Chapter 72: Never Let You Go Again
"Shido-san..." Yoshino murmured shyly as she took small, hesitant steps toward him, pulling the hood of her raincoat over her face in an attempt to hide her deep blush.
Her naturally introverted personality took over, momentarily pushing aside the fear she had felt toward the AST waiting outside. Right now, her focus was entirely on Shido, her heart beating faster with each step she took toward him.
"It's been a while, Yoshino. How are you?" Shido asked with a gentle smile.
As if it were the most natural thing in the world, he placed his hand atop her raincoat, softly caressing her head.
"Fuwe~"
A barely audible sound escaped Yoshino's lips as she tensed in surprise at Shido's sudden action. Her face grew even redder, embarrassment washing over her. Yet, despite her flustered state, she didn't ask him to stop.
Instead, Yoshino remained still, quietly enjoying the warmth and gentleness of his touch causing her heart to beat faster with every passing second.
She slowly closed her eyes, a blissful smile unconsciously forming on her cute face. The warmth of Shido's hand, the gentle way he patted her felt so comforting and reassuring. At that moment, Yoshino could feel it. The invisible thread that was delicate yet unbreakable, connecting her to Shido.
His touch reminded her of how her mother used to gently pat her head whenever she was sad. Yoshino found herself recalling the time when she was just an ordinary girl, part of a happy family before she became a Spirit.