Alice's top recommendation was a cave-style attraction called the Super Love-Love Illumination. Stepping inside felt like venturing into a sea of stars.
Specks of multi-colored light were scattered across the cavern walls, glowing with a soft, firefly-like radiance that bathed everything in a beautiful shimmer.
"This is incredible. I'm speechless."
"I put a lot of work into balancing those colors, you know."
I tightened my grip on Alice’s small hand, which fit so perfectly in mine, as we walked slowly through the cave. The silence and the breathtaking beauty of the cavern made the romantic atmosphere feel tangible.
It was a special space, one where it felt as though we were the only two people in the world. I felt a natural warmth surging through our joined hands.
In a way, it was a strange sensation. To be honest, when I first met Alice, I never could have imagined we would end up like this.
She was a cheerful idiot and a hopelessly troublesome person, but... what was it? The more I learned about her, the more I found myself falling for her.
I didn't just want her to protect me; I wanted to protect her, too. I wanted us to keep laughing together. We were like bad influences, like Best Friends... and yet, we were definitely Lovers who truly cared for one another.
My relationship with Alice felt so right. It was as if I could finally stop pretending and just be myself. Because I knew she would accept me for who I was, I could just relax.
"Hey, Alice."
"Yeah?"
"I’m not sure how to put it... Until recently, the idea of coming to another world and ending up like this seemed like a total fairy tale. It’s strange. Being here with you now, it feels like this was always meant to happen. This happiness fits my heart perfectly."
"I think I understand. Even the me from years ago would never have imagined the person I am today."
Since she had also come to this world from another, Alice seemed to empathize with exactly what I was feeling.
The life I led now was so happy and fulfilling that I found myself wondering how I ever got by without it before coming here six months ago.
"You really never know what life has in store. I thought I was the person helping, but I was the one being helped. I thought I was the one offering support, but I was the one being supported."
"That’s just the nature of life. Things rarely go exactly as planned. It’s full of the unexpected—overflowing with surprises, both good and bad."
"Yeah... I guess what I’m trying to say is... thank you, Alice. I’m truly glad I met you. Because of you, I’m incredibly happy right now."
"..."
Bathed in the gentle, multi-colored lights, I spoke through a surge of embarrassment. Alice reached up, removed her mask, and let a soft smile play across her lips.
"If we're going that route, then I should be the one saying thank you... I believe that happiness isn’t a one-way street."
"What do you mean?"
"If you make someone else happy, that joy is bound to find its way back to you. If you truly feel happy from the bottom of your heart right now, Kaito-san... then that is proof that you’ve made someone else happy, too. People say all the time that happiness isn't something you create alone, and they’re right."
"I see..."
"Exactly. If Kaito-san is happy, then I’m happy. If you’re smiling, then I’ll be smiling right along with you. I think that’s what it really means to build a bond."
Alice squeezed my hand tight and looked me straight in the eye with a tender expression.
There was a depth of affection in her gaze that felt different from her usual self. And yet, I understood without a shadow of a doubt that this was also a part of who Alice was.
"Kaito-san... I promise to make you just as happy as you’ve made me. No—I'll make you even happier. I’ll make sure you never regret choosing me."
"Thank you. But I have to disagree on one point. There’s no way I’ll ever regret being with you. And besides... I’m the one who’s going to make you happy. I don't plan on losing that contest."
"Heh, bold words! Fine then, it’s a challenge. I won't lose!"
"Neither will I."
We laughed together. The sense of our hearts connecting—the realization that we were holding hands and walking toward the same future—felt impossibly right.
This was what people meant when they talked about the perfect moment.
As if drawn by an invisible thread, we leaned toward each other. It felt as natural as breathing.
The vibrant lights of the cave seemed to celebrate the moment as I felt the warmth of the girl I loved against my lips.
One second, then two... the world fell silent. When I closed my eyes, the lights faded away, leaving only the deep, vivid sensation of Alice’s lips against mine.
I didn't need to think about anything. My heart simply melted into a shapeless, radiant warmth.
Dear Mother, Father—having someone to accept you, and being able to accept them in return... I think that is the definition of true happiness. Alice was right. The happiness we weave together—it isn't a one-way street.
Serious-senpai: "I see... Super Love-Love, indeed... The name certainly wasn't a lie... This is painful... It hurts..."