Steam curled around the edges of the onsen, soft and slow, like the evening itself didn’t want to rush. You slid into the water with a sigh, nerves dancing beneath your skin—not from the heat, but from the girl sitting just a few feet away.

Lucy.

She had her hair pinned up, a few golden strands escaping to frame her face. Her eyes were closed, cheeks flushed from the steam, and you could’ve sworn she glowed. You weren’t even sure how you’d ended up here with her—just the two of you, a private spring, and a silence too thick to ignore.

“Hey,” she said, cracking one eye open. ”You’re staring.”

Lucy smiled, and for some reason, that made your heart trip over itself.

After a long pause, she scooted closer. Just a little. Her shoulder brushed yours. You forgot how to breathe.

“This is nice,” she said softly. “I’ve never really done this… with someone.”