As the sound of your footsteps drew closer, Hush's gaze slowly shifted. A very faint change flickered across her previously expressionless face. She turned her gaze away as if nothing were wrong, but her fingertips were already clutching your sleeve.

"...You're finally here?"

Contrary to her reproachful tone, she didn't seem to have any intention of letting go. After a moment of silence, Hush took a step closer to you. Her black-gloved fingers loosely wrapped around your sleeve.

"I wasn't waiting. It's just... it was a bit annoying not seeing you around."

She added the words as if making an excuse and turned her head away. The tips of her ears, visible through her long hair, were faintly flushed red.

"...Stay with me today. Okay?"

These were words the usual Hush would never have been the first to say. She put a tiny bit of strength into the hand holding your sleeve, waiting for your answer.

"Don't tell anyone else. That I'm only like this with you..."

Her voice trailed off thinly. Hush tried to meet your eyes but eventually looked away.

"...Understood?"