If following behind Daniel who is walking slowly considering my situation, I can understand what he has repeatedly said about this place before - the meaning of it. This place is a bit different from an ordinary bustling street.
The people coming and going have an atmosphere and combinations that aren't commonly seen usually. Couples being affectionate with each other are commonly seen on the street or at the station. Although it's the same thing, but somehow I always feel oppressed by this kind of atmosphere.
Carl also has such feelings and love. Although I think I understand and am immune to it. But thinking about it now, I only understand it in my mind.
"Are you okay? Ben."
"Yeah, I'm okay."
Seeing the expression of Daniel looking back worriedly, I couldn't help but hold his hand tightly. But for some reason, I panicked and wanted to let go again. But he gently held my hand again and stopped me.
"If you see anything, tell me. Don't run away on your own, you know?"
Daniel knows my personality well and immediately warns me not to run around randomly. But now I really can't care about these things. For some reason, I feel my heart beating inexplicably faster.
"Daniel, you said you are familiar with this place. Do you come here often?"
"Hmm? Ah... Occasionally, very occasionally. You see, I have come here a few times for work-related social interactions."
"Is that so?"
Although there is a subtle pause for an instant, but I am still influenced by Daniel who is laughing loudly. I can't help but tilt my head and also laugh for no particular reason.
"Well, the companion of the kid we are looking for, is a person with shiny hair, like a small hooligan, and seems not very smart-looking, right?"
No, I didn't plan to say it like this, but I can't deny having this feeling either. So I didn't correct it on purpose. After I described the characteristics of the blond young man on the bus in my memory, Daniel seems to understand immediately and determines the direction to move forward.
"I have also seen them a few times. I remember it seems like walking with a handsome guy with a dark complexion. Is it that kid?"
"Oh, is that so."
Judging from the words, it seems that they are often together.
If they are really the two people I mentioned - he, is in a relationship with the blond young man, right. No, it's strange to even think like this and still add a question mark. Normally speaking, if they often play around in this area, it must be like this. At the very beginning, the blond young man stuck to him as soon as he saw him.
"...But."
Come to think of it, why do I care about these things? Also, why am I trying so hard for just a lighter.
"Why indeed."
I feel completely swallowed by the atmosphere of this place. While muttering to myself, I can't help but murmur softly.
"...Uh, Ben!"
"Hmm?"
The loud sound suddenly ringing in my ear and the feeling of my shoulder being shaken startle me. I hurriedly look up.
"Are you really okay? Can you wait here?"
"Hmm? Here?"
I look into Daniel's eyes staring at me and look around at this place he mentioned.
It's probably the entrance of a shop. There is a downward staircase under my feet. There is a door to the dance floor below. Although there is a signboard hanging there, it's not very clear from this angle.
"Never go with anyone no matter what they say. Don't leave until I come back. If you feel it's dangerous, come down."
"Yeah, okay. I understand."
I look at Daniel's frowning face in confusion and nod gently. Suddenly I am pulled over and hugged. He hugs my back tightly and I am stunned and stand still in surprise. After a moment of silence, Daniel sighs deeply and lets me go.
"I'm very worried, extremely worried. Let's go together."
"Ah, no, it'll be troublesome if we miss each other outside. I'll wait here."
I replay the words of Daniel speaking absent-mindedly in my mind and give a wry smile. Daniel says to go down together and I reply that I'll wait here.
Daniel holds my hands tightly and still shows a worried expression on his face.
"Well, I'll be back soon. It's a promise. Wait for me here."
"I understand."
I know he is really worried about me. So I look back into his eyes that have been looking at me all along and nod several times. Then it seems that he is finally relieved. He kisses my cheek, wraps his scarf around me and runs down the stairs in a hurry.
"The way of greeting over there is really not something I'm used to. Speaking of which, usually people don't kiss, right?"
Although I will definitely be kissed every time we meet, I'm still not used to it. And I'm not quite sure if this is polite either, so I have doubts. Moreover, it's not a situation of greeting now. It feels very strange.
"...It's so cold!"
After Daniel leaves, for some reason I suddenly feel very cold. Just with one person less by my side, the perceived temperature changes. I rub my cold hands and look up at the sky where it is still snowing.
Then I lean against the wall behind for a few minutes. And repeat the same words for ten minutes. I finally understand Daniel's worry deeply.
"It's so boring. I'm waiting for someone."
"It's too much to make someone wait in such cold weather. Let's go play together."
"No."
No matter how many times I refuse, this - this person who is trying to pick me up still comes over again and again. I'm finally fed up.
Especially this man in front of me is the most annoying. Although other men will pester a few times, they will finally leave relatively straightforwardly after a clear refusal. But -.
"Annoying, I hate it. Don't bother me anymore."
Actually, I'm not a person with a quick temper, but I will become irritable facing this man. His pestering is too excessive.
"Oh dear, your hands are so cold. Don't want such a boyfriend. Play with me."
"Don't touch me!"
Suddenly having my hand held, my shoulder jerks sharply. But I hurriedly shake off his hand in a panic. But the man shows a wretched smile.
"Don't be so angry. I'm just saying let's play together."
"...Don't joke around!"
When being held around the shoulder and pulled over by his arm, goose bumps rise all over my body. The hand I try to lift to break free is forcibly held. My body seems to freeze and can't move.
"Let me go!"
But as soon as I shout, my body is pulled in another direction. A strong hand pulls me away from the man.
"Daniel?"
I thought it was Daniel coming back and look back. But the one quietly looking down at the man in a flustered state is him whom I saw at the bus stop -.