After seeing off Tsunade, Nawaki, and Mikoto, and watching Mrs. Nohara carry Rin into the depths of the courtyard, the new house was finally enveloped in complete silence.
Now, only the sound of running water in the kitchen and Kushina's soft, off-key humming rippled through the still air like tiny waves.
The scent of dinner had long been carried away by the night breeze.
Ryo stood not far behind Kushina, his gaze naturally falling on her familiar, warm red hair. She stood slightly on tiptoe, a few loose strands clinging to her neck. Her slender wrists moved nimbly as she carefully rinsed the foam from the dishes.
Without a word, he stepped forward. With a natural sense of closeness, he approached her from behind, his movements as natural as breathing.
Kushina's hands froze, still holding a wet ceramic plate. A familiar warmth washed over her. She could feel the solid presence behind her, his breath passing through the thin fabric of her home wear, bringing an indescribable sense of stability.
"Ryo…" she called softly, her voice tinged with a slight tremor, as though waking from a trance.
The only response was the warm breath near her ear. He leaned down, arms gently wrapping around her from behind.
Kushina's body trembled slightly. A blush quickly rose to her cheeks, spreading to her earlobes. Her heart skipped a beat, then thudded heavily in her chest. The plate in her hand slipped but was caught in time by the figure behind her.
She instinctively tried to pull away, flustered by the closeness, but his steady embrace held a gentle firmness, carrying a sense of protection. Sensing this warmth, her panic slowly faded. She stopped struggling, letting herself be wrapped in the embrace. His breath moved closer, brushing lightly against her lips.
It was a kiss filled with longing. As their breaths mingled, the sound of running water in the kitchen stretched out, blending with their increasingly audible breathing. Kushina felt a wave of dizziness. She tilted her head slightly, accepting this long-awaited closeness. Time seemed to slow in that quiet moment.
When Ryo pulled back a little, his forehead rested against her hair. Kushina blushed deeply, turning into a little tomato, still dazed in the warm atmosphere.
Ryo looked down at her, his eyes no longer cold or distant, but filled with pure affection. He said nothing, simply pulled her closer, resting his chin on her fluffy red hair. His steady heartbeat thudded against her ear like a calming rhythm.
Kushina closed her eyes. Her usually tense nerves gradually relaxed. Fatigue and a newfound sense of security washed over her. The scent on him, like warm oak with a crisp undertone, filled her nose. Everything else faded. The only thing left was his heartbeat and the warmth surrounding her, like a refuge removed from all worldly concerns.
No one knew how long passed. The chirping of insects outside gradually became clear, forming a quiet summer symphony. Kushina stirred slightly, rubbing her cheek against his clothes, her voice soft and sleepy, "...Go take a bath."
Ryo didn't move right away. His arm tightened, reluctant to let go.
Kushina gave him a gentle push, her voice carrying a trace of whispered coaxing. "Go on. You've been working all day… you're all sweaty."
He finally gave a soft "Mhm," rubbing his head lightly against her hair, before letting her go.
As the embrace vanished, Kushina felt the cool air from outside and instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. Her eyes followed Ryo's tall back as he walked toward the bathroom. The frosted glass door slid open, then quietly shut.
Water began to run.
Left alone, Kushina gently touched the place where their warmth had just connected, her cheeks burning again as she turned into the Steam Princess Little Tomato.
She had clearly felt something restrained in his body during their embrace. She didn't fully understand it, but she could tell he had been suppressing himself. Ryo had been enduring, silently protecting her.
That silent, gentle care stirred something soft in her heart. A warm current melted through her chest, and a strong desire to return that protection began to rise. She took a deep breath. Her face was still flushed, but a look of resolve appeared in her eyes.
She returned to the room, pulled out a new cotton bathrobe, and carefully wrapped it around herself. She tied the belt firmly. In the mirror, her red face looked determined. She gently patted her cheeks, steadying her nerves.
Steam poured out from under the bathroom door, fogging the frosted glass. Inside, only a vague silhouette of his tall figure could be seen. Kushina paused, took two deep breaths, then reached up and knocked lightly on the door.
"..."
The sound of water paused briefly.
"Ryo…" Her voice was soft, tinged with nervousness and a slight tremor, but it cut clearly through the steam. "…Can I come in for a moment?"
A few seconds of silence.
Then, with a soft click, the lock turned from inside, and the door opened just a crack. A wave of steam and a richer warmth rushed out.
