The time I spent with Illness-san had a mysterious comfort to it. We occasionally chatted while drinking wine with my arm around her shoulders. That’s all there was to it, with not much conversation and many moments of silence.

However, there was never any discomfort or awkwardness. The atmosphere felt like time was flowing slowly, difficult to describe, but with a relaxed comfort.

I enjoyed the warmth and feel of Illness-san’s shoulder under my fingers, the softness and scent of her leaning against me, her gentle voice in our occasional conversations, and the deliciousness of the wine…… It felt like I was enjoying the time spent with Illness-san with all my senses.

[How should I say this…… It feels strange. We’re just leisurely letting time flow gently, but it feels very comfortable……]

[Indeeeeed. It kinda feels like being in a daaaaaze. However, I really like this atmospheeeeere. I’m a bit at a loss on how to express iiiiit…… but I’m really feeling the time I’m spending alone with Kaito-samaaaaaa, and it makes me feel all fluffyyyyy.]

[Ahh~~ I understand that feeling very well. How should I say this…… It’s like sharing a time of happiness, which feels very comforting.]

[Yeeees. It’s soooooo comfortable that I’m a bit worried I might get addicted to iiiiiit.]

I really get what Illness-san was trying to say. We were in a room on a magic ship traveling over the sea, and since there weren’t many people on this large ship, it felt especially like we were alone together.

It felt like the kind of adult atmosphere where lovers quietly spend time together in a bar at night. The atmosphere was different from when I drank with Anima and Iris-san in the underground bar, perhaps because Illness-san is a more mature woman.

As I was thinking about this, Illness-san, still leaning against me, lightly rubbed her cheek against mine. It might have been unconscious, but the way she was behaving so affectionately, in contrast to her usual calm demeanor, felt extremely cute.

[……Wouldn’t it be fine if you did get addicted? The mood between us might not always turn out the same, but I’ll always be with you…… Besides, more than anything, I myself find this atmosphere very comforting and fills me with happiness.]

[I seeeee~~ Kuhihi, I didn’t know. Sharing happiness with someone you love can be so warm and comfortable huuuuuh…… Kaito-sama, if you would allow iiiiiit, may I be a bit selfiiiiish?]

[Yes, of course. Go ahead and tell me.]

This was entirely my assumption, but I had a feeling that Illness-san’s selfish request wouldn’t be that selfish at all, but rather a cute one.

To some extent, Illness-san seemed to feel embarrassed about making demands, so from my experience, I figured it would be something I could easily comply with.

[……I wouldn’t mind even if it’s just for a short whiiiile, but I would be happy if you could hug me clooooose.]

However, wasn’t this request just too cute? Seeing Illness-san shyly asking not just to have her shoulder held but to be hugged tightly, there was no way I would respond with anything other than “yes”.

[Of course, I’d be happy to…… Let me put down the wine glass first.]

[Yeeees. I’m in your caaaare.]

[Well then, if you’ll excuse me……]

[Ah……]

After setting down the wine glass, Illness-san turned towards me and lightly spread her arms. I embraced her from the front, enveloping her small frame. Holding Illness-san’s petite body, it felt soft and warm.

Her delicate frame, the breath I could feel near my chest, the pleasant scent I’m smelling stronger than before…… Unn. This feels incredibly good, enveloping me with a strong sense of happiness.

Illness-san remained silent, but she wrapped her arms around my back and hugged me tightly in return. Though she had said it would be just for a little while, it felt like she didn’t want to let go anytime soon.

Of course, I also wanted to savor this happy moment for a while, so I slightly tightened my embrace compared to before.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : […………….]

Makina : [Unn, unnn, it’s a love story with a mature atmosphere. This is nice too…… Ah, I want a bit more maple syrup here. Alice, could you squeeze it out of Serious-san’s hand?]

? ? ? : [……So you squeeze the stuff out this time huh…… Does that mean Senpai’s insides are maple syrup? No, being the gag character with an amusing bodily function, it probably changes depending on the situation……]