The soft light of the morning sun streamed through the curtains, gently caressing the room in a warm, golden hue.
Yuto stirred, his eyes slowly opening, adjusting to the light.
His arms were still around Mizuki's sleeping form, her body pressed snugly against his chest.
"Cute"
Mizuki, still half-asleep, let out a soft murmur at the sound of his voice.
She nuzzled her face into his chest, refusing to fully wake up.
"Uuugh... too early..."
He chuckled as he escaped her grip, got off the bed, and removed his clothes.
Mizuki let out a small, sleepy protest as he escaped from her grasp.
"I'm gonna take a shower"
She opened an eye, watching him begin to undress, and then let out a soft huff.
"Mmm... fine, go take a stupid shower..."
She closed her eyes again, her sleepiness preventing her from giving her typical smartass response.
However, her half-asleep brain suddenly had a thought, and her eyes opened again, a sly smile on her face.
"Hey, Yuto..."
He turned around, stopping at the entrance of the bathroom.
"Yeah?"
Mizuki sat up on the bed, her expression playful.
"Do you need... company in the shower?"
She gave a slight smirk, her eyes filled with suggestiveness.
Yuto, caught off guard by her suggestion, chuckled at her attempt to look seductive while half-asleep.
He leaned against the doorframe, a smirk on his face.
His little buddy was popping from the towel.
"I'll start the hot water"
Mizuki's smirk grew wider at his response, clearly satisfied with his reaction.
She got up from the bed, stretching her arms above her head with a small yawn.
"You better have room for me..."
Yuto chuckled at her response, his eyes roamed over her figure as she stretched.
He went inside the bathroom, turned on the shower, and tested the water temperature.
"I'll be waiting"
Mizuki, still slightly sleepy but now fully awake, got off the bed and entered the bathroom, a coy smile on her face.
She closed the door behind her, the room filling with the sound of running water.
She walked up to Yuto, slowly letting her clothes fall to the floor, her body now fully exposed to him.
"Don't start without me..."
His eyes never left her chest, it had been a year since he played with them.
He shook his head as he stepped inside the shower.
"You coming?"
Mizuki chuckled as she stepped inside the warm water cascading over their bodies.
She pressed herself against him, her hands running along his chest and shoulders.
"Mmm... I've missed this..."
She murmured, her lips brushing against his neck as she spoke.
Yuto wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to him.
"God, I missed this too..."
He ran his hands down her back, his touch gentle but firm.
Mizuki raised her head, her eyes locking with his, desire in her gaze.
"I love you, Yuto..."
She muttered, her breath hot against his ear as she pulled him closer, their bodies now fully pressed together.
Snap
He lifted her, slowly inserting himself inside as he pressed her against the wall.
Their kiss grew intense as slowly trusted all the while playing with her tongue, mixing saliva, deep moans escaping both.
Mizuki's hands clung to his back, her nails gently digging into his skin, while Yuto's hands roamed over her body, massaging her chest, bringing them up so he could suck on them.
"Mmmmhh... Yuto"
He flicked her nipples, pulled, squeezed and sucked.
"It feels... so good..."
He slowly nodded.
He continued to thrust, deeper, faster, and stronger.
"K-kiss me!"
She pulled his head up, their breath intermingling and the sound of their moans filling the small space.
His hands continued to explore her body, tracing every contour and curve with his touch.
His nails lightly dragged over her skin, leaving a trail of tingles in their wake.
The mixture of the heat from the water, the steam, their bodies, and the intensity of their connection only heightened the sensation.
Making every touch, every movement, more intense.
Mizuki threw her head back, her breaths coming out in ragged gasps.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, pressing herself even closer against him.
"Yuto, I...I'm so close..."
She managed to gasp out, her body tensing as the pressure built within her.
Yuto responded by moving faster and harder, his pleasure building with each thrust of his hips.
He leaned in, capturing her bottom lip between his teeth, pulling it gently before releasing it.
"Me too..."
With a final, powerful surge, he buried himself inside her, his groan of pleasure mingling with her cries as their bodies shook with the intensity of their release.
His fingers dug into her hips, holding her steady as wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over them.
For long moments, they stood there, entwined and panting.
Finally, Yuto lifted Mizuki's face to his, his eyes soft.
"That felt amazing," he murmured, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face.
