Chapter 37

3 Minoru left SFD Headquarters with the Professor, who had changed from her white lab coat into a pink down jacket. As they walked side by side along the path that crossed Toyama Park, it occurred to him that they’d never gone anywhere together before. Minoru was a sixteen-year-old high school student, and the Professor was a ten-year-old fourth grader. This wouldn’t be an unusual age difference for a pair of siblings, but Minoru’s fragile mental state made him highly doubtful that he could ever pass for a good older brother. Besides, the Professor far surpassed him in terms of mental age. Maybe he was overthinking it, but Minoru felt as if some of the mothers passing by with their young children were eyeing him suspiciously. Just as he was becoming convinced that he would be reported as a kidnapper if they kept walking like this any longer— The Professor suddenly grabbed his left hand. Wha—?! Unleashing a silent scream in his mind, Minoru’s legs tangled, nearly causing him to fall. Immediately, the Professor—who still had her Jet Eye strength despite being a child—shot an arm out and caught him. “Ah… Th-thank you…” Minoru mumbled his thanks, and the Professor smiled dryly as she whispered a response. “Was that reaction really necessary? I was just holding your hand.” “Y-yeah, but it was just so sudden, I was startled…” “I just thought we’d look more like siblings this way. That would make you feel a bit better, right?” “Well…yeah, I guess…” Minoru had often held Norie’s hand as they walked when he was in elementary school, and that had never seemed unnatural, but now it was the year 2020. Did kids these days still hold hands with their younger siblings? I’ll have to ask Minowa next time I see her…, he thought, reflecting back on Professor Riri’s actions throughout the day and puzzling over everything. Perhaps noticing the slight tilt of his head or sensing something through their linked hands, the Professor nudged him and whispered again.