Chapter 21: The Night They Shared
Kazuki's heart pounded as he followed Elara into her room, the air thick with tension and unspoken desire. The soft glow of the lantern bathed the room in a warm, amber light, casting shadows that danced across the walls.
Elara closed the door behind them, leaning against it for a moment as she took a deep, steadying breath. "Kazuki," she said, her voice a soft whisper. "Are you really okay with this?"
Kazuki stepped closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "Yes. I want to stay with you."
Elara's cheeks flushed as she pushed off the door, closing the distance between them. "Then don't hold back."
Kazuki's hands found her waist, pulling her against him as their lips met in a slow, deep kiss. Elara's fingers tangled in his hair, her body pressing closer as the kiss intensified. Kazuki's heart raced as he felt her warmth, her softness, her scent wrapping around him like a drug.
"Kazuki..." Elara whispered as she pulled back, her forehead resting against his. "I've wanted this for so long."
Kazuki's thumb brushed against her cheek, his other hand slipping beneath the hem of her shirt, feeling the smooth skin beneath his fingertips. "Me too."
Elara's breath hitched as Kazuki's lips moved to her neck, trailing hot, lingering kisses down to her collarbone. Her hands gripped his shoulders, her nails digging in as a soft moan escaped her lips.
"Kazuki," she breathed, her eyes half-lidded and dark with desire. "Take me."
Kazuki's pulse thundered in his ears as he lifted her, carrying her to the bed. Elara's arms wrapped around his neck, her lips finding his once more as they fell onto the mattress, bodies entwined, breaths mingling in the heated air.
Time seemed to blur as they lost themselves in each other, their movements slow and sensual, every touch, every kiss a silent confession of all the feelings they had been holding back for so long.
Much later, as they lay tangled together beneath the sheets, Elara rested her head on Kazuki's chest, her fingers tracing lazy circles over his skin. "Are you okay?" she asked softly.
Kazuki smiled, his hand stroking her hair. "More than okay."
Elara sighed, her eyes drifting closed as she snuggled closer. "Then stay with me. Just a little longer."
Kazuki's arms tightened around her, his lips pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "I'm not going anywhere."