The time for the performance drew near as I enjoyed my chat with Til-san and the fairies.
"Oh, it's almost time. I've prepared private booths on the second floor for everyone. There are various sizes—some for two people, others for three. Just take these slips and step onto that magic circle over there, and it'll transport you automatically!"
"Is so that so? Thank you for going to such lengths to provide special seating for us."
It appeared Til-san had really set us up with private booths on the second floor. Scanning the area, I saw several structures that looked like booths, though their interiors were shielded from outside view.
A private room meant we could enjoy the concert at our own pace and chat about our thoughts without worrying about others.
"Here you go, Kaito-kun-san. This is yours~"
"Thanks. So I just hold this and step on the circle?"
"That's right!"
After Til-san handed out the ticket-like slips, I followed her instructions and stepped onto the magic circle. In an instant, the scenery shifted, and I found myself inside a cozy, private room. It was an ideal vantage point with a perfect view of the stage where the music was about to begin.
"...Wait? If the room is completely closed off to block the view from the outside, will we still be able to hear the music?"
"Ah, that front panel is like a magical barrier; it’s designed to let sound pass right through, so don't worry."
"I see, so that's how it works... Wait, Kuro?"
"Ehehe, we're sharing a room."
Surprised by the answer to my mutterings, I turned around to see Kuro smiling bashfully at me.
"What a coincidence... Til-san said there were rooms for two or three people, so how many is this one meant for?"
"Oh, this room is for two. I made sure of it."
"I see... Wait, you 'made sure' of it?"
That was a curious phrasing. It sounded as if she'd deliberately arranged for us to be alone together, but I didn't remember any such plan being discussed during our earlier chat.
Kuro puffed out her chest with a triumphant look and gave me a thumbs-up.
"I already knew you were heading to Til-chan's place next, Kaito-kun, so I asked her for a favor ahead of time."
"Well, that's certainly some foresight... No, hang on. How did you know we were coming here next?"
"...A hunch, maybe?"
"You're really going to stick with 'a hunch' even now...?"
It was a bit late to be realizing this, but Kuro had definitely tampered with my necklace. It likely let her track my location or eavesdrop on my conversations—something along those lines.
To be honest, I didn't mind much. Compared to Shiro-san and the others, this was practically endearing. Judging by what happened in Rigforresia, the tracking only seemed to work while I was actually wearing the necklace. If I ever wanted some true privacy, I could just take it off for a bit.
Then again, between Shiro-san, Eden-san, and Alice constantly watching over me, my privacy had long since evaporated. It really wasn't worth worrying about.
"Whatever, but there's something else bothering me."
"Hmm? What's that?"
"...There's only one chair. This is a room for two, right?"
That had been on my mind since I walked in. Despite Kuro calling it a two-person room, it only contained a single, oversized chair.
When I pointed it out, Kuro replied with a look of utter satisfaction. "Kaito-kun sits in the chair, and I sit on Kaito-kun's lap. See? No problem at all!"
"...Don't tell me you rigged the furniture, too? Why would you even..."
"Because I wanted to flirt with you while we listen to the concert! That's why!!"
"I-I see..."
Damn. She was so open about her desires—refreshingly so, in a way—that I found myself nodding along reflexively.
"Now, Kaito-kun, the show's about to start. Sit, sit!"
"O-Okay."
Swept up in her pace, I sat down. The chair was clearly high-end; it was incredibly comfortable. The moment I was settled, Kuro’s eyes lit up as if she'd been waiting for this exact second. She immediately hopped onto my lap, facing me.
"Wait, hang on! You're facing the wrong way!"
"I'm not. I want to be able to hug you, Kaito-kun..."
"But you won't be able to see the stage!"
"It's fine. I can hear the music just fine."
"That's not the point—!"
Without another word, Kuro wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a tight embrace. Reflexively, I held her back. Her small frame fit perfectly against mine as we clung to each other.
T-This was an intense amount of physical contact... and knowing that a concert was about to begin made me feel like I was doing something incredibly scandalous.
"Ehehe, you're so warm."
Looking blissful, Kuro happily nuzzled her cheek against my chest.
Serious-senpai: "Gyaaaah! Stop with the Sudden Sugar Punch!!"
???: "Serious-senpai! Are you okay? Pull yourself together! It’s only a flesh wound!"
Serious-senpai: "Eh? Why are you being so blatantly, exaggeratedly worried this time?"
???: "This is beyond my power... Please, I beg of you!"
Doctor M: "Leave it to me!"
Serious-senpai: "Gyaaaah! She—She’s here! You, ???, you were acting like that because—!"
Doctor M: "I shall heal Serious-senpai's wounded heart!"
Serious-senpai: "What? Is brainwashing through madness the definition of 'healing' in your world? Stop messing around and go home!"