Chapter 63: I’m in a Bad Mood Until Then, Hold My Hand

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Translator: Soafp

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The day after the live stream collaboration with Ran, also known as Ranko, I found myself in a café called “Starbulks” in Shinjuku.

I stifled a big yawn as I gazed at the people passing by through the large glass windows. Last night, after being thrown around by Ranko’s freewheeling antics, I returned home only to be confronted by my sister’s “skinship,” which was more like an interrogation. Thankfully, Mom stepped in before it turned into an all-nighter, but when I looked at myself in the mirror, I noticed faint bags under my eyes.

I took a sip of coffee and rubbed my heavy eyelids when I heard the sound of boots from the entrance.

Wearing an oversized cutsew and shorts for a casual look, yet with the presence of a model, she walked in. After briefly lifting her sunglasses and scanning the café, she spotted me. Kagura walked over without hesitation and stopped in front of me.

“Good morning.”

Her voice had a hint of displeasure, and she said it curtly.

“Ah, good morning, Kagura.”

The memory of last night’s live stream came to mind, and feeling a little guilty, I awkwardly returned the greeting.

“It’s a bit chilly today. I feel like having a warm café au lait…”

Kagura didn’t look at me, resting her chin on her hand and gazing out the window.

“Oh, yes, I’ll go get one…”

I hastily stood up and headed to the counter. After placing the order and receiving the café au lait, I gently placed it in front of her.

“Thanks…”

She held the cup in both hands, took a sip, and looked a bit more at ease, though she still seemed somewhat dissatisfied.

It must be because of last night’s live stream.

I continued to try and soothe Kagura’s mood, frantically explaining that nothing happened during the broadcast. Kagura occasionally gave me a side-eye, but she didn't seem completely angry. More like sulking, I would say.

In the middle of our back-and-forth, I realized something.

“…By the way, where's Marin today?”

I had assumed she'd come along.

When I asked, Kagura's expression darkened slightly as she answered.

“…She said something urgent came up that she couldn't get out of. But, you know, she didn't seem very lively this morning.”

She said this while tracing the rim of her cup with her finger.

“She wasn't feeling well?”

“Yeah. Yesterday, she was all excited about coming with us, but suddenly this morning she said she couldn't. She mentioned something important, but her voice sounded off, and it's been on my mind.”

Indeed, Kagura had a point. Marin had been looking forward to spending time with us. Then out of nowhere, she changed her plans, and on top of that, she seemed down…

“I wonder if something happened.”

I muttered to myself as I took another sip of coffee. The slight bitterness spread in my mouth, but the unease in my chest remained.

I found myself glancing out the window, subconsciously searching for Marin among the passing crowds.

Watching me, Kagura let out a small sigh.

She seemed somewhat down as well. Watching her like this, I quietly looked over at Kagura.

“You're worried, aren't you?”

Kagura remained silent, staring at her coffee. Seeing her profile, I continued.

“She'll be fine. Marin is strong… and besides, since we're here, I'd like to enjoy the time we're spending together.”

I spoke as earnestly as I could, and Kagura slowly lifted her head.

“…Enjoy ourselves, huh?”

She muttered softly with a sigh, but a slight softness returned to her expression.

“…You're going to keep me company today in Marin’s place.”

Saying this, Kagura gently took hold of my hand.

“Huh…?”

A mix of surprise and confusion escaped from my lips, and Kagura, with a slightly flushed face, smiled mischievously.

“What? You don't like it?”

“N-no, it's not that…”

The feeling of her hand was suddenly making me overly conscious, and I couldn't form words properly. When Kagura's fingertips gently intertwined with mine, my heart started pounding even faster.

The view outside the window blurred as Kagura's presence felt overwhelmingly close.