A Day of Unwinding

 The crimson flames scorched the night, their fiery glow casting eerie shadows and the metallic tang of blood heavy in the air. My hand felt soiled, stained by the darkness of the scene. It was an abyss, consuming all light and hope. Desperately, I reached out, trying to grasp something just out of reach, but it slipped through my fingers. As I drifted towards slumber, my consciousness slowly faded.

"No! " Nao gasped, startling Ema, who was calmly sipping her morning coffee.

"What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare? " Ema asked, concern furrowing her brow as she continued to sip her coffee. 

"Nightmare...? Yeah, I did. That was just a nightmare. "

She thought aloud, her body shaking, her breathing ragged, making Ema cocked her right brow in concern. 

Why is she fidgeting? Ema pondered to herself. 

"I'm going to go wash up. " Nao said. 

"Be careful! " Ema cautioned.

 In the dormitory, there were no private baths. To bathe, they had to make their way to the bathhouse situated between the male and female dormitories.

The bathhouse was colossal, divided into separate sections for males and females.

It was only my second time here, and its vastness was just as overwhelming as I remembered.

As expected, I can't get used to it. Back at home, I'd have been showering privately in my room.

So showering with people, strangers at that! scares me...

she scanned the room nervously, and everywhere she looked, there were unclothed girls. It made her tense.

Some of them have bigger boobs than mine...

she clutched her hands, trying to shield her modest chest, which was neither small nor big. Thoughts raced through her mind, noticing the variety of body shapes and sizes around her.

 Inside the bathhouse, Nao took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. the changing area, a well-lit space with wooden benches and lockers neatly arranged. The warm wooden interiors and soft lighting gave the room a cozy atmosphere.

Nao selected an empty locker and began to undress, carefully placing her clothes inside. She felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The steamy aroma of cedar wood and the faint scent of soap filled the air, creating a soothing environment.

After disrobing, she draped a small towel over her shoulder, grabbed her bath supplies, and made her way toward the shower area. Here, the hot steam filled the room as the sound of gently splashing water, and the soft murmurs of other bathers created a tranquil backdrop.

This place has a calming atmosphere I like that!

She found an empty shower stall, equipped with a small plastic stool and a handheld showerhead. Nao hesitated for a moment, not entirely comfortable with the idea of showering alongside strangers. She glanced around at the other women who seemed at ease, going about their routine without a hint of self-consciousness.

Come on Nao, you've done it before!

Though it was with Ema... 

NO! I should be able to do this by myself!

Taking a deep breath, she took a seat on the stool and picked up the showerhead. She adjusted the water temperature and allowed the soothing cascade to wash over her, starting with her feet and working her way up. The warmth of the water began to relax her tense muscles.

Aaaaah~~ This feels amazing!

Nao thought, her face was full of bliss, her mouth grinning widely as she started to hum to a tune.

 After a thorough rinse, she placed the showerhead back on its hook and headed towards the large hot bath, her towel discreetly wrapped around her waist. The bath area was a spacious room with high ceilings, adorned with traditional Japanese décor, such as wooden beams and lanterns that cast warm, soft glows.

In one corner, the hot bath, or ofuro, awaited her. Nao hesitated at the edge of the bath, feeling a rush of anticipation. The steam rising from the water created an inviting ambiance, and she couldn't resist any longer. Slowly, she immersed herself in the soothing embrace of the hot water. Her body relaxed as the tension melted away, and she let out a contented sigh.

Nao gazed around and noticed that the other women in the bathhouse were engaged in hushed conversations or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere. The shared experience of bathing had erased the initial discomfort she had felt in the shower area.

The gentle sounds of water, the warmth enveloping her, and the camaraderie of the other bathers put her at ease. She realized that this bathhouse experience was not just about cleansing the body but also a chance to unwind and bond with others in a unique setting.

