"If I may ask, what is your name?"

Looking back with a gentle gaze,
he says,
"I'm..."
He pauses and then continues,
"I'm Hotoru Ichijo."

"Hotoru Ichijo..."

"Hotoru is fine.
What's your name?"

"Yuna Shiori."

"That's a nice name."

"...Hotoru? Can I ask for a selfish request?"

"And what is this selfish request would you ask of me to do?"

"It's a very simple request. May I hold your hand?"

Hotoru was surprise, but didn't deny her request.

He brings his hand closer to hers.

"You may."

She held his hand and notice the difference in size and texture.

So warm.

His hands were big, rough and dry, though the contrast between the two felt normal.

To Yuna, she felt protected.