''Phew...''
In the end, even though it takes a long time, I have absorbed the residual divinity left in Claire's body. Perhaps because the future me is 'familiar' with Neveah herself in many ways, and a part of that future self is now with me, it isn't as difficult as I thought it would be.
Isn't this basically saying that Claire is saved thanks to the future me making out with Neveah?
What am I even saying...
''...How's it now, Ariel?'' I speak up, panting slightly.
''No, I mean, she should be fine after some rest... but that was impressive, Aurora!''
''Mhm.''
It seems this matter has been settled nicely.
''I didn't know you had that kind of talent!''
Though, I feel a bit bad receiving Ariel's enthusiastic praises as she leaves the room. Now, there's only the two of us in this solemn silence.
I'm still embracing Claire.
Maybe because she's still hissing in pain sometimes. Maybe because I like her heat.
It's starting to get a bit cold lately, after all.
''...''
We stay this way for a long time. Claire sleeps quite well, thankfully, and I remain static, eyes fixed on the ceiling.
The flickering lights have long stopped bothering me.
Eventually, I sense some movements in my arms.
''Ugn...''
Making comically feminine morning groans, the heroine gingerly opens her hazy eyes. The first thing she does is recoil slightly, perhaps because of the pain. Then, the surroundings must be sinking in.
''!!''
Realizing where she is, Claire's complexion rapidly turns red, her pupils trembling. It is these moments that make me question if I really am living in a game world.
Gradually, the emotions boiling in her swell, resulting in...
''H-How did it go...?'' The heroine shyly asks. ''Was I... good?''
''Aren't you misunderstanding something?''
''No way! Even if I'm usually an airhead, that doesn't mean I'm an airhead!'' Claire puffs out her cheeks. ''I'm sweating! You're sweating! You're hugging me, and we're naked...! This can only mean one thing...''
''Your mind is rather healthy. That's good... I suppose.''
Finishing with a sigh, I pat her thigh, signaling the girl to climb off of me obediently. I feel like taking a bath now.
''?''
Yet, no matter how aggressively I do it, she doesn't budge. Instead, her hands creep to my wings that have been covering her bottom, and an unexpectedly serious face greets me,
''...I'm sorry.''
''...''
''I was too reckless... wasn't I? If I hadn't been so selfish, if I hadn't wanted to be of help to you despite my weak self... you wouldn't be so troubled, after all.''
''...No.'' I firmly reply. ''Your aid was needed. I didn't regret bringing you along, at least.''
Claire smiles bitterly, ''I ponder...''
A brief silence passes as she leans deeply on me, her head resting on my shoulder.
''...It's sticky.'' I sigh.
''Yeah. It smells sweaty. Not stinky, though.''
''Are you complimenting me or you? Rather, I want to take a bath.''
''Woah, so bold?!''
''Stop it.''
Another silence.
This time, her arms come around me, locking us in a deep hug.
''Hey... can I really be selfish?'' She whispers. ''Am I allowed to be by your side? Even if I'm weak?''
''You're not weak. And... you can be selfish.''
''Really? I'm happy.''
Pulling away slightly, she presses a kiss onto my cheek, then blooms a smile so radiant it rivals the sun itself,
''Thank you!''
''It's nothi—''
Before I can finish my words, Claire seals my lips, pushing on with such heavy desires I almost imagine her whole being is on top of me.
A soft, pillowy sensation shrouds me, tugging as if hungry for affection.
''...Heheh.''
''...''
...Right. She's supposed to get a kiss if we got out... and we did. I guess that settles it—
''...?!''
Once again, with the same suddenness, Claire kisses me. This time, even deeper, longer, with more certainty. For a moment, I feel my 'being' shudder, almost shrinking—that's how overwhelming the heroine is.
Afterward, a little out of breath, we stare at one another, unsure if words can explain our hearts.
''...I claimed my rewards.'' Claire eventually says, her smile merry.
''That was one kiss more than agreed.''
''You mind it?''
''Not... particularly.''
Under the blinking office light, Claire's emerald eyes gleam a certain happiness. I can tell through her firm hands, her heat, her heart... this girl is ready to devote her everything to me.
Chloe, too, Nydia, too, Luxia, too... am I really deserving to receive such attention?
Eventually, I'd have to choose one of them.
It might sound arrogant, but it's the truth—I am given that power. Still, I can't imagine what would happen to the others if I choose a person. Rather, I don't want to imagine it—them getting sad.
But is there a path that allows everyone to be happy? I can't imagine it either.
The limits of my imagination.
From this point on, I'll just have to go through it myself.
''There are two Buezrith...?''
''I'm certain I saw it.''
Hearing my recounts, Chloe falls into deep thoughts. The childhood friend I know is sharp, so I'm sure she'll notice things I don't. She's meticulous, too, so she's even more sensitive to details.
''...Actually, I've not been too sure from the start.'' She sighs. ''Buezrith's abilities are not explicitly stated in the game. Everything she does is somewhat... hazy, you know? People just assumed she got some sort of mental manipulation skills.''
''That might still be true. We have not escaped the 'play,' after all.''
''Yeah, so about that...''
''Mhm.''
Giving it a pause, Chloe turns her eyes straight at me, ''You and Claire. What did you guys do?''
''...What's with the sudden question?''
''Don't underestimate a woman's instincts, Aurora. I can practically smell it the moment you came back...''
''Were Claire's reactions that obvious?''
''...''
''...''
''...Right! Now tell me what you two did!''
When it seems as though Chloe would remain sulking all day if I don't tell her, I finally relent. Pushing her pouty face away, I respond, ''We kissed, okay? I promised her that as a reward for getting out of there alive.''
''Uh-huh. Promise, huh?''
''I won't make excuses.''
''I know. So, tongue or not?''
...What?
''I'm asking—did you guys use tongue?''
''...No.''
At my denial, Chloe lets out a relieved sigh, yet her mood hasn't fully settled. Then, as if it's natural, she climbs onto me and locks arms around my neck,
''How many times?''
''Twice.''
''I'll do double, then.''
Just as she claims, Chloe leans in confidently, landing her lips onto mine. She takes her time with it, evidently enjoying the situation, though I can't say I'm not enjoying it, too.
Kissing feels good.
Only after repeating that act three more times does Chloe appear satisfied... for now.
''Since we're not officially dating, I'll allow you everything up to kissing, okay? Just report to me.'' She hums. ''It's only fair we do it this way, but... don't go too far, you hear me?''
I'm not savvy about relationships, but I can say this isn't quite normal.
Am I the kind of scumbag who flirts with multiple women at once?
Then again, if they feel this is right... maybe I'll be a scumbag.