An amusement park date with my new lover, Shiro-san. Phrased like that, it sounded like nothing more than a perfectly normal, happy moment.
Well, in reality, there was a minor detail to add before "amusement park date"—specifically, "on the day I returned from the otherworld, she rewound the time of the world and newly created this place in the God Realm." They were words that made little sense even as they left my mouth.
However, the fact that Shiro-san existed entirely outside the bounds of common sense was nothing new, so it didn't bother me all that much. In a way, I had simply grown accustomed to it.
Our amusement park date continued as we made our way through every attraction. We moved through them in a span of time that clearly shouldn't have fit into a single day, and finally, we arrived at the last one.
I had a nagging suspicion that the world’s time might have been rewound at least once more during the date without me noticing. Unfortunately, since the sky of the God Realm remained fixed at high noon, I couldn't be certain.
Regardless, the final attraction was exactly what one would expect—the classic staple of a romantic outing: a giant Ferris wheel.
"The conclusion to an amusement park date must be the Ferris wheel, after all," Shiro-san remarked.
"True. It’s the classic of classics, but it feels like a solid choice."
"Yes. While riding this Ferris wheel..."
Shiro-san trailed off, lightly resting her hand against her chin as if lost in thought. Then, she glanced back and spoke.
"Alice, I want to see the night view while riding the Ferris wheel with Kaito-san. Please prepare a night view and some nice fireworks."
"In all my long life, I've never experienced an impossible request on this scale!?"
As expected of a God, her scale was different in every conceivable way. To think she would casually order someone to "prepare a night view"... surely even Alice would find that a tall order.
"Can you not do it?"
"No, I can, but... sigh, I think I finally understand the hardships Chronoa-san goes through. Fine, I'll get ready, so please change the God Realm's weather to night."
"Understood."
I took back what I said earlier. It wasn't just Shiro-san; everyone around me was outside the realm of common sense. Was a night view something you could just whip up as if you were grabbing a drink from a convenience store? Was it Shiro-san and Alice who were strange, or was I the one in the wrong for even trying to question them?
While I was pondering this, the surroundings suddenly plunged into darkness, and night fell over the God Realm.
"Now then, Kaito-san, let us board immediately."
"U-Understood."
The thought that if I started questioning things, I’d already lost crossed my mind. I decided to stop overthinking and boarded the Ferris wheel with Shiro-san.
Alice, still in her kigurumi, opened the door of the gondola for us, and I climbed inside with Shiro-san.
"...Um, Shiro-san?"
"What is it?"
"There's only one seat."
"Oh? This is quite a predicament. However, since we have already boarded, we have no choice but to sit together."
"...I see."
Her feigned innocence was truly something to behold, but unfortunately, I had no right of refusal this time either.
Still, what was I supposed to do? The bench was well-made and larger than a standard chair, but it looked impossible for two people to sit side-by-side.
Should she sit in my lap? No, given Shiro-san's height, I probably wouldn't be able to see the view myself if she sat like that.
—It’ll be fine if you princess-carry Shiro-san and hold her in your lap.
Ah, I see. Certainly, in that position, both of us could see the scenery outside. And fortunately, this chair didn't have any armrests... Wait, what was that just now?
—Well, it's no use overthinking it. Now that I've decided, I'll lift Shiro-san up right away.
Yeah. That was true. The Ferris wheel had already started moving, so if I sat here thinking for too long...
—As a bonus, I'm sure Shiro-san will forgive me even if I touch her chest or bottom a little.
"...Shiro-san."
"What’s the matter?"
"Stop broadcasting those 'inner thoughts' into my head immediately."
"...Oh, you caught me?"
"Of course I caught you."
She had gone through the trouble of using my own voice and mimicking my tone to make those thoughts echo in my mind, which was why I had been slow to realize what was happening. What terrifying Thought Guidance was this God trying to pull?
But, well, I understood perfectly what Shiro-san was wishing for.
"...Shiro-san, if I may."
If my dear lover wanted it, I had no reason to refuse. I had done plenty of things at the various attractions so far, but I had mostly been reactive. It was only right to move proactively to fulfill Shiro-san's desires.
With that in mind, I lifted her surprisingly light body just as she wanted and slowly sat down on the single seat.
The sensation of Shiro-san's soft body pressed against mine made me naturally tighten my hold. As I turned my gaze forward, a magnificent night view met my eyes.
The multi-colored lights twinkling brilliantly below were like scattered jewels. I didn't know how she had managed it, but it was exactly the kind of high-quality work I expected from Alice.
"...Shiro-san, is this position uncomfortable?"
"I am fine. Even so... it is a beautiful night view."
"You're more beautiful, Shiro-san."
"!?"
"That's what you wanted me to say, right?"
"I am surprised. Kaito-san, can you read my heart?"
Her expression remained as blank as ever, but she seemed genuinely surprised; I could hear a slight inflection in her voice.
"I can tell that much even without reading your heart. I mean, you're my precious lover..."
"...Fufufu, I see. I understand."
Upon hearing my words, Shiro-san laughed with genuine joy. She wrapped her arms around my neck and leaned her body softly against mine.
"Even though Alice went to the trouble of preparing the night view, it may go to waste."
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Kaito-san, may I say one selfish thing?"
"Sure."
"While we are on this Ferris wheel... for this short period of time, could you look only at me?"
"...Yes, gladly."
I couldn't answer instantly, but I think that was understandable. Shiro-san's face, smiling with blushing cheeks as she tried to hide her embarrassment, was so beautiful that I lost the ability to think for a moment.
Shiro-san's golden eyes felt far more beautiful than the night view sparkling below. As if drawn into them, I slowly brought my face closer. While gazing into her eyes, I pressed my lips against hers.
It was a space for only the two of us, suspended in the night sky. I savored the incredible fortune of being able to monopolize the most beautiful star in existence...
Serious-senpai: "...This is painful."
???: "[Bad News: Still the First Day Since Returning from the Otherworld]"
Serious-senpai: "...I want to go home."
???: "This is your home."