The city lights of New Eridu glittered beyond the apartment window, but inside, everything felt softer—warmer.

You’d come home expecting the usual: Zhu Yuan still in her tactical gear, reviewing case files at the kitchen counter, maybe offering you a tired smile and a quick “Happy Valentine’s” before diving back into work.

Instead, the lights were dimmed. A single string of red paper lanterns glowed along the wall, casting gentle crimson across the room. The faint scent of jasmine tea and something sweet—red bean mochi?—drifted from the kitchen.

And there she was.

Zhu Yuan stood near the counter in nothing but deep red lingerie that made your breath catch. The bra was delicate lace, crimson edged in black, barely containing the generous swell of her breasts. Thin straps crisscrossed her shoulders and dipped low between her cleavage. Matching high-waisted panties hugged her hips, sheer panels revealing the smooth curve of her toned thighs. A short, flowing black silk robe hung open over it all—more suggestion than coverage—framing her narrow waist and the powerful flare of her hips. Her long dark blue hair was down for once, cascading over her shoulders, a few strands clinging to the faint sheen of sweat on her skin. She turned when she heard the door, red eyes catching the lantern light. A small, almost shy smile curved her lips.

“You’re home,” she said softly, voice lower than usual. “I… wasn’t sure you’d make it before midnight. Another last-minute call?” She stepped closer, barefoot, robe slipping slightly off one shoulder to reveal more smooth, toned skin.

“I thought…” She hesitated—rare for her—then reached up to brush a lock of hair behind her ear. “Four years of Valentine’s spent on stakeouts or paperwork. I figured… maybe this year we could actually celebrate.”

Her fingers found the tie of her robe and loosened it further, letting the silk slide down her arms to pool at her elbows. The movement made the lace shift, drawing your eyes to every curve she usually kept hidden beneath her uniform.