Kazuma and Masako had moved on to the next phase of their slice-of-life game research—at-home activities. After their chaotic and adventurous camping trip, they decided it was time for something more relaxing, yet just as immersive for their project. The answer was simple: yoga.
"It's perfect," Masako had said as they brainstormed ideas. "Players can perform light, meditative movements and get rewarded with relaxation buffs in-game."
Kazuma had agreed, though he'd underestimated just how challenging this research would prove to be—not because yoga was hard, but because of the distraction Masako was about to become.
As they prepared for their session in the living room, Masako stood in front of the full-length mirror, tying her long brown hair into a ponytail. She wore snug, high-waisted leggings that perfectly accentuated her curvy figure, along with a matching sports bra that hugged her chest snugly.
Kazuma, kneeling on the yoga mat across from her, tried to stay focused on the task at hand. "Alright, sweetie, let's get started. We'll just follow a basic beginner's routine for now—"
But as Masako turned around, the sight of her in her workout outfit made the rest of his sentence vanish into thin air. She looked radiant, her chocolate-brown skin glowing under the soft light, her golden eyes filled with excitement.
Masako tilted her head, noticing his silence. "Dear? Something wrong?"
Kazuma coughed and turned his gaze back to the mat. "N-No! Let's start!"
Masako shrugged and began guiding him through the warm-up poses, unaware of the internal struggle her husband was going through. She raised her arms high and arched her back gracefully, causing Kazuma's gaze to falter as his eyes betrayed him and darted to her chest.
He shook his head, trying to stay professional. "Focus, Kazuma. This is research," he whispered to himself.
"Hmm? What was that, dear?" Masako asked, pausing mid-stretch.
"N-Nothing!"
Masako smiled, oblivious, and moved into the next pose. "Alright, now let's try downward dog! This one's a classic for flexibility and core strength."
Kazuma gulped. This was where his resolve would be tested.
Masako placed her hands and feet firmly on the mat, arching her back as she stretched into the pose. Her hips tilted upward, her toned thighs flexed, and her body moved with mesmerizing grace. Kazuma's eyes were glued to her.
"Dear? You're supposed to be doing this too," Masako said, her voice slightly muffled as she adjusted her pose.
"I-I am! Totally!" Kazuma stammered, though he hadn't moved from his spot on the mat.
Masako glanced back at him, her ponytail swaying. "Are you sure? You've been awfully quiet."
Kazuma cleared his throat, forcing himself to look anywhere but at her. "Just… focused on taking mental notes for the game."
Masako giggled. "Well, that's good. We want every detail to be perfect. Now, let's move into some stretches!"
She sat down on the mat and spread her legs wide, leaning forward to touch her toes. Her chest pressed forward slightly as she reached, and Kazuma audibly gulped.
Masako noticed this time, raising an eyebrow as she tilted her head curiously. "Kazuma, are you okay? You're acting weird."
Kazuma tried to play it cool, forcing a smile. "Weird? Me? Nope, just fine. Let's keep going!"
Masako narrowed her eyes but shrugged it off, transitioning into a new stretch. She lifted one leg and bent it behind her, leaning back to grab her foot with both hands. The movement highlighted her slim waist and curved hips, and Kazuma felt a bead of sweat roll down his temple.
This is torture… he thought.
Finally, Masako sat cross-legged on the mat, tilting her head again. "Alright, dear, I've noticed something."
Kazuma tensed. "Y-Yeah?"
"You haven't done a single pose yet," she said, her tone suspicious.
Kazuma froze. He was caught. Masako crawled closer to him, her golden eyes narrowing playfully. "Kazuma, are you distracted by something?"
He backed up slightly as she leaned closer, her face inches from his. Her soft, sweet scent filled his senses, making it impossible to think clearly.
"U-Uh, no! Of course not! I'm just… taking a strategic approach to yoga!"
"Strategic, huh?" Masako smirked, her curiosity piqued. She leaned even closer, her lips dangerously close to his ear. "Are you sure there's nothing distracting you, dear?"
Kazuma felt his resolve shatter. He couldn't hold back anymore.
In one swift movement, he grabbed Masako's waist, spun her around, and pinned her gently against the wall. She let out a surprised gasp, her cheeks flushing as she met his intense blue-eyed gaze.
"K-Kazuma?"
His voice was low, his breath warm against her skin. "Sweetie… can we put research on hold for a bit?"
Masako blinked, her heart racing at the sudden shift in his tone. She could see the heat in his eyes, the barely restrained desire that made her own cheeks burn.
Then, a slow, teasing smile spread across her lips. "Aww, dear… you really can't focus when you've got me in front of you, huh?"
Kazuma's grip on her waist tightened slightly. "Can you blame me?"
Masako giggled, placing her hands on his chest. "I love when you get like this… So needy and cute."
He groaned softly. "Sweetie…"
"Okay, okay," she said, leaning up to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Let's take a break."
She grabbed his hand and led him toward the bedroom, her laughter light and melodic. "Yoga can wait. Right now, my dear husband needs me."
Kazuma chuckled, following her eagerly. "I promise I'll get back to research later."
Masako smirked, glancing over her shoulder at him. "You'd better. But for now, I'm all yours."
The door closed behind them, the sounds of their playful laughter echoing through the house. The yoga mats lay forgotten in the living room, but neither of them minded. Research could wait.