"Why is Sera mad?" Jin whispered, confused.
'She is not angry,' Asha said, with what Jin could have sworn was a faint hint of amusement. 'This is known as tsundere behavior. My algorithm predicts she would faint if you complimented her hair right now.'
Ignoring Asha's ridiculous comment, Jin grimaced as Clara applied an antiseptic wipe to a deeper wound. "Y-You're very gentle," he said, closing one eye and bearing the pain.
Clara's whole body tensed at the compliment, her hands hesitating for a moment. "Y-you saved me… It's the least I can do," she whispered, not looking up at him. The slightest smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"T-These are deeper than I...I thought," Clara murmured, leaning close enough that he could smell her hair, which still carried a faint scent of something floral. "This is g-going to sting."
Jin hissed as the antiseptic hit the ripped flesh, but her fingers were soft as she cleaned the wounds. He found himself observing her face as she worked, the way she bit her bottom lip while concentrating had a certain beauty to it.
Sera had stepped forward, supposedly to watch Clara's technique, but really just to be closer. Every movement was followed by her amber eyes, and Jin noticed that she repeatedly looked at his chest.
"What?" Jin asked, feeling self-conscious.
"N-Nothing, Hmmp!" Sera said quickly, but her blush betrayed her.
"T-There," Clara said finally, stepping back to admire her work shyly. "A-All cleaned up. But you should rest."
---
[STATUS UPDATE – SUBJECT: JIN]
Injury Report:
• Lacerations (Ribs): Cleaned and sterilized
• Bruising (Left Shoulder): Minor tissue damage – stabilized
• Surface Scratches: Mostly healed
Physical Stats:
• HP: 82 / 336 → 135 / 336
• Stamina: 23 / 336 → 78 / 336
[Auto-Med Protocols: SUCCESSFUL]
[System Note: Muscle recovery ongoing – avoid overexertion]
---
'Wound stabilization complete. Stamina has recovered to 78%. HP has risen significantly. You are no longer a bleeding liability. However, you still require proper sleep and caloric intake.'
"We should all rest," Sera said, though she made no move to leave his side. "And... clean up. We're all filthy."
The fatigue that had been suppressed by adrenaline finally started to show. Rosa stretched, drawing attention to the way her torn clothing clung to her curves. "So," she said, moving toward the bathing area, "who's brave enough to join me for that bath?"
Clara blushed. "B-brave?"
Rosa grinned. "My towel's waiting."
However, a sudden weight changed the mood. Jin blinked slowly, still sitting on the edge of the bed. "I..I think I'll just… close my eyes… for a minute…"
'You've exceeded biological limits, Jin. You need to sleep; your body is demanding it,' Asha said softly in his neural feed.
Jin's vision blurred at the edges. He tried to respond to Asha, but no words came out.
'Your vitals are stabilizing. You did well. Rest now, Jin... I'll keep monitoring.'
Suddenly, his body gave way to fatigue, and he slumped sideways.
Rosa reappeared instantly, assisting Clara as she lunged to catch him, her arms flailing. Silently, Sera adjusted a pillow under his head as the two girls gently laid his body on the mattress.
"H-he just passed out…" Clara said, her voice laced with worry.
"The idiot pushed himself too hard," Sera whispered, kneeling beside him.
"Poor hero... not even enough strength left to enjoy the view," Rosa said softly, her teasing tone replaced by genuine concern.
As Jin fell into unconsciousness, his lips slightly parted, his brow furrowed, and his breathing evened out. The faint blue color of the med-gel pulsed on his wrapped wounds. For a moment, the three girls just watched him sleep. He had defended them, thrown them to safety, and fought like a beast.
"H-He's exhausted," Clara whispered.
"...Yeah," Sera's voice was barely audible.
A soft chime echoed from the bathing module. The steam was still rising.
"Well then," Rosa said, breaking the silence. "We can't let the bath go to waste." She turned with a flick of her pink hair and a wicked grin. "It's girls' night."
The girls exchanged glances—tired, filthy, but united. With a nod from Clara and a roll of the eyes from Sera, the trio headed toward the steaming haven. The lights dimmed slightly in the chamber behind them, leaving Jin to his well-deserved rest.
---
[TO BE CONTINUED…]
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