After calming down a bit, I sat down on a park bench next to Illness-san. The park at night was quiet, and the air somehow felt clearer.

Though it wasn’t particularly late, and it wouldn’t have been surprising if someone else had shown up, the park remained empty. It was just Illness-san and I.

Sitting beside me and lightly holding my hand, Illness-san had a rather unusual expression on her face———– one I could probably say I’d never seen before———— an awkward, sheepish smile.

[……I’m so sorryyyyyy. I couldn’t quite control my emotions, and I showed you something unsightlyyyyy.]

[No, really, don’t worry about it. Honestly, it didn’t bother me at all…… In fact, seeing a different side of you today made me feel like I got something extra good today.]

With a bashful blush on her cheeks, Illness-san apologized. She looked incredibly cute, and today, I felt like I’d discovered several new charming qualities about her.

Well, Illness-san was apologizing because, while we were kissing, she got a bit too excited, wrapped her arms around my neck, and kissed me more intensely. There wasn’t really any need for her to apologize…… If anything, I was truly happy to feel her deep affection.

[I suppose soooo…… Not only for Kaito-sama, but that was also a first for me as weeeeeell. I guess one wouldn’t really know about themself huuuuuh. I was so overcome with emotiooooons I acted like that without even realizing it myseeeeeelf.]

[But really, I’m just glad you were that happy. And I didn’t find your actions troubling at all————— if anything, that made me happy.]

[Is that truuuuue? I’ve been discovering maaaaaany of my firsts that I can’t help but feel a bit anxiouuuuuus. Embarrassing it may beeeee, but I’ve never desired something from someone this strongly befoooooore…… but when I’m with Kaito-samaaaaa, I find myself want to do more of thiiiiiis or more of thaaaat.]

[I think that’s a really good thing. In fact, most of what you consider “selfish” isn’t selfish at all to me, so you really don’t have to worry about it so much.]

It was probably because she’s lived for so long, but Illness-san seemed slightly bewildered by the changes within herself. Not that she was upset about them…… but after living for thousands, even tens of thousands of years, it was understandable that discovering a new side of herself would be confusing.

Well, Illness-san had always been reserved, not the type to voice her desires. In fact, I felt like it would bring more balance if she expressed her wishes more often.

Thinking that as I smiled wryly, I gently embraced the slightly flustered Illness-san.

[……Ah…… Kaito-samaaaaaa?]

[You might feel confused, but it’s okay. Illness-san, you’re not changing in a bad way at all. If anything, I’m happy when you ask for things or lean on me more…… Well, there’s no need to rush. You can take your time to get used to it…… I’ll be here with you.]

[……Yeeeees. That said, this is quite troubliiiiiing. Today, I really can’t control my feelings at aaaaaall.]

Illness-san’s voice didn’t carry the same confusion as before, and instead sounded happy.

Then, she softly wrapped her arms around my back, hugging me like she was seeking comfort. Honestly, I was glad to see this adorable side of Illness-san so much today.

Her usual mature and motherly demeanor was wonderful, but seeing her giving in to her emotions and sweetly leaning on me like this was also incredibly endearing.

In any case, it wasn’t inconvenient for me at all, so I tightened my embrace around her a little more, savoring our time together as a couple.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [Gwaahhh!! W- Why am I taking damage even when I’m just a soul……]

? ? ? : [Well, it never really seemed like physical damage to begin with, so becoming a soul probably doesn’t make a difference…… By the way, what do we do with your syrup-covered body? The sweet smell is kinda overwhelming. Should I toss it somewhere?]

Serious-senpai (Soul) : [No, you’re the one who drenched me in maple syrup in the first place!!!]

Makina : […………………….]

Serious-senpai (Soul) : [……Eh? W- Wait right there, you stupid God…… Stay! STAY! I mean, that’s just my body covered in syrup, that’s still my actual body! It’s not like my body turned into some kind of dessert!!!]