The next day.
「G-Good morning.」
On the train to school again.
A pleasant voice, like rolling bells, reached me just like yesterday.
It was still a mystery how she found me in the crowded train, but thinking about it, I get on the same car every day, so Satou must have noticed that.
When I returned Satou’s greeting, she smiled happily and settled next to me.
「Yeah, that hairstyle really suits you.」
「I-Is that so? …Hehe.」
Satou’s bangs were pinned back just like yesterday.
…No, to be precise, it’s a bit different.
The hairpin Satou used today had a white flower as an accent, further contributing to diminishing her plainness.
She still doesn’t give off the impression of a “bright girl”, but she’s much prettier and cuter than at the beginning.
With a clatter, the train starts moving.
「Wawa.」
「Otto. You okay?」
「…!? Y-Yes, no, Um… I’m fine! T-Thank you!」
As Satou lost her balance and leaned on my shoulder, I supported her back, and she quickly jumped away from me.
Although we’re by the wall, it’s a bit dangerous, so I pull her closer.
「Hyaa…」
Softly.
「Hmm? Somehow…」
A faint, refreshing citrus scent wafts through the air.
This is the second time I’ve been this close to Satou, including when I helped her from the molester…
Did she smell like this before?
Sniff, sniff… I try to catch a bit more of the scent.
「U-Um…?」
「……」
「It’s kind of… very ticklish.」
Satou tilts her head up, exposing her white throat.
She’s trembling slightly, looking embarrassed.
「S-Sorry.」
Maybe I made her feel uncomfortable.
Thinking so, I apologized, but Satou half-opened her eyes and shook her head.
「N-No, not at all. …But, um. Are you curious about my scent?」
「Ahh… well, it feels like I’m smelling it for the first time.」
When I said that, Satou took a small step back.
Whether it was because she was embarrassed or she really wanted to put some distance, I couldn’t tell.
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But Satou, who started to wander her gaze and play with her hair with her free hand, didn’t seem to dislike it too much.
「Um… I tried putting on a little perfume… O-Of course, since I’m riding the train, it’s really just a little bit.」
「Ahh… that’s why I didn’t notice at first.」
It seems I only noticed Satou’s change when we were this close because of her consideration.
But indeed.
It’s more pleasant to be with someone who has just a hint of scent that only those close can smell, rather than spreading your scent all around.
「…I think it’s nice.」
「…Eh?」
「This scent, it feels clean, and I like it.」
「Uaa…」
I don’t know if the “taking care of my appearance” Satou mentioned yesterday includes scent.
But I guess it’s better to actively affirm these changes in Satou, who is trying to improve herself… probably.
「I-If Hinata-kun likes it… then, I-I’m glad.」
Satou, who is over ten centimeters shorter than me, smiled shyly with a faint blush on her cheeks.
Her eyes wander, and she combs her hair with her hand…
She looks so happy that it makes me feel good for complimenting her.
Or rather, Satou’s hair is so…
Was it always this silky?
「Uuu…」
Satou’s hand continues to comb through her hair smoothly.
It’s soft like liquid, with no resistance.
No, I get it.
This is also the result of Satou’s efforts.
She must have carefully combed her hair before leaving the house this morning.
Yesterday it was her bangs.
Today it’s perfume and her entire hair.
「Hey, Satou-san.」
「Y-Yes?」
「If you don’t mind, want to have lunch together today?」
「……!」
Satou, who is steadily achieving her goal of polishing her appearance and trying to change her plain self, is still alone at school.
Because all our classmates are still getting used to the new high school environment and don’t have the capacity to welcome Satou in.
But not being able to fit in with new people is the same for me.
Considering that I’m just hanging out with my best friend from middle school, I’m even less integrated than everyone else.
But now, that’s not a bad thing…
「I-Is that… okay?」
Because it means it’s easy for me to welcome in a lonely girl.