The Fourth Class Is Modern Chinese (Continued)

"I clearly put so much effort into them..."

She pouted as if sulking, lowered her gaze, and stared quietly at her outstretched fingers.

No, what was with her... Don't go get your nails done after only a few days, okay? That meant I had to touch them, both conversationally and physically. There was such a thing as being adorably troublesome in moderation, you know? Think about me once in a while, would you?

"Anyway, your nails are really cute. Can I take a closer look?"

I cleared my throat softly, did my best to keep my tone casual, and quickly held out my hand.

Yukino looked at me in surprise, but before long, she silently offered me her hand.

I gently touched her fingertips. I had touched them a few times before, but I was still far from used to it.

"Wow—ah, they're really pre—tty. Super cute. Oh, really... This is a fine thing indeed."

I thought speaking in that flat, girl-like tone would let me get through it without embarrassment, but that was not remotely the case. After struggling to act composed, I ended up sounding like Makoto Nakajima appraising an antique. I was not composed at all.

"That is a strange way to compliment someone."

Yukino smiled helplessly and shyly curled her fingers around mine. I returned her gentle, bite-like pressure with the same amount of strength.

"..."

"..."

Neither of us said a word. Only our fingertips exchanged warmth. The time when silence between us felt entirely natural was comfortable enough to make me want to remain here forever.

But we could not stay here forever. Well, staying here would have been fine too, but we had come all the way to Disneyland. We should decide where to go next.

"We should get going. Are there any