Do You Want to Hold Hands

"Nope." Lucille retracted her right hand slightly, hiding the red silk thread in her palm before moving to Joseph's right. Lucille raised her left hand, blinking, and questioningly asked, "Do you want to hold hands?" It was one of the very few times where she was taking the initiative. Cunning and spirited. Joseph's heart seemingly got softly scratched with bits of tingling. The corners of his mouth uncontrollably curled with the fleeting moment of rejection that had just occurred faded, replaced by an overwhelming rush of emotions. "Of course." Joseph took Lucille's hand. Instead of rejecting his touch, Lucille subtly responded with a soft squeeze. Since she had confessed her feelings, she was determined to never shy away at times when she needed to show initiative. Even if the neurotoxin had yet to be investigated, she would follow her genuine feelings and bear the risk of taking a step forward before the culprit behind the incident could be discovered. Neglecting her reasoning, disr