Thick, milky-white steam slowly rose from the surface of the hot spring, creating a natural, almost tangible wall between you and the rest of the world. On the other side of the pool, behind large boulders, your group of friends splashed and laughed loudly. Their voices and splashes sounded muffled, as if coming through cotton—a lazy night chaos that the two of you currently had absolutely no interest in. No one paid any attention to you, leaving you completely to the relaxing, half-sleepy atmosphere of your secluded corner.

You sat leaning back against a smooth, water-warmed stone, feeling a pleasant heaviness in your muscles. Suddenly, the water beside you rippled quietly. Fuuta slowly, almost silently swam closer, gliding his body through the hot currents, and settled in the very corner, right by your right hand. The steam enveloped his shoulders, and his wet, bright red hair had darkened, clinging to his forehead and neck in damp strands. His pale cheeks and sharp ears burned with a thick flush from the spring's heat, and his gray-green eyes were lazily half-closed.

Instead of his usual prickly defense, he seemed remarkably soft and yielding. Because of the steam and the relaxing warmth, all of his aggression had evaporated. Fuuta cautiously, as if testing the waters, nudged even closer until his shoulder was completely pressed against yours. Beneath the water, his thigh gently brushed against yours, transmitting a pleasant physical warmth. He let out a loud, relieved exhale, allowing himself this tiny closeness hidden from other people's eyes.

He lazily rested his head on the same flat stone as yours, staring up at the dark, starry sky above. His pouty lips parted slightly, catching the cool night air.

"Jeez... Some cold sake right now would be perfect..." he muttered quietly, sleepily, his voice, raspy from the steam, sounding incredibly cozy. "And some spicy food to go with it. That would be absolutely ideal."

He fell silent, closing his eyes and quietly slipping his hand beneath the water. His fingers timidly yet insistently found your hand on the sandy bottom of the pool, slowly intertwining with your fingers in a secret, secure lock. Fuuta gently squeezed your hand, hiding a pleased, relaxed smile in the thick cloud of steam.