The birthday party, which was so big and noisy and fun that it didn't seem spontaneous, was over, and I returned to my room, which I had gotten used to living in.
　Somehow, because it was so much fun, I feel a little sad after it's over.
　But, yeah.........

.........it's not a bad feeling, is it?
Yeah?　What?
No, the fact that I'm sad afterwards means that I had a tremendous amount of fun, so I'm kind of happy.
Well I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kite.

　Kuro appears next to me on the couch as I return to my room and gives me a soft smile.

'....Thanks for everything, Black.
You're welcome.
I'm a lucky guy. I'm so lucky to have so many people celebrating with me and I'm so lucky to be surrounded by kind people.

　Those words spilled out naturally. I feel a surge of joy as the emotion welling up in my chest.
　Then Kuro turned to me once, smiled, and opened his mouth.

'........just a little bit different.........'
No?　What?
I believe that feelings are not just a one-way street. If you are happy, if you feel that everyone is kind to you, then you must have made everyone else happy in the same way.
...Is that right?
"We don't celebrate being nice. Everyone.....of course I love you too, Kite. Kaito-kun has been kind and warm to everyone, and has created a lot of happiness for us, so our feelings come back to you, too.
Well thank you.

　Gentle words. Warm words that seem to affirm that 'the favor that surrounds you is something you've grasped for yourself'.
　But, well... if Black is right and I'm able to make everyone happy too... if I'm able to make them feel as warm as I'm feeling right now... I'm glad to hear it.

... but it was a short notice and you had a lot of preparation and stuff to do, didn't you?
'Hmmm, it was a bit hectic, but it wasn't that hard. So you don't have to worry about it. I mean, the last battle with the Earth God was the most tiring than the preparations. He's seriously strong, so it's tricky...

　It's true that Black's physical strength is literally at a bottomless level, unlike mine. But it's hard when you have a limited amount of time... no, I'm here, the one who can manipulate time....
　Also, I really wish Eden-san would learn to weigh himself a little more.

I'd like to thank you in some way.
'Don't worry about it... oh, well, can I ask one thing of you?'
Yeah?　Yeah, if I can help it.

　The expression on his face changed to one of an idea, and Black gave me an earful with a somewhat pleasant smile.

''....Eh?　Hey, why are you.... no, it's fine.
Actually, I've been wanting to try it for a while.

　The request that Black made was not an unreasonable one, but something that could be done right now. Since it was a slightly unusual request, I was a little confused, but I said, 'I'm going to move to the end of the sofa.
　Then, Black put his head on my thigh with a joyful smile on his face.

''Haha, that's kind of refreshing,''
Yeah, it's... or is it hard?
It's okay, it's just a little warm and cozy.

　It was a form that could be called the opposite of the usual regime. I've had Black do the knee-pillow many times before, but this is the first time I've done it.
　Looking down at Black's face from above as he was lying on his side was a new experience for me.
　I squinted at him comfortably, a look of relief on his face.

　To be honest, I like being pampered by Kuro. Kuro is an amazing being without needing to think about it now, and he is adored by many people... despite his appearance, he really is an adult. She's a woman who has lived for many years and has solid knowledge and experience.
　That's the reason why Kuro is so sweet to me from time to time. It's proof that she finds solace in spending time with me, and I'm extremely happy about that.

　As I was thinking about this, Black looked at me with his beautiful golden eyes and whispered to me.

''........Hey, Kite?''
Yeah?
I'm very happy. I'm very happy to be with you, Kite, so thank you. I'm still smiling from the bottom of my heart because I met you, who is so kind to me, and you saved me.
....

　Words filled with thoughts that could be described as universal. When I heard those words, I remembered what Kuro had said a while ago. I'm going to be the first to admit that I'm not sure what to think.

I'm the one who met Black, he saved me, and I'm able to live my life with a smile on my face. It's a good thing that I'm happy.
Huh?　Did I just go the other way?
Ha-haha, that's right. Because of the kindness and happiness that Black gave me, I've been able to repay his kindness to you in a roundabout way, I guess.
Yeah, it's just that it's returned, and my heart is overflowing with love for you, Kite.
I'll take you at your word on that one as well.
I'm just going in circles.
Yeah.

　Black and I look at each other and laugh at each other. It feels so wonderful to know that we're happy because of each other.
　Well, I don't have to say anything difficult, I love Kuro and he loves me.
So that's why I wanted to spend time with you.

...happy.
...Oh, I'm so happy. Black, once again, I look forward to working with you in the future.
Yeah, me too.

　After smiling with a sly smile, Black gently closed her eyes and looked up slightly. You don't have to say what she's looking for, but you can clearly feel what she's looking for.
　I want the same thing.

　Dear Mother, Father - It is difficult to explain with your mouth the feelings you have for the person you love. Just what is it?　To be able to feel this kind of deep connection with each other, face to face, is a real blessing.