After our second date in the Hydra Kingdom, things between the troubled Fate-san and me shifted from friendship to romance.
We had been terribly awkward at first, but by the time the date reached its final stages, we had found our rhythm again and could talk like we always did.
While our official status had changed, some things remained the same. Fate-san still dropped by to visit roughly once every three days, just as she had before we were a couple.
“Mmm... it’s so relaxing,” she murmured.
“Y-Yeah, I suppose... Uh, Fate-san?”
“Yeah?”
“Why are you lounging on my lap?”
She was sprawled across me as I sat on the sofa, assuming the same limp, slumped-over posture she usually reserved for her cushions. Fate-san didn't even look up; she just replied in her usual leisurely drawl.
“Kai-chan and I are lovers now. This much should be fine, right?”
“Well, I’m not saying it isn’t allowed, but...”
“Right? Then there’s no problem.”
No, there was a massive problem. I was trying with every fiber of my being to ignore the sensation of her soft chest pressing against my thigh.
She was dressed in her usual ritual robes today, which meant she still wasn’t wearing any undergarments. The warmth and pressure radiating through my trousers were dangerously distracting. I wondered how long I could endure this before my sanity completely crumbled.
“H-How should I put it... this is actually pretty embarrassing,” I stammered.
“Ahaha. You’re so innocent, Kai-chan.”
“...Fate-san, your ears are bright red, you know.”
“...You don't need to point that out.”
Despite her teasing tone, she kept her face buried against me. I had a feeling she was just as embarrassed as I was, and she was only forcing herself to act cheerful.
I could guess why she was doing it. She was probably thinking something endearing, like how she needed to be more proactive now that we were a couple. Deep down, she was incredibly pure-hearted. Even if it made her shy, she wanted to show me affection. Knowing that only made me feel more flustered.
Silence fell between us, but it wasn't a heavy or awkward one. We were both just too bashful to speak. Wrapped in a deep sense of mutual affection, a quiet happiness washed over me. This peaceful moment, where the only thing I could feel was her warmth, felt incredibly precious.
“...Come to think of it, Chronoa-san is late today, isn’t she?”
“...She isn’t coming today.”
“Eh?”
Fate-san’s usual routine involved skipping work to play, only for Chronoa-san to track her down an hour or two later and drag her back to the divine realm.
“...Because I finished all my work before I came over today.”
“Wow... that’s rare.”
“...I just... didn’t want her to.”
“Huh?”
“I didn't want anyone to interrupt our time alone together.”
Every so often, she would whisper something so heart-stoppingly cute. Hearing her mumble those words in a tiny voice filled me with joy.
“...I still hate work, you know? I think it’s torture.”
“That sounds like you, Fate-san.”
“Yeah. But if it’s for you... if it lets us spend even a little more time together, then it isn't so bad.”
Overcome with embarrassment by her own admission, Fate-san hid her face behind her hands. God, she was just too much...
“Fate-san, I’m sorry.”
“Huh?”
“Just once... let me hold you.”
“Wha—!? K-Kai-chan!?”
She was being so unfairly adorable that I couldn't restrain myself anymore. I helped her up from her lying position and pulled her small frame into a tight embrace. My heart was overflowing with affection for her.
Fate-san stiffened for a split second, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she melted into my arms. We stayed like that in silence for a while until she slowly lowered her hands. Her face was as red as an apple, and her eyes were moist as she looked up at me.
“...Hey, Kai-chan,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Yes?”
“Um, I’ve never done this before... but... I think I want to try... k-kissing.”
“...I’d love to.”
“Ah... Kai-chan... I love you.”
Her voice was barely a breath, but I heard it clearly. Drawn together by an invisible thread, we slowly leaned in and shared a gentle, tender kiss.
Dear Mother, Father—Becoming lovers with Fate-san has brought both big and small changes to my life. But the one that makes me feel her love most clearly is the way she visits me now. She’s started finishing her work before coming over.
Serious-senpai: “........................”
???: “She fainted while standing up...”