Her Room

Is there a limit to the sheer extent of one's happiness?

This question, pondered by countless philosophers throughout the ages, may have elusive answers tucked away in the depths of scholarly tomes. However, such ponderings were inconsequential in the grand scheme of my current reality.

Reflecting upon the countless hours I spent yearning for this very moment to materialize, I couldn't help but feel a surge of euphoria welling up inside me. She was now unquestionably and irrevocably mine, a treasure I would guard with unwavering devotion.

Time flew by, and our bond deepened with each passing week. And when I say "deepened," I mean it.

Every day seemed to brim with joy and contentment as we reveled in each other's company. On this particular day, our chosen pastime was a lively card game.

Since venturing beyond the confines of our sanctuary would only invite desolation, I utilized my shadow manipulation abilities to create a deck of cards for our amusement. The mana expenditure was surprisingly minimal, for once I imbued the shadows with the properties of cards, they became tangible constructs recognized by reality itself. Until I dispelled them, they functioned as independent entities, adapted to the rules of the game they emulated. This mastery over pseudo-creation from shadows had taken centuries to refine, a testament to the depths of my dedication.

But I digress, for that was not the focal point.

On that eventful day, as I emerged victorious for the 47th time, our conversation took a meandering path. In a seemingly casual manner, Ais posed a question that caught me off guard. She inquired whether I would be sleeping in my own room, prompting me to confess that I rarely went there.

Instead, I would often find myself venturing into the city, tirelessly scouring for any trace or clue that could lead us to the whereabouts of the Ikelos Familia or any appearance of the Faction that Malachi is part of. Regrettably, my efforts had thus far proved fruitless, yielding no substantial breakthroughs.

As my words hung in the air, I noticed a subtle pout forming on Ais' lovely face. Did my lack of presence in that room displease her? The thought lingered in my mind, prompting a surge of introspection.

"If you're not there, then I find little motivation to remain there either," I added, even if it was clear already.

I anticipated a blush or some form of bashfulness to manifest on her countenance, yet her response caught me off guard.

"Then, sleep in my room."

And so, at present, we found ourselves nestled within the confines of her room...

As I surveyed the room, a pang of realization washed over me. It was as plain and unadorned as I had anticipated, devoid of any feminine touches or personal belongings. Ais' singular focus on revenge left little room for indulging in the trivialities of life.

At that moment, I instinctively uttered

"In the future, this room will be full of things, Ais. I can assure you of that," I declared, my voice infused with determination.

Did I feel a sense of pity for my beloved girlfriend? Not in the slightest. Instead, I harbored a deep desire to provide her with something far more meaningful.

I knew that I couldn't fill the void left by the absence of her parents, but I resolved to do my utmost to create an environment brimming with warmth, love, and the joy of shared experiences.

However, before we continued any further, there was an inquiry that demanded attention.

"So, Ais, did you seek guidance from Riveria on... the matters pertaining to men and women?"

I deemed it inappropriate to feign ignorance or exploit her innocence. If she lacked awareness, then this night would serve as an opportunity for earnest discussion.

She settled herself on the bed, her cheeks flushed with a delicate hue of pink.

"...I do know," she admitted, her voice filled with a captivating mix of innocence and curiosity.

How utterly adorable she was at that moment. It took every ounce of self-control to not propose to her right then and there.

"I must confess, Ais, even though we've grown comfortable with each other over the past few weeks, I don't want to rush things. This is a new experience for you, and I want you to take all the time you need. However, if I do join you in that bed, you must promise not to unleash your attacks upon me. I fear I may succumb to temptations we might later regret. Do you understand?"

As her boyfriend, I had come to appreciate and revel in her mischievous nature. She possessed a feline-like allure, skillfully toying with her prey until she was satisfied. And if her desires were left unfulfilled, she wouldn't hesitate to resort to nibbling and teasing...

It took immense strength to resist allowing things to escalate too quickly.

Her eyes flickered with a mix of contemplation and longing as she nodded in agreement. Well, if she truly desired it that much, I would spare no effort in making her feel as if she was in heaven.

Though my skills may have dulled over time, I couldn't help but recall the fair popularity I had with the opposite sex in my previous life...

Silently, we found our way to bed, and I held her in my arms, savoring the warmth of her presence. With tender affection, my fingers delicately traced through her golden locks, a gentle melody of love and comfort.

Silently, we settled into bed, finding solace in each other's presence. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close to shield her from any worries.

I ran my fingers through her lustrous golden locks, savoring the softness beneath my touch.

The room fell into a serene stillness as I watched her surrender to the gentle lullaby of slumber.

The rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing against my chest filled me with an indescribable sense of contentment. At that moment, I yearned for time to freeze, so we could remain locked in this embrace forever, but...

Sadly, that was impossible.

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Author's Note:

Did you think it'd be a 18+ scene? No, not yet.

In Volume 4.