Chapter 75 – Holding Hands and Jealousy

Friday, after school. Instead of hanging out at my house like usual, I took a train towards downtown.

The last time I came here was back when Umi and I were messing around at the arcade, so it was a couple months ago…

I remember it quite clearly though. I was basically picking a fight with Amami-san, Nitta-san and the others… Looking back at it now, my behavior at that time was embarrassing, but I became much closer to Umi after that little incident, so it wasn't all that bad.

That was also the day when Umi first started patting my head.

Anyway, that place will be our destination today, but unlike last time, we weren't alone. And unlike last time, we weren't here to mess around aimlessly, but to buy some clothes for me to wear for tomorrow's date.

"Sorry, Amami-san. Because of me you have to alter your schedule like this."

"Ah, don't worry about it~ It's your first date after all~ Now, what kind of clothes should I dress you in today?"

"…G-Go easy on me, please…"

In addition to Umi, Amami-san would also be helping me choose the clothes that I would wear for tomorrow. Also, they decided to get their dresses for the party today.

"We're going to look at the second-hand clothes first, so after we pass through the ticket gate, turn right. Don't get lost, Maki."

"Don't worry about me… Is what I'd normally say, but looking at this crowd, yeah, I'll keep your words in mind."

Probably because it was the end of the year, the station was busier than usual. At this time of the year, the city tends to get really busy since everyone was preparing for both Christmas and New Year's Eve. From what I've seen through the train's windows, the whole city was filled with Christmas decorations.

"Uwah… I'm used to the crowds, but this… W-woah!"

As we were slowly ascending the stairs to the station's platform, Amami-san lost her balance and was about to fall off. Someone probably bumped into her by accident.

The platform here was quite wide, but the escalator was only wide enough for one person to ride at a time. There were stairs next to it, but they weren't much better. If people were to rush through the stairs like this, it was inevitable that it would be crammed.

"Amami-san, give me your hand."

"Ah, yes, sorry for troubling you."

I quickly held out my hand so that she wouldn't fall off and she quickly grabbed it.

It was the first time I've held Amami-san's hand. Compared to Umi's hers was smaller.

"Woah, your hand feels rough, Maki-kun."

"Well, I'm the one doing the chores back at home and I play a lot of video games, so my hands have some calluses. Compared to the guys who did sports, this is nothing, though."

Nozomu came to mind. He had big hands to begin with due to his size and the calluses he had from his club activities made his hand feel as rough as stone.

I pulled her hand so that she wouldn't be left behind and quickly caught up with Umi who was ahead of us.

"Look around when you walk, seriously…"

"Ehehe~ Sorry, Umi~"

"Well, at least you didn't get hurt… By the way, Yuu, since you're okay now, don't you think it's time to let go?"

"Eh?"

"…Your hand…"

"Hand? Ah~"

I didn't realize it since I had been focusing on moving through the crowd, but Amami-san was still gripping my hand tightly. 

Umi gave me a look because of it.

She mouthed the word 'idiot' at me.

"Sorry, Maki-kun, I didn't mean to."

"No, I'm also at fault…"

Umi saw that I did it because Amami-san almost fell off, but even if she understood the reason, she probably still felt jealous because I held another girl's hand.

I could apologize to Umi right away, but that would make Amami-san feel awkward and I don't want to spend the day reeling in this feeling of awkwardness between the three of us.

What should I do?

Well, it's not like I could do much, but…

"…"

The three of us exited the ticket gate and walked toward the first store we planned to enter.

I moved to stand next to Umi and touched her fingers.

"…What is it?"

"I don't want to be separated from you, so…"

"…Fine."

"Thank you, Umi… Also, I was inconsiderate, sorry."

"…Idiot."

Then Umi grabbed my hand and embraced my arm tightly.

"Uhh… Umi-san?"

"S-Shut it.".

I don't mind this situation, but… A lot of people were actually staring at us and a certain blonde was grinning behind us, so I was feeling quite uncomfortable.

Well, I made her feel jealous, so I should just man up and accept my fate. Also, might as well show it off while I am at it.

"Huh? I think I'm lost! A certain couple in front of me is so dazzling, I can't look ahead because of them!"

"Come here, I'll slump you over my shoulder so you won't get lost and while I'm at it, I should throw you somewhere nearby."

"Umi, you're a meanie! I know you're jealous, but you need to treat your friend better!"

"Shut it and keep walking! At this rate the shop will close before we can even enter it!"

She let my arm go after saying that, but she didn't let go of my hand until we entered the store.