Before handing me over
With Arisa’s urging, we still stepped inside the room to find the photograph that she mentioned. But before doing so, the three girls left us alone outside the door. To give Izumi a chance to calm herself down without being drowned by her embarrassment.
Yeah. That’s considerate of them. And in this case, I didn’t mind it. It’s not like they’re doing this at the expense of their own time with me.
When Izumi noticed that they were not around anymore, the girl lifted her head and looked at me with her pitiful eyes. No matter how much she tried to act tough, she couldn’t hold it in this time. Arisa got her good. I’d give her some scolding later.
Anyway, to calm down Izumi, I maintained my reassuring smile while whispering to her that I wouldn’t leave her side. Words alone weren't enough so... I also kissed her. That way, it would distract her from what was making her scared.