The Entree and the Main Course

As I ran, I pondered over what happened and thought about what would be the best words to say to Asura when we met again.

After thinking about it more carefully, I realized that I didn't feel unpleasant at all when she threw all those accusations at me. No, in fact, I felt splendid.

Because... the fact that Asura questioned me and yelled at me like that, doesn't that just mean she cares?

She cares about how much time I'm spending without her because she missed me.

She felt hurt when I kept things away from her because my place in her heart had become irreplaceable.

And the reason she cried... wasn't that because she couldn't stand the way I was with someone else?

Was that jealousy?

And the thing is... she recognized me! I had donned a disguise, yet she knew who I was just from my back view!

Doesn't that mean she paid attention to me?

Even though I should be repenting over my sins at this moment, I instead felt like I was dancing on clouds.

My efforts weren't fruitless after all.

With that thought ringing in my head, I finally caught up to Asura, whose pace had visibly slowed.

I swept my eyes across our surroundings, before smiling faintly and pouncing on her.

Unknowingly, Asura had ran in the direction of the school entrance, and there was a huge crowd gathering just 15 meters away from where she was-- this would be the excuse I'll tell her if she resists or asks me why I hugged her, but in truth, I just wanted to embrace her.

As expected, as soon as my arms wrapped around her, Asura flinched and immediately tried to push me away, but how could I let her?

"Asu... Be careful," I whispered meaningfully. After I said so, I had the premonition that the girl in my arms would become a rabid tiger if I didn't do something quick.

Just as Asura forcefully twisted around in my arms, I immediately squeezed her close, blocking her visage with my loose, inky hair.

The warmth of her body melded against mine, and after a few seconds of shock, Asura began to struggle once more. It was like the rabid tiger that I had imagined earlier, except she was more of a tabby kitten than a tiger.

I nearly chuckled at the thought, but quickly restraining myself, I loosened my grip on the young noble, who had just about calmed down by now.

Sorry, Asu... But I'm going to take you for a ride once more!

Seeing how she was still adjusting to the situation, I felt a slight pity, but I didn't stop my movements as I grabbed her hand and rushed over to another clearing I had prepared for today.*

*VA note: the forests around this area are cursing you XD

...

Finally turning around and seeing Asura's dazzled blue eyes, I smiled deviously.

Are you tired already, Asu? That was merely the entree. The main course has yet to come~