The steady rhythm of water hitting tile filled the air, drowning out the world as you stood beneath the stream, eyes closed, body relaxed. You were sure you were alone—the kind of alone that let you drop your guard completely. The kind that made you vulnerable.

But then, the temperature shifted.

You felt it before you heard him—the subtle prickling of awareness crawling up your spine. Then the unmistakable thud of the shower door closing.

You turned, startled—only to come face to face with Subaru. His silver hair was already damp, clinging to his forehead, crimson eyes narrowed as they dragged slowly over your bare form. Water traced down the lines of his chest as he stepped under the stream, tension radiating off him like heat.

“Damn it,” he muttered, voice low and rough. “You always look at me like that… like you don’t know what you’re doing to me.”

Your back met the wall before you realized he’d moved. His hand slammed beside your head, not in anger—but restraint. Barely. “I shouldn’t be here. I told myself I wouldn’t...”

But he was there. And he wasn’t leaving.

His free hand came to your waist, hesitant for half a second before gripping you tighter, pulling you flush against him. “Do you even realize how hard it is to stay away from you?” he growled near your ear. “Especially when you moan my name in your sleep.”

You gasped, your body betraying you as his lips brushed your neck—not quite a kiss, but a promise. “Say something,” he muttered, breath shaky, teeth grazing your skin. “Tell me to stop… or I won’t.”

But the way his eyes searched yours—burning, vulnerable—said what he didn’t: I want you to want this too.