The birthday party, which had been so large, noisy and fun that I couldn't believe that it was hastily made, was over. I returned to my room, which I was completely used to living in.
How should I say this... I feel a little sad after it's over because it was kind of fun.
However, unnn...
[...I guess this doesn't feel that bad.]
[Unnn? What is it?]
[Well, I just think that if I feel sad afterwards, it means that I had lots of fun... It kind of makes me happy.]
[I see... I'm glad you had fun, Kaito-kun.]
I was sitting on the sofa and Kuro appeared next to me as I came back into my room, a soft smile on her face.
[...Kuro, thanks for everything.]
[Your welcome, I suppose?]
[I feel very happy. For so many people to celebrate with me... Really, I'm lucky to have such kind people around me.]
These words naturally leaked out of my mouth. I felt as if my heart was overflowing with emotion and joy.
Thereupon, Kuro looked at me with a smile, before she spoke.
[...I think it's a bit different though.]
[Different? How so?]
[I think that such feelings don't just go one-way though. If you feel that you're happy and everyone is kind to you... I'm sure it's because Kaito-kun brings happiness to everyone else as well.]
[...Is that really how it is?]
[We're not celebrating your birthday because you're kind. Everyone... Of course, that includes me, celebrated because we love you, Kaito-kun. Kaito-kun has been kind to everyone, brought warmth to everyone, and created lots of happiness... and those feelings go around, returning back to Kaito-kun.]
[I see.... Thanks.]
The words she gently said. Those warm words seem to affirm that "the love you're surrounded in is something that I have grasped by myself".
However, let's see... if it's as Kuro said, and I'm making everyone happy... If I can't make everyone feel the warmth I'm feeling right now... that makes me happy.
[...Even so, it was something that was sudden, so I guess it must have been troublesome to prepare it, right?]
[Hmmm, we felt frantic, but we didn't feel that it was troublesome. So, don't worry about it. I mean, rather than the preparations, I feel that the final battle against Earth God was the most tiring. She's really strong, so she's quite the nuisance...]
It is indeed true that Kuro's stamina is literally bottomless, unlike mine. However, it's troublesome since time is limited... No, wait. There are people who can literally manipulate time huh...
Also, it really would be great if Eden-san knows how to restrain herself.
[...I'd like to somehow express my thanks though.]
[You don't really have to worry about it though... Ahh, then, can I ask you one favor?]
[Unnn? Ahh, if it's something I can do.]
Looking as if she had thought of something, Kuro looked as if she thought of something fun, bringing her face close and whispering to my ears.
[...Eh? W- Why again... Well, it's alright with me but...]
[This is something I've actually wanted to do for a while now.]
Kuro's request wasn't unreasonable at all, and it was something that could be done right now. Her request was a little unusual though, so I was a little confused, but I still "scooted towards the edge of the sofa".
Thereupon, Kuro put her head on my thigh with a happy smile on her face... Yes, Kuro's request is to "give her a lap pillow".
[Ahaha, this kind of feels refreshing.]
[Indeed... I mean, isn't it tough?]
[It's okay, it feels nice and warm.]
It was the opposite of our usual position. I've had Kuro give me lap pillows many times, but this is the first time I've done it for her.
Looking down at Kuro's face from above while she was lying down on my lap, just as Kuro said, was somewhat refreshing.
Her eyes narrowed, as if she was feeling comfortable, Kuro looked as if she acquired peace of mind.
To be honest, I like being able to spoil Kuro like this. I haven't really thought of this, but Kuro is a great person who is loved by many... Despite her appearance, she is a really mature woman. She is someone who has lived for a long time, and one can sense her solid knowledge and experience.
Such a Kuro sometimes spoils me like this. This is the best proof that the time Kuro spends with me is something that makes her feel at ease, and it makes me feel helplessly happy.
As I was thinking about this, Kuro's beautiful golden eyes looked back at me and she quietly muttered.
[...Hey, Kaito-kun?]
[Unnn?]
[I'm very happy. Being with Kaito-kun like this... That's why, thanks. Because I met you and you saved me, I'm still smiling from the bottom of my heart.]
[....]
Her words were filled with overflowing emotions. Hearing her words, I remembered what Kuro had said a while ago. I see, feeling go around huh, well said.
[...I'm the one who should say that. Because I met you, Kuro, and you saved me, I can spend my days with a smile on my face. Well, there are times when I am surprised and troubled but... I feel really happy.]
[Mhmm, arehh? Did you just use my words right back at me?]
[Ahaha, that's right. If Kuro feels that you've received happiness and kindness from me... it's because feelings go around, and we're just returning such feelings to Kuro... isn't it?]
[Unnn, you've returned so much that my heart is overflowing with love for you, Kaito-kun.]
[Then, I return those words exactly back to you.]
[...We're just going in circles, weren't we?]
[We were.]
Kuro and I looked at each other, and laughed. Thinking about how we're happy because of each other is quite the wonderful feeling.
Well, I don't really have to say anything too complicated, I love Kuro and Kuro loves me.
That's why, the time we spend together is...
[...Happiness.]
[...Yeah, happiness. Kuro, let's be like this, even in the future.]
[Fufu, I thought the same too.]
After giving me a bashful smile, Kuro gently closed her eyes and slightly raised her head. And I could clearly see what she wished for, even if she didn't say it out loud.
After all, it's something I also wish for...
Dear Mom, Dad————– It is difficult to explain in words the feelings you have for someone you love. However, I wonder why? Having our hearts facing each other, deeply connected like this... and being able to feel this way————- I really feel unbearably happy.