7. The devil's quiz

"We're finally on the train..."
Running, both Shibata and I arrived at the station.
8:15, there was no way we were going to make it in time for the first class.
Even so, the train was still full of people who had to get to work.
Carving out a space to the side, Shibata and I could finally catch our breath.
"I didn't expect to run in the early morning..."
"Whose fault would that be?"
As if I had hit her weak spot, Shibata didn't dare retort.
Muttering something under her breath, I couldn't understand her words.
Watching her closely, I could see up close why everyone called her "Princess".
Her white and blue school uniform suited her particularly well and her scarlet eyes stood out.
Her body was slender and, to my surprise, Shibata was quite athletic since she didn't look like she was sweating.
"Sigh... I didn't even have time to eat breakfast..."
"..."
But for some strange reason, her behavior did not reflect the noble image attributed to her.
Since I never heard any rumors about her bad behavior, I had to assume that she wasn't trying to appeal to me.
Could it be because I'm already in her clutches?
Sighing, I opened my gym bag.
"Here. Better than nothing."
Handing an energy bar to Shibata, I tried to lighten the guilt I was carrying from the morning.
"..."
Strangely enough, Shibata didn't answer me.
Don't tell me she doesn't like them?
Withdrawing the hand that was offering the snack, Shibata's hands interrupted that action and her entire body rested on mine.
"!?!?!?"
With one hand pinned down by Shibata and the other trying to keep my balance on the train, I couldn't move.
"... Shibata?"
"Stop attacking all of a sudden..."
"Attacking...?"
Already confused by the current situation, Shibata's words made no sense.
At such a close distance, I could clearly feel her body temperature.
With her face resting against my chest, it was inevitable that she could feel my heart beating wildly.
"... What are you thinking about?"
"..."
Relying on my right to remain silent, the situation was rather awkward.
"... Tell me your favorite animal."
Perhaps to change the mood, Shibata was trying to start a conversation.
But can't you get away from me first...?
"... Cat"
Unfortunately for me, I didn't have the courage to tell her as the situation was too pleasant.
I am a boy in the middle of puberty!
"... Favorite food?"
"... Curry."
"Favorite subject?"
"History."
"Favorite sport?"
"... Basketball."
"Favorite anime?"
"... None"
"Liar..."
"..."
As if she knew something about my past, she grabbed my hand more strongly as if she wanted to express her disagreement.
"22+17"
"Huh?"
"22+17"
Looking into my eyes, she seemed to be serious.
"39"
"44+15"
"59"
"33+38"
"71"
I didn't know why, but the quiz turned into a math quiz.
"21+24"
"45"
"What color are you thinking of?"
"White"
...
"Ah..."
Shibata's face had completely sunk into my chest.
The grip immobilizing my hand had no strength left.
Looking up, Shibata's cheeks were puffed.
"Pervert."
With a forced smile, I chuckled coarsely and looked away.
Until our arrival station, there was no further conversation.