That night, after everyone had eaten dinner and the atmosphere had calmed down, Saeko approached Yuu with calm steps.
"Yuu-sama, may I borrow some of your time?"
"Hm? Sure."
She took his hand without hesitation. Her fingers were soft, yet because she used swords, they were firm at the same time. Using those hands that wielded her sword, she dragged him to the balcony of the two-story house.
Behind her as they walked, Yuu could smell the soft scent of shampoo in her long hair that reached down to her butt. It was a fresh, clean, flower-like scent that wasn't overwhelming enough to sting his nose.
Yuu realized that she had just taken a bath and probably took her time getting ready.
Today, after Jin-ah finished cutting his hair, they had breakfast and then he'd updated their Dtatuses. They were all now Level 2, which was impressive progress considering they had only started a few days ago.
Then they had gone to train again. Yue and Yuu had only watched from a distance, occasionally commenting on their techniques and progress. Because of that, the girls were exhausted when they returned. The first thing they did was take turns showering.
And apparently, Saeko had prepared specifically for this, because she was more polished than usual.
—Crack!
Saeko closed the door behind them as they stepped out onto the second-floor balcony.
From that balcony, one could feel the night wind blowing gently, and because of the air purifier Yuu had deployed over the property to make the girls feel comfortable, one couldn't smell the rotten smell of the city. In the sky, in an apocalyptic world, the stars were shining.
'It's beautiful. An apocalyptic sky that somehow looks clearer than before the collapse.'
Maybe because there was no longer any light pollution.
While Yuu admired the sky, Saeko approached the balcony railing and leaned on it with both arms, placing them under her huge breasts. The motion caused them to press against the railing, causing Yuu's eyes to fall from the sky directly to that position.
"Umu?"
Since she was wearing a short skirt, when she leaned forward, her perfectly rounded white buttocks and her black panties with delicate lace were visible. The cheeks of her ass ate into the fabric, making it look almost like a thong.
Oh.
She literally put it in his direct line of sight.
That had to be intentional.
She felt Yuu's gaze on her butt. Her lips curved into a soft smile as she slowly licked them.
She had dressed that way for Yuu. It was the first time she had worn such revealing clothes, especially with intent.
She wouldn't have allowed another man to look at her that way. Saeko was proud, reserved, and if a man looked at her with lust, she would have given him a cold stare before letting him know his place.
She was the type of woman who would show this vulnerability and interest to a man she had decided to spend the rest of her life with.
That's why she acted this way with Yuu.
He was her savior. The man who gave her a new beginning in this dying world. And the man who, despite his overwhelming power, treated her with kindness and respect.
Even knowing her thirst for blood in battle, he never judged her.
And so, feeling the gaze of the man she would be with for eternity, serving him for eternity, belong to for eternity, and loving him for eternity, she felt pleased.
She wanted to show him everything.
She wanted to give him everything.
Saeko looked back at him over her shoulder.
"See something you like, Yuu-sama?"
"Actually, yeah. The sky looks incredible clear tonight."
Saeko's smile widened when Yuu played along.
"I wasn't talking about the sky."
"I know."
She slowly turned, leaning back against the railing to face Yuu with her whole body.
Now the starlight and moonlight shone over her, illuminating every curve of her slender figure. Her nightshirt clung to her body, revealing the shape of her huge boobs and her erect nipples, probably from the night breeze or perhaps from excitement.
"Don't stare there, Yuu-sama..." Although she said those words in a tone that sounded like she was reproaching him, there was a seductive smile on her lips.
"I'm sorry."
You don't feel guilty, do you? Saeko realized this because he was still looking.
She crossed her arms under her breast, making it look even bigger as her long hair waved in the wind.
"Not that I really minded. But if you kept staring, I might've had to punish you."
"A punishment, huh?"
"Mm. Maybe I'd make you massage my back, or my feet."
'That's a punishment? It sounds more like a reward.'
Saeko seemed to read his mind because she smiled and continued.
