Chapter 30

The atmosphere became a bit damp.

I said it to comfort Arika, but perhaps it wasn't the right thing to say when we were about to enjoy ourselves.

Still, if I left Arika feeling burdened, she wouldn't be able to enjoy herself purely... It was a difficult judgment to make.

"Alright, let's put the boring talk aside... Let's enjoy the festival. Is there anything you want to do or eat?"

"...To be honest, I haven't really been to places like this much. Even if I did come, I never bought anything."

Perhaps still dragging the low mood from earlier, Arika said in a dejected voice.

Given Arika's personality, she probably couldn't beg her foster parents for things.

"I see. Then... let's decide as we walk, shall we?"

"That sounds good."

Festivals, it seems, have the power to brighten people's spirits.

At first, Arika was enveloped in a gloomy, dark atmosphere, but as they walked, she gradually brightened up.

She looked around at the stalls with interest, peering into them.

Though her expression didn't change, her eyes were more lively than usual.

However, the lively atmosphere of the festival is created by the large crowds.

Even though it had just started, there were already many people.

It was inevitable that they would bump into others from time to time.

"Ah..."

"Are you okay, Setsu?"

Arika, who had been bumped and stumbled on a small stone, was about to fall.

Yugen quickly supported her.

"Sorry."

"No, it's my fault for not being more careful. ...You're not used to this, after all."

After a moment of hesitation, Yugen extended his hand.

Arika looked at Yugen's hand with a puzzled expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Would you like to hold hands? It would be easier to help you if something happens."

If you don't want to, that's fine too.

Before he could say that, Arika took Yugen's hand with her white one.

Then, she said with a shy smile.

"Please escort me."

"Understood, my princess."

"...Aren't you embarrassed saying that?"

"It's embarrassing when you point it out, so I'd rather you didn't."

Yugen smiled wryly.

Then, he firmly held Arika's hand and started walking again.

However... I see. I used to wonder why couples in the world liked to be affectionate in public, but now the mystery is solved.

While receiving glances from the surroundings, Yugen thought this.

Arika is beautiful to begin with, but today, with her light makeup, she looks even more alluring.

And she is wearing a beautiful yukata.

As a result, she is receiving intense gazes from the men passing by.

And the envious and admiring glances are directed at Yugen, who is holding hands with this beautiful girl.

It feels strangely pleasant.

Of course, Arika isn't Yugen's, so there is also a sense of emptiness.

If she were his real girlfriend or fiancée, the feeling of superiority would be even more delightful.

"A, cotton candy... Is that okay?"

"Cotton candy... Yeah, that's fine."

"...Weren't you smiling just now?"

"Of course not."

Originally, she is mature, and today, she exudes even more of that aura, yet her hobbies are cute and childish. That's a secret thought.

I see, this must be the "gap moe" that Soichiro talked about.

As he reached a new level of understanding, Yugen approached the stall with Arika.

"Excuse me."

"Welcome. Oh, you're the older brother from the Takasegawa family, right?"

The stall owner narrowed his eyes happily upon seeing Yugen.

The faces of those who set up stalls at the festival every year don't change.

And Yugen comes to this festival every year.

So, Yugen and many of the people who set up stalls at this festival are familiar with each other to some extent.

"Your sister came a little while ago. ...But, hasn't she grown taller again? How tall is she now?"

"Over 170 cm this year."

"Wow, she'll surpass you next year."

Then, the owner turned his gaze to Arika, who was standing next to Yugen, looking puzzled.

He then smiled slyly.

"Is this the girl your sister talked about? She's quite a beauty. I'm envious."

"Thank you."

Arika bowed politely in response to the owner's words.

Then, the owner started making the cotton candy.

"Cotton candy... for the girl over there. Unlike your sister, you don't buy it anymore, do you?"

"Hehe, sorry."

Every year, my sister buys it, so I hope you can forgive me.

After a short wait, a cotton candy much larger than those given to other customers was completed.

Arika, looking a bit surprised, timidly accepted it.

After handing over the cotton candy, the owner winked at Yugen.

"Since I get help from the Takasegawa family every year... Could you tell them to look forward to next year?"

The Takasegawa family is not directly involved in the festival's organization.

However, they have a certain level of influence.

The reason he remembers Yugen and Ayabumi's faces is that the Takasegawa family sends a greeting letter to the stall owners every year.

"I'll tell my grandfather and father."

After saying that, Yugen left the stall with Arika.

Then, they bought a frankfurter from a nearby stall.

"Hey, Setsu. Can I have a little... cotton candy?"

"You were just making fun of me, weren't you?"

Arika pretended to be angry with a joking tone and expression.

After Yugen apologized, Arika offered the cotton candy.

"Here you go."

"Can I bite it?"

"I don't mind."

That's a bit complicated.

While thinking that, Yugen bit the surface of the cotton candy.

"Hmm..."

"How is it?"

"It's sugar."

"Of course it is."

Arika sighed in exasperation.

Then, Yugen offered the frankfurter to Arika.

"Do you want to try? I haven't taken a bite yet."

"Then, I'll take you up on that."

Arika opened her small mouth and bit the end of the frankfurter.

The gesture of licking the oil off her lips with her tongue was somehow sexy.

"How is it?"

"It's delicious. But..."

"But?"

"It feels a bit embarrassing."

"Right?"

Yugen and Arika looked at each other and laughed.

We haven't reached an indirect kiss yet,

But we're one step closer to that territory.

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