That night, Furina followed Luna home, her cheeks flushed slightly.
"Furina, why don't you take a bath? I'll start making dinner."
"Huh?"
Luna looked as composed and unchanged as ever.
Am I overthinking things? Furina wondered uncertainly. After all, Luna had explicitly stated her desire to do that with her.
"Alright," Furina said, secretly sighing in relief as she headed toward the bathroom.
But what if Luna really does want to go through with it?
Furina soaked in the tub, blowing bubbles that gurgled through the water.
I don't exactly dislike the idea...
Yet unease lingered.
It's only natural to feel uneasy when faced with the unknown, Furina thought absentmindedly as she scooped up water and let it cascade back into the bathtub.
Her gaze drifted to her hand, as if the soft warmth she had felt when touching Luna still lingered on her fingertips. Furina's heart began to race.
She could never forget everything she had felt, seen, and heard that day: Luna's gentle gaze meeting hers, her warm embrace. No matter what Luna did, Furina felt only joy, warmth, and contentment.
How cunning, Furina thought, hugging her knees and continuing to blow bubbles.
The more she touched Luna, the more vivid the lingering sensation became.
I really do want to touch her like that again, Furina admitted to herself.
And that was precisely Luna's trap and snare.
Tilting her head back, a series of images flashed through her mind: their first meeting on the beach, Luna shining on stage, the moment Furina had led her away to the shore, Luna's unwavering support and protection as they faced the Prophecy's crisis and the Judgment together... Lost in thought, Furina let out a soft sigh.
"...Fine!"
Let's do it!
Furina immediately stood up. She could finally admit that she did indeed like Luna—and liked her in a romantic sense!
Then she sat back down.
"...How embarrassing."
Admitting this to herself was a difficult task.
How could Luna have accepted it so casually?
Furina pushed the little yellow duck across the water's surface, muttering, "If Luna were here, she'd never know when to stop."
So it was up to her to take the lead.
Furina nodded emphatically. "Exactly! Besides, I'm older than her... by over four hundred years? Anyway, I'm centuries older."
Small in stature, but great in ability.
By any measure, she was Luna's senior—the elder party. Logically and emotionally, it was only right for her to take charge.
Luna merely needed to obediently accept everything Furina bestowed upon her.
"...What would it feel like to do that?"
Furina pursed her lips, her cheeks flushing crimson.
After soaking a little longer, Furina finally emerged from the bathroom and returned to the living room.
"Hmm?"
The lights were off, leaving only candlelight flickering in the room.
The unfamiliar scene and atmosphere made Furina's heart pound. Clearly, Luna wasn't without her own intentions.
Should I... should I put on some perfume or something? Furina felt flustered.
"Dinner's ready. I'm going to take a quick shower. You can start eating if you like," Luna said with a smile, untying her apron.
"I-I wouldn't dare sneak a bite first."
"Then I'll be quick."
Furina waited anxiously on the chair for a few minutes until Luna returned.
"Let's eat."
"Mm..."
Furina had expected some wine, given it was a candlelit dinner. But after looking around, she couldn't find a single drop of alcohol. Instead, there was fruit juice.
"No wine?" she asked curiously.
"Just think about how you acted when you drank last time," Luna replied.
Furina averted her gaze. "D-don't. You don't need to say any more. I remember..."
If she drank, she had no idea what she might become.
Picking up her knife and fork, she glanced around. "Where's the cake?"
"Dessert comes after the main course."
Furina chuckled. "For me, dessert can be the main course, you know! But since you insist, I'll restrain myself for now. The other dishes look delicious too!"
Though the portions weren't large, each dish was exquisitely prepared and tasted divine. Furina's eyes sparkled as she savored every bite.
"I never expected your Vision to manifest at that moment," Luna remarked, propping her cheek against her hand as she watched Furina.
"I was startled too," Furina replied, "but now I truly have the power to protect you!"
Though I definitely can't defeat that woman... No need to rush!
Furina cut a piece of steak, popped it into her mouth, and thought: Stage girls evolve every day, and I'm no exception.
One day, I'll personally make Arlecchino realize her mistake. Hmph!
Furina would never forget the night of the attack.
So what if she's Luna's "Father"? I'm still Luna's girlfriend!
In terms of status and position, Furina was confident she wouldn't lose to Arlecchino, especially since Luna had explicitly stated she would stand by Furina's side.
That mere Arlecchino? She's nothing to fear!
"Even if you didn't have your Vision, you'd still protect me, right, Furina?" Luna asked with a soft smile.
"That's right."
Having the ability is one thing; choosing to act is another.
"That's why I think you're really cool, Furina."
