As expected of a popular troupe, the performance was truly spectacular. The magical effects provided plenty of spectacle, but the story was engaging and the acting was top-notch as well.
Since I'd mentally prepared myself, I managed to smoothly transition from holding Kaori-san’s and Olivia-san’s hands normally to a proper lover's grip. It was a perfect result, with no complaints on my end.
"That was great," I said.
"Yeah! It was the best! I’m so glad it ended happily... anyway, we can talk more about it at the cafe!"
Like Kaori-san had mentioned before, our plan was to hit a cafe afterward to swap impressions. I had no objections—my throat was actually getting pretty dry, so I was all for it. We were at a stylish theater, so it probably shouldn't have surprised me, but unlike a movie theater, there weren't any kiosks selling popcorn or drinks to take to your seat. The play had been quite long, so despite how much I enjoyed it, I was feeling both thirsty and a bit hungry.
Even if they had sold drinks, it would have been a struggle to sip one while holding both of their hands...
"B-but, you know... this way of holding hands really is a little embarrassing. I mean, I actually like how it feels, and it gives me a sense of security, but the embarrassment hits harder once you're actually outside."
"Should we go back to the way we were holding them before?"
"Hmm... you don't mind, Kaito-kun? If you're okay with it, I'd actually like to stay like this a little longer..."
"Of course not. I'm feeling a bit self-conscious too, but more than that, I’m happy to be walking with you like this, Kaori-san. It’s not a problem at all."
"Hugu... there you go again..."
As Kaori-san noted, there was a baseline level of embarrassment, but the joy of walking hand-in-hand with two lovely women like her and Olivia-san far outweighed it. Having both hands occupied made moving through a crowd a bit awkward at points, but a little ingenuity went a long way, and I could always let go for a moment if I absolutely had to.
There was, however, one other issue: Olivia-san hadn't said a word since we left the theater. She was walking beside me and holding my hand—in fact, she was staring up at me with such focus that she clearly wasn't unconscious—but still...
"Um, Olivia-san? Are you alright?"
"Yes... Miyama Kaito-sama is simply so precious and divine today that merely gazing upon you fills me with more bliss than this body can contain. I have found myself reconsidering the sheer magnitude of the honor of being allowed to walk by your side, holding your hand. My heart is brimming with nothing but gratitude and faith. Even your gait alone is worthy of being hailed as heavenly beauty; the strength with which you tread upon the earth is peerless in its majesty. To think I cannot offer a prayer in this moment to celebrate the miracle of you speaking to me... Once I return to the Great Cathedral, I shall offer a prayer of infinite gratitude..."
"Olivia-san? Let's calm down..."
"I don't know what to make of this," Kaori-san muttered with a dazed look. "Her face is the same as usual and her voice sounds steady, but I can feel how hard she's panicking from over here. I've never seen her like this."
Just as Kaori-san said, Olivia-san was clearly spiraling. There was no mistaking it: she had entered her Overwhelming Praise Mode. However, this wasn't the frantic, flustered version I'd seen before. She was staring fixedly at me as if in a trance, weaving together words of adoration with a melodic, almost rhythmic quality. I hadn't even known she could get like this.
"What even is this?" Kaori-san asked. "It's like she's hearing us but not processing anything. She's just gushing about you non-stop. I think her mind has completely left the building."
"Yeah. It's my first time seeing this too, so I'm not sure how to handle it..."
"Wait... I’ve got it! There was a scene just like this in the play! Remember? The spirit heroine was shouting about her mission and her struggles, totally ignoring the protagonist... we should just do what he did!"
"...You mean the part where the protagonist hugged the heroine to shut her up and calm her down?"
It seemed her excitement over the romance play was still running high. Kaori-san let go of my hand and gestured for me to go ahead and hug Olivia-san to snap her out of it. Was that really a good idea? Surprising her to get her attention back made sense, but hugging her felt like I might be overstepping... Still, I couldn't just leave her like this. I decided to give it a shot.
"Olivia-san, I'm sorry. Please forgive me for a moment."
"There is no need for Great Miyama Kaito-sama, who is like the sun, to apologize to a small being like myself. You could never be rude. Everything, every single thing, is as you—h-huh!?!?"
I reached out and gently pulled Olivia-san into a light hug. She instantly went stiff, her eyes wide as if time itself had frozen.
...Wait. Did I just make things worse?
Machina: "I really do hold Olivia in high regard. Her fundamental foundation of praising my beloved child is so solid that it gives me a real sense of security. I can truly get behind a girl like her and support her relationship with my dear child."
Serious-senpai: "When she panics, she actually does resemble Machina mid-rampage... though Olivia doesn't feel 'insane.' It feels like pure faith and affection, so it’s a very different impression. Also, Olivia technically hears what Kaito is saying and responds, even if her brain is in space and nothing is actually getting through..."