Even though I’d learned about the history between Marine-san and Eingana-san, just as Life-san had predicted, it wasn't like anything was actually going to happen here.
The next band took the stage, and I settled back in to watch the rest of the show with Shiro-san.
"This is my first live concert, but the energy is incredible. It’s a lot of fun."
"Hmm. Do you like live concerts, Kaito-san?"
"U-Umm, I wonder? I like music well enough, but I don't know if I'm a die-hard fan or anything. I think a lot of it is just the festival hype."
I enjoyed music and used to buy CDs and things back home, but I’d never actually been to a concert, nor was I particularly obsessed with them. Still, in this moment, I was having a blast.
Part of it was the novelty of the experience, but I think the biggest factor was the festive atmosphere and the fact that my lover, Shiro-san, was right here enjoying it with me.
I could tell she was having a good time in her own way, and there was something truly special about sharing a moment like this with the person I loved.
To be honest, I felt like I was having much more fun now than I did during our last date in the Human Realm. Obviously, our relationship had evolved since then, but even setting that aside, the most significant factor was how much Shiro-san herself had changed.
She had grown so much emotionally; she was far more curious about the world than she used to be. Because of that, we were finally able to genuinely enjoy things together.
Of course, as with the situation between Marine-san and Eingana-san, there were still plenty of things she didn't care for—but that was just a matter of personal taste. Everyone has their own interests and disinterests, after all.
Anyway, how should I put this? Our recent dates gave me a profound sense that we were actually experiencing things together. It made me feel happy—or rather, it made the reality of our happiness feel tangible.
Shiro-san had even been studying up on things specifically for our dates. While she could still be a bit of an airhead or show her quirky, natural side, I realized that I truly loved how straightforward she was.
Of course, I was far too embarrassed to actually say that out loud...
"...Ho-ho."
"...Ah."
Sometimes, thoughts just slip out. Even though I should have known better, I’d completely forgotten that Shiro-san could read minds and let myself get lost in my own head. Under normal circumstances, nobody can hear what you're thinking. Since I didn't usually have to worry about mind-readers when I was alone, I’d gotten careless.
I knew she could do it, and it wasn’t like those thoughts were a problem... but the realization that she knew I was currently falling for her all over again, while she was standing right next to me, was excruciatingly embarrassing.
"Ho-ho... So that’s what you were thinking, Kaito-san."
"Ah, no... I mean, it’s not wrong... I just, uh, let my guard down for a second..."
She looked happy. Radiant, even. It was a rare, genuine smile, and the sheer joy radiating from her was palpable.
"S-So, Shiro-san. Let’s stay calm. For now, let’s just focus on the show..."
"There is no problem. I have stopped the flow of time for the rest of the world, so we may speak as leisurely as you like."
"Isn't that a massive cheat!?"
"Is it? Now, Kaito-san. You may tell me more of those thoughts, or perhaps you could hug me, kiss me, and be lovey-dovey? In fact, I insist."
A beaming Shiro-san spread her arms wide with a look that clearly said, "Come, embrace me." But even with time frozen, the thought of hugging her in the middle of this massive crowd was still mortifying!
Serious-senpai: "Hey, you idiot, stop it... If you end it there, it's like declaring that the entire next episode will be spent being lovey-dovey... Stop it..."