Realizing something in hindsight after the initial excitement has cooled is a universal human experience. Having readily accepted Kaito’s invitation to watch a movie, Kaori found herself processing the situation as they walked toward a shop to buy snacks.
(I’m so excited. It’s been ages since I’ve seen a movie. What should I pick? A romance would be nice... but would Kaito find that boring? Maybe an action flick would be better. Honestly, I haven’t seen one in so long I’d enjoy just about anything—but definitely not horror. I don’t mind scary atmospheres, but I can’t handle the kind of movies that try to jump out at you.)
For Kaori, it had been over a decade since her last movie, and her heart was practically dancing as she weighed the different genres.
Then, her gaze drifted toward Kaito walking beside her, and a single word flashed through her mind like a bolt of lightning.
(...Wait. Is this... a date? Is it? A movie date is the classic of classics... but we aren't going to a theater; we’re watching it at my place... so it’s a home date? A young man and woman... Well, I’m technically still in my twenties, and I’ve basically been rejuvenated by Olivia-sama’s blessing, so "young" still counts, right? Anyway, a young man and woman watching a movie alone at home... That’s a date. It’s definitely a date!)
She had been so hyped up about seeing a movie for the first time in years that the thought hadn't even occurred to her until now. However, today was her shop’s day off. Once they returned, they would be completely alone. Thinking of it as a home date made it impossible to see it as anything else.
One could say she was overthinking things, but once her thoughts tilted in that direction, a flood of new ideas rushed in.
(How does he see this? Since Kaito-kun was the one who invited me to watch a movie, does that mean I technically accepted a date invitation? No, but I was the one who suggested watching it at my shop, so Kaito-kun probably didn't have a home date in mind. Then again, the fact that he didn't just say goodbye after we met Olivia-sama might mean there's a possibility... that he wanted to spend more time with me?)
Of course, she suspected from their relationship so far that Kaito likely had no deep ulterior motives. However, she couldn't say for certain that he had absolutely no intention of dating her, either. The possibility remained.
She already held a significant amount of affection for him. On top of that, Olivia’s blessing had resolved her anxieties about turning thirty and seeing age in her reflection.
It was something she had noted while looking in the mirror during her morning shower; while she wasn't so conceited as to call herself a peerless beauty, she had gained enough confidence to think, "I'm reasonably cute, aren't I?" The recent improvement in her skin had been staggering, which was precisely why her mind was drifting so easily toward romance.
(Ugh, knowing Kaito-kun’s personality, I'm sure he just invited me to help me relax... but I can't say there's zero chance that he might be conscious of me as a woman, even just a little. How am I supposed to handle this?)
Kaori knew the sensible thing to do was act normally and stay calm, but once the thought took root, it refused to leave her head.
"Um, Kaori-san? We’ve passed several shops already. Which one were you looking for?"
Her thoughts continued to spin in circles. Kaori didn't possess Sympathy Magic like Kaito did, and since she lacked confidence in her own level of romantic experience, reading his intentions was a struggle. However, because she loved romantic stories, she had plenty of theoretical knowledge, which only served to keep her mind spiraling.
(To begin with, Kaito-kun and I are on completely different levels when it comes to romantic experience. If he actually felt like it, he could sweep me off my feet in an instant, and I might end up crossing the line before I know it. It’s not that my guard is low; it’s more that Kaito-kun is such a playboy—or rather, he’s naturally cool and kind, and I already like him quite a bit. If he actually came at me aggressively, I feel like I’d just be pushed right over.)
Fundamentally, her affection for Kaito was high. They had even gone on a date before, even if Olivia had joined them. While part of her wanted to take the lead as the older one, another part of her felt that being led by his assertiveness wouldn't be so bad. Kaori walked on with a deeply pained, contemplative look on her face.
"Can you hear me? Er, if we keep going this way, we’ll hit the carriage road..."
Perhaps because she was so immersed in her thoughts, she failed to respond to Kaito’s voice. Kaori continued walking with that same difficult expression.
(I know Kaito-kun isn't some predatory beast, but sometimes he shows a reliable, cool side that really hits me hard. Maybe being led by him would be okay after all... No, my thoughts are leaping too far ahead! We’re just watching a movie together at home. Ahaha, I can't believe I was thinking such stupid things...)
Kaori kept walking straight toward the path intended for heavy traffic. Realizing it was dangerous, Kaito grabbed her hand and pulled her back forcefully.
"Kaori-san!"
"Wha—!? Ah, eh? Eeek, what, what, what!? Kaito-kun, have you really gone into Beast Mode—!?"
"No, you were so lost in thought you were about to step onto the carriage road... I’m sorry for pulling you toward me so suddenly."
"Huh? Eh? Oh, ah... I see..."
Having been suddenly pulled into Kaito’s arms, Kaori’s mind had gone blank and her face had turned bright red, but she finally understood the situation upon hearing his explanation.
Then, an overwhelming sense of shame surged through her.
"...I’m going to die of embarrassment."
"Ah, er, I'm sorry."
"No, it’s not that! I’m not embarrassed about you pulling me close... in fact, thank you for stopping me."
"Um? Then what is it...?"
"Please don't pry any deeper, or my face is really going to explode..."
Realizing she had been so engrossed in what were essentially romantic delusions was so humiliating it felt like her face was on fire. Kaori covered her bright red face with her hands for a long while as Kaito looked on, tilting his head in confusion.
Serious-senpai: "Dammit... this Buche de Noel is too sweet... I think I'm taking psychological damage. Isn't there anything more bitter?!"
Machina: "I like sweet cakes better. I mean, I think bitter chocolate is delicious in its own way, but chocolate cake should definitely be sweet."
Serious-senpai: "I thought the Christmas Extra Chapters were finally over, but now this side is getting all sugary too. Is my hell never going to end...? Give me some black coffee."
Machina: "Here you go."
Serious-senpai: "Thanks..."