Bringing Umi to the Clubhouse

The late afternoon breeze carried a faint chill as Umi and I stepped out of the Club Building. With our hands still intertwined, the golden light of the setting sun bathed everything in a soft glow, making Umi’s crimson cheeks stand out even more against her pale skin.

I glanced at her, catching the way her eyes darted downward, her lips pressed into a shy smile. “Hmm? You okay, Umi? You’re looking like you might combust any second.”

She squeaked as her grip tightened briefly before forcing herself to relax. “I-I’m fine, senpai! It’s just… I can’t help but be conscious. Uhm… Holding hands like this, out in the open. I keep thinking someone’s going to see us and… and…”

“And what?” I teased, slowing my pace to match her shorter strides. Her stuttering was quite adorable but as always, I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable. “Do you think they’ll start gossiping about a quiet junior stealing me away?”