Illness-san and I had confessed our feelings and officially become a couple, but that didn't mean our circumstances changed overnight. Since we’d already been drinking wine together, I figured we’d just spend the rest of our time chatting over our glasses now that her concerns were resolved.
"Kaito-sama, since we’re here... would it be all right if I sat beside you?"
"Oh, yes. Of course."
"Kuhihi, then... please excuse me."
As I was thinking, Illness-san suggested moving. We had been facing each other across the table, but since the seat was a long sofa, it was no problem.
Once I gave my consent, she stood up with her wine glass, circled the table, and slid in right next to me. We were extremely close. Our shoulders were touching—no, wait, if we were a couple, this kind of distance was perfectly normal.
"Kaito-sama, here you go."
"Ah, thank you."
I thanked her as she refilled my glass, but I felt a strange fluttering in my chest. Perhaps it was the atmosphere. Sitting in a room on a luxury cruise ship, sipping wine with my girlfriend while our shoulders brushed... it felt incredibly mature. It was certainly not a situation I found myself in often.
Her dress added to the elegance, and because she naturally carried herself with such poise, the whole vibe felt like something I’d never experienced before.
While I was lost in thought, Illness-san leaned her weight against me without a word. I felt her warmth, the faint scent of her shampoo, and the light pressure of her body. My heart started racing.
"...It’s a strange thing, isn't it? Just a small change in our relationship makes everything feel so different. I’m very happy like this... but also a little nervous."
"I know exactly what you mean. We just became a couple, so I’m very conscious of everything right now. But you seem so calm, Illness-san. You don't look nervous at all."
"That is not the case. Despite how I appear, my heart is thumping. This is the very first time I have felt my chest race like this... Would you like to check for yourself?"
"Huh? Oh, uh..."
"Kuhihi, I am joking... for now."
Wait, what was with this Romance Expert aura? In terms of actual experience, I should have been the one with the upper hand, but her poise was overwhelming. She was strong.
I could certainly feel her nerves through my Sympathy Magic, but since it didn't show in her expression or her attitude, it was easy to miss. At a glance, she seemed completely composed. Her approach was quite proactive and natural, making me feel like I was being led around by the nose. Or perhaps I had simply grown so used to her mature personality that I instinctively fell into the role of the one being led, waiting for her next move.
If that was the case, I needed to do something too. In this situation, putting my arm around her shoulder seemed the most natural, but her dress was off-the-shoulder. Was touching her bare skin so soon after becoming a couple going too far? Even so...
After a moment of hesitation, I reached out and gently pulled her close. Illness-san flinched for a split second, but that was it. She didn't seem to mind; instead, she leaned into me, surrendering her weight.
"...Um, you don't dislike this, do you?"
"No... on the contrary, I am quite happy. However, since it was so sudden, I am a little surprised and embarrassed. My heart is beating even faster than before."
I see. So she really was surprised and shy. I couldn't tell at all from her face; her gentle smile made her look entirely at ease. She wasn't like Shiro-san, whose face was unreadable, but she seemed to be the type whose nerves and blushes didn't easily surface. Through Sympathy Magic, however, I could definitely feel that she was more flustered than she had been a moment ago.
Serious-senpai: "...So mature... So lovey-dovey..."
Machina: "The damage seems significant. I think it's time for a snack. I'd like some maple syrup; I'm in the mood for hotcakes right now."
Serious-senpai: "What are you even requesting, you?! I'm not doing this on purpose, so where am I supposed to get maple syrup?!"
Machina: "Don't worry, there will be maple syrup... because I decided so."
Serious-senpai: "You're a devil! If you want it that bad, get it yourself!!"