[it takes Kaoru a second or two to realize that Chizuru is lagging behind him, and another second for him to stop, too. it's mostly because he doesn't realize just how much hearing something like that might unsettle her, even though she doesn't exactly clear up his confusion once she speaks. "please go somewhere else". he feels something similar to the sting of rejection when he hears that, even though he knows he shouldn't. not only does he not know Chizuru well enough for it, but the way that she phrases that makes it seem like it isn't about rejection at all.
the more she talks, the more sure of it he becomes, and that pang is replaced by something arguably worse. it's a strangely familiar knot of anxiety deep in the pit of his stomach. why Tosa? why is she so concerned about him going to Tosa? the more he repeats that question to himself, the worse the anxiety becomes.]
Why—? [his voice sounds smaller than he had intended, and he clears his throat.] Why not? Are the beaches too hot?
[it's a sad attempt at shoving the sudden cloud of negativity away from both of them.]
no subject
the more she talks, the more sure of it he becomes, and that pang is replaced by something arguably worse. it's a strangely familiar knot of anxiety deep in the pit of his stomach. why Tosa? why is she so concerned about him going to Tosa? the more he repeats that question to himself, the worse the anxiety becomes.]
Why—? [his voice sounds smaller than he had intended, and he clears his throat.] Why not? Are the beaches too hot?
[it's a sad attempt at shoving the sudden cloud of negativity away from both of them.]