Mizuki, still trembling slightly from her climax, smiled up at him.
"Yeah it did," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the water still cascading around them.
He smiled back, his lips gently brushing hers in a tender kiss.
After a moment, he reluctantly pulled back, his hands still supporting her as she slid down the wall.
"Let's get clean, okay?"
Mizuki nodded, her body still feeling the aftermath, her legs slightly shaking.
A small, satisfied smile played on her lips as she let him help her stand upright.
"Yeah... that's probably a good idea," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
An Hour Later
They headed down, the inn was lively, filled with adventures, mercenaries, and even lone knights.
But as they walked down the stairs they noticed that the rest of the party had different reactions upon seeing them.
Kana and Luna both had a smirk on their faces.
While Lola and Catherine were trying to see who could eat the most pancakes.
Lilith and Freya had flushed expressions and often mumbled something to each other.
As they both sat down, she could feel the stares from the other girls.
"Looks like we weren't exactly quiet this morning," she muttered to Yuto, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
Yuto chuckled at her remark, trying to play it off.
"I guess we got a little carried away," he admitted, a slight flush of embarrassment creeping onto his cheeks.
Luna, chuckled as she decided to break the ice.
"You two sure know how to start the day with a bang," she teased, a smirk on her face.
Mizuki felt her cheeks burn a deeper shade of red as the rest of the girls stifled their giggles.
Yuto chucked as he ordered their meal.
"After breakfast, we look around for anyone who can get us to the kingdom of Aqualis"
They all nodded in agreement, their attention shifting back to their breakfast.
As they ate, Mizuki couldn't help but steal glances at Yuto, which he caught on and repaid with kisses.
Just then, the sound of footsteps reached them, and a woman approached their table.
She had deep blue hair and beautiful brown eyes.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice soft and melodic.
"Are you adventurers interested in the kingdom of Aqualis?"
Yuto looked up at the woman, his interest piqued.
"Yes, we're heading that way. Do you have any information or advice for us?"
The woman smiled, her eyes scanning over the group.
"Yes, I can provide some assistance. Though, I do ask for one thing in return"
Yuto raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"And what is that?"
The woman leaned in closer to him, her voice dropping to a hushed tone.
"Follow me. I'll tell you in private, away from prying ears"
Yuto could instantly feel all the eyes on him.
It felt as if he had said the wrong thing.
He would wake up without a certain fella.
"Just us alone?"
She nodded her smile still in place.
"Yes, just the two of us. No one else must hear what I have to say"
The rest of the table exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and concern on their faces.
Yuto met each of their gazes, their unspoken thoughts clear to him.
"I'll be fine," he reassured them, his voice calm and confident.
Lilith smiled, not her usual kind smile, but one that felt wrong to see.
"Sure thing, just don't do anything stupid"
They all nodded in agreement.
Yuto nodded back and rose from his seat, following the mysterious woman to a more secluded area nearby.
He felt the eyes of the group on his back, but he had to trust he was able to handle whatever this was.
["I'm gonna die… aren't I?"]
<-System->
[ I wish you well ]
Yuto sighed but continued to follow her.
Once they were far enough away that prying ears couldn't hear, the woman stopped and turned to face him with a serious expression.
"Is something–"
Before Yuto could even ask, he was sent flying to the wall.
"...Fuck…"
He got up from the rubble and saw that the blue-haired lady now had some form of claws and a bloody tail.
"Human--"
Yuto raised his hand, "Wait!"
She halted her lunge at Yuto and paused to look at him, her sharp claws inches away from his throat.
"What is it?" she demanded, her eyes still narrowed with suspicion.
WHACK
Yuto "lightly" tapped her head, having her fall right on her ass.
He kneeled to her eye level with a smirk.
"I'm guessing you don't know who I am?"
She rubbed her head, annoyance, and confusion on her face.
"No, I don't," she retorted, her voice still tinged with aggression.
Yuto chuckled, enjoying the situation.
"Then let me introduce myself. I'm Yuto Akimitsu"
He let the name hang in the air for a moment, waiting for her reaction.
She looked up, her confusion clear.
"Who?"
Yuto raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by her response.
Usually, people at least knew his name.
"Well fuck, you would think being better than the hero would at least bring me some fame"
In a flash, she held her hand at his throat.
