Natsuhi felt the arms tightly wrapped around her loosen, then sensed fingertips touching her back, wandering restlessly across it.
"Somehow, being behind you gives me an inexplicable sense of security."
Saki's voice drifted softly from behind.
"Is that so?"
"Mhm. Speaking of which, what exactly happened to me? Why did I suddenly faint? And why were you by my side?"
Regarding this question, Natsuhi had thought about it while Saki was unconscious. She didn't hide anything, merely omitting the parts she couldn't reveal.
"Actually, I've been following you, worried you might be in danger, to protect your safety."
"So that's how it is. I understand."
Saki nodded and fell silent, though a blush once again rose to her cheeks.
Even though Natsuhi's explanation was vague and somewhat baffling, Saki had a faint feeling in her heart that everything she said was true.
"Is that... enough?"
"It's more than enough as a reason for you being there. I believe you. Besides, I'm fine, aren't I? That means you were protecting me properly~"
"My knight~"
[Knight, huh... Such a romantic title, though it doesn't quite feel like it suits me.]
Gazing at the sky, she honestly didn't understand herself why she had gone to such lengths for Saki, even though they hadn't known each other for long.
Not everything in this world has a reason behind it. Perhaps it was simply an unwillingness to see a girl being bullied—just that simple.
Maybe it was precisely because of this that the system had summoned her here...
————————
"You can drop me off here. Thank you so much for today, Natsuhi. See you tomorrow."
The bicycle stopped beside a small building. Reluctantly, Saki loosened her arms from around Natsuhi.
"Mhm, see you tomorrow."
"Natsuhi, remember to send me a LINE when you get home safely, okay? Otherwise, I'll worry about you."
[LINE? Come to think of it, Saki and I did exchange contact info.]
[Am I being cared for? Feels kinda nice...]
Natsuhi hadn't expected a young girl to worry about her safety. But considering her current appearance, she did look like the type for whom 'going out alone at night is dangerous.'
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
She raised a hand, signaling Saki to hurry home and not worry about her.
*Mwah~*
Her cheek felt a warm, smooth touch. Though it lasted only a moment, it was enough to leave Natsuhi stunned, frozen in place.
She looked at Saki in disbelief. Golden strands of hair brushed past her eyes in the evening breeze, the girl's flushed cheeks faintly visible.
"Th-this is... today's thank-you gift! Yes! A token of gratitude!... You dummy! Don't get the wrong idea!... I-I'm going home now!"
With that, she turned and hurried toward her house without looking back. *Bang!* The door closed, leaving a bewildered Natsuhi alone, utterly flustered in the wind.
*Thump!*
The bed creaked as a body landed on it. Saki jumped onto the bed, hugged her blanket, and buried her burning face in it.
Her fingers lightly touched her lips; the soft sensation from moments ago hadn't yet faded.
"Wh-what else could I do? It's all because Natsuhi was so cool today!"
Recalling Natsuhi's clear, powerful gaze, Saki tightened her arms around the blanket.
Her heart pounded wildly, impossible to calm. Her body grew warmer and warmer. Even though the other had already left, why hadn't this feeling faded?
"Ah, seriously, what's wrong with me? I've never felt like this before..."
Yes, this was the first time Saki had experienced such a strange state of mind... To be honest, she was getting a little addicted to it.
——————
*Jingle-jangle!*
The wind chime rang crisply as a graceful figure pushed the door open.
"Welcome—!"
The flawless greeting remained unchanged.
"Student Ito?! You're back?"
Even though the other had removed her glasses, Rinka could still identify the visitor from her posture and build. A height of 172 cm was indeed uncommon among girls.
"Heya, I came to buy some clothes. I wonder if Student Rinka has any recommendations?"
That's right. Natsuhi, who had just bid farewell to Saki, had turned and come to the clothing store managed by Rinka.
To be honest, she felt uneasy wearing the school uniform skirt, always feeling a draft underneath. She wanted to buy a more androgynous outfit, so she immediately thought of this place.
It also served as letting Rinka know she was safe and sound, considering how worried Rinka had looked when she left earlier...
She couldn't bear the thought of making a girl worry.
She had glanced at her wallet earlier and found she had only 3,000 yen (about 150 RMB) to her name—far too little as startup funds.
With that amount, forget buying clothes, a few meals would wipe it out.
Thankfully, the system existed. Otherwise, juggling missions and part-time work would make life unbearable.
She immediately exchanged ten Butter Coins for cash, finally plumping up her meager wallet.
"Wow, it really is you. I didn't dare believe it at first."
Watching Rinka, eyes sparkling, stride quickly toward her, Natsuhi inexplicably took a few steps back—perhaps because the other was too enthusiastic.
"Don't run. Let me get a good look at you."
[Huh? Wait, why does that sound so familiar?]
The déjà vu line echoed in her ears once more.
"Mmph—"
Natsuhi's cheeks were cupped again, her gaze unavoidable as Rinka scrutinized her thoroughly.
"Hmm, I had a feeling before. Student Ito really is a beauty without her glasses."
"Oh right, you wanted me to recommend clothes? Leave it to me."
[Picking clothes is one thing, but what's with that look in your eyes?!]
Natsuhi could clearly feel Rinka's blazing gaze sweeping over her body. The sensation felt intensely familiar; upon reflection, Saki had given her a similar look.
Only now did she finally realize what she had been afraid of earlier. Judging by the other's demeanor, she was about to be treated like a doll.
"Um... Student Nikaido, I hope you'll go easy on me."
"Hehe, relax. From now on, just entrust your whole self to me."
With that, Rinka placed a hand on the trembling girl's shoulder. This was the first time since her transmigration that Natsuhi felt genuine fear...