To be honest, I felt like Shiro-san was asking for the impossible. Between knowing exactly what she was up to and the lingering adrenaline from her jump-scare earlier, I was in a strange headspace. I didn't think there was any way I could actually get into a romantic, heart-pounding mood from this point.
However, I had vastly underestimated her.
After a brief wait, the dressing room door creaked open, and Shiro-san stepped inside, clutching a towel to cover her front. She had tied her hair up to keep it out of the water—likely having shortened its length as well—giving her a completely different aura than usual. But even more than the change in style, her sheer physical beauty was staggering.
Her white hair shimmered in the amber rays of the setting sun. Combined with her translucent golden eyes and skin as flawless as a masterpiece, the sight was breathtaking. She didn't have that detached, otherworldly aura she’d carried when we first met; instead, she radiated a soft, gentle warmth that only made her more alluring.
My heart skipped a beat. I’d seen her in many forms by now, but her overwhelming beauty still stole the words right out of my mouth. Her appearance was truly beyond comprehension. Even though I knew her plan and the mood had been spoiled just moments ago, she was at a level where she could reclaim the atmosphere in an instant.
"Well? Did your heart throb?"
"...I hate to admit defeat, but... yes, it did. I was mesmerized. You’re so beautiful that I finally understand what the term 'peerless beauty' really means. Even though I knew you were coming, my heart still raced."
It was a bit embarrassing to say out loud, but since Shiro-san could read my mind anyway, there was no point in trying to hide it. If anything, that made it easier to be blunt. Not that I needed to hold back on compliments for my lover, but a certain level of bashfulness was unavoidable.
Upon hearing my honest thoughts, Shiro-san gave a faint, happy smile and nodded.
"Fufu, is that so... Kaito-san?"
"Yes?"
"This beauty you see before you... it is yours alone to monopolize."
"Oh... Ahaha. That’s... well, it’s incredibly extravagant. I’m honored."
Somehow, I got the feeling that even if my heart hadn't skipped a beat when she walked in, that line would have done the trick anyway. In the end, everything was unfolding exactly as she had intended.
Still, I couldn't deny the sense of happiness I felt during our exchange.
"And so, by that same logic, I shall monopolize Kaito-san for the duration of this bath."
"Huh? I mean... we're on a date today, so aren't you already monopolizing me? Whether it was during the festival or right now, you've always been my top priority."
"............"
"Shiro-san?"
"...I suppose that makes this a draw. You made my heart throb as well."
Shiro-san let out a joyful laugh, the corners of her mouth curling upward in a genuine smile.
"Now then, I shall wash your back first. Afterward, you will wash mine."
"It's a classic trope, but it certainly feels like something a couple would do. Are you sure you want to be the one washing first?"
"Yes. Don't you think the one doing the washing has more opportunities to cause a 'happening'?"
"You're still planning on that?! I'm telling you, it doesn't count if you announce it... though I guess I'd be just as troubled if you did it without warning... regardless..."
It was a dilemma. Knowing she was going to try something meant I could stay alert, but it also meant I’d be constantly on edge wondering when the hammer would fall. Then again, being caught completely off-guard by a surprise attack would be just as startling. It was a difficult situation to navigate.
Since she’d made a point of declaring it this time, she clearly intended to pull something while washing my back.
Feeling a prickle of unease, I moved to the washing area and sat on a small stool. Immediately afterward, with a movement that showed zero hesitation, Shiro-san’s arms reached around from behind to my chest, and she pulled me into a tight embrace.
"Whoa?! Sh-Shiro-san?!"
"It is a happening."
"No, this isn't a happening! You're just giving me a forceful back-hug!"
She’d gone for a direct strike. It wasn't a 'happening' by any stretch of the imagination, but its destructive power was undeniable. The warmth radiating through my back and the soft sensation of her pressed against me sent the blood rushing to my face.
"Well, the truth is that my desire to hug Kaito-san accounted for one hundred percent of the motivation behind this."
"So it's entirely intentional and not a 'happening' at all..."
"Perhaps."
Shiro-san agreed with my exasperated sigh, yet she showed no sign of letting go. Instead, she tightened her grip. I could feel a playful, almost frolicking energy radiating from her, as if she were in the highest of spirits. Seeing her so happy, I didn't have the heart to tell her to stop. Caught between embarrassment and a sense of deep comfort, I decided to stay exactly as I was until she was satisfied.
Serious-senpai: "Someone! Please, someone get here fast! At this rate... are you all really okay with this?! If I undergo sugarification like this, there won't be anyone left to speak! Is that really what you want?! Hurry up, I'm almost out of time!"