"HOW DO YOU KNOW THE HERO?!?"
No one blinks.
Nor moved for what felt like hours.
All Yuto had was a look of indifference while her eyes looked as if they would kill him in a second.
But he merely shrugged her hand off, "You have a problem with the summoned hero?"
Her eyes widened at his response, her grip on him loosening slightly.
"Yes. That self-righteous bastard ruined everything," she growled, her voice filled with resentment.
Yuto, still calm despite the tension, raised an eyebrow.
"And what exactly did he ruin?"
Her expression darkened, her lips curling into a snarl.
"He ruined everything for us"
"He killed countless of us, stole our treasures, and treated us like we were nothing more than a nuisance"
"He thinks he's a hero, but he's nothing more than a villain in my eyes"
["Fucking Wanless… why am I not surprised?"]
Yuto sighed, rubbing the temple of his forehead.
"Is that why you wanted me alone, because I'm human?"
She nodded.
He chuckled as he sat beside her, helping her get comfortable.
"So what's the plan Miss Mermaid?"
She took a second to respond, "Well, I–"
She stopped.
And slowly turned her head to face him.
"How did you know?"
Yuto smirked at her look of surprise.
"It wasn't hard to figure out. The blue hair, the claws, the tail... not exactly subtle"
He leaned back against the wall, watching her intently.
"Wanna give me a name at least?"
She slowly nodded, "I am Princess, Morgan Kai Asherah, the last princess of the kingdom of Aqualis"
Yuto raised an eyebrow at her introduction.
"Not gonna lie, that's a mouthful, princess"
Morgan rolled her eyes, not amused by his comment.
"I'd be careful about your smart-ass remarks if I were you, human"
He "lightly" tapped her head again.
"Technically, I'm a prince, so you shouldn't act all high and mighty"
Morgan scowled at his gesture but didn't try to swat his hand away this time.
"Being a prince doesn't make you any less mortal than the rest of your kind," she retorted, a hint of defiance in her voice.
Yuto chuckled, unbothered by her attitude.
"Mortal or not, I can still kick your ass"
She wanted to protest, but the power difference was clear; she was considered a high-class fighter, even amongst her people.
And yet here he was, not even faced by her killing intent or her attack.
She clenched her fists, her claws digging into her skin.
"You're insufferable, you know that?" she grumbled, her expression still defiant.
Yuto immediately wiped her hands, noticing the blue blood dripping into the water.
"I get that a lot"
Morgan, caught off guard by the sudden gesture, couldn't help but flinch slightly as Yuto wiped the blood from her hands.
She tried to maintain her composure, but there was a hint of vulnerability in her eyes as she looked up at him.
"Why are you doing that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Yuto shrugged nonchalantly.
"Can't have a pretty girl bleeding her hands"
Her cheeks tinted red at his words, annoyance, and embarrassment washing over her.
"I'm not some fragile doll that needs coddling," she protested, her tone sharp.
Yuto chuckled, amused by her reaction.
He knew he was pushing her buttons, and it was kinda fun to see her like this.
"I never said you were," he replied, his voice calm.
"But it doesn't hurt to show a little kindness, does it?"
Morgan wanted to argue, but his words struck a nerve.
It had been a long time since she had felt a hint of kindness.
She took a deep breath, her expression softening a bit as she met his gaze.
"I... I suppose it doesn't hurt," she admitted reluctantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
After bandaging her wounds, he leaned back on the wall.
Morgan did the same but in a less subtle movement.
Yuto's eyes followed her movements, observing her closely.
Making sure she didn't fall.
For a few moments, they sat there in silence, the tension in the air slowly dissipating.
Then, Morgan broke the silence.
"Can I ask you something?"
Yuto nodded, "Sure, go ahead"
Morgan hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting away from his.
"Why didn't you try to attack me?"
"What?"
Morgan looked at him, her expression serious.
"Why didn't you try to fight me when I attacked you? You just let me get close to you. Almost as if you let me"
Yuto raised an eyebrow at that, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"And what makes you think I let you?"
Morgan's eyes narrowed, and she let out a huff.
"Don't play dumb, human," she retorted, her voice laced with irritation.
"You obviously could have easily overpowered me if you wanted to"
"You didn't even look fazed when I had claws at your throat"
Yuto chuckled at her observation.
