After taste-testing the portable rations from Kuro’s new trading company, we spent some time chatting as we always did. Around ten o’clock, Kuro stood up from the sofa and stretched her arms.
“...Mm, it’s getting late, so I should probably head home soon. Are you going straight to bed, Kaito-kun?”
“Yeah, I’m planning to take a quick bath first.”
“Oh? Didn’t you already soak in a hot spring at Shiro’s place?”
“I did, but I spent so much time walking through the crowded lower level after the closing ceremony that I really want to wash off. Everything seems to be ready, so I can jump right in.”
I had spent a significant amount of time navigating the crowds, and the urge to freshen up before sleeping was strong. My house was modeled after Lilia-san’s mansion, meaning the bath was spacious and luxurious—soaking in it was a real treat.
“...I see.”
“Hmm?”
As I stood up to prepare for my bath, Kuro, who had been on the verge of leaving, suddenly tapped her chin with a thoughtful expression.
“True, it’s always good to wash away the day’s fatigue and freshen up.”
“Right... exactly... though...”
While speaking with a smile, Kuro reached into the lining of her long coat and pulled out a washbasin. It was a simple wooden basin, yet it felt high-quality, clearly a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship. Following that, she produced a towel and three bottles filled with liquid.
“...What are those?”
“Ah, one of the trading companies I own handles cosmetics and toiletries, and these are samples of our new shampoo, treatment, and body soap. They have a wonderful scent and feel great on the skin. You should try them out, Kaito-kun. I’d love to hear your thoughts.”
“O-Oh, sure. I look forward to it.”
Smiling happily, she produced one final item—a rubber duck—and placed it into the basin along with the bottles. Then, she dismissed the long coat she had conjured from magic power. With a towel in one hand and the basin tucked under her other arm, she looked at me.
“Now, let’s head to the bath!”
“...I knew it! Given how this was going, there was no way you’d just hand over the samples and tell me to enjoy my soak! ...Wait, Kuro, you’re coming in too?”
“Is it not allowed?”
“N-No, I wouldn't say that, but...”
...Ah, it was useless. Sensing that I was about to be swept along by her pace, I let out a resigned sigh.
When we arrived at the bath—which was far too large for just one person—I stared fixedly at the tub. I had managed to convince Kuro to let me enter the bathroom first. She had agreed to wait for about a minute before following me.
However, there was a problem. This was my home bath, not a hot spring. This meant the water wasn’t milky or opaque—it was crystal clear.
“Kaito-kun! I’m coming in~”
While I was still fretting over the clarity of the water, the minute passed, and Kuro entered wrapped in a towel.
“Kuro, can I ask one favor?”
“Eh? What is it?”
“Please keep your towel on while we’re in the water...”
“Wait, aren’t you supposed to keep towels out of the water?”
“This is my house, so since I’m the owner and I’m giving you permission, please!”
“...U-Um, alright. Well, if you insist, Kaito-kun... though it feels a bit late for that. We’ve bathed together several times before, right?”
...It was hard to argue with that logic. Including the time at Isis-san’s place and twice during the Six Kings Festival, this would be our fourth time bathing together. It might have been exactly as she said, but I still couldn't help being conscious of everything.
“Well, anyway, let’s wash each other’s backs!”
“...Fine, fine.”
Since she had at least accepted my request, I decided to go along with hers. Though, I realized I was basically doing whatever she wanted just by being in the bath with her in the first place.
“I’ll wash you first!”
“U-Uh, yeah, thanks.”
Prompted by the high-spirited Kuro, I sat on the bath stool. I felt my heart race slightly as I sensed her presence behind me.
However, Kuro didn't tease me; she used the new body soap to wash my back exactly as she had promised. It had a refreshing citrus scent that felt very pleasant.
“I’m going to rinse you off now~”
“Thanks. It really does smell nice.”
“It’s good, isn’t it? I like it a lot too... Hey, Kaito-kun. I’ll wash your hair for you, too. I’m going to pour some warm water over you first~”
Kuro used the shower magic tool to wet my hair, then took the shampoo and began lathering my head with a gentle touch. It was so soothing and comfortable that I felt myself growing a bit drowsy...
“Gotcha!”
“Whoa?! Wait, K-Kuro!?”
Just as my guard dropped, Kuro’s hands suddenly wrapped around my chest. She pulled me back into an unexpected hug, embracing my head from behind. Even through the thin towel, I could feel her warmth, and the blood rushed to my face instantly.
“Ehehe, I just really felt like hugging you... Did I surprise you?”
“...Quite a bit.”
For some reason, Kuro seemed to be in particularly high spirits today. Maybe it was because she was excited about the new products, or maybe it was just the atmosphere... Either way, she was adorable.
Serious-senpai: “Wha... H-How is it the Main Heroine's Turn again?! You already had your moment!!”
???: “No, this is the White God Festival Epilogue, so...”
Serious-senpai: “No, this is clearly just an excuse to flirt in the bath!!”