I slam the door shut behind me, leaving Touko alone in the room.
I lean against the door, trying to catch my breath.
What is wrong with me?
Why do I keep letting her get to me?
It's not like I don't enjoy it...
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
No.
I can't think like that. I have to focus on the mission... On finding the source of that voice.
I push myself away from the door, walking quickly down the hallway.
My mind is racing, trying to make sense of everything that has happened. The voice... The pain... Touko's... forwardness.
Walking down the passageway, I step out onto the deck.
And the cold night air hits my face—
*shiver*
I wrap my arms around myself, rubbing my arms to fight the numbness.
Then, I see someone standing on the left side of the deck, gazing out at the dark horizon.
"Ah..."
She stands tall and composed, her deep blue kimono billowing slightly in the breeze.
Even from this distance, I can sense her focus, her unwavering determination.
I find myself captivated by her presence.
I slowly approach her, my footsteps soft on the wooden deck.
As I get closer, I can make out the details of her face: the sleek black hair, the violet eyes, the bandage on her nose—and there, just off to the side of her head, a soft violet ribbon tied neatly in a small bow.
It's my master. Lenah.
I hesitate for a moment, unsure whether to disturb her solitude. But the voice... the pain... they are still fresh in my mind, demanding answers.
I take a deep breath and approach her.
"Troubled again, Horikita? The night seems to weigh heavily on you." Lenah asks, turning to face me.
"It's getting stronger." I say with a serious expression.
"I see,"
"Your sensitivity to it means we're closing in on the source," Lenah responds, her gaze returning to the horizon.
I walk up next to her and follow her gaze.
Dark ocean stretches out before us, merging seamlessly with a starless night sky.
"What do you think it is?" I ask Lenah.
Lenah is silent for a moment before replying.
"It's… difficult to say,"
"But you have a guess, don't you?" I press, tilting my head slightly.
"No... Not a guess,"
"More of a... feeling."
She pauses, searching the horizon like it might offer answers.
"There's a darkness out there, Horikita. A power that's been growing stronger with each passing day."
"And you think this voice is connected to it?"
"It's possible, and until we know for certain, we must prepare for the worst."
I frown, frustrated by her vagueness.
"So, what do we do?" I ask, my voice sharp with impatience.
"Together, we'll track this voice to its source and uncover its intentions." Lenah replies with uncharacteristic certainty.
She turns to face me, her violet eyes piercing through the darkness.
"And If it threatens our world, we'll neutralize it—whatever the cost."
I nod, my resolve hardening.
"Understood."
A gust of wind passes across the deck, tugging at Lenah's kimono. My eyes catch the movement—captivated.
I can't help but notice that her kimono is open, revealing a generous expanse of her breasts.
And the two scars on her left breast.
A thin line running high towards her collarbone...
Another slice across the upper muscle...
My hands fidget, itching to cover my face as heat spreads up my neck.
I quickly avert my gaze, focusing on the dark expanse of the ocean. I can't let myself get distracted. Not now. Not when there's so much at stake.
But Lenah's breasts are so…
*sigh*
Why do I have to be so perverted?
"…Horikita," Lenah says softly, breaking the silence.
"Yes?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Are you alright?"
"You seem… distracted."
My face flushes even more. How can she tell? Am I that obvious?
This is all onee-chan's fault!
"I'm fine," I say quickly, trying to sound convincing.
"Just... thinking about what's ahead."
Lenah studies me for a moment.
"I see," Lenah says slowly.
"Well, try to stay focused. But if there's something else troubling you, know that I'm here to listen. We'll need all our strength for what's to come."
I nod, determined to regain my composure. I take a deep breath and focus on the task at hand.
I can't let my perverted thoughts get in the way. Not when there's a darkness growing in the world.
With that, Lenah decides to go to bed.
"Rest well, Horikita. Tomorrow, we may need all the clarity we can muster." Lenah says, turning to leave.
I nod in response.
She walks towards the door, her kimono billowing behind her.
*step*
*step*
I watch her go, my eyes lingering on the curve of her hips.
"Good night, Master," I reply.
As soon as she disappears through the doorway, I exhale loudly.
"*sigh* What is wrong with me..." I mutter to myself.
I turn back to the ocean, willing myself to forget about Lenah's exposed chest and Touko's teasing touch.
I can't let these feelings consume me. I have to stay focused.
The voice… the darkness… they are more important.
"Near..." I say under my breath, the word escaping me.
My heart beats faster▬
The boat must be close—too close.
My left hand stretches out towards the ocean, drawn by something I can't yet name.
...