I poured the drinks into the two glasses I’d set out. We shared a quick smile, toasted, and took our first sips.
"Ah, this is really good."
"It's my first time trying it too," I replied, "but that crisp aftertaste is fantastic."
"Mhm. I really like this."
The bottle I’d picked up from Kaori-san’s shop was definitely worth the price. It had a bold flavor, yet it was remarkably smooth, lacking any cloying heaviness and finishing with a clean, pleasant note.
It was a real find. If I came across it again, I’d make sure to buy another bottle.
"Now that I think about it, between this and the herb tea you like, you seem to have a preference for refreshing flavors, Fia-sensei."
"Now that you mention it, maybe I do? I never really thought about it, but I suppose I do naturally gravitate toward herbs and drinks with a clean finish."
"It’s funny how you don't notice your own habits like that until someone points them out."
"True. I might think I'm just choosing things at random, but to an outside observer, there’s probably a very clear pattern."
It was a trivial conversation, but the time we spent together was deeply comfortable. We didn’t rush our drinks, instead taking small sips between stories—sharing a thought, then a sip, then another thought.
This kind of quiet, settled time, enjoying both the company and the alcohol, was truly wonderful.
As we slowly drank, nibbled on snacks, and enjoyed our peaceful chat, time slipped away. Before I knew it, we were well into the middle of the night.
We had finished a fair amount of the bottle, and the snacks were all gone. It was probably the right moment to wrap things up, and it seemed I wasn't the only one thinking that. Fia-sensei spoke up, though she looked a little reluctant.
"Nn... Shall we start cleaning up?"
"Sure. I'll help."
"Thanks. There aren't many, but could you carry the dishes over? I'll wash."
"Got it."
I quickly gathered the dishes and glasses and brought them to the sink. While Fia-sensei washed them, I sorted the bottles and other trash by type, then carried them to the disposal area she pointed out.
Since there were only two of us, the cleanup was over in no time. Just as I was wondering if it was time for me to head out, Fia-sensei spoke.
"Oh, Miyama-kun. I've got the bath ready, so let’s get in."
"Eh? Oh, thank you. I appreciate you going to the trouble... Wait?"
She had even prepared a bath for me; she was really going above and beyond. I’d figured I could just shower once I got back to the mansion... or so I thought, but wait a second. Did I catch that right?
If she had said, "The bath is ready, so go ahead and use it," that would be one thing. But just now, didn't Fia-sensei say "let’s get in"?
"...Fia-sensei, if my ears didn't deceive me, did you just say 'let’s get in'?"
"I did."
"Does that invitation include the word 'together' at the beginning?"
"It does."
I hadn't misheard. Fia-sensei gave me a mischievous smirk.
"Hehehe. Don't think you're getting away that easily. I can be quite persistent, you know!"
"N-No, well, it would be beyond rude to run away now... and it's not like I have a reason to."
I was embarrassed, of course, but I wasn't cold-hearted enough to turn down an invitation from my lover and just leave.
When I told her that, Fia-sensei looked surprised for a heartbeat before her face lit up with a happy smile.
"...I see. Of course. We are lovers, after all!"
"We are."
"I see, I see. In that case..."
Still beaming, Fia-sensei stepped toward me. She stood on her tiptoes to reach my ear, then gave my earlobe a light, tender kiss.
"...I'll have to let you judge for yourself whether the color you picked out for me actually looks good."
Whether it was the alcohol or actual bashfulness, Fia-sensei’s face was flushed as she spoke. She looked breathtakingly beautiful.
After the bath, I changed into loungewear and ended up lying down on a small sofa. My head was resting on Fia-sensei’s thighs, the soft, warm contact of the lap pillow undeniable. Unfortunately, I wasn't in any state to enjoy it.
"...Uugh."
"Ahaha. Miyama-kun, are you alright?"
"S-Somehow... Your hands feel so cool and nice, Fia-sensei."
Chuckling at my pathetic state, Fia-sensei used a folding fan to cool my face while keeping her other hand pressed against my forehead. She was likely using magic to lower my temperature.
"It’s just a little heat exhaustion. You don't seem to have any other symptoms, so if you rest and let your body cool down, you'll be fine soon."
"I-I'm sorry. I caused so much trouble."
"It’s fine, don't worry about it. If anything, I should have noticed sooner. We were in there for a long time... and even with the window open, heat builds up in a bathroom unlike an outdoor bath. Even if you don't soak in the water for long, the steam alone can get to you."
Yes, I had managed to get lightheaded in the bath and was currently down for the count. To be honest, I suspected the cause was more than just the duration or the water temperature, but it was likely a combination of everything.
"I didn't even notice my temperature was getting that high."
"I know. Just take it easy... You're obviously staying the night, right? You're in no condition to head home."
"If you're okay with it..."
"Of course. I don't mind at all. Just relax for now."
Fia-sensei’s gentle voice and the rhythmic, soothing sensation of her stroking my hair calmed my racing heart. I felt a little embarrassed showing her such a weak side of myself, but at the same time, I felt incredibly fulfilled. Wrapped in her kindness like this, I felt truly happy.
"...Fufu."
"What is it?"
"Nothing. I was just thinking about how happy I am. Until recently, I never imagined I could feel this way. Really, Miyama-kun, I can never thank you enough."
"I think that’s an exaggeration... but I feel the same way about being happy."
"Do you? That makes me so glad... Hey, Miyama-kun?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
Her smile—so radiant and sincere compared to the pained expressions she used to wear—was so dazzlingly beautiful that I felt my temperature, which had finally started to drop, begin to climb all over again.
Serious-senpai: "Gah... T-This is the end... This Serious... shall not rely on the hands of others to return to the heavens... Uoooooh! In my life... not a single grain of 'Sugar'!!"
???: "No, there’s a mountain of it. Honestly, it’s nothing but sugar at this point."
Serious-senpai: "...Stop with the serious responses. I mean, look at this! Getting in the bath together, staying in there so long he gets lightheaded? But they weren't even in the water that long? Sugar overload... I'll say it again, I hate that word... collapses"
???: "Ah, hello, Doctor? We have an emergency..."
Serious-senpai: "Hey, stop it, you idiot!"