Furina's cheeks flushed slightly as she struck a pose, hands on her hips. "You know it! And since you think I'm cool, it's only natural I take the lead from now on, right?"
Luna was slightly surprised.
It seemed Furina had accepted, but she hadn't expected Furina to insist on taking the lead.
What should I do?
Luna didn't really mind either way. She just wanted to experience everything about Furina more intimately.
For her, taking the initiative or being submissive was merely a matter of a fleeting thought.
"Hmm..."
Furina asked nervously, "Why are you hesitating now? Didn't you say you didn't care whether you were the one eating or being eaten?"
"That's true."
"Then... then I'll take that as a yes, okay?" Furina leaned forward, cautiously seeking confirmation.
Why is she acting so timid when she wants to be in charge? Luna couldn't help but smile.
"What are you laughing at?" Furina muttered.
"I just think you're very cute, Lady Furina."
Furina pressed a hand to her chest, flustered. "How can you just casually say things like that? Even if it's true!"
When it came to cuteness, she wouldn't lose to anyone.
As for maturity... her physique put her at a disadvantage, so let's not discuss that.
But she was still an older woman than Luna! Being older means being older, period!
Luna rose and approached Furina, taking her hand. "If I said no, would you refuse me, Furina?"
Refuse? Not really.
After all, Luna seemed genuinely eager and had made thorough preparations.
She couldn't possibly disappoint Luna, could she? But if she said "No!", would Luna instead overpower her?
To maintain control, she should probably say...
"Yes!" Furina declared firmly.
"Very well, then let's go to the bedroom."
Was that a yes? Furina felt a flicker of confusion.
It felt like Luna was about to trick her again, but before she could fully process it, Luna was already leading her by the hand into the bedroom.
"As you wish, lovely Lady Furina," Luna said, settling onto the bed. Beneath her loose nightgown lay the snow-white skin Furina had long been familiar with.
This is really happening... Furina's mind went blank. With a gentle tug, Luna drew her closer.
"So, Lady Furina, what would you like to do first?" Luna breathed, her exhalation carrying the fragrance of orchids.
What should I do first?
Furina opened her mouth, about to answer.
"One."
But then she noticed Luna inexplicably begin counting.
"Two."
W-what is she counting?!
Furina started to panic. "What are you counting?"
"Three."
Suddenly, Furina's vision shifted. Her back pressed against the bed, one hand locked in Luna's interlocked fingers. Though her other hand wasn't restrained, Furina had no idea where to put it.
"Y-you said you wanted me to make the first move!" Furina stammered, flustered.
"Mm-hmm, I gave you your chance."
"Chance? That three seconds?" Furina blinked in surprise.
"Exactly."
Luna leaned down and pecked her lips lightly. "It's a pity, Lady Furina, that you didn't seize the opportunity within those three seconds to do what you wanted to me."
Three seconds is way too short!
Even the giants in those monster films get three minutes!
"G-give me another three seconds!" Furina pleaded, her face flushed crimson.
"No can do." Luna grinned playfully. "If I gave you another three seconds, you'd just ask for another, and another. The night may be long, but how many three-second intervals do we really have?"
"You're pulling a bait-and-switch!" Furina protested, her voice laced with irritation.
"Perhaps, but I don't mind," Luna replied.
With her other hand, Luna gently stroked Furina's cheek. Under this tender touch, the irritation in Furina's eyes quickly melted away, leaving only a flickering nervousness.
"Nervous?" Luna asked softly.
"Of course I am..." Furina murmured.
"Me too," Luna admitted.
"...Really? I can't tell," Furina observed, scrutinizing Luna's expression.
She raised her hand and pressed it against Luna's chest.
Indeed, Luna's heart was racing.
So I'm not the only one who's nervous, Furina thought, feeling slightly relieved.
She pursed her lips slightly, slowly closed her eyes, and let the warmth between their lips melt away her tension, filling her heart with anticipation. As her consciousness began to blur, Furina couldn't help but whisper:
"I like you, Luna. You..."
Luna pressed her cheek against Furina's.
"I like you too, Furina."
Furina lowered her gaze, her long lashes trembling slightly. She had never imagined that such a simple declaration could bring her such profound contentment, her heart swelling with warmth.
"Alright..."
She murmured softly, relaxing her body.
"I'll let you have this one, but after that—"
Furina lifted Luna's fingertip and gently bit it.
"—I'm taking it back, okay?"
Her face flushed crimson, but her eyes were soft as water.
"Of course," Luna replied indifferently.
After a few seconds of locked gazes, Furina tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and held her breath. Time began to blur, leaving only Luna's voice and body heat searingly vivid, indelibly etched in her memory.
Maybe... being taken by Luna isn't so bad after all... Furina thought hazily.