I was a bit—well, actually, a lot—worried about the future, but for the moment, I had to focus on the now. I shifted my attention back to enjoying the Founding Anniversary Festival and started walking, when I suddenly noticed something distinct from the main flow of the crowd.
A fairly long queue had formed. Judging by the look of it, there was something popular waiting at the end of that line.
"It's unusual to see such a long line at a festival. I wonder what’s up there?"
"That uses the latest type of magic tool... Well, to put it very simply, it's a Purikura photo booth."
"Wait, Purikura?"
"Yep. You know how those camera-like magic tools from Kuro-san’s place have been the talk of the town lately? Whenever a trendy new tech like that hits the scene, it’s only natural for everyone to start thinking of ways to turn a profit. A fairly large merchant guild developed this: a large-scale magic tool that applies phantom magic to let people take photos with various backgrounds and effects."
"I see. I suppose the concept of Purikura would feel incredibly fresh to the people of this world."
The camera-like magic tools produced by the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company had begun appearing in magazines and other media, but they remained expensive luxury items. For the average citizen, a booth like this was a rare opportunity to experience the technology for themselves.
"They haven't been able to miniaturize the tech yet due to technical issues, so it requires a pretty massive setup. But since you can take the prints home with you, its popularity was practically guaranteed."
"Hmm... Since we happened to see it, should we take some photos too?"
"Sure. Even though there's a line, it's not as high-tech as the Purikura in your world, Kaito-san. It looks like you just choose from a few patterns and shoot, so the turnaround should be quick. It won't take long."
"Alright, let's get in line then."
I nodded at Alice’s suggestion and stepped into the queue, feeling a quiet surge of excitement. The truth was, I’d never actually used a Purikura booth before. Before coming to this world, I was a total loner; I never had the occasion, the courage to go alone, or even the interest.
But the idea of taking a Purikura with my lover... even if it was just a simple commemorative photo rather than the high-tech versions I remembered, I found myself looking forward to it.
"Since we’re doing this, I want to take photos that feel... you know, like we're a couple."
"Fwah?!"
"Wait, isn't that what Purikura is for?"
"N-No, let’s calm down, Kaito-san. It’s basically just photo-taking... I-I mean, I'm not saying no. But if you get swept up in the heat of the moment and do that sort of thing, you’ll writhe in agony when you look back at it later! Wouldn't it be better to play it safe?"
I understood what she was trying to say. I also knew she wasn't actually worried about "black history" or embarrassing memories; she was just incredibly shy. But looking at her expression and how she’d been acting up until now...
"Alice, I have a feeling... Do you actually want to do it too? Do you want to take those kinds of photos?"
"W-w-w-what are you talking about?!"
"Your agitation is a dead giveaway."
Honestly, given how smart Alice was, she could have talked me out of anything if she really wanted to. Her refusal was weak, phrased more as a suggestion that maybe we shouldn't. I was ninety percent sure she wanted me to be assertive. She was too embarrassed to say yes, so she wanted it to be a situation where I "insisted" and she "couldn't refuse."
I decided to play along with that wish.
"Alice... I really want to take those romantic photos with you. Consider it a selfish request of mine. Please, won't you agree?"
"Auuh... O-Okay. I... I look forward to it."
As I watched Alice blush a deep crimson and tighten her grip on my hand, I felt a heartwarming sensation.
Serious-senpai: "Damn it... T-This girl’s heroine power is off the charts..."