This unknown creature, which I temporarily dub mechanical dragon, seemed to greatly pique Lilia-san's interest. She enthusiastically read the explanatory sign near it, her eyes shining before she repeatedly pulled me close, urging me to hurry to the next model.
[Kaito-san! Let's go to the next one!!! Let's see what's over there!!!]
[This one has a completely mechanical body huh.]
[Its profound atmosphere is amazing, isn't it? It has a shape that I almost never see in this world, which makes it interesting. There's also what seemed to be a weapon over there...]
Perhaps due to being very excited, Lilia-san leaned in towards me and with an enthusiastic expression on her face, she began talking about the model dragon.
While Lilia-san is usually shy, her excitement seems to have raised her spirits, as even though she might not be aware of it, she's much closer than usual.
Every time her hair gently sways, a pleasant fragrance wafts in the air, and I guessed, almost instinctively, that she had just taken a bath earlier.
I guessed that before we went to this world, she had probably returned to her room to get ready before meeting up with me. During that time, she likely took a quick bath to freshen up and wash away the sweat.
This is just my hunch, but I kinda feel like she was bothered about being sweaty and other stuff.
[...Unnn? Kaito-san, is something the matter?]
[Ahh, no, Lilia-san seems to be having fun... You were visibly excited, so I was just thinking "Lilia-san must really like dragons huh".]
[I guess so. I'm aware that I certainly am getting a bit carried away. Of course, part of it is because I love dragons... but that isn't really all to it... errr...]
In response to my words, Lilia-san hesitated for a moment, her cheeks slightly blushing red. Thereupon, averting her gaze from me, she continued.
[...It's just, you see... It seems that no one can enter this world unless I invite them... and so, since this is a place that is definitely away from anyone else's gaze, my embarrassment is a bit more manageable, and in that sense... errr, well, I can get into a romantic atmosphere with Kaito-san, which adds more enjoyment for me...]
[Lilia-san...]
[Ah, no, while I do want to behave a bit more lover-like even in our normal interactions, I often get overwhelmed by embarrassment, and there is also a part of me that finds it difficult to be straightforward... Thinking that way, I also feel like this situation is an opportunity.]
It's very rare to hear Lilia-san talk like that... but at the same time, I couldn't help feeling happy. After all, Lilia-san clearly expressed that she wants to behave more like a girlfriend.
In other words, well, to put it simply, it means she wanted to have some lovey-dovey moments with me. Lilia-san, who doesn't usually hint out such things, thinking like that... makes me quite happy.
[I'm glad to hear you say that... Lilia-san, just a question, but can I embrace you by the shoulder?]
[Ah, s- shoulder huh... T- That certainly feels lover-like, and it's suitable for while the two of us look at the models. It feels embarrassing but... p- please do.]
[Yes. Well then, if you'll excuse me...]
With Lilia-san's consent, I placed my hand around her shoulder and gently pulled her closer. As Lilia-san leaned against me, our closeness became much more intimate than just a moment ago.
[...S- Somehow, this feels really nice. It makes me feel at ease, I feel so close to Kaito-san... I- It might sound strange, but I could feel this desire to seek comfort and affection from Kaito-san...]
[Actually though, the way I see it, I'd be more happy if you felt comfortable enough to act pampered around me, you know?]
[Ahh, t- that is, well, let's just leave that for later... when my heart can settle down a bit more...]
Saying that, Lilia-san looking up towards my face, a smile on her blushing red cheeks, gives a somewhat more youthful impression than usual... How should I say this... Well, she looks incredibly adorable.