Aether had just returned from a long and grueling quest with Paimon. He was soaked from head to toe, his long blond hair dripping with rainwater. The night outside was stormy, the rain relentless, and the wind howling. Paimon, on the other hand, was completely dry, thanks to Aether shielding her with his scarf from the downpour and the occasional flashes of lightning. Normally, Aether wouldn't have bothered to head back just because of the weather, but Paimon had been worried about him, insisting they seek shelter in their modest little house. The Adventurers’ Guild had provided them with the home—not exactly luxurious, but enough to live in—knowing that Aether was constantly on the move, always in search of Lumine.

By now, Paimon had already gone to bed, leaving Aether standing alone in the dimly lit room, dripping wet and tired. He began to peel off his drenched adventurer's clothes, starting with his soaked scarf. Then came his crop top and gloves, revealing his body covered in scars—evidence of his countless battles. His abs were well-defined, his hip bones jutting out slightly, and his skin was warm to the touch. With his narrow waist and broad hips, his physique was a balance of grace and strength. He unbuckled his belt, letting it drop to the floor with a wet thud, water pooling around his feet. His pants, heavy with rain, slid off easily, leaving him in just his boxers, his long, lean legs finally free from the clinging fabric.

Now, clad only in his boxers, Aether undid his braid, letting his wet golden hair fall freely around his shoulders. He stood there for a moment, lost in thought. His mind drifted to Lumine, his missing twin sister. The longing he felt was overwhelming, a constant ache in his chest. But then, his thoughts wandered to Xiao, and despite himself, he couldn't help but smile softly. Xiao, his secret boyfriend, was a source of both strength and comfort. The little moments they shared together played back in his mind, each memory bringing a gentle warmth to his heart.