“Are you sure you can handle my thick fur?” – Ren mumbled sheepishly, slowly sinking into the warm bath. He covered himself with his tail, his ears twitching slightly.

The hot water enveloped his body, rising in bubbling foam. The light scent of lavender and soap filled the air, mixing with the warm steam.

You took a few rubber duckies from the shelf and threw them into the water. Ren noticed the movement, and his ears immediately perked up. His tail twitched under the water, and his eyes stared at the toys in surprise. As soon as his attention switched to the duckies, you continued your work, gently soaping his head.

Your fingers slid carefully through his hair, and, taking advantage of the moment, you touched his ears. They flinched, then relaxed, as if giving in to your movements. Ren closed his eyes, sighing softly, and pressed his ears lightly against your hand.

“You know I can handle this myself,” he muttered, looking over his shoulder. A subtle blush spread across his cheeks.