Act more intimate?!
The tips of Sasuke's ears reddened visibly.
Act intimate with Naruko? How? Like those lovestruck classmates?
His mind went blank. The experience of that solitary avenger from another world was worse than useless when it came to this.
He stood rooted to the spot, unsure what to do with his hands or feet. The gazes coming from every direction seemed to turn into a physical weight, tightening the muscles in his back.
He was so embarrassed he nearly turned and fled without another thought.
Then a small, warm, soft finger tentatively brushed against his hand and gently hooked around a finger of his half-clenched fist.
The touch was light as a feather, yet impossible to ignore. Was she trying to encourage him?
Sasuke looked down. Naruko's slender, fair little finger was awkwardly hooked around his index finger.
She wasn't looking at him. Her face was turned away, her cheeks faintly pink, but she didn't pull her hand back.
In an instant, Sasuke understood.
He took a deep breath, as though making a momentous decision. Without hesitating any longer, he turned his hand and clasped her small hand tightly in his palm.
Naruko's hand was much smaller than his. Her fingers were slender, her skin smooth and warm. In his palm, her hand felt so soft it was almost boneless.
The movement was sudden, and he'd used more force than he meant to. Naruko seemed to give a quiet "ah," but she didn't pull away.
Warmth spread through their joined palms. Sasuke felt his heart skip a beat, then pound hard against his chest.
He didn't dare look at Naruko's expression. Lips pressed tight, he held her hand, turned, and started walking.
"Let's go." His own voice sounded dry and strained.
Naruko said nothing. She simply followed, letting