Electrone was certainly a unique individual, but that aside, I wondered what I should do next. My primary goals—greeting her and thanking her—had already been achieved...
"Fearfully Outputting Request... <Kaito-sama, I am fully aware of my own impudence, but there is something I must ask of you; would it be all right if I took up a bit more of your time?> ...Of course, this unit will prioritize Kaito-sama’s convenience above all else."
"Sure, that's fine... but what is it?"
"Grateful for your generous heart. Once again Outputting Request... <I absolutely, absolutely want to record... to put it in the terms of Kaito-sama’s world... Yes! Please, let's take a Cheki together!!> ...That is all."
"...You mean take a photo together? Sure, I don't mind."
In this context, "Cheki" was a term often associated with idols—taking a photo with a Polaroid-style camera. Just as I thought, when her switch was flipped, she had the unmistakable aura of a high school girl chasing after her favorite idol.
While her voice was bright and her expressions shifted rapidly whenever that switch was on, she returned to a completely blank slate the very next second. The contrast was staggering.
"Outputting Gratitude... <Thank you so much! Then, if I may, I'll step over to your side!> ...Moving to Kaito-sama’s side. Is this distance acceptable?"
"It's fine. Um, is that floating thing the camera?"
With my consent, Electrone moved beside me. I stood up from my chair to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her. Just then, the cat-eared device that had been projecting holograms during her performance drifted over, hovering right in our line of sight.
"Outputting Request... <Kaito-sama! Please, let's make a heart with our hands! To commemorate our first meeting!!> ...I recognize this as a relatively popular pose for photography on Earth."
"Er, so you want me and you to form a heart like this? ...Something like this?"
"Perfect. I will commence the shoot shortly. Please look straight ahead. Continuing... Outputting Emotion... <Okay, I'm taking it! Here it goes!! Say, cheese!> ...Capture complete."
Even though it was just a mental image, it felt exactly like an idol handshake event. There was a strange, ticklish sense of embarrassment. Still, Electrone seemed happy, so I supposed it was for the best.
"A-Ahaha, it really does feel like an idol meet-and-greet."
"Affirming Kaito-sama’s statement... <To me, Kaito-sama is truly a top-tier idol and my Oshi! I’m a member of the Real Love Hardcore Faction! Eek, I actually said it!> ...Continuing, Outputting Emotion... <I’m so moved I actually want to shake your hand!> ...I am experiencing immense gratitude."
"Eh? Oh, you want to shake hands too?"
"Outputting Shock... <Eh? Sudden Fan Service?! I’m so glad I came!! I’m so glad I caaaaaame!!> ...If Kaito-sama does not object, then I would be honored."
"...Ah, sure."
I reached out and shook her hand, thinking once again that I'd never get used to these sudden shifts in her energy. Since I wasn't an actual idol, I wasn't sure if this was how handshakes were supposed to go at these events, but I figured shaking hands normally would suffice.
"Outputting Emotion, Outputting Deep Emotion, Outputting Joy... <Haaaaa... This preciousness is overflowing. The supply is too much to handle. Your kindness is so blinding... I'm shukimerory!> ...My deepest thanks for your wonderful response."
"I-I'm glad you liked it."
To put it mildly, her personality was incredibly intense. She wasn't a bad person by any means... and as Canalis had mentioned, she was actually quite respectful of personal space and didn't seem truly insane. Even so, her sheer character presence felt like it could rival Machina.
"Though it is very regrettable, I cannot monopolize your time forever. This unit will be returning to headquarters shortly."
"Oh, so you aren't staying for the party?"
"..."
"Whoa!?"
As soon as I reflexively replied to her comment about leaving after the greetings were finished, Electrone's head snapped nearly ninety degrees with terrifying speed. She was staring straight toward the live commentary booth where Canalis and the others were seated.
"...Ah—well... Kaito-sama, from your perspective, would it be all right if Electrone stayed until the end?"
"Yes, of course. To be honest, I completely assumed she would be."
I hadn't imagined she would go to the trouble of traveling from another world just for a brief greeting, but it seemed both Electrone and Canalis had originally planned for her to do exactly that. A brief silence followed, and then Canalis spoke quietly.
"...Permission granted."
"Outputting Emotion... <Yes!! I diiiid iiiiiiit!!> ...Then, officially, I look forward to spending the rest of the party with you."
"Ah, yes. Likewise..."
Serious-senpai: "Are you okay, Kaito? I feel like there's a certain someone somewhere doing some furious shadowboxing right now. Oh, by the way, for those of you who don't know the lingo... a Cheki is a two-shot photo that prints out on the spot; the name comes from a famous camera brand. Real Love, or Riako, means literally being in love with your favorite idol. Fan-sa is Fan Service. Shuki is a cute way of saying 'I love you,' and Melory comes from being 'melomero,' or lovestruck. Put them together and you get something like 'totally lovestruck and in love.' Just roll with the general vibe and you’ll be fine."