Bell’s coat, which I had never neglected to brush or maintain, was wonderful to the touch, and leaning back against him felt incredibly cozy. Given his massive size, there was more than enough room for Sieg-san and me to lean against him side-by-side.
Even so, we were sitting so close that we were practically glued together. Since we were lovers, though, it wasn't a problem.
“The stars are even more beautiful than I imagined,” she whispered.
“It’s overwhelming. I get the impression that just moving a little bit away from the city changes how they look entirely.”
“Should we turn off the lighting magic tool and just enjoy the starry sky for a bit?” I asked.
“I agree. We can save the drinks for later…”
There wasn't any sign of the meteor shower yet, but without city lights or clouds to obscure them, the stars looked truly magnificent. It was a sight that could only be described as a sky full of stars, an atmosphere so overwhelming that the trip was worth it for this alone.
As we sat gazing at the sky, Sieg-san silently leaned her weight against me. Feeling her slight pressure and pleasant warmth, I gently reached for her hand and intertwined our fingers.
“...It’s strange. We aren’t really doing anything—just sitting side-by-side and holding hands—and yet, such a simple thing feels so special.”
“I feel the same way. Just being with you like this makes me feel like I’m enjoying a special, luxurious moment.”
“I can truly feel the happiness. It makes me want to let Kaito-san spoil me.”
Sieg-san rested her head on my shoulder as she spoke. She’s usually so calm and composed that seeing her act so cute and affectionate felt like proof of how much she’d opened her heart to me. It made me happy, and a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth.
“As far as I’m concerned, I wouldn't mind if you were even more spoiled than this,” I said.
“Oh? That’s a statement that carries a lot of responsibility, you know? If you say that, I’ll take you at your word and act even more spoiled.”
“It’s my honest, unvarnished feeling, so please, take me at my word.”
“Hehe, well then, I’ll do exactly that.”
With a happy smile, she briefly let go of my hand, hugged my arm tightly, and then took my hand again. Our level of intimacy definitely went up a notch, and I could feel her warmth pressing against my entire arm.
Since the lighting magic tool was off, there was no artificial light, but the starlight was bright enough that I could just barely make out her face when I turned toward her.
I lightly placed my free hand against her cheek. Perhaps sensing my intention, Sieg-san looked up at me and closed her eyes. I leaned in and pressed my lips against hers in a gentle kiss.
I kept the kiss brief and soft, so as not to forget that we were here to watch the meteor shower.
“...This is quite difficult,” she murmured. “I find myself almost forgetting why we came.”
“Ahaha, I was thinking the same thing. It would be a waste to come all this way and end up missing it entirely.”
“It would. According to the time, it should be getting close to—ah, I see one!”
“Eh? I didn’t see—ah, there’s another! I saw it that time.”
Following her gaze, I looked up at the sky and saw shooting stars beginning to streak across the dark canvas here and there. In my old world, a meteor shower meant dozens per hour at the most, but I wondered what the standard was here.
“By the way, Sieg-san, how many shooting stars can you usually see in an hour?”
“I’ve never really counted, but it might be hundreds—perhaps even more.”
“That many? That sounds incredible... wait, there are already quite a few falling.”
The meteor shower in this world was more of a ‘system.’ It wasn't caused by meteoroids burning up in the atmosphere or the path of a comet like in my world. It was closer to a form of weather. Describing it as a rare weather phenomenon that occurred at regular intervals might be the most accurate way to put it, but either way, the fundamental rules were different from the meteor showers I knew.
Shooting stars appeared one after another in the night sky, creating a scene of pure fantasy. In a way, this was the kind of vista only possible in another world, and it was utterly awe-inspiring. Large and small streaks of light painted the star-filled sky, leaving me speechless.
(Since I want Kaito-san to enjoy his date, I have provided a 70% Increase in Shooting Stars today.)
...Thank you for the thought. I’m happy to see such a sight, truly... but that phrasing, like you’re offering some Supermarket Value Pack, kind of ruins the mood...
Serious-senpai: “Guaaaah?! W-Wait, hold on, you’re going too fast! It’s been a while, so at least go through the stages a bit more... Hah?! My hands have turned into Konpeito?!”
???: “Konpeito... well, I guess because they look like little stars? Also, as a side note, this meteor shower clearly has way more shooting stars than usual. Apparently, the astronomers were clutching their heads in distress trying to explain it.”