The pink camera was a perfect match for the soul Sakura kept wrapped beneath her oversized glasses and shy exterior—a soul that still held on to girlish sentiment and an artist's sensitivity.
He glanced at the price tag. It was expensive, well beyond what an ordinary student could easily afford, especially a Class D Student short on points.
Sure enough, the light in Sakura's eyes dimmed the instant she saw the price, like a candle snuffed out by the wind.
She took a few more reluctant glances, then jerked her eyes away as if she'd been burned. She lowered her head and quietly took two steps back.
She returned to Toudou Shizuka's side, resuming her earlier, cautious posture, though her disappointment was plain to see.
"I-I'm done looking... Let's... go somewhere else?" she said softly, her voice muffled.
"Okay." Toudou Shizuka said no more, just nodded. He quietly memorized the model and location of the pink camera.
Once they left the Light and Shadow Box, the crowds on the Commercial Street had grown noticeably thicker.
Sakura seemed to retreat into her shell again, following closely behind Toudou Shizuka as she did her best to avoid the crowds.
Toudou Shizuka noticed how tense she was and glanced at the fragrant food stalls along the street.
"Sakura, have you had breakfast?" He stopped and pointed at a takoyaki stall with a line of customers and an enticing aroma. "This place looks good. Want to try some? My treat."
"Huh? N-no, you don't have to, Toudou..." Sakura hurriedly waved her hands.
"Think of it as... a thank-you for coming out with me and helping me clear my head!"
Toudou Shizuka smiled, his tone gently leaving no room for refusal. "Besides, I'm hungry too."
Sakura looked at Toudou Shizuka's unhesitating smile, then at the