After somehow dismissing Inquiries comments and dodging the various antics of the inn's staff—the maids, or rather, my half-sisters—I finally managed to guide us to the bath.
Both of us were feeling quite cold, so there were no ulterior motives...
"Since we're here, why don't we bathe together?"
"Absolutely!"
I jumped at the suggestion without hesitation. I know I keep insisting, but there really were no ulterior motives…
...Okay, maybe just a little. Or rather, quite a bit.
Since Hisui was already dressed in something resembling a yukata, undressing was quick for him.
"I'll head in first."
In a swift motion, he was already out of his clothes and stepping into the bath. I was left standing in the changing room, staring in awe at how effortlessly he moved.
Did I... get left behind?
No, he's in there, so it's fine, right?
There's only one entrance and exit, so he couldn't have run away. If I were to block the door and go "Heh heh heh," would that be okay?
As I indulged in rather lowbrow fantasies, I quickly snapped out of it, hurriedly undressed, and rushed after him.
Inside the bathhouse, Hisui was seated at the washing area, already lathering his hair. He was the type to wash himself thoroughly before soaking. His entire body was covered in suds, the contours of his muscles gleaming enticingly.
I could watch this forever.
But if I'm going to watch, I'd rather do it up close. Maybe even… touch.
"Shall I wash your back?"
I was riding a dangerous line, but if I didn't take a step forward, nothing would happen. It was do or die.
Besides, he hadn't rejected anything up until now, right? That means I have a chance, right?
"Sure, go ahead."
(Yes!)
I celebrated internally, mentally fist-pumping.
Suppressing my excitement, I grabbed a stool and poured some body soap into my hands.
Then I realized—I didn't have a washcloth. The towels were by the entrance.
Oh well.
With that excuse in mind, I lathered up my hands and placed them directly on his back.
The moment I touched him, he flinched.
(Whoa, whoa, whoa!)
His warmth, the unexpected firmness of his muscles—it was so different from a woman's body.
The untanned areas of his skin, usually hidden beneath his clothes, felt strangely intimate.
"Is there anywhere that itches?"
I asked, trying to mask my embarrassment.
"I'm shaving right now, so I need to be careful."
No sudden movements, got it.
(Wait… isn't this practically…?)
The realization made my mind race.
I was probably already done washing his back, but in my excitement, I lost control. Before I knew it, something of mine brushed against his skin.
(Is this okay? It's okay… right?)
Taking his lack of protest as permission, my hands started inching toward more dangerous territory…
"I'm done over here. Want me to wash you next?"
Just as I was about to cross the line, he flipped the tables on me.
"H-Huh?!"
My voice cracked.
"Come sit here."
He casually rinsed off a stool with warm water and gestured for me to sit.
(Is this what they call 'mature charm'…?)
Wait, from that angle, can he see everything?
I nervously sat down, sneaking glances at him.
Surprisingly, I was still somewhat covered. Maybe I had no chance after all…
"Alright, I'll start with your back."
"Yes!"
I turned around, responding instinctively.
And then—our eyes met.
Standing there was Yata, the inn's resident yokai—a tiny old woman who ran the place.
She had been watching us the entire time.
As our eyes locked, she grinned and gave me a big thumbs-up.
I nearly choked on my own breath.
Meanwhile, Hisui, oblivious to everything, started washing my back.
The moment his hands touched me, it was like electricity coursed through my body.
I no longer cared about being watched. It just felt too good.
His hands teased the edges of danger, brushing close but never quite reaching certain spots.
His fingers slid up my sides, tracing along my ribs and underarms.
His touch alone was enough to make me melt.
Our hands intertwined—just that simple contact was intoxicating.
When he finally pulled away, I felt an overwhelming sense of loss.
Without thinking, I turned and begged for more.
He hugged me from behind.
Something firm pressed against me.
Was this…?
Could it be…?
Just like me…?
Hisui moved in front of me.
I saw it.
Fully prepared for battle.
Larger than expected.
But more than that—his expression was so gentle as he washed me, so full of affection.
Our eyes met.
(I want to kiss him…)
The thought floated to the surface of my mind.
As if reading my heart, he smiled and leaned in.
Wait.
Wait.
Chu.
Our lips met.
For all the things I had imagined, that one simple kiss was the most overwhelming of all.
After that, my mind went completely blank.
Author's note :
Turns out, Misago was thinking with her lower half more than I expected. But hey, she's at that age, so let's just laugh and forgive her, okay?
If the genders role were reverse, this would 100% be a problematic situation. A typical clueless virgin scene.
Honestly, if this had escalated further, the special delivery arriving at the perfect moment would have been way too surreal.
Scary. Scary.