Our next task was a game of tag on the beach. The setup was remarkably thorough; a sunset painted the ocean in golden hues, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic pursuit.
I had already instructed Kuro to maintain a reasonable distance while running and then allow herself to be caught at a good moment.
"By the way, Kaito-kun?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm doing exactly what you told me to, but... is this actually supposed to be fun?"
"Well, I mean, it's a classic way of flirting. It’s not really the sort of thing you’re meant to do on command."
I had to admit Kuro's doubt was valid. A chasing game on the beach is usually something that happens spontaneously when the mood is right—a bit of frolicking and flirting—not a mandatory objective.
Furthermore, given the massive gap in our physical abilities, Kuro was clearly holding back just to let me catch her. It wasn't surprising that she’d wonder what the point was.
"...Well, let's wrap this up then," I said, reaching out to tag her.
"Oops!"
"Wait, why did you dodge?"
Hearing me say we should finish, I reached out my hand, but she nimbly sidestepped me.
"That way of catching me is no good. You have to be more forceful—like, you have to really lung at me."
"Uh... so you want me to hug you from behind?"
"Otherwise, I don't think you'll ever be able to catch me~"
It was clear she had no intention of being caught unless I did exactly that.
"Ahaha," she laughed.
I steeled my resolve and chased after her, finally wrapping my arms around her from behind. Since we were both in swimwear, the direct contact with her soft, smooth skin made my heart skip a beat. Because of our height difference, my arms ended up right against Kuro's chest, and the sensation filled me with an indescribable bashfulness.
"Ehehe, you caught me."
Kuro beamed with a joyful smile, and her innocent reaction made my pulse quicken even more.
At any rate, we had officially cleared the chasing game portion. The final part of the task was to sit and watch the sunset together, but...
"Now then, Kaito-kun. Here! Right here!"
Kuro, wearing a mischievous grin, sat down first and began patting her thighs. I didn't need to be a genius to know that was the signal for a lap pillow. I understood, and yet...
"Wait, weren't the instructions for both of us to sit and watch the sunset?"
"Ah, about that. I analyzed the magic formula, and it turns out the condition is satisfied as long as at least one of us is sitting."
"Oh, I see."
"Yep! So, I’ll sit like this, and Kaito-kun can lie down on my lap. That should be perfect!"
So that contemplative look she had earlier was because she was busy deconstructing the door’s mechanics. She had realized the exit conditions didn't technically require both of us to be seated side-by-side and figured out she could use the loophole to get a lap pillow. That explained the playful look in her eyes.
"Even if it meets the conditions... why a lap pillow?"
"Because I want to!"
"Guh... I can't really argue with that."
When she stated her desire so straightforwardly, refusal was impossible. It wasn't that I wanted to refuse anyway, but having a lap pillow while we were both in swimsuits meant lying directly against her skin. It was significantly more embarrassing than usual.
"...Alright, then. If you'll excuse me."
"Mm-hmm. Go right ahead~"
I prepared myself and slowly lowered my head onto her lap. We hadn't actually gone into the water, so our skin was dry, making it even easier to feel her body heat. The moment I settled in, I was enveloped by her softness and a faint, pleasant scent. When I looked up, I saw Kuro looking down at me with a radiant expression. Calling it the "best view" would have been a massive understatement, and I could feel my face burning with heat.
"...You seem like you're having a lot of fun, Kuro."
"I am. I really love giving Kaito-kun lap pillows. Doesn't it just make you feel like... we're truly 'together'?"
"W-Well, certainly. I definitely feel like you're close to me."
"Right? ...By the way, there wasn't a time limit on this part, was there?"
"Eh? No, I don't think so..."
"Then I want to stay like this for a little longer. Is that okay?"
"No, it's not a problem."
There was no way I could say no when she looked at me like that. Hearing my answer, Kuro smiled happily and lightly stroked my hair before leaning down toward me.
I understood her intention immediately. Entrusting myself to the approaching Kuro, I closed my eyes. A moment later, I felt a soft, warm pressure against my lips.
Serious-senpai: "Ka—!"
Machina: "Ah, she turned to sugar... Time to shave her down and mix her in... Alright, the warishita is complete! Now, let's get the sukiyaki going."