Fujiwara Chika immediately became displeased upon hearing that.
"If Junior Tanaka doesn't like it, then let go," she said, pouting as she tried to pull her hand from his.
"I never said I didn't like it; in fact, I love the sticky, damp feeling."
Hearing this, Fujiwara Chika shivered, looking utterly disgusted.
"Ew~ Junior Tanaka's preferences are so weird.
And let me tell you now, my hand is only a little sweaty; if Junior Tanaka thinks it's sticky, it's definitely because of him."
"Yes, Fujiwara-senpai, it's all my fault, okay?"
Fujiwara Chika, while being led forward by Tanaka Masao, frowned and grumbled, "Why are Junior Tanaka's words so infuriating? He's apologizing, but what he says makes it sound like I'm being unreasonable."
To this, Tanaka Masao replied, "That's the charm of language, Fujiwara-senpai. Do you know how to use multiple affirmations to express a negative?"
"Multiple affirmations to express a negative?"
Fujiwara Chika tilted her head in thought. "I only know about double negatives expressing a positive. I've studied many languages, and I don't think any of them have that kind of grammar."
"Ah, right, right, right."
Fujiwara Chika: ...
"Was I negated by multiple affirmations?"
"Ah, right, right, right."
"I was affirmed by multiple affirmations."
Tanaka Masao gave a thumbs-up. "As expected of Fujiwara-senpai, your analysis is completely correct."
"Hmph, my language talent is very impressive; this is nothing to me."
"Then may I ask Fujiwara-senpai a question?"
"Does Junior Tanaka have something he doesn't understand? Just ask me, after all, I'm the first in grade senpai."
Hearing that Tanaka Masao was going to ask her a question, Fujiwara Chika instantly perked up, straightening her back.
Why did she study so hard to become first in grade?
Was it to step on Shirogane Miyuki and Shinomiya Kaguya?
No!
Was it for her family's praise and an increased allowance?
Not that either.
She studied hard simply so she could guide Tanaka Masao as an all-knowing senpai, which gave her a great sense of accomplishment.
"Fujiwara-senpai, do you know what the two most detestable types of people in this world are?"
"The most detestable people?"
Fujiwara Chika thought for a moment about the people she disliked the most and said, "One type is dishonest liars, and the other is strange people who harm others."
Tanaka Masao nodded. As expected of Fujiwara Chika, a pure and kind girl. It was time to let her experience the harshness of the world.
"While the two types of people Fujiwara-senpai mentioned are indeed annoying, there are even more detestable people."
"Junior Tanaka, stop teasing me, quickly, tell me, tell me!"
"The first type is people who only speak half a sentence."
Fujiwara Chika nodded. "People who speak half a sentence are indeed a bit annoying, but it's not that serious, is it?
By the way, what's the second type?"
In response to Fujiwara Chika's question, Tanaka Masao merely offered a faint smile and chose to remain silent.
After waiting a while and seeing that Tanaka Masao wasn't answering her, Fujiwara Chika frowned.
"Junior Tanaka, why aren't you speaking?
Then I ask you, what about the second type of person?"
Tanaka Masao remained silent.
Fujiwara Chika grew anxious, frantically shaking the hand Tanaka Masao was holding.
"Hey, Junior Tanaka, quickly speak! What's the second type of person? Don't just speak half a sentence..."
At this moment, Fujiwara Chika finally understood a truth. She stopped pressing Tanaka Masao and, looking at him seriously, said, "There are no two types of detestable people in this world.
There is only one most detestable person in this world, and that is you, Junior Tanaka."
"Fujiwara-senpai, how can you say that about me? It truly makes me..."
Tanaka Masao feigned a look of deep distress.
"...feel happy."
"Why?"
"Because it means my prank succeeded."
"Bad taste."
"But seeing Fujiwara-senpai get flustered is really amusing."
"Ah, Junior Tanaka is truly detestable!"
"See, you're getting flustered again."
"No, I have to play a trick on Junior Tanaka too."
Fujiwara Chika, always one to get revenge, also began to play pranks on Tanaka Masao.
Tanaka Masao, not to be outdone, chose to retaliate.
Amidst their back-and-forth, laughter often erupted from the two of them.
During this time, Tanaka Masao never let go of Fujiwara Chika's hand.
As long as Fujiwara Chika didn't say anything, he wouldn't let go voluntarily unless absolutely necessary.
As for Fujiwara Chika, it wasn't just because she was oblivious and forgot about it.
It was also because the previous Yuenchi ride had a lingering effect, causing her to feel a strange sense of falling and weightlessness even while walking on solid ground.
This still made her a little scared, and having someone hold her hand made her feel more secure.
The compatibility between two rather timid people was high; upon reaching a fork in the road,
the left led to a blood-pumping roller coaster, while the right led to a science popularization sightseeing facility for children.
Tanaka Masao and Fujiwara Chika exchanged glances and, without prior discussion, both chose the right path.
It wasn't until they sat in the sightseeing car that they finally let go of each other's hands. Fujiwara Chika smiled from her seat.
"Why is Fujiwara-senpai so happy?"
"Look, this car only requires a waist seatbelt; there are no other protective measures.
That means this ride must be very gentle and not thrilling at all."
She let out a sigh of relief and leaned back in her seat, somewhat relaxed.
"Alright, now I can finally enjoy the game in peace."
"But has Fujiwara-senpai ever considered something: what if the Yuenchi management is just trying to make you lower your guard, and then hit you with something thrilling?"
Fujiwara Chika, who had only just relaxed, stiffened for a moment, but after looking at her surroundings, she relaxed again.
"Junior Tanaka, relax. You're just stressed from being pranked. Look around."
She gestured with her hand. "With so many children, how could the Yuenchi management dare?"
As the two chatted, the sightseeing car started moving, and at the same time, a female voice echoed from the broadcast.
It was a story narration, seamlessly blending the narrative with the surrounding scenery to create a more immersive experience.
It must be said, this approach was very effective and popular with children.
"Wow, that was actually a monster developed by an evil doctor, so scary, it's moving!"
Well, Fujiwara Chika liked it very much too.