The long-lasting fireworks display finally drew to a close, ushering in the heavy silence that always follows such a spectacle. Perhaps because the sky had been so brilliantly lit just moments before, the world now seemed to have plunged into an even deeper darkness.
Ordinarily, I would have sat up and started the trek home once the show ended... but Illness-san’s hand was still stroking my head, and I couldn't find the right moment to pull away.
"That was a beautiful show," I said.
"Yes... It leaves behind... a touch of loneliness... now that it is over..."
"Yeah, I get that. For some reason, there's always a strange sense of melancholy after fireworks end."
We exchanged a few light words, and since the timing felt right, I prepared to sit up—or at least, I tried to. Illness-san was peering down at me with such a tender gaze that I found myself rooted to the spot. Because she was leaning directly over me, sitting up would have brought our faces dangerously close together.
I wasn't sure what to do. We weren't on a brightly lit street but on the roof of a clock tower, and in the dim light, I couldn't quite make out the expression on her face.
"Um... Illness-san?"
"Kaito-sama... May I ask... a small question...?"
"A question? Sure. If it's something I'm able to answer..."
Am I supposed to answer this while still using her lap as a pillow? Her voice sounded uncharacteristically serious, so I decided it was best not to interrupt.
Suddenly, Illness-san held her hand over my eyes, blocking my vision. What is she doing? It wasn't like her to play games like "Guess Who," so I struggled to understand the point of it.
"To you, Kaito-sama... how do you... perceive me...?"
"How do I perceive you? Well... it’s a little embarrassing to put into words, but you’re always looking after me. You’re incredibly reliable... and, I don't know how else to say it, but you feel like a very kind older woman to me."
"I see..."
In the darkness, her voice resonated with a gentle warmth. I didn't know what she intended with the question, but it was the truth. To me, Illness-san was a dependable older woman.
I was too embarrassed to say it out loud, but she was the kind of woman I admired—mature, maternal, and possessed of a profound sense of grace.
"I would like to ask... just for my own reference... could a woman like me... ever be a romantic interest for you?"
"Huh? Yes, of course."
"Even with... such a small stature...?"
"If we're talking about height, my lovers Kuro and Alice are both petite as well. It’s never been something I cared about."
"Now that you mention it... that is true."
"I’m not sure exactly what you’re looking for, Illness-san, but to me, you’re an incredibly charming and wonderful woman."
"Kuhihi... Is that so? Those are... very happy words to hear..."
For a split second, given the nature of the questions, I wondered if she might actually be harboring feelings for me. But her response was as calm and composed as ever, so the thought passed quickly. It seemed like just another one of her usual, steady replies.
She asked a few more questions after that, but they didn't have much to do with romance. It seemed the first few had just been outliers.
My heart had skipped a beat for a moment, but I suppose that’s just how things go. Still... how much longer was she going to keep my eyes covered?
"Thank you very much... That was... very helpful..."
"No, no. If I was able to be of help, then I'm glad."
Her questions had been a bit disjointed, but Illness-san seemed satisfied, so that was enough for me.
Just as that thought passed, I felt something soft brush against my forehead. It had the distinct texture of... lips? Before I could process the sensation, the hand covering my eyes was pulled away.
"Well then... shall we... head back now...?"
"Eh? Ah, yes... Um, Illness-san. Just now..."
"Is something... the matter...?"
"No, it’s nothing."
Illness-san tilted her head curiously at my words. Had I imagined it? Or maybe I had just mistaken the sensation for something else. I had been certain for a moment that she kissed my forehead, but her reaction suggested otherwise.
Feeling a bit foolish for the misunderstanding, I accompanied her back to the festival stalls via teleportation magic.
"...I am glad... I was not wearing... any lipstick..."
In the instant we began to warp, I thought I caught her whispering those words.
???: "I see. From Kaito-san's perspective, his admiration for Pandemonium is so deep that he likely feels he wouldn't be taken seriously—as if he's just a child in her presence. It probably helps that Pandemonium is skillfully masking her actual emotions with sympathy magic..."
Serious-senpai: "..."
???: "It’s here! The chocolate fondue... Wait, it’s just sugar. You’re useless-ssu."
Serious-senpai: "...Isn't that a bit harsh?"