For a while, Shiro-san and I carried on with our lovey-dovey antics on the Couples-only Seat, just as she had requested. I had my doubts about whether this was really the right way to go about things, but she seemed satisfied, so I suppose it wasn’t a problem.
Unfortunately, we didn’t transition into having tea as originally planned.
"I am satisfied. With this, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Couples-only Seat."
"Well, that’s good... Wait, the Couples-only Seat 'specifically'?"
"Yes. Since there is something else I have made, let us go there next."
"Something else... So you mean you’ve made other things lovers would use besides this seat?"
So this wasn’t the only thing. Well, she had mentioned researching various things, and for someone like Shiro-san, creating a single seat would take less than a second. It wasn't surprising that she’d have other projects in the works.
However, her phrasing still left me with a few questions.
"...When you say 'let’s go,' does that mean it’s not here?"
"Yes. It is quite large, so I created a dedicated space for it."
"...And it’s something couples use, right?"
"Yes. I was told it is a staple."
I wondered what it could be. Something large, meant for couples, and a "staple" of romance? Given that she mentioned being told about it, I suspected her source of information was Eden-san.
If that was the case, it had to be some classic date spot from my world... but I couldn't wrap my head around it. I’d never had a girlfriend back home. We’d already done the amusement park thing before, so I didn't think it was that. What else was there?
While I was lost in thought, Shiro-san gave a light flick of her finger. The scenery shifted instantly. There was no doubt we were still within her Sanctuary, but we had clearly relocated.
The Sanctuary was surprisingly vast. Considering she could build entire hot spring inns on a whim, I imagined the place was probably the size of a small town.
In any case, standing before us at our new destination was a massive black building.
"...Shiro-san, what exactly is this?"
"A 'Movie Theater.' I built it."
"...I see."
Well, she wasn't wrong. A movie theater was definitely a staple for dates. It stood to reason that Shiro-san could manifest one without breaking a sweat.
However, I had to offer one small critique.
"Shiro-san, can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Shouldn't that Couples-only Seat from earlier have been used inside this theater?"
"...I see. That idea did not occur to me."
Honestly, I was more impressed that she had managed to overlook that obvious connection and settle on the idea of placing the seat by itself in the middle of a void.
I suppose that was just Shiro-san’s charming lack of common sense at work.
The interior of the theater was surprisingly authentic, featuring a layout very similar to a standard cinema on Earth. Granted, the lack of other people felt a bit surreal... and strangely enough, there was even a merchandise corner.
"Kaito-san, what would you like to watch? I have been told that romance movies are the standard..."
"Well, rather than what I want to watch... what are you actually screening? Don't tell me you created the movies yourself, too?"
"I negotiated with the Earth God so that we can watch the latest movies currently being screened in the city where you used to live."
"...Wait, seriously?"
Startled by her words, I looked over at the wall where the movie posters were lined up. Sure enough, I saw titles I recognized.
Oh, there was even a new entry in that one series! Right, two months had passed since I’d been summoned, and I’d spent quite a bit of time handling my university withdrawal and other affairs. It made sense that it was already in theaters. Ah, and that other movie was one I’d really wanted to see, too.
"...As far as you're concerned, Shiro-san, would you prefer a romance movie?"
"No, I have no particular preference. Whatever you like is fine, Kaito-san."
"In that case, I'd really like to see this one..."
"Then let us go with that."
Since she had brought up romance movies being the standard, I figured I should check. If she had insisted, I would have prioritized her wishes and just asked to see my choice another day. Fortunately, Shiro-san didn't seem to care either way, so she was happy to go along with my pick.
"Thank you... Um, so how does this work?"
"First, you buy tickets at that machine over there. I have adjusted it so you can pay with the currency of this world."
"Where does the money go?"
"The Earth God is handling the logistics so that the sales are added to the revenue of the actual theater I used as a reference. The same applies to the food, drinks, and merchandise."
"I see. That makes me feel a lot better about watching it."
She was incredibly meticulous about the details. Knowing the original creators were getting their cut let me enjoy the experience without any guilt. I definitely wanted some popcorn and a drink, and knowing I could even browse the merchandise corner made this feel like a real treat. I was actually getting pretty excited.
"Shiro-san, personally, I feel like the boyfriend should be the one to treat in a situation like this. Please let me pay for everything."
"I understand. You look like you’re having fun, Kaito-san."
"Well, I never thought I’d be able to see a movie in this world. I used to go see them by myself back home every now and then. Seeing a film I’ve been looking forward to has me pumped."
"Is that so? It is a strange thing. I do not have a particular interest in movies myself, but seeing you look so happy makes me feel happy as well."
This woman really knew how to make me blush with her sudden, earnest comments. What’s more, she actually gave a small, genuine smile as she spoke. I found myself completely captivated.
I didn't quite know how to put it into words... but I felt like I was coming to love the time I spent with Shiro-san even more than before.
Serious-senpai: "A middle part appeared!? Gaaaaah! The promise... This isn't what we promised!!"
???: "There wasn't really a promise to begin with. Besides, no one ever said this was only going to be a two-part episode..."