"…Thank you, Yuigahama-san, Isshiki-san."
After finally escaping the chaos, the three of them found an empty bench by the roadside to rest.
The street was still bustling with people, but the bench was shaded by thick foliage, making it cooler and much fresher than the stuffy indoor venue.
"It's no big deal, Yukinon! This was something both I and Iroha wanted to do too," Yui said, waving her hand dismissively.
Unlike Yukino, she wasn't completely drained—while her body was a little tired, her spirits remained high.
Hearing Yukino's gratitude only lifted her mood further.
After all, since they met, she had always been the one receiving Yukino's help. Knowing she had finally been able to give back, even just a little, filled her with satisfaction.
"If you ever need help again, just call me and Iroha! These kinds of outings might be exhausting, but they're unexpectedly fun too."
In her excitement, she even blurted out such an eager promise.
Yukino wiped the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief, catching her breath.
Hearing Yui's words, she gave a weak but appreciative smile. Even though she knew it was just a polite remark, she still felt genuinely grateful.
Yuigahama really is like an affectionate puppy—warm, lively, and kind.
It wasn't the first time she had this thought, and it likely wouldn't be the last.
"Phew—phew~ Here it is, here it is! Energy drinks, coming through!"
Panting slightly, Iroha jogged back, carrying three bottles of energy drinks in her hands.
The two accepted them with thanks.
Iroha plopped down onto the bench, unscrewed her bottle, and took a deep sip. Then, lifting a hand to fan the back of her neck, she let out a long sigh.
"Haaah—"
The cold liquid traveled down her throat, instantly refreshing her.
"Seriously, I never would've thought that an environmental protection event would attract so many people."
Now that she had caught her breath, Iroha voiced her thoughts.
Like Yui, she was a naturally cheerful and social girl—she didn't have that "discomfort with crowds" debuff that some people did.
Although she had felt overwhelmed while squeezed into the crowd, she recovered quickly after leaving the venue—unlike Yukino, who had to grit her teeth and use the last bit of her strength just to barely twist open the cap of her drink.
Yukino responded weakly to Iroha's words.
She usually drank black tea the most, as she loved its natural, rich aroma and never really cared for other beverages.
But today, she held the energy drink in both hands and eagerly took a big sip, desperately replenishing her drained stamina.
Seeing her—normally so composed and elegant—now looking so exhausted and frail, the two girls beside her exchanged a quick glance before simultaneously breaking into amused smiles.
Not only had they contributed to environmental protection today, but they had also witnessed such a rare side of Yukino. It felt like a major win.
The girls chatted idly as they rested for more than ten minutes. Eventually, Yukino regained a bit of energy, and the emptiness in her eyes faded.
Taking the chance, Yui picked up the event guide and asked where they should head next.
"I'm fine with going anywhere. I'll follow Senpai's lead," Iroha said obediently, as usual.
She truly had no particular preference for which exhibit to visit first, and most of her attention was currently on messaging someone on her phone.
As a result, she pushed the decision-making entirely onto the others.
"I see. Got it. What about you, Yukinon?"
Hearing Yui's question, Yukino lightly shook her head and asked in return,
"Is there anywhere you'd like to go, Yuigahama-san?"
If it were up to her, she would rather stay seated and rest a little longer.
But since she was the one who had invited the two of them out today, it would be too selfish to keep them sitting here for too long. So, she could only keep that thought to herself.
"If I had to choose, I'd like to go here first."
Yui pointed to a location on the event guide—it was in Area A.
Excitedly, she explained further,
"If we go there, we'll pass through an underwater tunnel where we can see lots of fish and colorful coral up close!"
"And if we keep going, we'll reach the indoor dolphin exhibit. If we head there now, we should get there just in time for the next dolphin show."
She sounded quite eager, and when she talked about penguins and dolphins—her favorites—her voice naturally became even more cheerful.
Watching her enthusiasm, Yukino, though still feeling the lingering fatigue from earlier, smiled gently.
"I don't mind."
As for Iroha…
"Let's go," she said directly, picking up her bag and naturally linking her arm around Yukino's left arm.
"Alright, let's move out!"
Yui stood up and took Yukino's right arm.
Just like earlier in Hall D, the two had positioned themselves on either side of her, acting like protective guards to keep her from disappearing into the crowd.
Yukino was grateful for that, but now that they were out of the densely packed area, walking like this felt… unnecessary.
"Um… Yuigahama-san, Isshiki-san… I don't think we need to walk like this anymore…"
"It's fine, Yukinon! I don't mind."
"That's not the issue here—"
"I actually really like holding onto you, Senpai. Even though it's hot today, for some reason, being close to you makes me feel cooler and less irritated."
"That's not possible…"
"Iroha, you feel that too? I thought it was just my imagination! And not only does it feel cool, but there's also a really nice scent!"
"Exactly, exactly!"
"..."
Listening to their excited chatter, Yukino gave up resisting.
She still wasn't used to being held like this, but it was undeniably better than before.
It was a little uncomfortable, but if they enjoyed it, she would let them be.
The three of them continued chatting and laughing as they walked into the exhibition hall in Area A.
Not long after, another eye-catching couple also entered, hand in hand.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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