Hecate’s room had the same layout as mine. Bed by the window on the back wall. Desk sitting against the wall on the left, some drawers resting against the one on the right. And a wardrobe hiding behind the door. But hers was much bigger than mine, almost doesn’t fit the small room. To be expected since she needs somewhere to put her dresses. Her curtains were also different, having exaggerated frills on the bottom to match her aesthetic. They were already half-closed, making the whole room dim.

  “Iroha…? What are you doing here?”

  Hecate was standing next to her bed when I walked in. She had a mirror on the wall to the right that she was using before I opened the door.

  “I’m here to make you feel better… Can I?”

  “Iroha…” She was glad to see me from the smile on her face, so I stepped in and closed the door behind me. “You didn’t have to…” Or so she said, but next she walked up and wrapped her arms around me. She’s squeezing me thoroughly… Poor girl… I’ll hold you as much as you want.

  She finally pulled back, and I looked her in the eyes. “How are you feeling? I’ll do whatever you want today.”

  “Hmm…? Anyhting~?” A teasing grin appeared on her face.

  I don’t blame her. Hearing that would make me react like that too. However…

  “Not what I was talking about, but I’m pretty sure I have permission. If you want to… We can.”

  My face got warmer… Of course it did… It’s not that I don’t want to do those kinds of things with her, but it’s kinda sudden. But still, I won’t back down. Anything to make her happy. I’ll ascend to adulthood if that’s what it takes!

  “You actually meant it…” Hecate averted her eyes… “Sorry… I was only teasing you… Your tone and seeing you blush… Got me embarrassed too…”

  She’s embarrassed? Hecate? How adorable~!

  “It’s okay… You don’t need to hold back…” I pressured her a little with a voice sweeter than before. The temptation was too great… Hecate started breathing heavily. Since when can I do that to people? These girls have turned me into a little devil…

  “No…! Not today… I’m not interested in taking advantage of the situation to further our relationship. I’d rather things develop naturally.”

  “Oh yeah?” Me too, obviously. “Well, we’re still gonna sleep together. I hope you can handle that.”

  “Yes… That’s no problem. When you’re this assertive with me, how am I supposed to say no? But… We need to change into something more comfortable first, right?”

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  “We do…” But how? I’m the kind that sleeps with just a big shirt when it’s hot. “I’ll stop by my room to grab a shirt. I’ll be right back.”

  “A shirt? It’s okay.” She grabbed my wrist. “Just use one of mine.” She opened her wardrobe, which was composed of almost just dresses. There were only a few shirts folded on the bottom, tucked away where they don’t get in the way. “I barely have any use for them, so go ahead. Pick whatever you like.”

  I crouched near the folded shirts. She was a bit taller than me. Bigger chest too. If these are her size, they should be perfect for me to sleep. Still has my face burning up. Plain t-shirts… Not really something I can envision Hecate wearing… I wonder how she looks. Cute as always, probably.

  I grabbed a blue shirt and stood up.

  “Turn around and let’s change. Try not to peek too much, Iroha. Or do. I don’t mind…”

  “I- I’m not gonna-!” I was about to respond when she unbuttoned something, and I instantly turned around.

  She giggled. “I may not want to take advantage of the situation, but enjoying a moment like this is fine, isn’t it?”

  I took off my frankly tattered dress and put on the shirt. I’ll need to ask Katja for some repairs later.

  “What can you enjoy something like this? Changing in the same room is just embarrassing… Where’s your sense of shame?”

  “You think so? I think it’s quite romantic.” The rustling of cloth stopped as she finished folding her dress. “Well, I’m done. You can turn around now.”

  Hecate was wearing a black, transparent negligee with black, lacy underwear underneath. Wow… She’s so pretty! I can’t believe I have a girlfriend that can make such a seductive look work so well! I’m the one on the verge of losing control now! I wanna rub my face all over boobs!

  “Wo- wow… Yo- you look really good, He- Heca- Ah! I forgot! You had a mirror on your side! You were looking at me the whole time!”

  “A mirror?” She tilted her head. “Oh right… I almost forgot that it was there.”

  “Don’t play dumb! You were peeping on me the whole time, weren’t you? Huh? Be honest. Come on.”

  If I kept screaming that loud, the others were going to hear something sooner or later. Yet Hecate didn’t flinch. “Fufufu~ I’ll leave that to your imagination.” She gently grabbed my hand. “Let’s go to bed.”

  We both climbed inside. I had my back turned to her. My heart was racing like crazy. This, I could understand being called romantic. It was kinda pleasant. Lying here in silence for a while.

  What is she thinking back there?

  Is she holding a grudge? I can’t blame her for thinking it’s my fault. I have to brace myself and apologize properly…

  “I’m glad…” Her slender fingers ran down my back, stroking my hair. “I can still see your hair… That beautiful gold…” Her voice was tender… More tender than I probably deserved.

  “Don’t you have anything to say to me? Aren’t you upset? With me?”

  “Why would I be upset? In our line of work, it’s not uncommon for someone to die every time a fight takes place. I may have been injured, but we’re both alive.” Her hand stopped, firmly placed on my back. “We’re both alive. That’s the only thing that matters. I couldn’t be more grateful for this outcome.”

  She’s doing it again… Forcing herself. I frantically turned to face her. There it was. That faint smile again. “You don’t need to do that! You can be honest with me! There’s no need to force yourself to smile. There’s no need to look for any more upsides. You can just… be sad… I’m here for you…”

  Hecate doesn’t respond, and her smile goes away.

  She turns her back to me and adjusts the curtains, plunging the room into pure darkness.

  “Hecate! Don’t bottle it up!” I raised myself with one arm. You’re making a mistake! Stop being so stubborn!

  “…” No movements… Come on… Figure it out on your own- “Hold me.”

  I- I can do that… I shifted in closer, lay down behind her, and wrapped my arms around her. She’s so warm…

  There was silence for a moment, then she took a deep breath.

  “Of course it’s a shock to me…”

  She continued. “The sense of loss is almost enough to crush me… I don’t even know how to react…”

  “It’s you, Iroha… You and the others… The fact that I’m someone who’s needed in your lives is the only reason I managed to remain myself. You may think I’m forcing myself, but to me, forcing a smile and putting you at ease is what helps me feel better. Like I’m still important.”

  Her voice was cold but also stable. Every time she trembled, I would hug her harder, and she’d relax. I wanna hold her like this forever…

  Forcing herself was what was making her feel better…

  Didn’t even occur to me… Or any of us… We were too quick to force upon her what we thought it’d be best for her without considering what she really wanted… There was no need to do all that… We should have gone on with our lives like normal…

  “Can you accept that, Iroha? Just hold me like this… That’s the best way you can help. Your touch… Your breathing… Your warmth… Your silence… That’s all I want.”

  “Hecate…” I pulled her in closer. I understand… I won’t say anything anymore. Our bodies pressed together, and she completely loosened up.

  “Thank you… Let’s actually sleep now… Don’t let me go.”