The room Sieg-san had booked was truly magnificent. In modern terms, it was a proper suite—incredibly spacious, with a large, private bath right inside.
It felt more like a high-end guest house, undoubtedly one of the most exclusive rooms in the entire inn.
But even so... even so, it couldn't compare to the vastness of a public hot spring. While the tub was more than big enough for two people to soak comfortably, it was still a relatively confined space.
Since the inn catered to nobility, the bathroom was lavishly appointed. It featured a Western-style aesthetic rather than a traditional Japanese one, with what appeared to be marble fixtures and bright, clear lighting.
"It’s so beautiful and grand, but... having grown accustomed to the baths at Lili’s mansion, it feels strangely small," Sieg-san admitted.
"I know what you mean. The bath at my house is also quite large, so even though it sounds ungrateful, I feel the same way."
I agreed with Sieg-san as she stood there with a towel wrapped around her body. I was incredibly nervous, but I was holding it together. Was I still thinking straight? Mostly, yes.
It wasn't that I was used to mixed bathing with her just because this was the second time; I was only staying calm because I was trying my absolute hardest not to look directly at her.
"Ka-Kaito-san..."
"Y-Yes?"
"If you'd like, I could wash your back for you."
"Thank you very much."
I took back my earlier thought about being calm. Both our voices were slightly strained and high-pitched; we were both clearly on edge. I thanked her for the offer and sat down on the bath stool provided.
Sieg-san moved behind me without a word and began carefully scrubbing my back with a sponge.
"Do you have any itchy spots?"
"No, your pressure is just right."
"Seeing you like this... I suppose it's because you're a man, but your back feels so broad, Kaito-san."
"I-Is that so? I don't really train that much, so it’s a bit embarrassing..."
"But you look like you have a fair amount of muscle, you know?"
"Hmm, I do go jogging and exercise a bit, so that might be the result."
I often went jogging with Hina-chan, and I did some light strength training on the side. Regarding the latter, Kuro would occasionally give me guidance while she was teaching me magic.
She was especially quick to notice whenever I was lacking exercise, so the fact that I’d managed to maintain a decent physique without gaining flab was largely thanks to her.
As we had this light conversation, she finished washing my back and rinsed the soap away with warm water.
"Thank you... Um, shall I wash your back as well?"
"...Yes. Well then, I'll accept your offer..."
I proposed it as a return favor, and Sieg-san accepted. We swapped positions, and as she stood up, she removed her towel, holding it in front to shield her chest.
The sight of her flawless, porcelain-white skin was almost overwhelming, but I summoned every ounce of willpower to keep my composure and focus on her back.
"Alright, I'll start washing then. Let me know if you have any itchy spots."
"Yes. Thank you."
I lathered the sponge and began to wash her back. Even through the sponge, I felt like I could sense the incredible softness of her skin, and I felt the heat rising in my cheeks.
Her back was so delicate and slender—distinctly feminine.
"Okay, I'm going to rinse it off now."
"Please."
After thoroughly scrubbing her entire back, I rinsed it well with warm water. Afterward, we both finished washing our fronts separately and stepped into the tub.
The bath was plenty wide, but the proximity was undeniable. We sat side-by-side, so close our shoulders were practically touching.
"It feels good..."
"Yes. But it really is a little... embarrassing."
Sieg-san wasn't wearing a towel, and since the water was perfectly clear, I focused entirely on staring straight ahead.
Even if she wouldn't have minded if I looked, I felt like now wasn't the right moment. At the very least, I wasn't going to be a voyeur here.
Suddenly, her hand brushed against mine beneath the water. Neither of us spoke, but we naturally interlaced our fingers in a lover’s hand-holding.
"It’s strange," she whispered. "We haven't been in here long, but... I feel quite hot."
"I agree."
"It's just... how should I put it? My heart is pounding, and I'm so embarrassed... but it isn't a bad feeling at all."
"I feel the same way. I'm strangely nervous, but it’s not an unpleasant feeling... It’s quite mysterious."
With an indescribable, restless sensation between us, we soaked side-by-side for a while, as if mentally preparing our hearts for what was to come.
Serious-senpai: "W- Waaaaaahhh... M- My body is... melting from the sugar!?"
???: "...Melting? Why is your biology changing every single time? What kind of body do you even have, Senpai...?"