Throbbing

"Wow, that's quite a nice figure you have," Eriri teased Utaha Kasumigaoka with a mischievous smile, and then feigned surprise, asking, "But why did you give so many details, Utaha-senpai? I just asked for your name."

Utaha snapped back to reality and, realizing what she had said, wished she could dig a hole and hide in it.

"I... I didn't mean it that way."

"Which way did you mean it then?" Eriri asked with a playful grin.

Utaha's cheeks flushed even redder, and her mind seemed to stall. She stammered, "I mean... it's... I..."

"What do you want me to say..."

Utaha was no ordinary person. Although Eriri's sudden attack had caught her off guard, it only took her a moment to recover.

Slapping her cheeks lightly, Utaha forced herself to calm down.

Even though looking at Eriri's pretty face made her heart race uncontrollably, at least she wouldn't make the same blunder again.

"It seems like Eriri is a bit of a mischief-maker," Utaha said with a sigh, crossing her arms and addressing Eriri.

"No way, I think that's just your imagination, Senpai." Eriri touched her chin with her finger, tilting her head slightly and feigning innocence. "Look at my innocent face. Do I look like that kind of person?"

"Uh..."

Utaha was momentarily speechless. Truth be told, she was captivated by Eriri's cute and innocent act. Her heart couldn't help but beat faster, and she was reluctant to look away.

Seeing Eriri and Utaha's flirtatious exchange, Megumi couldn't help but feel a little left out. She squeezed Eriri's hand and gave her a playful glare, then spoke to Utaha, "Utaha-senpai, please don't mind her. She's just like this, teasing people. I apologize. I hope you're not offended."

"I see..."

Utaha cast a peculiar glance at Megumi. Although it seemed like Megumi was trying to help Utaha, it was actually a subtle declaration of ownership.

Seeing the hands interlocked between Eriri and Megumi, and recalling their earlier kiss, Utaha couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, and a hint of envy surfaced in her eyes.

This feeling took Utaha by surprise. "Why do I feel so sour inside? Why am I envious of Megumi? Could it be... No way... We've only just met for a few minutes..."

As she looked back at Eriri, feeling her heart pound and emotions stirring, everything confirmed the truth.

However, looking at Megumi and Eriri holding hands, looking so well-matched, Utaha's expression turned gloomy. She didn't have the courage to express her feelings.

"Maybe it's just a momentary flutter, and it'll fade over time..."

Burying her emotions deep within, Utaha regained her usual composure and asked Eriri and Megumi with a smile, "Why did you come to the rooftop? Isn't it against school rules for students to come up here?"

Eriri didn't answer Utaha's question directly but instead asked, "If that's the case, how did Utaha-senpai get up here?"

"Calling me by my name so directly, huh? You're really quite forward," Utaha said with a sigh, rolling her eyes.

"Does Utaha-senpai not like me calling you that? You can call me Eriri too," Eriri responded with a cheeky smile.

"Well... do as you please. As for why I'm up here, I have special privileges, you know."

Utaha pulled out the rooftop key she had obtained from the teacher, tossing it lightly in her hand.

Eriri put on an exaggerated expression of surprise and clapped her hands, saying, "Wow, Utaha-senpai is really amazing to get special permission from the school. Not bad at all."

"Alright, alright, cut it out," Utaha said, holding her head with a slight headache at Eriri's antics, questioning whether her previous feelings for Eriri were just a mistake.

Utaha shook her head slightly, clearing away unnecessary thoughts, and chose not to press why Eriri and Megumi were breaking the rules to be on the rooftop.

Changing the subject, Utaha asked, "Eriri and Megumi, are you heading back to the classroom now?"

Sensing Eriri's interest in Utaha, Megumi was eager to leave the rooftop and replied first, "Yes, Utaha-senpai. We mainly came to the rooftop to have lunch, and since we've finished eating, we should head back to the classroom."

"Yes, that's right. We just wanted to say hi to you, Senpai," Eriri nodded in agreement, then asked Utaha, "Do you want to join us back to class?"

"No, I'll stay a while longer. The rooftop is quiet and perfect for thinking, so I'll hang out here a bit longer," Utaha replied, smoothing her long black hair with a gentle smile.

"Oh? Is there something troubling you, Senpai? If you don't mind sharing, maybe I can help?" Eriri offered.

"Thank you for your kindness, Eriri, but it's nothing major. I'll handle it myself," Utaha replied, feeling warmed by Eriri's concern, whether or not she could help.

"Alright then, we'll leave it at that for now." Utaha's refusal was expected by Eriri since they had just met, and it was understandable that Utaha wouldn't easily share her troubles. So, Eriri didn't push further and took out her phone, suggesting, "If you don't mind, we can exchange contact information."

If it were anyone else, Utaha would have declined without hesitation. But since it was Eriri, Utaha didn't refuse and felt a bit delighted instead.

Utaha also exchanged contact information with Megumi, who stood by quietly.

"Then, Utaha-senpai, we'll head out first. I'll say it again, if you need any help, feel free to come to me. There's nothing in this world that I can't handle," Eriri said after exchanging contact details, taking Megumi's hand and heading towards the rooftop exit.