That was her own voice, its shift from gentleness to stern resolve filled with convincing confidence.
Along with those concise, forceful words came the man's silent response hidden within his actions. It was that gesture, containing a promise and strength, that allowed the girl to set aside her worries.
Since you want to protect my body, then this time, I'll naturally protect yours too.
The wind whipped up by their rapid approach sent sand and pebbles striking the hair by their ears. Ash narrowed his eyes and thrust both hands forward, his spread palms catching Miyuki as she stumbled backward. Their feet carved two skid marks into the ground before they barely managed to steady themselves.
"Yayoi, you...?"
The girl's flawless pink eyes blinked twice as confusion immediately welled up within them. Miyuki's little head had never been very good at figuring things out, and she was not clever enough to describe it in fitting words. Still, she felt that the smile on her friend's face was somewhat unfamiliar, as though something that did not belong to Yayoi had been added to her very makeup—as if she had become someone else entirely.
"It's my first time too, so it's only natural to be excited." After brushing the dust from Miyuki's face, the "girl" raised a hand and patted her shoulder. She wore an innocent, childlike smile. "I've seen plenty with my eyes, but this is my first hands-on experience!"
I may be dumb, but I recognize every word you're saying, Yayoi. So why don't I understand them when you put them together?
"Ummmmm~!"
The strange sense of discord only grew heavier. Miyuki, her instincts brimming with doubt, could not explain why at all. Her darting eyes bounced repeatedly between Yayoi, who had walked up to everyone, and Ash, who for