"…Come in," Ryo's low voice came through.
Kushina's heart raced. She gently pushed the door open. The thick mist instantly wrapped around her, dampening the hair on her forehead and the collar of her robe. Everything became hazy. She could just make out the edge of the bathtub and his broad back, faintly visible in the steam.
Her cheeks flushed hotter. Lowering her eyes, she walked over to the edge of the tub and sat down. The water was warm. Even through the robe, she could feel the comforting heat.
"I…" She picked up a towel from the nearby rack, her voice barely above a whisper. "Would you like me to scrub your back?"
Ryo didn't turn. He just gave a low "Mm."
Kushina took another breath, soaked the towel in water, wrung it out, then gently placed it on his back. Her movements were slow and careful, tracing along his solid muscles from shoulder to shoulder.
Only the sound of water and the towel filled the bathroom. The steam blurred the lines of the space, softening the distance between them. As she continued, her nerves began to relax. She even sensed that the tension under her hands was gradually easing.
"That's enough," Ryo suddenly said. His voice was low, deeper than the steam. He shifted slightly, making the water ripple, and a damp, warm hand settled over her wrist.
Kushina froze in surprise.
Ryo turned toward her. Water trailed down his jaw. His wet red hair clung to his forehead. His eyes, visible through the mist, were calm but intense. That look was powerful, almost overwhelming.
Flustered, Kushina tried to pull her hand back. Her face flushed again.
But his grip was gentle and firm. Not only did he not release her, he used the water's buoyancy to pull her slightly forward.
"Ah!" she let out a startled cry. Slipping on the edge of the tub, she lost her balance and fell into the hot water with a splash.
Her bathrobe was instantly soaked and heavy. The rising steam thickened. Right in front of her was Ryo's body, radiating heat that merged with the mist. Half-submerged in the water, her senses were flooded by his scent mixed with steam.
"Ryo!" she called out in a mix of shyness and panic, trying to steady herself.
Ryo's low voice came from above. "Didn't you say you came in to help?" His other arm wrapped firmly around her waist.
Kushina stopped moving, her heart thudding. She looked up, meeting his gaze.
His eyes were steady, full of emotions too deep to name.
The steamy air around them felt like a space that existed just for the two of them.
Ryo leaned down, his breath brushing her flushed face. "Like this… is this close enough?"
The simple words struck deep. Kushina felt a wave of warmth rise inside her. Her earlier hesitation was replaced by determination.
The water in the tub churned, sloshing against the walls.
Warm water spilled over, soaking the floor tiles. The white mist grew heavier, surrounding them in a shroud of heat and blurred silhouettes.
Kushina's breath grew faster. Strands of her wet red hair clung to her face.
Ryo's presence was strong and steady, like a wall of warmth. Water ran down his body. His hand remained at her side, cradling her gently.
Every breath, every ripple of water made her tremble slightly, but it was a tremble filled with trust.
Splash.
Kushina lifted her head from the water. Her chest rose and fell softly. Her large blue eyes met his.
In that gaze, affection bloomed quietly, falling into Ryo's deep, steady eyes.
A warmth surged in his heart. He released her wrist and pulled her tightly into his arms.
His chin rested heavily on her damp hair, scented with soap.
"…Kushina…" he whispered hoarsely into her hair.
Wrapped in his arms, she felt a security she had never known. Her body softened completely, sinking into his warmth.
She closed her eyes, surrendering to the embrace that surrounded her entirely. Fatigue faded, replaced by peace and quiet joy.
As the water cooled, Ryo gently wrapped her in a large towel and lifted her out of the tub.
Her head rested on his shoulder, her soaked red hair brushing his jaw. Her breathing was soft, on the edge of sleep.
He laid her on the bed and dried his hair with a towel.
Kushina, like a cat finding its safe haven, rubbed against the pillow with a contented sound. A faint blush remained on her cheeks. Under the soft light, she looked like a sleeping fairy.
Ryo watched her quiet face. His fingers hovered above her brows and eyes, gently tracing the air above them. The emotions in his eyes settled into a deep tenderness.
He turned off the light and lay down beside her. The cold bed quickly warmed.
In her sleep, Kushina instinctively leaned toward the warmth, snuggling into his arms. Her forehead rested against his arm, her breath soft and even.
Ryo adjusted his position, one arm behind her neck, the other wrapped protectively around her waist, holding her close.
(To be continued.)
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