This was not how her first solo outing was supposed to go.
“There,” Yuki said softly, pointing. A warm, golden light spilled from the window of a café shaped like a giant teapot. “The Cat’s Cradle.” Moe girl touch advance
“You’re going to catch a cold.” The girl’s tone was firm, despite her small voice. She held the cardigan out. “It’s my fault for not seeing you sooner. I was feeding the strays behind the temple.” This was not how her first solo outing was supposed to go
Yuki shook her head. “I don’t have another class for an hour.” She paused, her cheeks flushing a color that matched the strawberries on her dress. “And you still have my cardigan.” “The Cat’s Cradle
As they pushed open the café door, a bell jingled, and a wave of coffee-scented warmth washed over them. Hana realized that being lost had been the luckiest thing that could have happened. The moe girl’s touches—the step closer, the offered cardigan, the lean into her hand—hadn’t been advances in a game. They were the quiet, brave steps of connection. And Hana, for once, was happy to follow where they led.
“I… yes,” Hana admitted, defeated. “I was supposed to meet my study group at the Cat’s Cradle Café, but I took a wrong turn at the temple with the red gates.”