I looked at Isis-san with a solemn expression. She tilted her head curiously, a look of confusion crossing her face.
"…Is there something… you want to tell me?"
"…Yes."
I thought I had prepared myself, but my nerves were still through the roof. My heart drummed against my ribs, and even Isis-san’s soft voice sounded unusually loud in the quiet air. I took a deep breath to settle my racing thoughts. I had to tell her exactly how I felt.
"…Isis-san. I… I love Kuro."
"…Yes… I know."
The moment I spoke those first words, a shadow of sorrow flickered across Isis-san’s face. She was likely remembering what I had told her before—that in the world I came from, monogamy was the norm. It pained me to see her look like that, even if it was a necessary preface for me to be honest with her. But the real confession started now.
"But… I love you too, Isis-san. As a woman… I love you."
"…Eh?"
"Maybe I’m being insincere. Maybe I’m just indecisive. But in my heart, you’ve become someone truly significant… an irreplaceable, beloved presence."
"!?"
Her beautiful ruby eyes widened in shock. Those crimson depths wavered violently, shimmering with agitation.
"…No… that can't… because… I'm… a monst—"
"It doesn't matter!"
I cut her off before she could call herself a monster of death and gripped her hands firmly. Praying that my feelings would reach her, I brought our joined hands to my chest. I cradled them between both of mine and kept speaking.
"…The Magic Power of Death, the fact that you’re one of the Six Kings—none of that matters. You’re kind, you’re cute, and you always care for me from the bottom of your heart. It’s the woman named Isis Remnant that I’ve fallen in love with."
"…Ah… aah…"
"That’s why I want you to be able to smile. I want you to be happy. I might not be the most reliable guy, but I promise I’ll make you happier than you’ve ever been! So… please, will you stay by my side?"
"!!??"
I had said it. I had finally put my feelings into words and laid them all out for her. Now, all I could do was wait for her answer. Even though I knew she cared for me, the wait was agonizing. The sound of my own pulse was deafening. When I had confessed to Kuro, I had been so desperate that I didn't have the luxury of overthinking, but now I felt like I was being pricked by a thousand needles of nervous energy. I finally understood what Ryze-san meant when he said he didn't feel alive until he got his answer.
Isis-san remained frozen, her eyes wide. Then, slowly, large tears began to spill over and roll down her cheeks.
"…This isn't… a dream… is it? For me… for someone like me… to have… such happiness…"
"Isis-san… I’ll say it again. I love you. Can I have your answer?"
"…Yes… I love… Kaito too. More than anyone… more than anything. Please… let me stay… with you… forever."
"I’d be honored."
"…! Kaito!"
"Whoa!"
Crying tears of joy, Isis-san lunged at me. Caught off guard and being far from the strongest guy around, I was knocked backward by her momentum. I hit the grass with Isis-san on top of me. She clung to me as if she never wanted to let go, pressing her small frame against mine while the tears continued to flow.
"…Ugh… hugh… I’m so happy… I’ve never felt… this happy… in my life."
"…Isis-san."
"…Kaito… Kaito… I love you… I love you so much."
"I love you too, Isis."
Listening to her repeat those words through her sobs, I felt a surge of joy that our feelings finally matched. I squeezed her tight. Sensing my movement, she slowly lifted her head and closed her eyes. I reached up, brushing the tears from her beautiful cheeks with my fingers, then placed my hand behind her neck and drew her face toward mine.
"…Nn."
As our shadows melded into one on that hill, the wind stroking our cheeks, we lost track of time, letting our shared feelings guide us.
We sat together on the hilltop, gazing out at the scenery while a pleasant breeze drifted by. Isis-san leaned against me, her cheeks flushed with a blissful glow as she narrowed her eyes contentedly. Feeling a deep sense of affection for her, I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.
"…Is it okay? For me… to be… this happy?"
"Of course it is. And this is just the beginning. I’m going to make you even happier. I promise."
"…Yes. If you’re with me… I can… keep smiling. I can… become… so much… happier."
"You will."
She murmured softly and wrapped her arms around me, pulling herself close. Feeling the warmth of her body against mine, I felt a mix of embarrassment and pure contentment.
"…But… it’s not… just me," she whispered.
"Eh?"
"…I’ll make… Kaito happy too. I don’t want you… to regret… falling in love with me. I’ll work hard… so you’ll love me… even more."
"I’ll never regret it. But… yeah. Let’s keep deepening our bond together."
"…Yes."
It had taken a long time since her initial confession, and I had kept her waiting far too long. But because I took the time to truly think it through, I felt my resolve was unshakable. I wasn't going to let her go—and the same went for Kuro. Loving them both might have made my answer seem indecisive, but to me, it felt like a gentle, happy conclusion.
"…Oh, right. We were in the middle of eating."
"…Ah… yes. Kaito… let’s eat together."
"Let's."
"…Will you… come to my house… again?"
"Of course. I might actually end up visiting quite a lot."
"…Fufu… yes… please… come often."
Isis-san smiled brightly in my arms. As a wave of love welled up within me, I made a silent, firm vow: I would never let this smile be clouded again.
"…Kaito."
"Yes?"
"…I l—ove you!"
Dear Mother, Father—It took a while to get here, but I finally told Isis-san how I feel, and we’ve become a couple. I truly believe that a smile suits her best, and seeing her like this makes me feel happy too. That’s why, from here on out—I want to protect this smile.
Serious-senpai: "…I-It’s over… It’s finally over…"
【Who said the Isis Arc was over?】
Serious-senpai: "Wha—!?"
【Coming up next: Second Visit to Isis's Home.】
Serious-senpai: "Aaaaaaaah!? Noooooooo!?"