Kartellis - 5
In the end, because Kartellis clung to me until the movie finished, I couldn't escape my seat and had no choice but to watch it all the way through.
It was so scary I nearly pissed my pants for real.
"You did great, Creator♡"
"…Next time we watch a movie together, try to avoid thrillers if possible."
"I'll give it a shot, at least."
Despite saying she'd try, Kartellis's expression was downright mischievous. Like she was already plotting to drag me back here next time.
"So, what's next on your list?"
"Hmm… There's still so much I want to do, but there's one thing we can do right here."
Kartellis flashed a bright smile and pulled me by the hand toward the escalator, heading down to the lower floor.
The moment we descended one level, a women's clothing section came into view.
Even a yandere's still a girl at heart, I guess. The second she spotted the pretty outfits, Kartellis bolted straight over to browse them.
"…Shopping, of course."
"Obviously. If you want to look cute for the one you love, dressing up is a must, right?"
She glanced at the clothes on the racks for a bit before heading somewhere else, still holding my hand—so I got dragged along.
"……?"
The place Kartellis brought me to was a swimsuit store.
"Kartellis, this is a swimsuit shop…?"
"I know. I wanted to show you all sorts of swimsuits on me♡"
"You're already wearing one."
"This one's pretty modest, though."
Kartellis sidled up with a sly grin and whispered softly in my ear.
"The swimsuit I'm gonna show you, Creator♡ Later tonight at the hotel pool… the kind just for your eyes♡"
…Classic Kartellis.
She never lets me let my guard down. I'd started to relax thinking we were just clothes shopping, but swimsuits? Of course.
"Mmm, then shall we find something to your taste~?"
Unlike before, Kartellis now eyed the swimsuits with a serious, almost profound gaze.
Like a pro appraising merchandise.
'…Please, just skip the super revealing ones.'
But against my hopes, instead of something tame like her current rash guard, her eyes went straight to bikinis that left every inch of skin and curve completely exposed.
"Creator, what do you think of this one?"
After a moment's consideration, Kartellis picked up a swimsuit.
It was barely more than scraps of fabric—hardly worthy of the name bikini. Wearing that would definitely lead to trouble, so I shook my head firmly.
"No. Absolutely not. That's not my type."
"…Heh. But your face is all red, so it kinda seems like it is."
"I said no. I don't like ones that show everything."
"So you prefer ones that cover a little, then?"
As if she'd nailed my preferences, Kartellis giggled and turned to another swimsuit.
"Okay, how about this?"
The second one was also a bikini, but the difference was the fabric area—it was much more substantial than the first. That might actually be okay.
"Not bad."
"Got it. I'll try it on and show you right now♡"
"Yeah, go try it on quick and—wait, what?"
"Try it on and show you, like I said."
Kartellis shook the bikini she was holding, still smiling.
Does this girl have no shame at all? The store's full of people—they'd all see.
"No way. Coming out in it would be too much."
"Who said anything about coming out? Not where other people can see."
"See? So don't wear it and—"
"I'm showing you inside. Just for your eyes♡"
Ah, I'm going insane.
I've barely endured her earlier temptations…
And now a bikini.
"…No option to skip the show?"
"I'm buying it to show you. Can't skip that."
"Haaa…."
A sigh escaped me. Looked like there really was no escaping it.
'…At least it has decent coverage, so maybe it'll be fine.'
There's enough fabric up front to cover the essentials, at least.
With that in mind, I finally nodded.
"Fine. But just a quick peek."
"Yesss. I'll show you plenty later anyway♡"
Kartellis slipped into the fitting room with a meaningful look.
'What the hell am I supposed to do about this.'
Left alone as she changed, my worries naturally bubbled up.
Even if we're enjoying this date now, I can't stay with Kartellis forever.
In six days, the world ends—and from what she's said, the situation suggests… I'll probably have to part from her temporarily.
Even if the loop comes around and I see her again.
As long as the root cause isn't fixed, she'll die again. Same for the other heroines.
In short, to stop the children I created from suffering, I have to deal with that giant…
But how many times will they live and die in the process? And how many times will I have to watch?
'…Honestly, I don't think I can endure it.'
If I pour out all my love without holding back… I'll break first, and lose even the chance to atone in the end.
That's why I've been holding back.
Trying to give just a little less affection.
"…Maybe I should splash some cold water on my face to cool off."
I was about to wash my face with cold water to forget her earlier seductions when—
The fitting room curtain parted, tentacles shot out, and in an instant, they snatched me inside.
"No you don't, Creator♡ Where do you think you're going?"
The soft voice came from beside me. I turned my head.
"……!!!"
There stood Kartellis in a bikini, right in front of the mirror.
"What do you think?"
It definitely had decent coverage… but on her, it looked like scraps again.
Her full breasts and hips spilled out just enough that no bikini could fully contain them. Unless you're celibate or gay, there's no way you could look away from that sight.
"Uh, well…"
"Well? Tell me quick♡"
Kartellis pressed right up against me, urging an answer.
"Gotta see it up close to judge properly, right?"
Wow.
Is there any guy who could hold back seeing this? It was nosebleed territory, right in front of me.
"Creatooor♡"
"Uh, uh…?"
"So? Is it pretty? Cute? Or… sexy?"
Kartellis twisted and turned, showing off like she wanted a full review.
What do you think?
No need to say it—the last one, obviously.
"…Looks good."
"Pff…♡ I'll take that as you like it?"
Satisfied with my answer, she ripped off the tag and headed to pay.
"You gonna wear that out?"
"Of course not. Saving it for when it's just us. I don't want other guys ogling me."
"Good call. You'd draw a ton of stares."
"…Heh♡ Worried someone else might see me right now?"
Kartellis glued herself to my arm as she asked. She'd already changed back in the blink of an eye.
"Not really."
"Don't worry. Even if eyes are on me, I'll only have eyes for you."
"…I wasn't worried."
"Sure looked like you were staring pretty hard when I had the bikini on, though?"
Kartellis poked me playfully, grinning.
She was clearly getting a kick out of teasing me already. Best to play it cool and not react. To distract her, I suggested moving on.
"Let's hit another date spot."
"Aww, no explanation?"
"I zoned out. Zoned."
"You were eyeing my tits and ass hard. I know."
"Didn't."
"You did!"
Ah.
She's way too quick.
After barely fending off Kartellis's temptations and touring a few more spots,
I noticed through the observation deck window how the streetlights were flickering out, the city's glow fading. We'd wandered so much that evening had snuck up on us.
"…Kartellis, don't you ever get tired?"
"Not at all♡ Being with you gives me endless energy."
"…My bad for asking."
"Ahaha, but we're heading to the last spot now, so hang in there just a bit longer."
Finally, the final course.
With that thought, I followed her—until she opened a door in the corner of the observation deck, revealing a familiar sight.
"Ta-da! This is the last place."
"This is…"
The final stop of our date.
It was the very place where I first brought Kartellis to life.