[a great sidekick, huh. . . kotori a sudden flashback to the phrase "backup dancers". but this was just a little kid, so it didn't sting as hard.

she nodded her approval and stood up, straightening her skirt.]

Elle-chan, then! It's nice to meet you too... Hm, do you want to head upstairs? We might be able to see all around from the balcony and the windows.

[after a moment's hesitation, kotori offered her hand to elle -- she seemed like she had a good head on her shoulders, but it never hurt to be careful. and if elle got offended, kotori could always brush it off as her being scared instead.]