After thoroughly enjoying the hot spring, we returned to our room to relax... or so I intended, but I found myself agonizing over a certain problem.
It all went back to a match we’d had during the Founding Anniversary Festival. Back at the shooting gallery, even though Shiro-san had clearly lost on purpose, I had technically won, earning the right to ask one favor of her.
In our conversation afterward, we’d agreed that I would decide on my request by the end of the day, and now that deadline was fast approaching. Of course, I was sure she would extend the time if I asked, but for now, I was trying my best to come up with something.
"How do I look, Kaito-san? You may praise me, you know. I will be quite pleased if you do."
"That yukata really suits you. Honestly, Shiro-san, everything looks good on you, but there’s a different kind of charm to seeing you in a yukata."
I offered my honest praise to Shiro-san, who had changed into the traditional garment before I’d even realized it. The yukata provided by the inn and the vest worn over it—a jinbaori, if I remembered correctly—suited her perfectly. She looked absolutely lovely.
It wasn’t just that she had good taste; Shiro-san’s natural specs were simply so high that whether she wore Western-style clothing or Japanese-style clothing, she looked stunning. It was truly impressive how beautiful and cute she remained regardless of the outfit.
The sight of her in that yukata was enough to steal my breath away. Knowing we were staying in the same room together brought a ticklish sort of joy—a mix of bashfulness and pure happiness—welling up inside me.
Still... hmm. What did I want Shiro-san to do? It was surprisingly difficult to decide on a favor when put on the spot. However, looking at her in that yukata, a specific idea suddenly crossed my mind: a lap pillow.
I felt like getting a lap pillow in a Japanese-style room, fresh out of the bath like this, would be indescribably comfortable.
Naturally, Shiro-san read my thoughts immediately. Her eyes shifted with a look of interest, and then...
"Now then, Kaito-san. What shall we do from here? Come to think of it, you haven't made your request for the SYATEKI victory reward yet. I have no intention of rushing you, but is there anything you’ve settled on?"
"..."
To reiterate, Shiro-san was reading my mind. Even now, she was sitting on a floor cushion in a posture that was perfectly positioned for a lap pillow, patting her thighs lightly as she spoke.
She definitely knew what I was thinking and was waiting for me to be the one to say it.
"Um, Shiro-san... I was wondering if you’d let me use your lap as a pillow? Would that be okay?"
"Yes, of course. Since you are the winner, Kaito-san, I have no reason to refuse if that is what you desire."
Letting out a small sigh at Shiro-san, who looked somewhat amused, I lay down across her lap, which was already waiting for me.
As expected, the sensation was wonderful, and the soft scent of someone fresh out of the bath wafted over me. It was even more comfortable than I’d imagined.
"You seem happy, Shiro-san."
"I am. Personally, I would like you to depend on me more, Kaito-san. You rarely voice your own desires, after all."
"Well, it's partly because I worry that if I carelessly ask for something, you’ll make literally anything come true. That makes me hesitate... But you're right."
I had definitely been a bit reserved in that regard. Shiro-san would never refuse my wishes, and her power was effectively almighty. The fact that she could grant anything I asked for often acted as a psychological brake.
Since I truly was in a situation where my wishes became reality, it was necessary for me to exercise self-restraint. However, I didn’t need to apply that same logic to our romantic relationship.
I wanted to be flirtatious with my lover, too. It was probably time for me to start being a bit more proactive in that area.
"Shiro-san."
"Yes?"
"I know I just lay down, but I’ve suddenly felt the urge to kiss you. Is it okay if I lift my head for a moment?"
"Hehe, yes. My lap isn't going anywhere... and I was in the mood for a kiss as well, so the timing is perfect."
Surrendering to the affection welling up in my chest, I lifted my face as soon as she replied and pressed my lips against hers as she peered down at me.
Shiro-san narrowed her beautiful golden eyes happily. We were alone together in this wonderful atmosphere, and I didn't feel like stopping at just one or two kisses. Seeing her waiting for me, I leaned in once again.
Machina: "Hum hum, hum hum~"
???: "What are you making?"
Machina: "It's Karumeyaki! This simple taste is nice, isn't it? Do you want some too, Alice?"
???: "...Sugar confectionery, huh. Where did the sugar come from?"
Machina: "It was just lying around right there."
???: "...I see... I'll pass."