Led by Illness-san, I reached the summit of the clock tower. A sharp crack echoed through the air, and when I looked up, a massive flower of light was blooming against the dark sky.
The burst was enormous and breathtakingly colorful. In a world where magic was real, the fireworks often felt far more fantastical than those back home, showcasing more vivid hues and intricate shapes than I had ever seen.
"The Founding Anniversary Festival fireworks really are something else."
"They truly are... quite vivid indeed..."
It was an odd sensation. Even though Illness-san wasn't speaking loudly, her voice carried perfectly over the booming pyrotechnics. I recalled Isis-san using a similar technique, so Illness-san was likely employing something along those lines.
As I watched the display with that thought in mind, Illness-san spoke with a soft smile.
"It is perfectly fine to sit down, you know. I have applied protection magic, so there is no need to worry about your clothes getting dirty."
"I see. In that case, it’ll probably be easier to watch while sitting."
I sat down on the roof as I replied. The roof of the clock tower had a gentle slope, making it a comfortable spot. From this vantage point, the fireworks were even easier to appreciate.
Just as I was settling in, I noticed Illness-san move behind me. I tilted my head, wondering what she was doing, and in that instant, she placed her hands on my shoulders and pulled me backward.
"I believe... you will have a much better view like this..."
"Huh?"
My body fell back with a soft thud. I felt a gentle, plush warmth against the back of my head, and looking up, I saw Illness-san smiling down at me, her face framed by the vibrant explosions in the sky.
Wait, was this... what I thought it was? I was currently using Illness-san’s lap as a pillow while staring up at the stars. Ah, so that’s why she moved behind me.
It was certainly true that lying back offered a much better view without straining my neck, but the situation was incredibly embarrassing. I wondered if Illness-san herself was okay with this, but she was gazing quietly up at the fireworks, making me hesitate to say anything.
The flickering, colorful lights of the fireworks illuminated her features. Even though it was the face I always saw, the changing light gave me the illusion that I was witnessing countless different expressions.
Wait, I was just staring at Illness-san instead of the fireworks. I needed to get my eyes back on the show.
Illness stole a glance at Kaito, who was focusing on the sky with a telltale flush on his face, as her thoughts began to wander.
I might have been a bit too forceful, she thought. I really should reflect on my behavior... but I find myself in a difficult position. I simply cannot suppress this overwhelming sense of joy.
Looking back, it had been like this since the beginning of the festival. Originally, she hadn't intended to visit Kaito’s stall. She had already received a share of the baby castella he had made during his practice sessions, and she had never particularly cared for festivals herself.
She had visited a few in the past, but she had never been able to truly understand the atmosphere or the reactions of the crowds. The concept of "fun" and the sight of people laughing together had never resonated with her; she had believed such things had nothing to do with her—that they were unnecessary for the life she led.
But this time... before she knew it, she had finished her work and found her feet moving toward the festival, toward Kaito’s stall. With every step, her heart had felt lighter. Simply seeing Kaito smiling at his stall had filled her with a profound sense of happiness.
The time they spent tending the stall together afterward had been a moment so blissful that every passing second felt precious beyond measure. Even that would have been more than enough, yet here she was now, watching the fireworks with Kaito, just the two of them.
...I am so happy. I would be so glad if Kaito-sama felt the same way.
As these thoughts crossed her mind, Illness let a small smile escape her lips. Her eyes remained fixed on the sky, reflecting the myriad of bursting lights. However, she was far from focused on the show itself.
It truly is a problem. I am supposed to be watching the fireworks, but Kaito-sama is the only thing on my mind. My awareness keeps drifting back to him.
Unaware that Kaito was occupied with nearly identical thoughts, Illness smiled softly and gently stroked the hair of the man resting in her lap.
I cannot bring myself to look down, she realized.
She kept her eyes fixed on the sky because she was acutely aware of the look on her own face. She knew that as she savored the bliss of being with him, her expression had become entirely too soft and enamored. Somehow, the thought of him seeing her like this was just a little... a tiny bit... too embarrassing to bear.
???: "Hoh, for Pandemonium to be shy... You've certainly changed. By the way, I’m getting tired of this Serious-senpai Candy. Start secreting some chocolate instead."
Serious-senpai: "... (A message manifests: Stop asking for the impossible.)"