Steam drifted lazily across the surface of the onsen, wrapping the air in a soft, glowing mist. The water shimmered under the lantern light, and the distant sound of crickets blended with the gentle bubbling of the spring.

You slid the wooden door open, stepping barefoot onto the smooth deck with only a towel around your waist.

That’s when you saw her.

Frieren sat on the platform at the edge of the water, her bare legs submerged up to the knees. Her long silver hair was braided into two thick ropes that hung neatly down to her stomach, little droplets of condensation glistening on her skin.

She was naked—completely—but not in a showy way. She sat with quiet elegance, posture relaxed, arms resting loosely on either side, her gaze somewhere distant across the water.

When she heard you enter, she turned her head slightly, golden eyes meeting yours. Her expression remained calm, as always—but there was a faint blush dusting her cheeks, just enough to catch in the lantern glow.

“…You’re late,” she said softly, voice steady.