"I think we went too far," Yuki finally said, his voice quiet, masculine but gentle. "Especially me. I didn't think... she'd break like that."
Ai sat with her knees hugged to her chest, looking at Rika — her best friend— sleeping now with her arms wrapped tightly around Shin's neck, her head on his shoulder.
"I didn't either," Ai whispered.
Rika hadn't moved from her position — straddling Shin's lap, her legs loosely bent around his hips, her head tucked beneath his chin. Her small hands clutched the front of his shirt like a lifeline.
She had fallen asleep that way.
Clinging.
Trusting.
And looking heartbreakingly peaceful.
Shin's arms cradled her, one hand resting lightly on her back, the other supporting her thighs. Her breathing was slow, her chest rising and falling steadily against his own.
Rika had dozed off, slumped lightly against him, one hand curled in the fabric of his shirt like a child clinging to a comforting warmth. Her face, once flushed with embarrassment and teasing playfulness, now looked utterly serene. Long chestnut hair tumbled over her cheek and shoulders in soft waves, her bangs fluttering with each delicate breath. Her legs, smooth and toned, were folded beneath her in an almost demure position—yet the way her pajama shorts hugged her round hips was anything but innocent.
Shin swallowed.
The shirt Ai had lent Rika for pajamas had slipped slightly off one shoulder, revealing the gentle slope of her collarbone and the faintest curve of her chest beneath the loose cotton. Her breasts rose and fell gently with each breath. There was something disarmingly tender about her—sensual, yes, but also heartbreakingly vulnerable.
And smelled faintly like strawberries and sleep.
"She must've been exhausted..." Yuki murmured, her voice dipped in guilt.
Shin looked down at her, his breath catching slightly.
His sister's best friend.
The girl who had confessed something beautiful and terrifying just moments before.
He exhaled slowly.
"I'm taking her to bed," he said softly.
Ai snapped out of her daze. "Wait, why not my room?" she asked quickly. "Yuki and Rika can sleep in my room and I'll go with you."
Yuki blinked. "W-Wait, what?"
Shin looked at Ai, his tone firm but kind. "I need to talk to Rika. About something important."
He stepped closer.
Shin leaned in and silenced her with a deep kiss. His hand cupped her cheek, his lips commanding yet tender, pushing into hers with full intention. Ai's gasp melted into a needy whimper as her shoulders relaxed, knees nearly giving out. Yuki sat frozen beside them, his face beet red, mouth slightly open in disbelief at the open display of passion happening inches from him.
When Shin pulled back, Ai was breathless. His thumb brushed the edge of her lower lip.
"Tomorrow's Sunday," he whispered against her mouth. "And I'm all yours. Every second."
Ai nodded, dazed, heart thumping like a drum. "Okay…"
Shin turned and walked toward his room, carrying Rika in his arms like a delicate treasure. Yuki and Ai watched silently, both consumed by different storms of emotion.
Her arms stayed around his neck. Her legs, slack with sleep, hung down gently. Her head pressed to his chest. She let out a soft sigh.
Ai and Yuki watched silently as he carried her bridal-style down the hall.
His door clicked shut behind him.
---
The room was dim, lit only by the faint moonlight slipping through the blinds. Shin gently laid Rika down on the bed, careful not to wake her. The mattress dipped under her weight, and her body shifted with a slow, sleepy roll.
Her pajama shorts had ridden up slightly on her thighs, revealing more of her supple, creamy legs. Her hips, full and round, looked almost too perfect in the soft light—curves sculpted by some divine artist. One leg bent at the knee, slightly open in sleep, the delicate muscle tone in her thigh catching the silver light.
Her shirt lifted just enough to reveal a sliver of her waist and stomach—flat, smooth, and lightly flushed. Her chest rose steadily, the faint outline of her breasts moving beneath the fabric. The neckline of the shirt dipped low, giving Shin a glimpse of the valley between her breasts as she shifted, sighing softly.
Her arms curled near her face, her fingers twitching slightly as if still dreaming. Shin stood there for a moment, watching.
She was stunning.
Not just physically. There was something about the way she slept that softened everything sharp about her. Her guard was down. Her walls had collapsed. All that was left was Rika—the lonely, sweet, insecure girl who just wanted to be loved.
He pulled the blanket over her gently, tucking it under her arms. Her lips parted slightly, a soft exhale escaping them. A small sound of contentment.
Shin lay beside her, facing her. He didn't touch her. He just watched.
Her hair spread like silk over the pillow. Her cheek pressed into it, making her lips pout a little. Her nose twitched, and she let out the tiniest snore, barely audible.
Shin smiled.
He let his hand rest near hers on the mattress. Close, but not touching.
She shifted again, one leg brushing against his under the blanket. He held his breath.
Then, as if sensing his presence, her body rolled slightly toward him in sleep. Her forehead pressed lightly to his chest, her breath warm through his shirt.
Just her, asleep in his arms.
And the feeling of being needed.
---
END OF CHAPTER : 79 : VULNERABLE!
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