Chapter 45: A Fresh Thrill, A Strange Satisfaction

Chapter 45: A Fresh Thrill, A Strange Satisfaction

Splash.

Miyuki, her shoulders drenched in the steaming water, wore a weary expression as steam billowed up around her in the bath.

A house with an indoor open-air bathshe must say she was impressed.

Though it was a bit disappointing that the small sliding window only showed the fence outside, it was still a nice open-air bath.

Matsuda mentioned that he rarely used it; she couldnt understand why he would leave such a good spot untouched.

Sigh.

Letting out a languid breath, Miyuki thought back to what had happened earlier.

Because of Matsudas caresses on her hips and waist while they kissed, she was so startled that she almost bit his tongue as she had in the caf.

Then came a tingling sensation, and her body seemed to suddenly heat up, accompanied by a strange sense of arousal.

It was an unfamiliar feeling, but it was surprisingly Pleasant, I think

When Matsuda told her to stay over because he felt lonely, and pulled her close into a warm embrace, her heart pounded wildly, and her chest filled with a fluttering excitement.

That thrill did shatter when Matsudas hand found its way to her rear, though.

Matsuda-kun...! What are you doing...!

Sorry, sorry.

When she raised her voice to question him, Matsudas tone was a mix of half-jest and half-sincerity as he apologized.

As Miyuki replayed the situation in her head, she vigorously shook her head back and forth.

Is he not nervous at all...?

While her whole body stiffens at the very act of kissing, Matsuda cant keep his hands still and starts to... grope her.

Last time, he seemed like he was holding back; is he starting to give in now?

Is this just how men are, or is this something unique to Matsuda? She couldnt quite tell.

It was even amusing when she thought about itIt was her first time feeling a mans touch on her hips, and yet, how remarkably composed she could be. It must be proof of how much she trusts Matsuda.

And it even feels as though her mindset is gradually opening up...

Whether thats a good sign or not, she wasnt sure.

*Plop. Plop.*

Melting her body in the bath, Miyuki found herself lost in various thoughts as she stared at the tightly closed window.

Its still raining quite a bit

The sound of the rain hitting the wall and reverberating felt like a serene echo, naturally bringing her a sense of calm.

Yet, whenever she thought of Matsuda, her biological rhythm went haywire.

Its good that he, once a problematic student, is changing by taking her advice. His somewhat authoritarian tendencies show, but its clear hes trying for her

Opening her eyes to the once utterly unfamiliar territory of relationships also brings joy.

Simply being with Matsuda is enjoyable.

Lost in such thoughts, Miyuki unconsciously muttered a phrase saturated with all kinds of emotions.

Im going crazy...

*Brrrrrrrr!*

Ah!

Just then, her phone vibrated loudly in its holder attached to the bath wall, startling her out of her thoughts.

It was a call. The caller ID showed it was her mom, who was most likely worried because she hadnt returned home so late.

Quickly stepping out of the bath, Miyuki dried her hands with a towel and answered the call.

Hello...?

-Its already past eight-thirty, why arent you home yet?

Ah, sorry... I was hanging out with a friend. But mom, its raining a lot, is our house okay?

-Yes, of course, its fine.

Did you close the windows?

-Obviously. Hurry back. The rain is supposed to get much worse starting at 10 oclock.

The humid atmosphere typical of rainy days has its own kind of charm but brings with it a sense of loneliness.

And at Matsudas place, even if you close the door with the integrated window, its not very soundproof.

As lonely as Matsuda was already feeling, if she told him to sleep alone...

She imagined it would be quite hard to lie alone late at night when the rain would be falling even harder than it was now.

Should I really stay the night?

When Matsuda suggested it, hugging her tightly, his voice was laced with happiness and satisfaction. And within that voice, there was no trace of sexual desire.

Of course, he did try to touch her hips afterward, but at least when he said it felt good to be warm, he was sincere.

What should I do?

She did trust Matsuda.

However, this sudden, unexpected invitation had left her hesitant.

-Miyuki? Are you listening?

Youre out?

Hearing his nonchalant tone, Miyuki realized that the underwear was probably just a considerate gesture. While she felt relieved, she also found herself oddly disappointed.

Dragging her feet toward Matsuda, she noticed that his hair was damp and asked, Did you take a shower?

Yeah.

When?

While you were showering, I used the other bathroom. Are you going to sleep?

It was hard to answer. Fidgeting with the hem of her t-shirt, Miyuki finally replied in a meek voice.

.... Yeah... But I have to wake up around 5 AM to go home.

Then we should go to bed early. Come on, lie down.

Youre not suggesting we... sleep together, are you?

Why wouldnt I?

No, its just...

To be honest, she had expected him to say that, but hearing it out loud still made her nervous. Caught in indecision, Miyuki finally laid down when Matsuda patted the spot next to him, as if telling her to cut the pretense.

Staring directly at Matsuda, she set her boundary.

Hey, just like before... You cant touch me, got it?

What about cuddling?

Youll just end up doing... something weird if we cuddle!

What weird thing?

Seeing him play dumb while knowing exactly what she meant was slightly infuriating, yet not altogether unpleasant. Perhaps she had become accustomed to his antics over time.

Absolutely not...

Im kidding. I promise, no funny business. Just cuddling.

...Really?

I promise. Pinky swear?

Matsuda extended his little finger, appearing both trustworthy and somehow childlike.

I still feel uneasy about this...

Nevertheless, Miyuki found herself moving closer to Matsuda. Despite her words of caution, her actions indicated a level of trust in him. Matsuda, recognizing this, let out a soft chuckle.

Shall we leave the window open? It might be nice to fall asleep to the sound of the rain.

Do as you please...

In response to her slightly petulant tone, Matsudas eyes curved into crescent moons. With a light smile, he gently pulled Miyuki into his arms, resting his chin atop her head just like before.

Its warm

Matsudas embrace was incredibly comforting, so much so that her eyes naturally began to close.

Feeling sleepy?

At the sound of his deep, resonant voice, a light shiver ran through Miyukis frame. Why did she find herself wanting to feel that curious thrill again?

I dont know...

Tap. Tap.

Matsuda, taking in her noncommittal response, began to rhythmically pat her back. Feeling an immense sense of comfort, Miyuki snuggled even closer to him, as if wriggling into his warmth.

Comfortable?

Mmm...

Good.

Today, his voice sounded even more gentle and kind than usual. As Miyukis eyes slowly closed, the corners of her lips subtly lifted into a smile.

Matsudas hand was gently caressing her back before she even realized it.

As her mind emptied of its complex thoughts, her body began to relax, growing languid. Sleep was coming, gently but surely.

This is nice

Such wholesome physical intimacy felt like something she could indulge in every day.

Who wouldve thought

Who wouldve thought theyd ever be so close, sharing their warmth in sleep? She had always thought of herself and Matsuda as incompatible, like water and oil. But now, the situation felt surreal.

Someday... well

Someday, there would be more intimate moments between them. What would she do when that day came? She had no idea, no sense of what to expect.

She decided to stop thinking. Rather than piling up worries, she chose to focus on the sweet moment she was sharing with Matsuda... no, with Ken.

Feels good...

Miyuki mumbled, not even realizing she had spoken her feelings aloud before drifting into sleep.

*

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Devil }