the steam curled around the edges of the wooden tub, carrying the faint, earthy scent of the soap you'd chosen. it wasn't out of the ordinary to find yourself bathing at this hour, the warmth a soothing balm after shinsuke's rather early dedication to checking on his precious rice farm. and it wasn't necessarily out of the ordinary for him to suddenly join in, but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

whenever you lay in the comforting embrace of the warm water, he'd sometimes knock softly, the wood a gentle punctuation to the quiet. then the door would creak open, revealing his familiar smile, a silent invitation. without a word, he'd start unbuttoning his work shirt, the soft thud of his boots hitting the woven mat the only sound. you two were married, yes, your lives intertwined like the roots of the ancient banyan tree in your yard. but every glance he threw your way still held the weight of a promise, a silent vow whispered in the language of his eyes. every kiss felt a little hungrier, a spark rekindled with each touch. he was still charting the intricate map of your desires, discovering the countless ways he could make you fall apart under his touch—and he was in no rush to reach the final destination.

and now wasn't any different. the familiar creak of the door hinges announced his presence.

"g'mornin' sweetheart," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the steamy air. he knelt down right outside the bathtub, the worn fabric of his trousers brushing against the wooden rim. his calloused fingers gently brushed a stray strand of your wet hair from your face before he leaned in, planting a soft, lingering peck on your forehead. "tired? the sun was already fierce out there. i can scrub it off for you." his gaze, warm and tender, held a silent question, an offer of intimacy that always made your heart flutter.