My consciousness slowly drifted back to the surface. Though my mind was growing clearer, my eyelids still felt heavy, weighed down by a lingering, pleasant drowsiness that made opening them feel like a chore.
Suddenly, I felt a soft, squishy pressure against my lips. It was a gentle, clinging softness that seemed to taste faintly sweet, and the mild warmth radiating from it was incredibly soothing.
Wait... what was that sensation? As the fog of sleep lifted, curiosity got the better of me. I slowly opened my eyes and—
"—!?"
For a split second, I didn't understand what I was seeing. Then, the sensation on my lips vanished, and I saw Shiro-san's face slowly pulling away. Realizing that the sensation had been a kiss, shock drained the thoughts from my head, leaving my mind momentarily blank.
"You're awake. Good morning."
"Ah... er... Good morning... Wait, what?"
I was stunned. Seriously, that was such a perfect surprise attack that it caught me completely off guard. Seeing Shiro-san’s face in such a sudden close-up right after waking was startling enough, but the moment I processed the kiss, I felt a rush of heat climb into my face.
As I forced myself to calm down, I realized exactly what Shiro-san had done. She had decided to use a kiss to wake me up.
Thinking back, I'd felt the sensation of a kiss just as my consciousness was returning, so she’d likely timed it for the exact moment she sensed me stirring.
"...No, that really startled me."
"I see. A successful surprise, then."
"A surprise... well, I suppose it certainly counts as one."
I sat up with a wry smile. Though I had regained some of my composure, the cool sea breeze felt wonderful against my skin, which was still flushed from the suddenness of it all.
"...How long was I out?"
"About thirty minutes."
"It felt like I slept much longer than that."
"I see. So it was a comfortable place to sleep?"
"Eh? Y-Yes. It was very comfortable."
"And you feel refreshed upon waking?"
"W-Well, aside from the surprise attack... yes, I do."
"Do you wish for another lap pillow?"
"............Well, if the opportunity arises."
"I see. A reservation has been made. Please look forward to the next time."
"Ah, right."
I wasn't entirely sure how the conversation had led there, but I found myself nodding reflexively under the sheer, undeniable pressure in her voice. Then again, I had a feeling Shiro-san’s lap pillows were going to become a dangerous habit; I felt incredibly refreshed and clear-headed.
If she asked if I wanted to do it again... well, the truth was that I did.
"Ah, anyway, shall we head back to the Founding Festival soon?"
"Yes... but before that..."
"Hm? Wha— Hey!?"
Just as the words left my lips, Shiro-san reached out, caught my shoulder, and pulled me toward her. I was powerless against her strength, and the moment I was drawn in, she leaned forward and kissed me again.
The soft, pleasant sensation returned, accompanied by the feeling of her hand stroking the back of my head. I felt myself melting into a warmth that was almost maternal. After a few moments, Shiro-san pulled away.
"...I understood the first one was a morning kiss, but... what was that one for?"
"I simply wanted to kiss you."
"I-I see... You’re certainly bold with your surprises today."
"Fufu, isn't it nice to have things like that occasionally?"
"I suppose so."
As I answered, I felt like she was constantly getting the better of me today. In a moment of impulsive counter-attack, I leaned toward the smiling Shiro-san and kissed her back.
It was only a brief touch of the lips, but her eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"...Consider that my counter-attack."
"I see. I was startled, but I've certainly gained something. You are more than welcome to counter-attack further, you know. It would make me very happy."
"There'll be no end to it if I do, so let's just get back to the festival for now."
I couldn't help but smile back at the clearly delighted Shiro-san. Filled with an indescribable sense of happiness, I stood up to return to the Founding Anniversary Festival.
Serious-senpai: "Guaaah! Th-These two and their flirting... Dammit, dammit...!"
???: "I wonder what’s next? Will it be evening or night..."
Serious-senpai: "Night! Make it night!!"
???: "Ah, then evening it is..."
Serious-senpai: "Why!?"