conflicted expression. She seemed intrigued by the idea of trying a hug after listening to Olivia-san, but at the same time, she was probably embarrassed about actually doing it.
[…Errr, would you like to try hugging?]
[……H- Hmm. I am interested. Honestly, I want to see what it feels like…… Besides, it’s even used as a greeting in the West, right? So, I kind of feel like trying it wouldn’t be a big deal, but…… i- it’s just too embarrassing to do it here!]
[Well, we are standing in the middle of a street.]
[Unn. That's why, umm…… I- I'll have that on reservation!]
[……Reservation?]
Tilting my head at Kaori-san’s sudden odd suggestion, I asked her for clarification, to which her slightly flushed face grew redder as she explained.
[Unn. I do want to try hugging, but it’s too embarrassing to do it here. So, maybe another time…… somewhere more private where there aren’t a lot of people watching…… Like, for instance, before I open my shop or someplace like that…… O- Of course, only if you’re okay with it, Kaito-kun. I’d just like to experience it for the sake of learning, that’s all……]
[Y- Yes, if Kaori-san's fine with that, I don’t mind. So, let’s save the hug for another opportunity and head to the café for now.]
[Yeah, let’s do that!]
I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh as I watched Kaori-san raise her energy and start walking, as if trying to cover up her embarrassment. Still, setting aside the awkwardness for now…… hugging Kaori-san in her shop before it opens sounds like it would paint quite the scenario…… W- Well, if she’s okay with it…… then I guess it’s fine?
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [A man and a woman hugging inside a shop before it opens…… Isn't that a tryst!!!?]