What’s a queen?

Rainbow Bridge, everyone, you gotta walk across it.

Even for someone like me who’s scared of heights, if you steel yourself and let out a wild yell, it’s only that level of scary!

It’s been a while since we started walking across Rainbow Bridge, with Hayashi clinging to me.

From the start, Hayashi’s been trembling, barely managing to keep pace with me, looking like she’s at her limit.

“You okay?”

“I can’t handle heights…”

“Then why’d you come?”

Apparently, Hayashi has a mild case of acrophobia. Seriously, if that’s the case, why’d she force herself to come up here?

Watching her tremble, I can’t help but wonder.

“Oh!”

Well, if she can keep moving as long as she’s clinging to me, I guess this is fine for now.

With that thought, I glance at the cluster of skyscrapers in central Tokyo beyond the iron grating.

Layers of towering buildings stretch out, and between them stands the bright red radio tower, Tokyo Tower.

This is quite a sight, one you don’t get to see in the countryside.

“Hey, Hayashi, take a look.”

The walkway curves to avoid the massive pillars supporting Rainbow Bridge, and in that section, the iron grating gives way to a handrail.

I stop to take in the view of Tokyo’s cityscape and lean against the handrail.

“Don’t stop!”

Hayashi shouts.

“Seriously, why did you even come?”

I can’t help but retort.

Looking closely, Hayashi’s eyes are squeezed shut, refusing to look around. Her body flinches at the slightest sway, and a thin sheen of sweat beads on her forehead.

Is it that bad?

…Seriously, why did she come?

With no other choice, I start walking again. The grip of Hayashi’s arms around me is getting a little tighter.

“Ugh…”

As we walk, Hayashi lets out a small groan.

At first, I thought she might be nauseous, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case.

Probably, she feels guilty for being in such a state despite insisting on coming here herself.

The water quality of Tokyo Bay below us is, as always, a murky brown. Several boats cut through the brown water, moving along.

…Come to think of it, there’s a water bus that goes from around Asakusa along the Sumida River to Odaiba. I took a sightseeing boat around Yokohama Port once, and it was pretty fun, so maybe I’ll try that next time.

“Eek!”

While I’m enjoying the scenery alone, Hayashi lets out a scream like she’s just seen a mutilated corpse.

…Seriously, if she’s like this, she shouldn’t have said she wanted to come.

I feel a bit exasperated thinking that, but then I remember—Hayashi is forcing herself to do this so I can visit the places I want to go.

“Hayashi.”

“…What?”

“We’re not making much progress like this.”

“…Sorry.”

“I’m not mad.”

“Sorry.”

This apology probably isn’t just about our slow progress.

“Want to get on my back?”

“Huh?”

“How about I carry you? At least that way, you won’t feel the bridge swaying. Even with your eyes closed, it won’t be dangerous.”

Hayashi finally opens her eyes.

And her mouth hangs half-open in a daze.

“…N-no. No way… no, no… impossible!”

“…Alright, if it’s impossible, then never mind.”

Well, that’s that.

I thought it was a good idea, though.

“Wait, why are you giving up so fast?”

Hayashi whispers, her face looking like she’s about to cry.

Hold on, which is it? I want to complain again, but I stop myself since it seems like any more and she might actually start crying.

The image of Hayashi throwing a tantrum, given her past as someone called a “queen,”… well, I kinda want to see that, actually.

“Come on, get on.”

Enough of this—let’s just get it over with and carry her.

I crouch down in front of Hayashi, turning my back to her.

Hayashi hesitates for a while.

“…Is it okay?”

“Yeah.”

“But I just ate lunch, so I might be heavy.”

“It’s fine.”

“But…”

Just as her wishy-washy moment seems like it’ll drag on forever, a car zooms by on the road next to us, exceeding the speed limit.

Startled by the loud noise, Hayashi clings to my back and, after a moment, entrusts her weight to me.

“Here we go!”

“Eep!”

Another scream escapes Hayashi.

She presses her body tightly against mine.

“…D-don’t shake too much.”

“Ah, sorry.”

“Okay.”

“…Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

Trying not to focus on Hayashi’s warmth, I start walking slowly.

We’ve surpassed the highest points for a single work!

Seriously, thank you!

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