Carrying the popcorn and drink—which had dispensed automatically as soon as I’d inserted the money—I headed toward the theater screen.
The setup was impressively authentic, with several different screens available.
When I arrived at the correct theater and found the seat number printed on my ticket, I realized that while every other row was normal, our designated spot had been replaced with that same couple seat from before. I reflexively looked back at Shiro-san.
"Shiro-san, the seat here is... a bit different."
"How strange."
"I... see."
It was blindingly obvious who was responsible, and I knew saying anything would be a waste of breath. I was slightly exasperated by her speed and the blatant disparity with the rest of the room, but I didn't actually mind. I took my seat. Being alone with her in the dim light of a private screening made me feel a little restless.
"Kaito-san, say 'ahh'."
"Eh? Mmph—Popcorn?"
"I have heard that if one intends to flirt, the first fifteen minutes in a movie theater are the most critical."
The first fifteen minutes? Was that because of the trailers? I’d always thought you were supposed to be quiet once the lights went down, but since we had the entire place to ourselves, I suppose it didn't really matter.
"I want to try yours, too, Kaito-san."
"They’re the same flavor, you know... But here, go ahead."
"Ahh."
If she’d wanted to trade popcorn like that, we probably should have ordered different flavors. I fed a piece to her while the thought crossed my mind.
In this Sanctuary Movie Theater, we were truly alone. I felt as if I could afford to be a bit more daring here. If we were going to flirt just like she’d suggested, I had enough composure to handle it—or so I thought.
"Hoh."
"Ah..."
I’d made a careless mistake: I’d forgotten she could read my mind. Or rather, since she did it so naturally all the time, I’d just stopped paying attention. She was clearly contemplating something now, and given the flow of the conversation, I had a feeling things were about to take a turn.
"Kaito-san, this is a grave problem."
"What is?"
"My hands are currently unoccupied. Is this not a dire state of affairs?"
She wanted to hold hands. I’d been braced for another bizarre, world-shaking proclamation, so the request was surprisingly normal. Not that I had any reason to refuse.
"Well, how about this then?"
I interlaced my fingers with hers in a lover's hand-holding style. Just as I wondered if that would satisfy her and turned my gaze back to the screen, Shiro-san leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder.
A light weight, a gentle warmth, and a pleasant fragrance that tickled my nose... I reflexively looked away from the screen, only to lock eyes with those beautiful golden pupils.
Her silver hair seemed to shimmer even in the dim light. Her face was so divinely, flawlessly beautiful that it felt like it should be against the rules. I thought I’d grown used to her appearance, but catching her like this always left me breathless at her mystical beauty.
She released my hand, but then reached around the back of my neck and pulled me closer. She wasn't moving in for a kiss, but rather peering intently into my eyes. She was so close I could feel her breath against my face.
"Kaito-san."
"Yes?"
No matter how much we were lovers, facing Shiro-san at this proximity was nerve-wracking.
"Do you remember what I said before? When the God of Space-Time, you, Lilia Albert, and Ein were all talking together?"
"Which part?"
"I stated that I was your Capture Target, and that we would eventually develop a physical relationship."
"...Now that you mention it, you did say something like that."
I remembered how the air in the room had frozen solid the moment she’d said it.
"However, at the time, I spoke without a true understanding of romance. I understand now that my statement was flawed. I realize that a physical relationship is not the final conclusion."
"..."
"But unfortunately, I still have many misunderstandings. There is much I do not yet know."
Having said that much, Shiro-san pulled back slightly, her smile radiant and heartfelt.
"Someday... please teach me what lies beyond."
"I... Yes. I’ll do my best."
"Fufu. I am glad to hear that. I shall look forward to it."
Then, catching me off guard, she leaned in for a fleeting, light kiss. Before I could find my voice, she settled back into her seat, took my hand, and turned toward the screen. The lights died at that exact second, and the film began.
I couldn't see her expression in the dark, but I knew my face was bright red. Shiro-san was growing, becoming more attractive and alluring by the day. In a way, it was terrifying.
If I didn't keep a firm grip on myself, I felt like I might drown in her love when that "someday" finally arrived.
...Needless to say, I didn't catch much of the movie after that.