Perhaps because our relationship had officially shifted to that of lovers, Fate-san and I were even more acutely aware of each other than we had been at the very start of the date. We were both incredibly high-strung.
Amidst that confusion, Fate-san had suggested we do something "lover-like," and in my equally flustered state, I had proposed we walk along the shore with our arms linked.
On paper, the suggestion was harmless enough. Even in our panicked state, it seemed like a manageable step forward. However, I had failed to account for several critical factors.
"Th-then, Kai-chan... I’m going to link arms with you now."
"A-ah, right. Yes!"
My first miscalculation involved our height difference. Fate-san was quite petite, which meant there was a significant gap between us.
This made it difficult to link arms at a natural height. Instead of a simple side-by-side lock, she ended up essentially cradling my arm against her side.
That led directly to the second miscalculation. Her breasts—which were far more voluptuous than her small stature would ever suggest—began to exert a fierce presence. And in that same instant, I realized the third and greatest miscalculation of all.
"—!?"
The moment a blushing Fate-san hugged my right arm to her chest, a shock akin to a bolt of thunder crashed through my sanity.
Wait... what? My arm... was sinking into her?
Coupled with the sensation of being swallowed by a giant marshmallow, an indescribable softness and warmth radiated through my arm.
I had always considered my preference to lean toward a more slender physique, but this sensation was so overwhelming—violent, even—that it felt as though my very tastes were being forcibly rewritten.
Until now, Lilia-san had been the only one among my lovers with a bust larger than average. But Lilia-san was painfully shy, so we had never been in such close contact.
For all intents and purposes, this was a brand-new experience. So this... this was the power of a well-endowed woman.
No, wait, there was a far more pressing issue. Why was I able to feel that softness so vividly?
Fate-san was a God, so it stood to reason that her physical form was of the highest quality. But even so, was it normal to feel someone's body temperature and texture this clearly through two layers of fabric?
Could it be that... Fate-san... isn't wearing a bra?
The moment the thought crossed my mind, heat flooded my face. Every nerve in my body seemed to migrate to my right arm, making the sensation of her chest feel agonizingly clear.
This was bad. Seriously, seriously bad. Even without a bra, her breasts didn't sag at all; their perfect shape was obvious even through her clothes. They possessed a miraculous balance of elasticity and softness. Were these what people called Beautiful Voluptuous Breasts? It was truly a divine body. It was incredible... No, stop! Calm down! I was thinking about her chest way too much. Divert! I had to divert my thoughts!
"F-Fate-san."
"Y-yes?"
"U-um, do you... usually wear undergarments?"
Wait! What was I asking!? There was a limit to how much a person could lose their cool! I had to take it back immediately—
"Undergarments? You mean underwear? Normally, I usually only wear the single layer of Divine Raiment bestowed upon me by Shallow Vernal-sama. W-well, since today is a d-d-date after all... I changed my clothes, but..."
She actually answered! And wait... the way she phrased that made it sound like she wasn't wearing anything on the bottom, either!
As I stood there, speechless at her bombshell revelation, Fate-san's cheeks turned crimson as she continued in a tiny voice.
"I mean, my abilities make it so people can't see through my clothes anyway... B-but, well... if Kai-chan wants to see... I won't say no..."
"—!?!?"
It was a devastating blow that threatened to uproot my self-control entirely. Her guard was terrifyingly low, even if she was being selective about who she showed. Calm down. Control yourself. I was a man who could hold it together if he tried. Hold the line, sanity!
"L-let’s get back to the date!"
"Yeah... This is my first time doing something like this, but... it’s nice. Holding your arm like this makes it feel real—that I’m actually here with you. It’s embarrassing, but... I’m happy."
"...U-um, I... I’m happy too."
"I-I s-see... So we feel the same way. I'm glad."
Wasn't Fate-san being just a little too cute today? My heart was racing.
Wrapped in that awkward atmosphere, we began to stroll slowly along the shoreline. Neither of us said much, but the fact that we were intensely focused on one another was palpable.
Through our joined hands and the way she clung to my arm, I could feel Fate-san’s nervousness and her affection. Strangely, the feeling was quite pleasant.
"...Hey, Kai-chan?"
"Yes?"
"Can I say... just one selfish thing?"
"Eh? Ah, yes, of course."
I answered while keeping my eyes forward, echoing her own posture.
"There’s a view I want to see with you. Can we go there?"
"Certainly."
"Thank you. In that case, I'll teleport us."
Dear Mother, Father—
Truly, Fate-san is so adorable today that maintaining my sanity is proving to be a monumental struggle. But I don't know... it’s a strange thing. Now that my tension has eased a little, I’ve started to feel like I don’t dislike this clumsy, awkward feeling either.