The number of tourists on a weekend was already far more staggering than on a weekday. Chihaya Tetsuya, who had never attended a large-scale live show before and had no real concept of [Summer Zodiac]'s true popularity, was deeply shaken by the sight of the station teeming with people.
"..."
Beside him, Wakaba Mutsumi, who was equally lacking in social experience, also stared at the human tide flooding towards the station with an expression of utter astonishment.
She opened her mouth slightly, trying to make a sound, but even though she hadn't yet stepped into the chaotic torrent before them, her voice was instantly swallowed by the surrounding din.
Having been strictly taught proper posture and gait, she was not adept at handling such crowded environments. If she were to step into it with her usual slow, deliberate pace, she would probably be turned into a piece of driftwood, pushed and shoved at the mercy of the waves, within seconds...
"I should've just spent the extra money and taken a taxi."
Tetsuya couldn't help but sigh. He first glanced at Mutsumi, who was staring blankly ahead, then held out his hand to her.
"Wakaba-san, please take my hand so we don't get separated."
"...?"
Mutsumi was slightly startled by the sudden, proactive invitation. However, when she saw the incredibly serious look in his eyes, the surprise in her heart subsided.
"I remember... you're not very good with crowded places either, are you, Chihaya-san?"
Mutsumi had to stand on her tiptoes slightly just to make her voice heard.
"Back at [RiNG], you specifically chose a seat in the very back to avoid the crowd."
"Well... that is true."
Tetsuya gave a slightly embarrassed smile.
"So, this is exactly the kind of time we need to hold hands to get through it together, isn't it?"
"..."
Seeing the slightly awkward expression on his face, for some reason, a faint smile also appeared on Mutsumi's lips.
When she first met him, his mature, professional demeanor always made her feel like she was talking to an adult. Although he was reliable, there was always a lingering sense of distance and nervousness.
But after that, as her understanding of him deepened, the unreliable sides he gradually exposed began to dismantle that unapproachable distance. Whether it was the way he couldn't hold his head up when being lectured by Soyo, or the various expressions he unconsciously showed while reading, they all made Mutsumi feel that she was genuinely getting closer to the real Chihaya Tetsuya.
Now, as she once again faced this true side of him—a mix of gentle concern and immature insecurity—there was no longer a trace of hesitation or reservation in her heart.
Just like that, she slowly offered her left hand. And the next moment, when his hand closed around hers, Mutsumi felt as if she had been instantly transported to another world—
The unfamiliar sensation, carrying a heat that swept through her entire body, instantly overwhelmed her other senses. In an instant, the distant noise, the sunlight so bright it made one squint—none of it mattered anymore. Aside from the sound of blood rushing in her ears and the sight of his side profile, she had no attention to spare for anything else.
All she knew was that the moment he took her hand, her mind was filled with nothing but the image of Chihaya Tetsuya and the warm sensation from his touch.
There was no need to think about which direction to step; just by following his lead, she would naturally move forward.
There was no need to worry about being separated by the crowd; the sense of security from his shoulder, which would occasionally move closer to her, was enough to dispel any anxiety.
Perhaps because he was so used to holding his sister's hand and going places, both the just-right pressure of his grip and the slight lift of his hand to signal an upcoming change in direction made Mutsumi feel incredibly at ease.
By the time she came to her senses from this feeling of being completely enveloped in security, the two of them had already passed through the sea of people and were standing on the platform.
"Alright, Wakaba-san, we can get on the train now."
Tetsuya said, letting go of her hand.
The moment their hands parted, the cool breeze made her subconsciously grab his hand again—
"Huh?"
"...Ah."
Realizing she had done something strange, Mutsumi hurriedly let go once more and immediately looked towards the train car ahead, seemingly intending to pretend nothing had happened. Tetsuya didn't think much of it, just glanced at the tickets in his hand, and then walked with her to their car...
...
"These are our seats. You can just take the window seat—"
"I want to sit on the aisle."
Before Tetsuya could finish, Mutsumi suddenly spoke.
He looked at her with a surprised expression.
"Huh? Don't you want to see the scenery outside, Wakaba-san?"
"I can see it from here too."
Mutsumi shook her head lightly.
"And the aisle seat is more spacious."
"...?"
Tetsuya looked at the seats with a puzzled expression.
Given Mutsumi's petite and slender frame, she should have had plenty of room no matter where she sat.
However, since she had proactively asked to sit on the outside, he naturally had no reason to refuse.
Besides, as an enthusiast of late-night trains, he had always enjoyed looking at the scenery from the window. This way, it satisfied both of their needs.
And so, their seating arrangement was settled: Tetsuya by the window, and Mutsumi on the aisle.
Soon, as the train began to move, Tetsuya habitually started looking out the window.
And beside him, Mutsumi also looked in the same direction—
"...Ah, Wakaba-san, did you see that house we just passed?"
Tetsuya suddenly turned his head with a delighted expression and pointed out the window.
When he saw that she was also looking in his direction, he elaborated:
"I just read about that style in a book not long ago. That kind of style that combines modernism with structural beauty... I wonder if there's a way to apply it to clothing..."
"..."
Meanwhile, Mutsumi, who had been suddenly spoken to, couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief when she realized he wasn't intending to have a long conversation about it.
As expected, choosing the aisle seat was the right decision. This way, even if I keep staring at him, I can pretend I was just looking at the scenery outside.
So as not to be distracted by the flowing scenery outside the window, Wakaba Mutsumi moved a little closer to Chihaya Tetsuya, until his figure completely filled her vision.
The train to Yokohama continued on its way.
And Wakaba Mutsumi's own journey, it seemed, was finally about to reach its first station.