Fia-sensei sat on the sofa with her arms open, waiting. Though she had called it a hug, as I walked toward her, the scene looked less like a mutual embrace and more like I was about to be gathered up in her arms.
"It’s actually a bit embarrassing when I’m this conscious of going in for a hug," I admitted.
"Fufu, but it’s just the two of us right now, so there’s no need to worry. You can pamper yourself as much as you like. Now then... come here."
"I-In that case, if you'll excuse me..."
With a gentle smile like the Holy Mother herself, Fia-sensei radiated the soothing aura of a kind older woman. I felt a strange, fluttering nervousness as I closed the distance.
She softly reached out, placing a hand against the back of my head to guide me in. It felt as though I was being cradled against her chest.
"Even things we’ve done many times can feel different when you’re being mindful of them," she whispered. "Miyama-kun, just relax your body and leave everything to me... Can you feel my body heat through the fabric?"
"Ah, yes. It’s... it’s warm."
"Mhm. Back to the talk about oxytocin—neuropsychology suggests that when you stroke someone at a speed of about five centimeters per second, it feels the most pleasant and triggers the strongest release of oxytocin. The theories are still debated, but they say the key is how slow contact allows the person to truly process the warmth and texture through their sense of touch."
As she spoke, Fia-sensei slowly pulled me closer. My face, which had initially only grazed her, was now pressed firmly against her. Her softness and warmth seemed to seep into my very core.
The faint, herbal fragrance of her skin, the tactile sensation of her hand stroking my hair, the soothing heat enveloping my face... it was almost too comfortable. I didn't know much about oxytocin or medical jargon, but the sense of security was overwhelming. A deep, cozy warmth radiated through my body.
"Can you breathe okay?"
"Yes. I guess this is what that oxytocin release feels like. It’s so pleasant... I feel almost lightheaded. I’m still a little embarrassed, but the sense of security definitely wins out."
"I see. That’s probably because you feel you can truly let your guard down around me. Since you trust me, the effect is even stronger. And then, of course, there’s my love for you. I’m going to hold you so gently that you’ll feel just how much I love and cherish you, even without any Sympathy Magic. So, for now, don't think about a thing. Just let me pamper you..."
Her arms tightened a fraction more, and my face sank into the soft cushion of her chest. She must have been mindful of the angle, however, because only the upper half of my face was pressed against her, so I didn't feel smothered even as she held me firmly.
It was just so incredibly soft. The sheer power of her older-sisterly inclusiveness was dangerous. It was so addictive that I felt like I could stay there forever. As she had said, her affection reached me directly without the need for magic. I found myself smiling with pure happiness.
"Fia-sensei, you're so kind and welcoming... it's so comfortable that I don't want to let go. It's scary how addictive this is."
"Oh? I don't see any problem with you getting addicted. I’m happy to do this for you whenever you like. Fufu, if it makes you feel good, it makes me happy too. These hugs are reserved just for you, Miyama-kun. No appointment necessary. I’ll hold you as long as you need."
Those words were practically a low blow. Her maternal warmth was staggering. Hearing her speak in that sweet, tender voice felt like drifting through heaven. This was bad—I really didn't think I could pull away now.
"Fufufu, it makes me happy when you let me spoil you... Once you’ve relaxed your fill, we’ll spend the rest of the day kissing and flirting like proper lovers. We have all the time in the world... right?"
Listening to her sweet invitation, I softly closed my eyes against her chest. I surrendered myself to the irresistibly pleasant sensations, finding a profound sense of peace within her all-encompassing embrace.
Serious-senpai: "Gah?! Kaito might be relaxing, but there is Tremendous Damage to Serious-senpai's Heart! I mean, look at Fia... This woman... her Sugar Power is off the charts!"
???: "Could you please stop trying to quantify things with weird stats? Besides, Fia-san is as straightforward as they come when it comes to romance. She’s part of the Romance Proactive Type who actively seeks out intimacy, so of course things are going to get sweet."