CH 41

[Ugh, it’s so cold…]

When I stepped outside, the warmth of the room disappeared at once, and the cold pierced my skin. The temperature difference was so big that I couldn’t help but shudder as I hugged myself.　

[It’s because you’re dressed like that. Don’t you have a scarf or something?]

Saito glanced at me and exhaled exasperatedly.

Her voice was still thorny and cold. If it was the first time I met her, I would’ve thought she was looking down on me, but once I got used to it, I could tell she was worried about me.

[I’m afraid I don’t have one]

Originally, I only intended to go to her house and back to mine.　

It was a little cold, but it wouldn’t take much time, and I didn’t bring anything special because it was a hassle to take my scarf out of the wardrobe.

[I don’t have a choice then]

She said that and went back inside the apartment.

As I waited, wondering what she was doing, she came out with a scarf.

The scarf in her hand was black with red lines.

[You can use this]

[Sorry, thanks]

It seemed like her caring nature had activated again, and I was grateful for it. I took the scarf and wrapped it around my neck, and I no longer felt cold..　

The soft, fluffy cloth felt comfortable. It had the same sweet smell that originated from her, and it warmed my heart a little.

[Yeah, it suits you]

When she saw me with the scarf, she nodded and her expression relaxed as if she was satisfied.　

She averted her gaze from me, as if she had trouble saying something, and then she asked.

[Um… Do you not take time to make yourself look nice? If you properly set your hairstyle and put on contacts… I think you’ll be a little cooler, you know?]

She tilted her head and looked at me curiously, and her cheeks were slightly red.　

She doesn’t doubt that I’d look cool, apparently.

Sure, I’d look more or less decent than I do now. At least, to the point where I wouldn’t be recognized.

However, I would have to wear the outfit from my part-time job, so there’s always a chance of getting caught.　

I wanted to dress reasonably since I was going out with Saito, but I couldn’t just agree when I thought about it.

[It’s okay, I’m fine. Let’s go now]

[…] 

I couldn’t come up with a good excuse, so I just dodged the question, and she glared at me while pouting in frustration.

I narrowed my shoulders and let out a thin chuckle at her reaction, wondering if she really wanted to see it.