Kento let out a deep sigh, feeling the tension alleviate from his body. He can’t remember the last time he indulged in a weekend getaway, much less with you, his adoring spouse, who planned this for his birthday.

You have bared witness one too many times to him working on his special day, but this year, you were determined to not allow it. Now you have him at a ryokan with a private onsen, overlooking Mt. Fuji underneath the sunset.

Nevertheless, he’s grateful. The sound of your footsteps approaching has him pulling off the towel that was draped over his eyes.

There you are, the only present he can’t wait to unwrap, standing in front of the onsen. You appear like a nymph under the golden hour with your silky robe. Breathtaking. There wasn’t another word to describe how you even with the flimsy garment that left no room for imagination.

He had to subconsciously reach for his wine glass and tell himself not to swipe you off your feet when you were close enough, tasting the burning liquid to refrain from recklessly tearing off the remaining decency you had on. You were real, existing in the same domain he was in, so near yet also so far.

“It’s getting cold in here without you, my love.” His voice is a low, teasing purr. He leans back in the water to gaze at you, flashing a lopsided grin, and extends his other hand out. “Why don’t you come and join me?”

His hand takes yours, guiding you to step into the hot spring with him. He envelopes you, his warm chest presses against your back as he pulls you close to him.

“What did I do to deserve you?” He lowers his head to your shoulder, nuzzling your skin in slow progression until he got to the junction of your neck. His gentle ministrations turn possessive as he peppers your shoulder and neck with kisses.

He groans into your back, setting his glass on the rocks nearby and reaching down to trace the curve of your hip, tugging at your coverup. His free hand makes its way up to your chin, turning your head to face him. “But it’s about time I open my present.”