There was a strange sense of comfort in the time I spent with Illness-san. I held her by the shoulder as we sipped our wine, occasionally drifting into idle talk. That was really all there was to it; we didn’t speak much, and we shared many moments of silence.
However, it didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable in the slightest. It was an atmosphere where time seemed to flow slowly, and although it's difficult to put into words, there was a deep, relaxed sense of peace.
I savored the experience with all five of my senses: the warmth of Illness-san’s shoulder and the texture of her skin against my fingers, her softness as she leaned against me, her wafting fragrance, her gentle voice during our brief exchanges, and the rich taste of the wine. I felt as though I was truly soaking in every second of our time together.
"It’s a strange feeling. Everything is so peaceful, and time seems to be moving so slowly, yet it’s incredibly pleasant..."
"It is... It feels a bit like... a sensation as if being in a slumber... But I really like this atmosphere... I’m a little at a loss for how to describe it... but the sense that I am spending time alone with you, Kaito-sama, is so strong... I’ve felt light-headed this entire time..."
"Ah, I understand that feeling perfectly. Sharing a happy moment like this feels wonderful."
"Yes... It’s almost... too comfortable... I’m worried it might become a habit..."
I knew exactly what she meant. We were in a private room on a Magic Ship out at sea, and since there were so few people on board relative to the vessel's size, the feeling of being truly alone together was magnified.
The air had an adulty quality to it, the kind a couple might share while spending a quiet evening at a bar. The reason this felt different from when I’d had drinks at the bar with Anima and Iris-san was likely because my partner this time was a mature woman like Illness-san.
As these thoughts crossed my mind, Illness-san, still leaning against me, lightly rubbed her cheek against mine. It might have been an unconscious gesture, but seeing her act so spoiled created such a contrast with her usual composed self that I found it incredibly cute.
"...It’s fine if it becomes a habit, isn't it? I can’t promise the atmosphere will always be exactly like this, but I’ll always be happy to keep you company... Besides, I find this mood just as comfortable and happy as you do."
"I see... Hehe, I didn't know... that sharing happiness with the one you love... could be so warm and comforting... Kaito-sama... if you would allow it... may I make a small, selfish request?"
"Of course. Tell me anything."
I had a feeling her "selfish" request wouldn't be very selfish at all, but rather something quite endearing.
Illness-san still tended to feel a bit apologetic about asking for things, but based on my experience, I expected her request to be something I could easily grant.
"...If only for a little while... I would be happy... if you would hold me."
Honestly, wasn't that a bit too cute? As I looked at Illness-san, who had timidly asked for a real embrace rather than just a hand on her shoulder, there was no way I could ever say no.
"Of course, I’d be happy to... Let me put down my wine glass first."
"Yes... Thank you..."
"Well then, if you'll excuse me..."
"Ah..."
After setting my glass aside, I turned toward Illness-san as she lightly spread her arms, and I pulled her into a hug. As I wrapped my arms around her petite frame, I felt a soft, warm sensation.
Though she was slender, her body didn't feel frail. I could feel her breath against my chest, and her lovely scent was even more intoxicating than before. It felt wonderful—my sense of happiness was through the roof.
Illness-san remained quiet, but she reached around and squeezed me back tightly. Even though she had said "for a little while," the way she held on told me she didn't want to let go anytime soon.
I wanted to savor this moment of bliss just as much as she did, so I tightened my grip on her just a little bit more.
Serious-senpai: "............"
Machina: "Yes, yes. A mature romance. This kind of thing is lovely, too... Oh, I want a bit more maple syrup. Alice, squeeze Serious-senpai’s hand."
???: "...Now it comes out if you squeeze? Does that mean Senpai’s insides are made of maple syrup? Well, she’s an interesting ecology gag character, so I guess it changes depending on the time and place..."