This dream-world beach excursion had come out of nowhere, but soaking in the water felt undeniably pleasant.
“...I have to say, this doesn't feel like a dream at all. It feels exactly like I'm actually wading into the ocean.”
“I only call it a dream because there isn't a more accurate term, but in reality, I’ve drawn your consciousness here and activated your senses. It’s no different from the physical world. To use an analogy you'd find familiar, it’s like playing a Full-dive VR game.”
“I see...”
That certainly made sense. In fact, it was probably the most fitting description. My physical body was lying unconscious while my mind experienced all five senses within a virtual world; it was a Full-dive VR experience in everything but name.
Strictly speaking, since this was a space manifested by Shiro-san’s divine power, I wasn't sure if "virtual reality" was technically correct, but as she said, calling it a dream sufficed.
“Still, soaking in the sea like this really hits the spot. I was wearing such formal clothes at the party that this sense of freedom is a welcome change.”
“I am glad it provided you with a change of pace. By the way, Kaito-san, isn't it about time for a lovey-dovey event to occur?”
“...An 'event'? What do you mean by that, specifically?”
As a change of pace, this was perfect. Even if the party had been a relaxed and lively affair, moving from a ballroom to the ocean provided an incredible sense of liberation. I was genuinely enjoying myself.
Just as I was thinking that, Shiro-san spoke up—though since this had been her goal from the start, I suppose it wasn't exactly abrupt. She was looking for a lover-like development.
Of course, several romantic tropes came to mind for a beach setting, but based on my experience with her, when she brought it up like this, she usually had a specific request in mind.
“If we consider ourselves a couple at the beach, there are naturally many things we could do. However, our time is unfortunately not infinite. Even though I can stretch a moment out indefinitely, there is no doubt that Kuro, the Earth God, and the others will complain if we take too long. We cannot linger forever.”
“Ah, I suppose time manipulation wouldn't work on Machina-san and that group. They definitely might have something to say if we're gone too long.”
I had a feeling that Machina-san, in particular, would pull a page out of Shiro-san’s book, claim things were "unfair," and demand her own private time with me.
If that happened, we’d be stuck in a cycle that would keep us from the party for ages. Even if Shiro-san could extend time, there had to be a limit.
Kuro, Machina-san... and likely Alice and Canalis-san as well. I needed to wrap things up before that group decided we had been gone "too long." Conversely, it was highly likely they would look the other way for a short while if it meant I was getting some rest. Shiro-san was likely pushing that boundary as far as it would go.
“Therefore, we cannot afford to be roundabout. We can save the more elaborate activities for when the two of us go on a real beach trip. For now, Kaito-san, I wish to hug. Please, make it thick and lingering.”
“What a straightforward request... It’s almost refreshing.”
She clearly didn't intend to waste time with subtle hints. She wanted a hug, and she said so plainly.
I had no reason to refuse. Submerged in the sea up to our chests, I pulled Shiro-san into an embrace.
Holding someone while standing in the ocean was a unique sensation. The points where our bodies pressed together felt flush and hot, while the rest of me was cooled by the seawater. I was experiencing warmth and a chill simultaneously.
And since we were both in swimwear—even with Shiro-san’s see-through overgarment—the embrace felt like direct skin-on-skin contact. My heart was pounding. She felt so incredibly good to hold that I found myself squeezing her tighter than intended.
“There is no problem at all. You may hold me with all your strength if you wish.”
“Well, I doubt my strength could actually hurt you, even if I did. But if I focused that hard on the squeeze, I feel like I'd lose the moment... How do I put this? I just want to properly savor the sensation of being close to you like this. It’s hard to put into words.”
“I see. Then please, savor it to your heart's content. I shall do the same. Make it thick and lingering, please.”
Truly, just holding her like this felt wonderful. Her body was soft yet possessed a firm resilience; it was the kind of embrace that could easily become addictive.
“Kaito-san, this is a wonderful situation.”
“Eh? Oh, yes, it is.”
“Isn't this the scene where you should shut my mouth?”
“Ah, haha... I see. You're right... I suppose it is.”
Embraced in the water, chests pressed together—it was indeed a classic romantic setup. In this position, as Shiro-san suggested, it was only natural for things to progress to the next level.
Accepting her invitation, I closed the tiny gap between our faces and pressed my lips against hers.
Serious-senpai: “Guaaaah!? They're flirting! They're flirting so hard! Surely that's enough already! You've had plenty of sugar! Hey, isn't that right, Machina? Hasn't time run out yet? Shouldn't we step in and stop this?!”
Machina: “No, we're still totally safe. For starters, the Original 30 Minutes haven't even passed yet. I’m prepared to tolerate an Extension up to 1 Hour.”
Serious-senpai: “Why are you being so pointlessly tolerant only at a time like this?!”