I sat beside Shiro-san on the sandy beach, my arm around her shoulder as we watched the sun dip slowly below the horizon. Once the princess carry was over, I decided we should fulfill her next request, so we were currently playing out the romantic scenario she had envisioned.
Since a "chase scene leading to a lucky mishap" felt a bit too high-maintenance, we had settled for sitting together to watch the sunset instead.
Because she had simply manipulated the dream to change the scenery, not much time had actually passed. Even so, the sight of the vermilion sky meeting the sea stirred a strange sense of melancholy within me.
It had been sudden, but all things considered, it had been an enjoyable beach trip. I reflected on the day's events... wait, no. That wasn't right.
I wasn't here on a vacation; this was just a break during my birthday party!
"Shiro-san, isn't time getting a bit tight?"
"You are right. If we extend this any further, people will likely start to complain, so we should probably wrap things up here. Now then, Kaito-san, please close your eyes. I will return your consciousness to the real world."
"Ah, okay... Oh, but before that..."
We had agreed to end the break, but there was one thing I needed to do first. I felt it was only right to see her desires through to the very end. I shifted my weight and placed a hand on Shiro-san’s cheek, then leaned in to press my lips softly against hers.
"...U-Umm, since I believe the scenario was supposed to include a kiss, I figured I’d finish it properly."
"Kaito-san... that is one hundred percent. You certainly know how to make me happy."
A joyful smile spread across Shiro-san’s face. She was clearly delighted that I had taken the initiative to be affectionate. Her smile was so dazzlingly beautiful and radiant that I couldn't help but feel a wave of happiness myself.
This time, my consciousness truly surfaced from the depths of the dream. When I opened my eyes, I saw Shiro-san’s face hovering over mine against the backdrop of the rest room ceiling.
"Good morning... would that be the right thing to say?"
"It is a difficult distinction. In reality, your body was asleep, so I do not think it is wrong. I healed your fatigue while you rested; how does your body feel?"
"Oh, wow. I feel incredibly light. It’s like my exhaustion has been completely purged."
It seemed Shiro-san had removed my fatigue for me. Although it had only been a short nap, I felt as refreshed as if I had slept soundly through the entire night. I was about to receive a massive number of presents, so I was grateful to have my spirit and stamina fully replenished.
I sat up and checked the clock. There were about seven minutes left until the break officially ended.
"Shiro-san, thank you. That was a great change of pace."
"I am glad. I was very happy as well, and quite satisfied."
When the break had first started, Shiro-san had seemed slightly disgruntled, claiming the arrangement was unfair. Now, however, she looked completely content. While her expression didn't change drastically, the corners of her mouth were turned up more than usual. She looked so joyful that I suspected anyone would have realized she was in a fantastic mood.
"Come to think of it, after this, I’ll be receiving presents through the parallel world system, right?"
"Yes. Once you have finished receiving your gifts, we plan to move on to the last entertainment."
"Right. Alice mentioned during the commentary that there would be events planned by the God Realm, Demon Realm, Otherworld, and Human Realm. The only one left is the entertainment from the Human Realm's representative... What are they going to do?"
"It seems it will be a competition where they compare rare delicacies representing the Three Worlds and the Otherworld to determine a Grand Prix winner."
"Heh, that sounds like fun."
Essentially, it was a Local Ingredients Grand Prix. I didn't know the exact details, but it sounded enjoyable. There were likely many ingredients I had never heard of, and the prospect of encountering flavors I’d never tasted before was exciting.
Of course, I had to get through the mountain of presents first...
"By the way, Alice mentioned there would be another break later. Will you be with me for the next one too, Shiro-san?"
"No, next is Lilia's turn."
"Lilia-san?"
"Yes. Like me, Lilia has not been able to enjoy enough flirting with her lover... but do not worry. I spent such a wonderful time with you that I shall 'lend a hand' to ensure Lilia's time is just as meaningful."
...Wait, that didn't sound right. Shiro-san was undoubtedly speaking with one hundred percent goodwill, and her cooperation shouldn't have been a cause for alarm, but... why was I already picturing Lilia-san doubled over with stomach pain?
Serious-senpai: "Don't do anything unnecessary! Stay!! Stay, I said!! ...Setting that aside, Machina, what are you doing?"
Machina: "Hmm? I'm making Wasanbon."
Serious-senpai: "...Why do you try to eat me every time I transform!?"