Nao leaned back against the edge of the ofuro, closed her eyes, and allowed the tranquility of the bathhouse to wash over her, embracing her in its warm and welcoming embrace. It was a moment of pure relaxation and joy that she managed to bathe without Ema.

 As Nao soaked in the ofuro, the water enveloped her body with its warm, tender embrace. The initial rush of anticipation was replaced by a profound sense of peace. She stretched out in the bath, allowing the soothing heat to seep into her muscles, melting away every remaining knot of tension.

The steam in the room seemed to cocoon her in a comforting shroud, heightening her relaxation. Nao closed her eyes and let herself be carried away by the tranquility that surrounded her. It was as though the bathhouse had become a sanctuary, a haven where the cares of the world were temporarily forgotten.

The voices of the other bathers became soft, harmonious whispers in the background. They spoke of various things – classes, new friends, weekend plans. Nao listened without intruding, content to be a silent observer of this community. Their conversations created a serene backdrop, reaffirming her sense of belonging, even in this foreign land.

Nao's initial self-consciousness had transformed into a feeling of liberation. The presence of other women was no longer a source of discomfort, She couldn't help but smile, feeling the world's weight slowly lifting off her shoulders.

 Nao decided it was time to leave the bathhouse, after noticing that her hand started to wrinkle, she knew she couldn't stay in the warm embrace of the hot bath forever.

Reluctantly, Nao rose from the ofuro, her body feeling lighter and her muscles utterly relaxed. She allowed the excess water to drip from her, watching as it formed tiny rivulets that trickled down her skin.

With her towel discreetly wrapped around her waist, she stepped out of the bath and made her way back to the changing area. The wooden floors felt warm underfoot, a stark contrast to the cozy coolness of the bathhouse's interior.

Dressed in fresh clothes and with a lightness in her step, Nao left the bathhouse, feeling completely refreshed. The weight of her earlier nightmare and the unease about the communal experience had been replaced by a sense of calm and rejuvenation.

The warm, post-bath glow gave her a natural radiance, and her contented smile did not go unnoticed by Yuto who coincidentally just got out of the male's bath. She didn't notice Yuto at first, but as she walked, she heard footsteps approaching from behind.

Turning around, she met Yuto's gaze. His expression was one of curiosity, and he couldn't help but be captivated by Nao's newfound radiance.

"You looked like you've been from heaven " He greeted her casually, a friendly grin playing at the corners of his mouth.

Nao chuckled, feeling a bit self-conscious but also strangely at ease. "It was my first time using the bathhouse alone, and I have to say, it was quite an experience. I feel so much more relaxed now."

Yuto nodded. "The bathhouse is the best! " His grin grew wider.

"Have you submitted you're club papers or not? " He asked.

"I haven't after what happened yesterday, I want to relax a bit more! " She replied stretching her muscles.

As they stood there, they struck up a casual conversation. Nao appreciated Yuto's friendly demeanor, which helped her feel at ease after her earlier nightmare. It was a simple interaction, but it left her with a renewed sense of belonging in this new environment.

With a warm nod of goodbye, Nao continued her journey back to her dormitory, the friendly encounter with Yuto adding an unexpected highlight to her day.

Upon entering her dorm, Nao made her way to her room, where Ema was busy studying at her desk. She looked up and couldn't help but notice the change in Nao's demeanor.

"You look like you're floating on clouds," Ema remarked, grinning.

Nao chuckled. "I guess I feel that way. The bathhouse was amazing. I needed that."

Ema nodded in understanding. "Sometimes, a bit of relaxation can do wonders. I've almost done reviewing my previous studies from middle school, so I'm thinking about joining you in some downtime."

With a shared smile, Nao and Ema settled into a cozy afternoon. The stresses of the day seemed a world away as they decided to laze around in their dorm, sharing stories, laughter, and a sense of companionship that only roommates could have.

Nao's morning had been filled with darkness and nightmares, but now, as she enjoyed the simple pleasure of relaxation and the company of a newfound friend, the day had taken on a brighter, more comforting hue.