The Girl Who Has Zero Sense of Personal Space Even Though We Aren't Dating Keeps Dragging Me Around Using Tokyo's Latest Spots as an Excuse (Chapter 39)

[Character Introduction]
Kou: A slightly shy boy who is always being pushed around by Mei and her zero sense of personal space, yet still finds his heart racing.
Mei: A self-proclaimed gal (?) with zero sense of personal space who is sensitive to trends and makes no effort to hide her feelings for Kou.

Chapter 39: Candlelight on the Night of the Summer Solstice, and Your Body Heat That's Too Close

"Hey Kou, do you know what day it is today?"

Sunday, June 21st. It was a humid dusk during a break in the rainy season, and Mei was sitting on my bed as if she owned the place, thrusting her smartphone screen in front of me.
She was too close. When I shifted my gaze to the side, pretending to look at the screen she held out, my heart skipped a beat at the sight of her slender shoulders peeking out from her sleeveless top and the sweet scent of shampoo drifting from her.

"Uh... Sunday?"
"Wrong! The correct answer is 'Summer Solstice'! Which means, we're going out right now!"
"Wait, right now? It's already starting to get dark outside..."
"I said, that's exactly why it's fine! Look, check this out!"

Mei tapped the screen. It showed news about a magical event where the city lights of Tokyo would be turned off all at once, leaving only the warm glow of candles.

"The '1 Million Candle Night @ Zojoji Temple 2026'! They say at 8:00 PM, even Tokyo Tower will turn off its lights, leaving only the candlelight. Isn't that super romantic?"
"Zojoji Temple, in Shiba Park? It does sound beautiful, but..."
"Right!? Come on, if you dawdle, we'll lose the best seats. Here, grab your jacket!"

Mei grabbed my hand tightly and pulled me toward the door without giving me a chance to refuse. Even though we aren't supposed to be dating, her palm is always warm, and she always leaves me behind so easily.

—8:00 PM, Zojoji Temple grounds.

"Wow... amazing..."

With the countdown, the lights on Tokyo Tower went out, and the countless candles lined up on the temple grounds began to flicker with orange light.
As if the bustle of the day had been a lie, a quiet, somewhat solemn atmosphere enveloped the area.

"See, I was right to bring you, wasn't I?"

I tried to look at Mei standing next to me, but my breath caught in my throat.
She was much closer than usual. Or rather, she had her arm completely linked with mine. Mei's profile, illuminated by the soft candlelight, looked a bit more mature than usual, and I felt like the sound of my heartbeat might shatter the silence of the temple grounds.

"...Yeah. It's really beautiful, Mei."
"Yeah... But, the candles are beautiful, but..."

Mei looked up at me. In her eyes, I could see the reflection of the small candle flames and my own face.

"I think I find it many times more heart-pounding to be holding hands with you like this, Kou."
"Huh...!?"

Seeing me turn red to the tips of my ears, Mei laughed mischievously, saying, "Ahaha! Your face is bright red!"
But her small hand, gripping my arm, felt much hotter than the candle flames, and I thought I could feel it trembling ever so slightly.