,!
After a slight pause, the old man smiled and nodded.
"That's right."
"I'm going upstairs."
"You are too, right?"
"Let's go."
The old man started walking.
"I don't want to keep you from getting home."
A smile appeared on the young man's face.
The old man gripped the handrail with one hand and slowly climbed the stairs.
He'd been shaken by nearly falling twice.
Better to be cautious.
He glanced back at the young man following him, then shifted to the side to make room.
"Go ahead."
The old man smiled.
He walked slowly.
He didn't want to hold up the young man, who was quick on his feet.
The young man grinned.
"It's fine."
"Please, go ahead."
"I live on the floor above. I'm not in a hurry."
Following behind the old man would also let him prevent another accident.
"Oh, right."
The old man nodded instinctively.
You live on the floor abo—
Huh?!
The old man's eyes suddenly widened.
"You live on the floor above?!"
The young man was startled by the old man's loud voice and exaggerated reaction.
Without thinking, he leaned back slightly.
"Y-yeah."
The young man replied.
"I live on the floor above."
"Is something wrong?"
Was there a problem with him living on the floor above?
Why was the old man reacting like that?
Noticing that the young man had edged away from him, the old man smiled wryly.
"Sorry."
"I got a little too excited."
"I startled you."
"N-no, it's fine."
The young man rubbed his nose.
He didn't think admitting he'd been startled was anything to be proud of.
The old man didn't call him out on it.
He went along with the young man's words. "That's good."
"I'm glad I didn't startle