A Warm Place

Extra I

The Happiness Written on Her Palm ＊1

I heard the books that I had requested were arriving today, and so I'm currently taking my sweet time in the bookstore... when I spot someone I know enter through the front door while acting strangely.

(......What the heck is she doing?)

I assume that she's trying to hide herself behind a bookshelf. But if that's the case, she fails horribly. Besides, her suspicious behavior is making her stand out even more. I'm puzzled whether I should greet her properly, or act as if I don't know her and leave...

After pondering for a bit, I'm getting worried that the police might drag her for a questioning sometime soon. Thus, I decide to call her out.

When I tap her shoulder from behind, her whole body jerks and she looks at me, aghast.

"Kyaaaaah?!"
"Whoa!"

She's gotten more surprised than I expected. We manage to gain the strange looks from the people in the store, as well as the clerk at the counter who is scowling at us. I guess the sooner we leave the place, the better.

I reluctantly place the book I'm holding back to its shelf, before seizing her hand and promptly dragging the stupefied girl out of the bookstore. After we exit the store, I turn my face to Rumi, who seems to be unable to keep up with the situation.

"H-Hinata-chan?"
"What were you doing, sneaking around in a bookstore like that? ...You looked really suspicious."

She was bewildered at first, but it soon wears off after she takes a good look at my face.

"W-was I acting that strangely?"
"...It was like you were going to shoplift or something."

The shop clerk was glaring like he was facing his arch nemesis. When I frankly tell her about it, she looks glum and depressed.

"Uuh... I'm a teacher, for argument's sake..."
"Eh? Were you actually trying to shoplift earlier?"
"N-no! Of course not!!"
"Haah... What were you doing then?"

I speak with astonishment, but Rumi seems to be hard-pressed to answer.

"I was... hiding from someone."
"Eh? From who?"
"Well....."

It seems that she's trying to dodge the question by forcing a laugh while averting her eyes from me. I'm not really trying to pry, and it's probably better for me to back off. Although, the slight gloom that remains in her expression bothers me a bit.

"Anyway, Hinata-chan, what were you doing at the bookstore... although, it goes without saying that you were there to buy some books, doesn't it?"
"Yup, the books that I wanted to purchase seem to be arriving today, but..."

I couldn't. Noticing the meaning behind my gaze, Rumi makes an awkward smile.

"...S-sorry- It's my fault."
"It's fine, I can just come back later. Then, see you. Take care not to be found."

It'd be awkward to go back to the bookstore right away. And, I shouldn't be keeping her here when she's trying to get away from some pursuers. Left with no other choice, I decide to return home for the time being. However, she suddenly seizes my arm, keeping me in place.

"Eh? What is it?"
"...Since you're here and all, let's walk home together partwa... ah, never mind! Sorry for stopping you!"

The way she's hesitating really makes me worried. And, it clearly shows on her face that she's restraining herself.

"It feels lonely to walk by myself. I wonder if there's anyone around who would accompany me~ Haha."
"Eh? But..."
"I've heard rumors about a suspicious person loitering around here recently. Rumi-san, to tell the truth, I feel a little scared. It'd be such a relief if you would walk me home, you know~"