The rain was pouring hard.
But even the cold rain couldn't wash away the burning sting on Mai's cheek.
Renako's slap still throbbed against her skin.
Mai stood there on the sidewalk, trembling, staring at the direction Renako had stormed off to. Her chest felt unbearably heavy.
Had she really done something so wrong… just for wanting something more?
Was it really that terrible to desire intimacy with the person you love?
Guilt pressed down on her like a weight she couldn't lift.
Then suddenly—
A shadow fell over her.
The rain stopped touching her.
Mai slowly looked up.
A black umbrella hovered above her head.
And beneath it stood a woman so breathtaking that Mai forgot how to breathe.
She was the very image of maturity and elegance. Tall. Perfectly proportioned. Her tailored clothes hugged her figure in a way that was both refined and dangerously alluring. Her face looked almost unreal—like something sculpted by divine hands.
But her eyes—
Those deep, golden eyes felt as though they could see straight through Mai's soul.
And the smile on her lips… warm, yet carrying something subtle. Something seductive.
Mai didn't recognize her.
Six years was a long time.
The timid girl from childhood was gone.
In her place stood a woman who could bring anyone to their knees.
"You'll get soaked, Mai-san," the woman said softly, her voice smooth like velvet. "Come with me."
Still dazed, Mai found herself following her.
Rimuru brought her to a luxurious, modern home—everything about it radiated wealth and precise control. Even the air felt deliberate.
After Mai had changed into dry clothes and calmed down slightly, Rimuru sat across from her, that same mysterious smile still playing on her lips.
"Who was that girl?" she asked casually.
"And why did you allow her to strike the most beautiful face in this city?"
Mai lowered her gaze.
Slowly, she told her everything. About Renako. About her feelings. About the moment it all fell apart because of one request.
"Maybe she was right…" Mai whispered. "Maybe I hurt her. I just… I feel guilty."
Rimuru stood.
She walked toward Mai with calm, measured steps.
Then she gently lifted Mai's chin with her fingers.
Their eyes met.
"Guilty?" Rimuru repeated softly.
"For having a natural desire?"
Her golden gaze sharpened.
"Isn't it normal to want to sleep with the person you love… my little star?"
Mai's heart skipped.
The world tilted.
That nickname—
Little star.
Only one person had ever called her that.
Her eyes widened.
"Ri… Rimuru?" she breathed.
"You… you're back?"