Kaori allowed her eyes to wander across the interior of Kaito’s room with fascination, her thoughts racing.
(The bed is over there... This isn't the type of suite with a separate bedroom; it looks like several rooms were knocked through to create a single massive space. Based on the doors... at least three? No, even then, it’s far too vast. It’s not just wide; it feels like an entire floor of a luxury high-rise has been cleared out... Oh, wait. Is this space expansion?)
Her intuition was spot on. Kaito’s room had indeed been magically expanded, creating an interior far larger than anything indicated on the mansion's blueprints. It was frankly too much space for one person, so Kaito often had room to spare—a fact that frequent visitors like Kuromueina and Alice took advantage of by remodeling it whenever the whim struck them. As a result, the room was now littered with various hidden functions as well.
(...Anyway, I just sort of went with the flow, but... thinking about it now, am I in a man's room? And not just any man, but someone I’m actually interested in? N-No, I’m totally fine. I’m a grown woman with my own share of life experience. I won’t get flustered by something like this... Although, in terms of sheer romantic experience, I'm losing to Kaito-kun by a landslide.)
Realizing she was in a rather compromising situation, Kaori felt a wave of internal panic.
(But what are Kaito-kun’s intentions? We’re here to watch a movie, so I get why his private room is more comfortable than some stuffy parlor. I even prefer this. But still! A young man bringing a woman near his age into his bedroom usually means... well, you know. Like he’s looking for an opportunity... a little something... And yet, he has the face of someone who doesn't have a single ulterior motive. That’s frustrating in its own way...)
While Kaori’s mind was spiraling into romantic theories, Kaito was, as usual, completely oblivious.
Having never truly lost his commoner-like sense, he didn't really have the instinct to lead friends into guest rooms or formal reception rooms unless it was for official business. To him, inviting a friend over simply meant bringing them into his personal space, just as he did with regular guests like Kuromueina and Amel.
"Kaori-san, is this sofa okay for you?"
"Yeah, it’s fine... By the way, Kaito-kun, this has nothing to do with the movie, but can I ask you something for my own reference?"
"What is it?"
"W-Well... you often tell me I’m a charming woman. I’m sure it’s mostly just flattery, but still..."
"Eh? No, I don’t say it just to be nice..."
"Right. So, for reference, could you be more specific? Like... what parts of me do you actually find attractive as a woman?"
Kaori wasn't even sure why she was asking. Perhaps she just wanted a confidence boost from someone she knew would be kind... or perhaps she wanted to see if she could make this incredibly composed man actually see her as a woman. Kaito blinked, caught off guard by the sudden request, but he answered almost immediately.
"Hmm. There are so many things that it’s hard to list them all, but... regarding your looks, you’re an older woman who also possesses a certain cuteness. Your features lean toward the cute side, yet you have a calm, dependable air about you. I usually see your hair tied back for cooking, but seeing it down like this... it’s elegant and very lovely."
"A-Ah, r-really? Th-Thank you... I think you’re exaggerating a bit, but..."
"In terms of your personality, I find our conversations incredibly engaging. You’re bright, social, and so easy to talk to. You’re also considerate and kind, so I always feel at peace when I’m with you."
"Y-You’re praising me too much. That’s plenty..."
"And you’re a wonderful cook. Your food isn't just delicious; it has a certain warmth to it. It’s the kind of relieving flavor that feels like home, the kind I find myself craving again and again..."
"S-Stooop! I get it! I get it, okay?! That’s more than enough! I’m sorry I asked! This is getting weird, so just stop! Sorry for the distraction! Let’s just watch the movie! The movie!"
"Eh? Oh, okay."
She had only hoped for a little compliment, but he had delivered a full-blown verbal assault—speaking so effortlessly that she felt like she was being wooed. Kaori forcibly shut down the conversation, turning away to hide her beet-red face. She covered her mouth with her hands, desperately trying to suppress the involuntary grin she couldn't wipe off her face.
Serious-senpai: "...Oh, this is bad. Her heroine power is through the roof. They aren't even lovers yet, but the sugar content is so high I feel like I'm going to turn into a different species. Someone show some restraint..."
Machina: "..."
Serious-senpai: "See? That creep with the back-row predator face is already looming in the background..."