Grim's straightforward confession was like blazing sunlight, uncovering Anis' hidden self.
Like a sewer rat suddenly thrown onto the roadside for all to see, Anis, her face flushed, whispered, "Commander, you don't have to force yourself to say that."
"After all, no one knows what kind of person Anis is better than I do."
"Lazy and gloomy, throwing underwear and socks everywhere, hoarding snacks and soda?" Grim smiled. "So what? Anis is Anis. Who says I'm not allowed to like that Anis?"
"No, Commander…"
"I just mean... Ugh, I'm really stubborn!"
Anis let out a heavy sigh, listening to her own roundabout reply.
Then, as if she had made up her mind, a bright and sweet smile appeared again on her slightly sad face.
"Commander, what do you think of me?"
"What do I think?"
"My figure! I mean, my figure!"
"Just asking—how's my body?" Anis pushed Grim onto the sofa, then sat on top of him, flicking her hair close to his ear with a triumphant smile.
Grim thought for a moment, then said, "If I may say, your toned muscles are charming, and your soft curves are lovely too."
Anis giggled. "Right, right."
"I'm pretty charming, huh?"
"So, Commander..."
Anis suddenly leaned in and kissed Grim on the lips.
The girl's kiss felt like the first sip of soda in summer — cool and refreshing, yet with a warmth that couldn't be explained.
Just like Anis herself.
Behind that bright and bubbly mask was a can full of fizzing carbonation.
"I like you, Commander."
"Even if the people in the Ark always whisper behind your back, saying that you're the weirdo who protects Nikkes, an anomaly, a traitor to humanity, a fool tricked by humanoid weapons..."
"But no matter what anyone says, I only believe in you, Commander — so don't change, okay?"
Anis looked into Grim's handsome face, and he reached out, gently brushing her cheek.
"Alright, Anis. I promise."
"I'll always be your Commander."
...
...
Their eyes met.
After a short silence, Anis curved her lips into a shy, teasing grin. "Commander, no wonder so many Nikkes like you. You're not saying the same thing to every girl, are you?"
"Anis is the only one."
"Really? Commander, hehe."
"Since no one's around to interrupt, why don't we do something more fun?"
Thump.
With a hungry look, Anis tackled Grim onto the sofa.
The sudden motion made Grim's body tremble.
Anis was one of the heavier combat-type Nikkes, weighing around 170 kg. Her chest and hip measurements were far larger than the other Counterattack Squad members. So a bit of extra weight was expected.
"Sorry, Commander, I forgot to switch bodies!"
"It's fine. I'm no ordinary guy. A little extra weight is nothing."
"Really? But your face is really red."
"Maybe the weather's too hot."
Anis blinked, staring at Grim who was trying hard to stay composed, then burst into laughter. "Commander, it's only going to get hotter. Don't back out!"
"Heh..."
Grim narrowed his eyes, a mischievous smile on his face.
Could a nervous Anis hold back any longer?
She pinched the edge of her vest with her fingers, and with a little embarrassment, took it off — a vest that barely managed to cover her chest.