The Hand at the School Gate

The cold breeze tried to force me to curl up, but I had other plans. Our hands were still joined as we were approaching the school gate, but it felt like I was approaching a fast deadline. I tried to clutch for a moment longer, but as soon as other students came into view, I could feel Natsuki's grip loosen. Well, that is expected of her.

"Well, that's that I guess," I say, leaving her hand alone. I need to keep our boundary clear of any mishaps.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. I still don't feel that comfortable showing this side to others."

"Yeah, I get that. Remember I said, 'I won't force anything you don't like'? I seriously meant that, and that was not limited to this month."

"Yeah, I know. Thanks." As she said that, I could feel a twinge of sadness in that. It felt a bit intrusive to question it, so I secretly swallowed my curiosity.

We continue on to the school gate, wide open and welcoming us students. I notice a lot of them are wearing blazers now, but I still don't see Natsuki in one. I remember it looked really good on her because of her height.

"Can we go buy some clothes today after school?" I actually hadn't quite thought of a place that I wanted to go with her today, so I just spouted out my real thoughts.

"Sure, that works. I'll see you after school then." As she said this, she started to increase the distance between us, but not so much that she could not listen to me. An alternate Natsuki that shows itself in school only, the "intelligent" one if I had to give it a word. Her reputation really preceded her, as I notice a lot of juniors coming up to her to greet her.

"Good morning, senpai! Hope you have a good day today!" One such cheerful lady came up to us. She was dressed in our basketball jersey, but stood with confidence. I felt like thin air right beside her, but that wasn't far from the truth given my small stature. It always made me conscious of how I don't quite stand up to Natsuki, and that made me feel a bit inferior. I was also jealous because of all the attention she gets, primarily from these girls.

I tap Natsuki on the shoulder, and she turns slightly. As I get a little closer to her, I sneak my face really close to her ear.

"See you later then."

Saying this, I take a step forward, much faster than Natsuki can ever catch up to me, but also so that I don't quite show her my embarrassed face.