SCPK 05

Chapter 5

Packed Train

I made the wrong choice.
Past six in the evening, on my way back from a secondhand bookstore I often visit far from home, I got on the train—only to be completely caught in the commuter rush.

It’s summer vacation for students, but the rest of the world doesn’t stop. In five years I’ll probably be part of this crowd too.
It’s thirty minutes to my station, and a huge crowd piled in at the last major stop. It’s packed tight now.

I managed to secure a spot by the door, but… when I tried to step back a bit, my shoulder brushed against someone.

“Sorry.”
“I’m sorry! Eh—”

That clear, beautiful voice was familiar.

“Taiyo-san?”
“Imouto-chan!”

It was my best friend’s little sister—Tsukiyo Kaminagi. I’d thought I’d been running into her a lot lately, but never imagined I’d meet her here. She wore a soft white blouse and a long skirt, and her lovely features were drawing glances from all around.

“You should go to the women-only car.”
“I don’t really take the train much, but… is it better if I go there?”
“Yeah. Especially for a girl like you.”
“But I’m glad I ran into you, Taiyo-san. Though the crowd really swelled at this station, huh?”

She smiled—seriously, like a goddess. When someone looks at you like you’re a fated encounter, it squeezes your heart.
But we still had a while before arrival.

“Come over here.”

I took her shoulder and guided her toward the door. It’s not good—in many ways—for such a cute girl to be stuck in a packed train. I had to be her shield.
This door shouldn’t open until our stop anyway.

“You okay?”
“Y-y-yeah…”

The train stopped; more people pushed in. Honestly, the pressure on my back was intense. When I finally gave in and relaxed, I ended up leaning over her protectively—and my mind was not okay. Hm? Our eyes met.

“Eii—”
“Hey!”

She tugged me in the opposite direction, and I ended up practically on top of her. My hands stayed raised so I wouldn’t touch anything weird, but our bodies were pressed together.

“I don’t mind,” she said.

I was definitely not okay.

“But men’s chests are really firm, huh? Kind of jealous, actually.”

Ah—don’t, don’t touch there!
Wearing just a T-shirt was a mistake. I didn’t expect to meet someone I know.
I turned my head forward again. In my field of vision were her big round eyes, slightly high-bridged nose, and soft lips.

God, she’s so cute.

“You know… I think I might have fallen for you, Taiyo-san.”

Unable to handle it, I tilted my head way back.
She was still resting her hand on my chest—softly. Please stop the soft touch!

“Whoa!”
“Kya!”

A sudden sharp turn or brake jolted the train. I lost balance, jammed my left hand against the wall, and barely steadied myself. Not enough—my right hand ended up brushing the back of her head.

“Sorry!”
“It’s fine like this.”

Even so… her chestnut-brown hair flowed down her back, glossy and silky. What shampoo and conditioner make hair like this? Without thinking, my right hand slid down, combing gently.
It traced her hair, touched her ear… and then my palm brushed her cheek.

“Ah.”

My right hand was now stroking her cheek.
When I nervously looked at her, she was wide-eyed, cheeks flushed, body trembling… looking exactly like someone about to be kissed.

“I-I-I’m happy, but maybe it’s still a little early…”
“I’m sorry.”

Please don’t accuse me of harassment…
And like that, the two of us spent the ride to my station.