"And then I'd tickle you until you begged for forgiveness for being such a naughty boy." Her smile widened. "Though you probably wouldn't have apologized, and I would have gotten tired before you gave up."
"Probably."
Saeko laughed softly. Soon after, her sharp gaze became more serious, though as she looked at Yuu, it was still gentle.
"And Yue?"
"What about her?"
"I've seen that she's quite happy." Saeko moved away from the railing and took a step toward him. "That ring you gave her... it's very pretty."
"Yeah, it is."
Saeko moved closer, until they were only inches apart. The scent of fresh shampoo was stronger now, mixed with the warm perfume of her skin.
"I'm not jealous, if that's what you think. I'm happy for her."
Yuu could sense that she was genuinely happy for Yue.
"I know."
"But..." Saeko raised a hand and placed her fingers on Yuu's chest, right above his heart. "I can't help feeling... a little..."
She didn't look sad. Instead, Yuu saw anticipation in her. As if she were waiting for him to say or do something.
But he said nothing while looked at her as his golden eyes reflected the starlight. He could feel the warmth of her fingers through his shirt.
"Yuu-sama... since I met you, my life has completely changed. In addition to the power you gave me to protect myself, you also gave me a new purpose, and at the same time, I saw hope."
She gently moved her long fingers against his chest.
"And at some point during all that, I realized that my feelings had changed."
"Yuu-sama, it might sound disrespectful… but I don't just respect you as my Aeon anymore. And I don't just admire you as my master anymore."
She was now very close to him, as he could feel her breath on his neck and could see every detail of her face.
"I love you too, Yuu-sama."
Hearing that...
'Does she make me feel something?'
'Yeah. There is a small stir in my chest.'
It wasn't a complete, complex emotion in itself. However, Yuu considered it progress.
"I'm not asking you for the same thing you gave Yue."
She took a step back on her heels and put both hands behind her back as she raised her head and looked him in the eyes.
"But... maybe... a little bit of your attention? Could you share that?"
Yuu knew this was going to happen sooner or later. Since Yue had become his wife, it was natural for the other girls to feel insecure. Or at least, to want to secure their place by his side.
And Saeko, with her dominant yet incredibly sensitive personality, took the plunge this time.
"Mm."
With that small sound escaping his throat, Yuu raised his hand and gently stroked her cheeks. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes as his fingers caressed her skin.
"Saeko. Do you know what you're asking for?"
She opened her eyes and replied without hesitation.
"Yes. I'm asking you to see me. That said, I don't want you to see me only as your Pathstrider, or even just as a warrior. But as a woman who loves you."
"I can't feel completely. I can't give you the emotions you deserve."
"I don't care. I love you, Yuu-sama. With or without your emotions. Whole or broken. I don't care."
She paused and her lips curved upward at the same time as her eyes curved into half-moons.
"And if being with you helps heal you, even just a little... then that's enough for me."
'Damn it.'
'Why are all these girls so incredibly selfless when it comes to me?'
'I don't deserve it. I definitely don't deserve it.'
But as he looked into those blue eyes filled with determination, love, and desire...
"Also... Yuu-sama."
"Mm?"
She smiled seductively, moved closer to him, rested her head against his chest, and clutched his shirt.
"Ever since we became your Pathstriders, you've considered us yours, haven't you? Yuu-sama, you've never really planned to let any of us go. Not that I think anyone would want to leave."
She was right. He had already realized that he owned their loyalty. They did it themselves, when they decided to follow his path and tie their souls to his.
They were his. And he was, admittedly, possessive.
"It's my duty as your Pathstrider, and as the woman who loves you, to give you everything I am. Whether it be my loyalty, my strength, my body, or my soul. It is all yours."
She pulled away slightly from his chest and raised her hand, pressing it to his cheek.
"Got it, Yuu-sama? You're not asking me. I'm offering."
She looked into his golden eyes and tried to find a small spark of emotion. Desire or at least appreciation.
She did not wait long because what she saw was what she needed.
He tilted his head down and kissed her.
×××
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