The sun was beginning to dip as we left the aquarium, the sky painted in orange and pink. The streets outside were lined with food stalls, the smell of frying oil and sweet batter drifting through the air.
Families and couples filled the sidewalks, their chatter blending into a warm evening hum.
Kotoha tugged at my sleeve, her twin tails bouncing with each step.
"Souta-kun, let's get something to eat!"
"What do you want?"
She pressed her finger against her cheek, eyes darting between the stalls.
"Hmm… takoyaki! Ah, and maybe crepes too…"
"Sure. Anything you want."
"Is that not too much?"
"As long as you're happy."
"Okay!~"
We stopped at a takoyaki stand. The sizzling sound filled the air as the vendor flipped golden-brown balls of batter with practiced ease. Kotoha clasped her hands together in excitement as if watching magic.
When we finally got a tray, the steam rose up in clouds. She picked up one with a toothpick and held it toward me.
"Say ahh, Souta-kun."
"Ahh…"
I leaned forward. The takoyaki was piping hot, the sauce sweet and tangy.
I almost burned my tongue, but Kotoha giggled, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Hehe… you look like a little kid."
"Don't laugh."
"I'm sorry, you're just too cute.
I felt my face turn red. I would need to get revenge for this.
She ate one herself, sauce smearing the corner of her lips. I reached out instinctively with my thumb and wiped it away. Her eyes widened before her cheeks went crimson.
"…Souta-kun, that's unfair."
We moved on to a crepe stand. Kotoha chose strawberries and cream, while I went with banana and chocolate. She held hers with both hands, cream already sticking to her lip.
"Here, try mine." She raised it toward me with a grin.
I leaned in, biting the tip. Sweet cream and tart strawberries melted together. Her hand trembled slightly as she watched me eat from her crepe.
"Now you try mine." I held mine out.
She leaned forward, lips brushing dangerously close to my fingers as she bit into the banana. Her eyes flicked up at me for just a moment, then darted away, face glowing red.
"…It's good."
"Better than yours?"
"…Mm. Tastes like Souta-kun."
"What does that even mean?"
She just laughed, covering her mouth with her hand, but her twin tails swayed happily.
The street lights flickered on, casting a warm glow around us. Our hands found each other again naturally, fingers interlaced, the empty crepe wrappers crumpled in my other hand.
"Souta-kun, thank you for today."
"Did you have fun?"
"Lots and lots!"
"I'm glad. When I saw you help the lost girl, I thought you would be a good mom."
"Playing unfair again… so unfair!"
"How is it unfair? I'm just telling you my honest thoughts."
"Because when you say stuff like that, I can't help but…"
I can't help but fall for you.
Before she could finish her sentence, I sealed her lips with a kiss. A soft, gentle one as she melted into my body.
The evening air was cool as we left the busy streets behind.
The city lights shimmered on the wet pavement, neon signs reflecting in streaks of red, blue, and green. Kotoha walked beside me, her hand in mine, humming happily.
She glanced at me with wide, curious eyes.
"…Souta-kun, where are we going now?"
I didn't answer right away. I tightened my grip on her hand and guided her down a quieter street. Kotoha's breath turned hot as she went silent. Ahead, glowing signs rose above us flashing softly in pink and gold.
It was a love hotel.
Her steps faltered when she noticed. Her twin tails swayed nervously as she looked up at me.
"…Souta-kun… that's…"
I stopped and turned to face her. I leaned in close, brushing my lips against her ear.
"Come with me."
Her face went crimson instantly. Her hands clutched her skirt, twisting the hem.
"…O-okay…"
I tugged gently at her hand and led her forward. She followed without resistance, her head bowed, but I could see the small smile tugging at her lips.
The entrance of the love hotel glowed warmly, discreet and inviting. Inside, the lobby was quiet, polished, and perfumed faintly with floral scent. Soft music played in the background.
Inside the lobby, a panel displayed themed rooms. My eyes scanned the choices until I found exactly what I wanted: BDSM Suite. The preview photo showed restraints built into the bed frame, padded cuffs, and a rack of toys on the wall.
I pressed the button without hesitation.
Kotoha noticed the name flash on the screen. Her whole face went red.
"…B-BDSM…?"
"Tonight, let's try something new."
Her lips trembled, but she whispered back.
"…I'll try my best..!"
The elevator ride was silent except for her shallow breathing. Her fingers gripped mine tightly, as if grounding herself.
When we entered the room, her eyes widened. The lighting was dim and warm, the air carrying a faint scent of leather. The king-sized bed had cuffs built into the frame, soft padding at the headboard. On one wall hung a neat rack of whips, floggers, and plugs of varying sizes.
Kotoha froze in the doorway, her face crimson, cardigan slipping from her shoulders.
"…T-there are so many things here…"
I closed the door behind us and pulled her into my arms, kissing her softly before letting my hand slide down her back to the curve of her ass.
"Don't worry. I'll guide you. Step by step."
"…Souta-kun… I'm scared… but also… excited… Can we kiss again?"
Kotoha moaned against my mouth and lunged forward, attacking me with her tongue. She tangled it with mine recklessly, pushing and twisting as if we were locked in a fierce dance. Her breath was hot, her lips slippery, her eagerness spilling over into every movement.
I fought back, sucking on her lower lip, biting it lightly before dragging my tongue back into her mouth. She shivered and did the same, her tongue stroking and circling mine in desperate retaliation.
The wet, messy sound of our kissing echoed in the quiet room, sticky strings of saliva stretching each time our mouths broke apart for a heartbeat before crashing together again.
When our kiss ended, I tossed her panties onto the bed.
"Strip, Kotoha."