After paying, they left the bicycle rental shop.
Ishikawa Hayabusa pushed the bike forward a few steps, checking its condition while scanning the area to make sure there were no police nearby. Then he turned to the bewildered Bocchi and said:
"Bocchi, get on."
"Um… but riding double is against the law…"
Bocchi lowered her head, taking a small step back with her loafers, though she couldn't see it herself.
After realizing the situation, she had already apologized to Ishikawa Hayabusa in her heart for misunderstanding him earlier.But getting on the bike—that was a different matter.
If they were caught by the police for riding double… just imagining the scene made her shiver.
Still holding onto the bike, Hayabusa asked her as she retreated:
"It's nearly four kilometers from here to our destination, Bocchi. Can you walk that far?"
"Ah…"
She looked up in surprise, realizing that Ishikawa had rented the bike out of consideration for her.
Someone… was actually being this nice to her!
The anxiety in her chest loosened, replaced by a stirring impulse to throw caution to the wind.
She began to waver.
Seeing this, the boy who had only been learning guitar for less than a month spoke boldly, without shame:
"No worries. We're band people. To rock 'n' roll, the law is just a piece of paper."
He said it with a dazzling grin, giving her a big thumbs-up.
This Ishikawa-kun… he's a very dangerous person, isn't he? Bocchi thought to herself.
Also… you're giving rock music such a bad name!
…
In the end, Bocchi climbed onto the bike.
She set her bag in the space between them, sat astride the rear seat with her legs apart, grabbed the backrest, and planted her feet on the little foot pegs near the rear wheel.
Once she was settled, she looked at the sturdy back in front of her and whispered:
"Um… Ishikawa-kun… I'm ready."
Hayabusa glanced back at her very unladylike sitting posture.
He didn't mind it at all. In fact, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Hold on tight. Don't fall off."
Bocchi: ?
The next instant, the force of acceleration made her head snap backward. Terrified of falling, she straightened herself abruptly—and overdid it, bumping her forehead squarely into Ishikawa's back.
Bocchi froze.
Wh-what should I do? I-I'm done for.
I actually did something like that…
To Ishikawa-kun, the law is just a piece of paper—he'll kill me for sure!
At that moment, a hand pressed gently against her lower back.
"You didn't fall off, right?"
The sudden touch startled her, but the unexpected concern in his voice brought a flutter of joy.
She looked forward. In her vision, there was only his broad back and the ever-changing scenery streaming by.
No eyes watching her.
She was completely entrusting herself to the boy in front of her.
If Ishikawa-kun wasn't joking that day… maybe this was what happiness would feel like.
But she could tell—he was someone extraordinary. Someone who'd never choose a person like her.
Then she suddenly realized she hadn't answered the question Ishikawa had asked earlier.
But so much time had passed… wouldn't it be weird to answer now?
Still, she parted her lips, mustering her courage.
"I'm fine… What about you, Ishikawa-kun?" she asked, with concern.
But contrary to what she expected, Hayabusa chuckled as he replied:
"My back really hurts from that headbutt."
"But it was kind of cute. That little head bumping into me felt funny. Makes me want to pat it."
Ehhhhh?!
He's… happy about it?!
Bocchi's face turned crimson. She pressed her lips together, holding back a mix of embarrassment and joy.
Then, without thinking, words slipped from her mouth:
"Um… is it okay if I lean on you?"
What—what did I just say?! How could I lose myself like this now of all times?
While she was inwardly begging for a time machine—or anything to erase that moment—Hayabusa's delighted voice came from ahead:
"Of course. I'd love that."
He… actually agreed…
The soft breeze brushed past her cheeks, the bicycle chain clinking in rhythm. Bocchi's face grew hot.
The wind was cool, but she told herself: Just lean a little, Ishikawa-kun already said it was fine.
Gently, she rested her forehead against his back.
The touch was firm.
Ishikawa-kun's back was solid and strong. With each pedal stroke, the muscles shifted beneath his shirt, radiating strength.
And faintly, his clothes carried a refreshing scent.
Being behind him felt so safe. Different from the security of her closet—but the same kind of comfort.
So this… this is what a boy feels like?
For a fleeting moment, she wanted to wrap her arms around him. But then she snapped back to her senses.
Wait! Doesn't this make me look like some kind of creep?!
That was close… I almost ended my life right here.
Ishikawa-kun isn't someone I can reach anyway.
As her heart's yearning for a boyfriend grew stronger, she heard Hayabusa say:
"Life feels complete. Riding a bike with a cute girl on the backseat—it's the most romantic thing ever."
A cute girl? Did he mean her?
Before she could even think of a reply, he added:
"And having her shy little head pressed against my back—it's ridiculously cute."
He is talking about her!
Overwhelmed with embarrassment and joy, Bocchi struggled to keep her emotions in check before finally speaking in a restrained, almost floating voice:
"Um, I-I'm not a cute girl… I'm not pretty, and I…"
But before she could finish, the bike slowed sharply, and Hayabusa said:
"We're here."
So fast?!
Bocchi's heart sank with unexpected disappointment.
With the hiss of brakes, the bicycle coasted for a few seconds before coming to a stop.
Head lowered, Bocchi wasn't surprised her words had been ignored—she was used to it.
Once the bike stopped, she glanced around.
They were now on a narrow country road stretching into the distance.
Birdsong mixed with the sound of waves rolling in from afar. She turned to the right side of the road, where a grassy field spread out. Beyond it, the land dropped into a cliff, and further still, the sea shimmered.
At that moment, the figure ahead of her drew her attention again.
Hayabusa dismounted.
She hurriedly got off as well, standing stiffly to the side, clutching her cloth bag with both hands.
…
Hayabusa pushed the bike to the roadside, set it down, then walked straight toward her.
For some reason, the closer he came, the more nervous she grew.
Her face flushed, eyes darting with panic, and her grip on the bag grew so tight the fabric was crumpled with folds.
Stopping in front of her, Hayabusa crouched slightly.
Amid her startled gasp, his hands cupped her face, and he looked directly into the wavering eyes beneath her bangs.
"Bocchi, you're beautiful. I mean it—you're really beautiful. You're definitely a cute girl."
"So hold yourself with the confidence of one."
Being gazed at and told this so directly made Bocchi feel like her chest was bursting with tangled emotions.
His eyes locked onto hers—wherever she looked, his gaze followed. Even when she tried to avert her eyes, she could still sense his colors in her peripheral vision.
When their eyes accidentally met, she felt her breath hitch.
"Th-th-th…"
Her cheeks flared red as she mumbled.
But before she could melt into pieces, Hayabusa let go, straightened up, patted her shoulder, and tugged gently at her arm.
"Come on. The scenery here is amazing."