I sigh deeply, then stand up from my seat on the couch and walk over to her. Nina's face contorts in confusion.
"Well, not necessarily…" (Mizuki)
I crouch down with my hands on the edge of the tub to make sure my gaze meets hers. Nina seems uncertain how to respond, so I take the opportunity to clarify.
"It may be too soon to call it a romantic interest, and I don't know how much of it is our contract, but…I'm quite fond of you. Honestly, I found you very attractive before we even formed the contract." (Mizuki)
Nina's eyes go wide in shock, then her expression turns incredulous.
"Tch…I offered to let you watch me in this bath, Mizuki, and you showed barely any interest! If you found me desirable, why not tell me sooner!?" (Nina)
Nina's voice is thick with annoyance, so I smile at her apologetically.
"I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable! We barely know each other! It seemed like we might have a good friendship starting, and we just made this permanent bond, so I didn't want to risk damaging our relationship. I'm telling you now, though…I decided it was best to make my feelings clear!" (Mizuki)
Nina shakes her head in exasperation, then she looks at me and smiles mischievously.
Without warning, she wraps her arms around my neck, then pulls me toward her in the bath for a kiss. As I begin to feel a little lightheaded, Nina releases me. She sighs contentedly, then looks at me with a huge grin.
"Hmm…does it seem like I'm uncomfortable with you desiring me, Mizuki?" (Nina)
Nina is staring at me with a smug expression, and I can sense immense satisfaction from her. I'm in a daze, still recovering from the kiss.
"Uhm…well, no…I just…" (Mizuki)
I'm happy that we both understand the other's feelings now, but I also need to clarify why I don't want to act on them. Seeming to sense my internal conflict, Nina raises her eyebrows at me questioningly and smiles.
[What is it, Mizuki? You made a point to sort out all my feelings, so tell me what's troubling you.] (Nina)
I can't help but smile back at her, I can sense nothing but sincerity through her message.
[I meant what I said about my commitment to being your friend, and hopefully it's clear now what I think of you…otherwise…but…] (Mizuki)
I hesitate, not knowing the proper way to communicate it. We made a lot of progress tonight and I don't want to undermine it. However, Nina smiles patiently at me, and nods for me to continue.
[…this is sudden. I value that we've met, and I enjoy your company, so I'd rather not complicate our dynamic further for now. Also, while you may feel that you know everything you need to about me, there are still important things about me that you don't know.] (Mizuki)
I hold Nina's gaze to study her reaction. I expect that she may be hurt by this, but instead she just nods agreeably.
[That's fine. Part of the reason I didn't tell you about my…jealousy…is because I valued having a friend. I didn't want to ruin it, so I understand how you feel. Regarding you turning down my advances…I don't mind waiting.] (Nina)
Nina winks at me at the end of her thought transmission, and I only sense acceptance from her. I breathe a sigh of relief.
"Thanks, Nina, I appreciate it. Just let me know next time if you have anything else that's bothering you, okay?" (Mizuki)
She smirks and nods several times. Then, something seems to cross her mind.
"Oh. Well, I wouldn't say it's bothering me, but it made me curious. When you mentioned things that I don't know about you, is it possible you were talking about the planet you came to Azura from?" (Nina)
I go completely stiff, and I feel myself breaking into a cold sweat. Where did that come from!? How long has she suspected or known about that!? What am I going to do about this….?
Sensing my alarm and confusion, a puzzled look passes across Nina's face, but then she bursts out laughing.
"Fufufufufufu…that was it, huh? I can't believe you thought I didn't know, like it was some big secret! You know, I'll warn you not to ever bring it up, but I'm a very old dragon, Mizuki. I'm aware of Azazel sending the occasional lone traveler here, and I've even met some of those humans. Although, none of them were as much fun as you." (Nina)
I'm speechless…I had no idea. With a dumbfounded look on my face, I ask the only question I can think of.
"How long have you known!?" (Mizuki)
Her hands are still wrapped around my neck from the kiss earlier, and she is stroking my hair. She smiles affectionately at me as I ask my question.
"As soon as I saw your eyes up close after our fight, I knew. It was part of what made me so interested in you. Some other time, I want you to tell me all about your home world. Also, don't worry, if you've been trying to keep it a secret, then it's safe with me." (Nina)
Probing her emotions through our connection, I'm relieved. There's not a shred of deceit or concern in her words. In all honesty, it's nice to have someone I don't have secrets from in this world. I think Percivil suspects my situation, but we're far from openly discussing it.
I smile at her appreciatively.
"In that case, I'm glad you know. Thanks, Nina." (Mizuki)
Nina nods approvingly, then pauses before she gives me a mischievous look. Uh oh.
"Hey, Mizuki. With everything that's happened, could I just stay the night with you? I promise I'll keep my hands mostly to myself!" (Nina)
She's looking at me hopefully, but there's still a hint of mischief in her gaze. Good grief, this woman is something else…and what's this about 'mostly'!? That aside, I can easily get rid of her if she breaks her word about the platonic sleeping arrangements.
I sigh deeply in acceptance.
"Yeah, that's fine with me. I'm warning you, though, you try anything, and I will teleport you into the forest alone." (Mizuki)
I fix her with a glare as I respond, so that she knows I'm serious. Seeing my expression, she begins pouting some, but reluctantly nods her agreement.
Fortunately, this fancy inn room has a large bed, so the sleeping arrangements aren't too awkward. True to her word, Nina conjures some modest clothes for herself after exiting the bath, but she groans in protest while doing so.
We climb into the bed, and Nina stays politely on her own side. After quite some time, I'm still awake, and I glance over at her – she's sound asleep. I sense that she is deeply content through our connection.
Looking back up at the ceiling, I reflect on the last few days since arriving in this world. They've been quite eventful.
I'm feeling nervous about what new developments this meeting with the elves tomorrow will bring, but I'm also looking forward to adventuring with Nina afterwards.
Eventually, my thoughts fade away and I fall asleep.