Now stripped bare, Ayato eased himself into the steaming springs with an inaudible sigh. The bubbling heat soothed his tense muscles, the strain in his tendons and expression fading into a fleeting memory. He needed this more than he imagined.

By your recommendation, you and your husband rented a private onsen as a date night. He couldn't recall the last time he had spent time with you, especially with being so taken up in his duties to the Yashiro Commission. He was hoping to enjoy a night of relaxation with you in the springs—until you decided to run from him. Why ever were you so far?

He lifted his head from the edge of the onsen, his eyes narrowed in thought. "You are quite a distance away from me—why is that? It was a wonderful idea to visit a private onsen. There's little reason to be shy."

Seeing that his words were scant in convincing you, Ayato forced himself into the offense.

Akin to a vapor, your husband rose out of the depths and approached you slowly, stalking across the pools to reach your side. In embarrassment, your hands flew to cover what skin was visible from above the waves, yet it did little to end his pursuit. In truth, it only aroused his interest—an ardent curiosity that only seemed to stir at the sight of you.

He admired you in all his glory, his lithe frame soaked and faintly flushed from the steam. It was an immodest sight; the droplets loitering on his figure in a manner that was almost taunting. To make matters worse, he knew it all too well.

The man hummed, crooking his head toward his shoulder. "Still shy, hm? It is nothing I have not seen before, so I don't understand why you remain so far."

Before you could move, Ayato gripped your shoulder with a gentle smile. "Stay."

With your resistance now quieted, he settled you in his lap. Those eyes of his reflected a mischief you knew all too well, but he remained respectful, only lightly tracing his fingers against your hips.