When it comes to hot spring "happenings," the patterns are usually pretty well-established. For one thing, they rarely seem to occur once you’ve actually settled into the water.
As long as I was just soaking leisurely and taking in the view, nothing strange was supposed to happen. Granted, there were people like Alice who seemed to attract chaos the moment they stepped into a bath, but I considered her an exception. Wait, didn't Noin-san have some kind of trouble in a tub once too?
"Kaito-san, would you like a drink? Like when we shared a bath in the Sanctuary?"
"Oh, that sounds great. There’s something very atmospheric about drinking while a tray floats in the water."
With a light flick of her finger, Shiro-san summoned a tray with a sake cup and a bottle of hot sake. I didn't know how the tradition started, but drinking like this in a hot spring felt right.
As I drifted through these thoughts, the sun dipped below the horizon and night fell. Even in the darkness, Mount Fuji remained visible, glowing softly.
"Here you go."
"Thank you."
I took a sip of the sake Shiro-san poured for me. An incredible warmth spread from the pit of my stomach, an indescribably pleasant sensation.
"Why don't you join me, Shiro-san?"
"Hmm. Very well then..."
Once I saw her manifest a cup for herself, I returned the favor. It created a wonderful, luxurious atmosphere—a truly happy moment.
As we sat there, a look of sudden inspiration crossed Shiro-san's face.
"Perhaps this would be even more elegant?"
"Oh, snow? There’s nothing quite like the sight of snow falling over a hot spring."
It really was a perfect combination. Of course, given the season and the fact that Hydra Kingdom was generally a place where it never snowed, I felt a flash of concern. But since she was only adjusting the scenery visible from here, I figured it was fine.
"Just to be sure... is this actual snow?"
"It is fine. It is only falling here at this spring. It is invisible from the outside and is not falling on the capital or anywhere else."
"That's a relief."
"It would be counterproductive if you couldn't relax because you were worried about such things, Kaito-san."
I see, that was very thoughtful of her. Thoughtful... though I couldn't help but wish she'd shown that same level of care earlier today during the afternoon and evening. Still, there was no point in complaining about the past. I decided to just focus on enjoying the scenery.
"Kaito-san, isn't the mood quite nice?"
"Hmm? Yes, I'd say so."
"Wouldn't it be more picturesque to pull your lover close to your shoulder? Yes, it would. Let us do that."
Her rapid-fire logic didn't even leave room for a reply, but it seemed she wanted me to embrace her. Uh... we were both completely bare. In this state?
Well, we were already in a mixed bath together. It was a little late to get shy now. This was a moment to grant my lover's wish.
Steeling my nerves, I placed my hand on Shiro-san’s shoulder and pulled her close. The sensation of our skin meeting beneath the surface of the water made my heart skip a beat. It wasn't unpleasant, obviously—it was embarrassing, yet blissful. My face felt hot, but I felt a deep sense of happiness.
Shiro-san rested her head against my shoulder with a contented look. She didn't ask for anything more, seemingly happy to just quietly enjoy the soak.
Before long, my embarrassment began to fade. We spent a long, luxurious time there, occasionally pouring drinks for one another and basking in the moment.
Serious-senpai: "...Ugh... my... half my body has already turned to sugar..."
???: "Wait, do you turn into sugar gradually?"