[...he won't laugh because he promised, but he's almost tempted to for how innocent it all is. But then, if this much is hard for Ayaka to admit, anything more than that might need a bit of coaxing. Perhaps if he opens up more, she'll be inclined to do so as well?]

Then you're in luck, because I feel the same way.

[He reaches out to take her other hand, holding it between both of his own as his gaze falls down upon it.]

I've actually experienced something like this here before, but only one time. And back then, I felt the same way I did before I ran into you. Like my whole body was in pain without-- without some kind of physical contact.

[And maybe a little more than that, but baby steps here.]

If I hadn't ran into you, I might've just gone home with a stranger. So I'm really glad you were there.