"Well, you're not completely wrong. I could have easily dealt with you if I wanted to. But let's just say I'm kind of a softie"
Morgan rolled her eyes, unimpressed by his answer.
"A softie, huh? That's not exactly the impression you give off," she remarked, her tone still filled with skepticism.
She glanced at his muscular arms and physique, which didn't match the image of a "softie."
Yuto tried to cover himself up with his coat.
"Trying to play bashful now, are we?" she teased, her tone more playful than before.
Yuto let out a short laugh, "Fine fine but now let me ask you something"
Morgan raised an eyebrow, a curious expression on her face.
"Alright, go ahead," she said, waiting for his question.
Yuto looked at her with a serious expression, his gaze locked on hers.
"Where you looking for those who could kill the hero?"
Morgan's eyes widened in surprise.
She hadn't expected him to ask that question.
She hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting away from his.
"Yes," she finally admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"That's exactly what I was trying to do"
Yuto nodded, absorbing her answer.
"I see," he said, his tone neutral.
"And I'm guessing that's why you brought me here?"
"Trying to gauge my strength or at least see if you could control me?"
Morgan winced at the accuracy of his guess.
She nodded reluctantly.
"Yes," she admitted, her voice tinged with resignation.
"That was my original plan"
Yuto let out a soft chuckle, finding a hint of amusement in the situation.
He leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Did I pass?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Morgan's cheeks reddened slightly, and she averted her gaze.
"You don't need to be so smug about it," she muttered, her annoyance blending with a hint of defeat.
"You're powerful, I'll give you that, so... will you and your party lend me your strength?"
A cold breeze was now in the air, she felt that something was wrong as she tried reading his expression.
The same cruel and unnerving grin on his face appeared again.
His tone wasn't cold but felt uncomfortable.
"And, what would you offer me in return?"
Morgan had expected this, but the intensity of his expression caught her off guard a bit.
"What do you want?" she asked, her voice steady despite her slight unease.
Yuto chuckled as he stood up, helping her up as well.
"What can you offer?"
Morgan couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and helplessness.
"I don't have much to offer," she admitted, her voice tinged with regret.
"The kingdom's treasures were plundered by the hero. I only have my people's well-being and freedom left"
Yuto hummed, listening intently.
He was surprised at how open she was.
"Well, I can see that you are willing to give me anything, so we can discuss the rewards after I kill the hero"
Morgan's eyes widened her expression, a mix of surprise and relief.
"Are you saying... you'll help me?" she asked, her voice filled with cautious hope.
Yuto nodded, his gaze fixed on her.
"Yes, I'll lend you my strength," he affirmed, his tone serious.
"But I have one condition"
Morgan's expression turned wary, her earlier relief replaced by caution.
"What condition?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.
His lips curled into a faint smirk.
"You swear not to harm me or my people after the job is done"
Morgan's expression softened, and a small nod of agreement.
"I swear on my bloodline. I will not harm you or your people," she said, her voice firm and sincere.
Yuto smiled as he led the way back to the inn.
"Alright, let's go inform the others"
She nodded, walking right beside him.
As they walked back to the inn, he noticed the subtle change in Morgan's demeanor.
Gone were the hostile glares and sharp claws, replaced by a guarded yet cautiously hopeful expression.
She remained by his side, following his lead silently.
After an hour of explaining the details, Yuto noticed that all of them had a pissed-off expression.
"What is it?"
Mizuki spoke up, "How could you bring her back after she attacked you?"
Yuto shrugged, "Well it's not like her attack would work on me"
Mizuki let out an exasperated sigh.
"That's not the point. She tried to harm you," she retorted, her expression filled with concern.
"We can't trust her"
Yuto rolled his eyes at her overprotectiveness.
"Relax, she won't try anything," he reassured her.
"She needs our help, remember?"
Catherine crossed her arms, unconvinced.
"Why do you even trust her? We barely know her," she said, her tone doubtful.
Yuto chuckled, amused by their doubts.
"Let's just say I have a good feeling about her," he replied, his words tinged with conviction.
Kana raised an eyebrow skeptically, wrapping her tail around Yuto's waist, and pulling him into a tight hug.
"A good feeling? That's your reason for trusting her?"
Yuto wrapped his arms around Kana, patting her head gently.
