The birthday party—so massive it was hard to believe it had been spontaneous, yet as noisy and fun as any I’d known—finally came to an end. I made my way back to the room that had truly become my home.
In a way, it was precisely because it had been so enjoyable that I felt a lingering touch of loneliness now that it was over.
But, well...
"It’s not a bad feeling, I suppose."
"Hm? What isn't?"
"No, just... the fact that I feel lonely now that it’s over means it was just that incredibly fun. It makes me feel... happy."
"I see. If you enjoyed yourself, Kaito-kun, then that’s all that matters."
Kuro, who had appeared the moment I stepped back into the room, offered a soft smile from where she sat on the sofa beside me.
"Kuro, thank you for everything."
"You’re very welcome, I suppose?"
"I’m a lucky man. To think that many people would come out to celebrate for me... Everyone around me is so kind. I’m truly fortunate."
The words spilled out naturally. It felt as if the emotion welling up in my chest—a pure, unadulterated joy—was simply overflowing.
Kuro turned toward me, her smile widening slightly before she spoke.
"That’s not quite right, I think."
"Not right? What do you mean?"
"I believe that feelings aren't just a one-way street. If you feel happy, Kaito-kun, and you think everyone is kind... then surely, you’ve made everyone just as happy as they’ve made you."
"Do you really think so?"
"They don't celebrate just because they’re kind. Everyone... and of course, I included... loves you, Kaito-kun. Because you’ve treated everyone with such kindness and warmth, creating so much happiness for them... those feelings have circulated and found their way back to you."
"I see... Thank you."
Her words were gentle and affirming. It was a warm sentiment that seemed to say, 'The affection surrounding you is something you earned yourself.'
But she was right. If I was making everyone else happy too... if I was giving them the same warm feeling I was experiencing right now... then that made me glad.
"Still, it was all so sudden. Wasn't the preparation a lot of work?"
"Hmm, it was a bit hectic, but it wasn't that difficult. So you don't need to worry about it. Honestly, I was more exhausted from the final battle with the Earth God than the party prep. She’s a real nuisance because she’s so genuinely strong..."
Kuro’s stamina was, unlike mine, effectively bottomless, but given the time constraints, it must have been a struggle. Then again, we did have someone around who could literally manipulate time...
Regardless, I really wished Eden-san would learn a bit of self-restraint.
"I’d like to do something for you in return."
"Oh, don't worry about—actually, wait. Can I ask for just one favor then?"
"Hm? Sure, if it’s something I can do."
Kuro’s expression shifted as an idea took hold, and she whispered into my ear with a playful grin.
"Eh? W-Why that...? I mean, I don't mind, but..."
"The truth is, I’ve wanted to try it for a while now."
The favor Kuro asked for wasn't some impossible task; it was something we could do right then and there. It was a bit of an unusual request, so I was slightly bewildered as I moved to the very edge of the sofa.
Then, wearing a delighted smile, Kuro rested her head on my thigh. Yes, her request was for me to give her a lap pillow.
"Ahaha, this feels quite fresh."
"It does... though, isn't it a bit hard?"
"It’s fine. It’s slightly warm and feels wonderful."
It was the exact opposite of our usual arrangement. I had received a lap pillow from Kuro countless times, but this was the first time I had ever been the one giving it.
Looking down at Kuro’s face from this angle felt, as she said, quite new.
She narrowed her eyes comfortably, a look of total peace settling over her features.
To be honest, I liked it when Kuro acted spoiled with me. It went without saying that she was an incredible being, revered by many. Contrary to her youthful appearance, she was truly a mature woman who had lived through eons, possessing vast knowledge and experience.
Yet, she would occasionally act spoiled like this only with me. To me, that was the ultimate proof that the time she spent with me was a source of comfort for her, and that made me unendurably happy.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, Kuro gazed up at me with her beautiful golden eyes and murmured softly.
"Hey, Kaito-kun?"
"Yeah?"
"I’m so happy to be with you. So... thank you. Because I met a person as kind as you, and because you saved me, I’m able to smile from the bottom of my heart even now."
"......"
Her words were heavy with a depth of emotion that felt almost overwhelming. Hearing them, I was reminded of what she had said just moments ago. It seemed she was right—feelings truly did circulate.
"The same goes for me. Because I met you and you saved me, I’m able to spend every day smiling from my heart too. I mean, sure, I get surprised or troubled by things sometimes... but I’m still happy."
"Wait, did we just switch roles from before?"
"Ahaha, I guess we did. You gave me kindness and happiness, Kuro... so I suppose those feelings have come full circle and I’m returning them to you?"
"Yes... though they’re being returned so much that my heart is overflowing with how much I love you."
"I could say the exact same thing right back to you."
"We’re just going in circles, aren't we?"
"I guess so."
We looked at each other and laughed. The realization that we were both happy specifically because of the other was a truly marvelous thing.
When it came down to it, there was no need for complicated explanations. I loved Kuro, and she loved me.
That was why the time we spent together was...
"So happy, isn't it?"
"Yeah... I’m happy. Kuro, I look forward to everything that’s to come."
"Fufu, as do I."
With a bashful smile, Kuro softly closed her eyes and tilted her face up toward me. Even without words, I knew exactly what she was asking for.
After all, I wanted the same thing.
Dear Mother, Father—It’s difficult to put into words the feelings I have for someone I love. But there’s something about it... being able to feel like this, as if our hearts are turned toward each other, connected at the deepest level... I think it’s a happiness almost too much to bear.
Alice: "That’s so unfair, Main Heroine... Having a role where this kind of epilogue is guaranteed... Situationally, it could have been me—I mean, Alice-chan! Is this the Main Heroine's Privilege!?"
Serious-senpai: "......Well, uh, there, there. You want some cocoa?"
Alice: "......'Serious-senpai whose very existence is unfortunate'...... Thank you."
Serious-senpai: "Why did you just insult me!?"