Barbara sped up her eating and tried hard to keep pace with me, stuffing the entire pork cutlet into her mouth and washing it down with lemon water for quite a while before she finally swallowed.
"No need to rush. We didn't have anything else to do this afternoon."
As I helped her catch her breath, I used a napkin to wipe the grease from her lips.
When I looked up, I met Extinction's amused gaze.
"Miluno, you're like a single mother."
I didn't really like that observation, but she continued.
"Come to think of it, how did you and Miss Shenmu end up together?"
"That's a long story..."
But Barbara declared it before I could answer.
"I like Miluno! I want to be with Miluno forever!"
The topic was far too explosive. Usually timid and submissive, she had said those words loudly.
Even the magical prisoners at the surrounding tables all turned to look. The cafeteria had been noisy before, but this area suddenly fell silent.
"..."
Even Extinction was taken aback. After a long moment, she laughed.
"Ha, isn't that nice? I never expected a magical girl transformed from an Ancient Tree to have such intense feelings. I think you two are a good match too."
The surrounding stares made my face heat up, but Barbara didn't blush at all. To show her attachment, she even rubbed her face against my chest.
"Don't tease me..."
I protested softly, but Extinction reiterated,
"I mean it~"
"Barbara still has a lot to learn about being human. I think she'll gradually figure out what kind of feelings she truly has..."
Probably.
I wasn't entirely sure either. Barbara's feelings might really be love, but I couldn't return them with the same feelings.
After all, I had a "girlfriend"!
The side of the