"Yes, I trust my instincts," he affirmed, his tone firm but playful.
He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead before returning his focus to the group.
Catherine and Mizuki exchanged skeptical glances, not entirely convinced by his argument.
Catherine spoke up, "What if she's just using you to get what she wants?"
Yuto's ears perked up.
"In what sense can she use us?"
Mizuki chimed in, her voice tinged with annoyance.
"She could be playing the damsel in distress"
Yuto sighed as he looked at Catherine and Luna.
"Remember when I said I don't trust or even like the hero?"
They both nodded, their expressions expectant, wondering where he was going with this.
"This was a major reason, that ass hole has no boundaries and will do whatever he wants"
Catherine and Luna exchanged a concerned look, knowing what that meant.
Catherine spoke up, her voice tinged with a hint of anger.
"You mean... he doesn't care about who he harms or who he kills?"
Yuto nodded grimly, his expression dark.
"Exactly. He's so obsessed with being a hero that he'll justify anything as long as it fits his idea of good"
The girls' faces paled at his words, the gravity of the situation settling in.
Mizuki clenched her fists, her irritation evident.
"How could someone be so blindly righteous?"
Yuto let out a bitter laugh.
"You'd be surprised how far people's delusions can go when they firmly believe they're in the right"
Luna shook her head, struggling to wrap her head around the mindset of the hero.
"That's... terrifying"
Yuto nodded in agreement, his gaze hardening.
"It is terrifying," he stood up, escaping Kana's grasp.
"Which is why we need to help Morgan"
They exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation sobering them.
Lola spoke reluctantly, still wary of the mermaid.
"And... you're sure about this? Helping her..."
Yuto nodded firmly, his resolve evident in his eyes.
"Yes, I'm sure. We may not trust her completely, but we can't ignore the dire situation her kingdom is in"
He looked at each of them, silently imploring their understanding.
Catherine sighed, finally relenting despite her reservations.
"Alright, we'll trust you on this"
Mizuki nodded as well, though her expression remained guarded.
"But we'll keep an eye on her. If she tries anything funny, we won't hesitate to take action"
Yuto nodded in agreement, appreciating their trust in him.
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you guys," he said, a hint of a smile on his lips.
The girls gave him a small smile, their tension easing slightly.
As they decided to get to know Morgan, they threw a party that nearly broke the floor.
An Hour Later
Yuto lay in bed with Mizuki and Kana, looking up at the ceiling.
Kana snuggled closer to Yuto's side, her tail wrapped around his leg.
"Can we just cuddle tonight?" she mused quietly.
He chuckled lightly, running his fingers through her hair.
"Of course," he replied, his voice soft and warm.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
Mizuki, who was on his other side, shuffled closer, seeking his attention.
Mizuki gently nuzzled her face against his back, her hand resting on his waist.
"You know, I still don't fully trust that mermaid," she murmured, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Yuto chuckled softly, not surprised by her words.
"I know you don't," he said, rubbing her hand reassuringly.
"But you trust me, right?"
Mizuki paused for a moment, her expression softening.
"Of course I trust you," she replied, her voice sincere.
She let out a weary sigh.
"It's just... I worry about you. I don't want you getting hurt"
Yuto nodded, sitting up against the bed frame.
"I understand, but you know some wounds will be unavoidable when facing off against the hero"
Mizuki sat up as well, her expression filled with worry.
"I know that, but that doesn't mean I have to like it"
She reached out and gently took one of Yuto's hands in hers, intertwining their fingers.
"I just wish there was another way, a way where you don't have to risk yourself"
Yuto gave her hand a comforting squeeze.
"..."
"..."
Kana, noticing the shift in atmosphere, wrapped her tail around the both of them.
"Can we just... talk about something else?" she suggested softly, her gaze shifting between Yuto and Mizuki.
"Something less serious"
Yuto nodded, understanding her need for a distraction.
Mizuki's expression softened as well, acknowledging the change in topic.
"Yeah, something less serious sounds good," she agreed, still holding onto Yuto's hand.
They spent the rest of the night exchanging stories, the heavy discussions replaced by lighter conversations.
They laughed, teased, and even indulged in a bit of naughty fun.
Eventually, they exhaustedly slumped back into bed, their earlier worries forgotten.
And just like that, it was morning again.