The bus ride was more than peaceful as I comfortably rested while cuddled by Arisa and Izumi once they got enough of using my shoulder to rest.
Izumi, always trying to maintain her ‘cool’ delinquent facade, pretended to be indifferent yet failed miserably because it all came across as affectionate to me. The tension of her grip on my hand and the subtle movements of her head seeking the most comfortable position on my shoulder melted away that mask. She may have been acting like she was forced into this by Arisa, but I knew better. No, I could already read her like a book whenever we’re this close.
She’s more than just a sweet darling who would be so open about her affection but also, she always tried to match my pace – albeit unsuccessful most of the time because of my unmatched shamelessness.