Shame is a truly mysterious thing. At the moment, time had ground to a halt for everyone except Shiro-san and me. No matter what we did, the people surrounding us wouldn't be able to see or notice a thing.
Even so, being in the middle of such a massive crowd made me feel as if I were drawing everyone's gaze, and the sheer weight of it made me feel self-conscious.
Still, I couldn't just leave Shiro-san standing there with her arms spread wide in her hug-waiting stance forever. Steeling my resolve, I took a step forward and gently wrapped my arms around her back, resting my hands just above her waist as I pulled her into an embrace.
Perhaps because her outfit had changed, the sensation of holding her felt different too. The texture of her sukajan was nice, but the real change was on her front. She was wearing the jacket draped over her shoulders with the front wide open, leaving only a thin shirt between us. The physical contact felt much more direct than before; I could clearly feel the soft fullness of her breasts pressing against my chest.
There was something else, too—her scent. It wasn't the sweet fragrance from earlier, but something crisp and refreshing, like citrus. And, as always, the sheer comfort of holding her was incredible. It felt so good that I was afraid it might become addictive.
Based on Shiro-san’s usual requests, I probably should have followed up with a kiss, but part of me just wanted to linger in this embrace a little longer.
"There is no problem at all," she said. "You may hug me even tighter—as stickily and as much as you like."
"Stickily? That's... well, anyway, it’s a bit of a strange feeling to talk while we’re hugging like this. Not that I dislike it. In fact, I think I rather like it."
"I agree. Conversing while in such close contact is wonderful. I feel as though the lovey-dovey feeling is quite high. Perhaps we should adopt this position whenever we speak from now on?"
"N-No, that's... it's a bit too embarrassing."
"It is fine. I do not mind, and if we ever need it, the world's time will stop."
"You’re saying something completely outrageous!"
Chatting idly while locked in an embrace was a new pattern for us, but it was so warm and comfortable that I found myself wanting to do it again even as I was enjoying the moment. Of course, if I actually said that, Shiro-san would probably delightedly demand a hug at every opportunity. I decided to keep the thought to myself. Shiro-san could read my mind, so it was technically a pointless gesture, but I had a feeling she’d show some restraint if I didn't voice it... probably.
"Oh?"
"Ah, sorry. I did that without thinking."
"No, I prefer it. Please, continue."
"Haha, all right."
While we were hugging, my hand had moved on its own to stroke the back of her head. Shiro-san clearly approved of the action, even going so far as to request I keep going, so I complied. I ran my fingers gently over her hair to avoid messing up her ponytail, marveling at how silky it felt against my skin.
Her breath tickled my neck, and a sudden wave of affection for her washed over me. Unconsciously, my grip tightened as I pulled her closer still.
"...Umm, Shiro-san. Can we stay like this for a while longer?"
"Yes. For as long as you like, Kaito-san... until your heart is content. For now, literally, the time of this world exists solely for us."
Responding with a playful, happy note in her voice, Shiro-san pressed a light kiss to my neck. The gesture was so sweet that I couldn't stop the corners of my mouth from turning up. To hide my bashful grin, I leaned in and kissed her neck in return.
Serious-senpai: "Damn it! Damn it! These two are really just flirting non-stop!"
???: "Given the break in the narrative, I suppose we'll see a transition to evening next..."