Chapter 8: Uncomfortable Encounter
Kazuki lay sprawled on a thin mattress in the barracks, his arms aching and his muscles sore. The wooden ceiling above him creaked as footsteps echoed outside. He stared at the rafters, his mind replaying the sparring match with Tara.
"Enhanced Agility," he muttered, flexing his fingers. "I can definitely feel the difference."
A knock echoed through the door. Before Kazuki could respond, it swung open, and Tara stepped inside, closing it behind her.
"You," she said, leaning against the door, her green eyes gleaming mischievously. "Got a moment?"
Kazuki sat up, the thin sheet slipping down his bare chest. "Uh... yeah. What's up?"
Tara's eyes roamed over him, a sly grin forming. "Not bad. You're more built than I thought. Didn't think a man could handle that kind of training."
Kazuki swallowed, heat creeping up his neck. "Thanks... I guess."
Tara walked over, her hips swaying. She knelt down beside him, her face inches from his. Kazuki leaned back, his heart pounding as her breath tickled his skin.
"You really surprised me today," Tara said, her fingertips trailing over his chest. "That speed... it was almost like you were copying me."
Kazuki's breath hitched. "I... uh..."
"Or maybe," Tara whispered, her lips brushing against his ear, "you're just that talented."
Kazuki's face flushed, his entire body tensing. Tara's fingers slid lower, tracing the curve of his abs. Her smirk widened as she pressed closer, her chest brushing against his arm.
"W-What are you doing?" Kazuki stammered, his cheeks burning.
Tara laughed softly, her eyes half-lidded. "Relax. I just wanted to see if you're as tough as you pretend to be."
Before Kazuki could respond, the door burst open. Elara stood there, eyes blazing. "Tara! What the hell are you doing?!"
Tara pulled back, her grin never fading. "Just having a little chat. Nothing serious."
"Get out," Elara said, her tone icy. "Now."
Tara rose to her feet, hands raised in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But Kazuki... let's continue this 'chat' another time."
With a wink, she sauntered out, leaving Elara glaring after her. Elara closed the door, her jaw clenched as she turned to Kazuki.
"Are you okay?" she asked, her voice softer.
Kazuki nodded, still catching his breath. "Yeah... just a little... overwhelmed."
Elara's expression softened, and she sat beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Be careful around Tara. She's... unpredictable."
Kazuki met her gaze, his pulse still racing. "Noted."
But even as Elara sat beside him, her warmth seeping into his skin, Kazuki couldn't shake the lingering sensation of Tara's touch—or the dangerous glint in her eyes.