"Huh?"
"I… I love you too!" Maelona blurted out suddenly, the words spilling from her before she could stop them. Her face burned instantly, and she vanished beneath the quilt in pure shame and embarrassment, hiding as if the blankets could swallow her whole.
Aether laughed, the sound deeper and more amused than before.
"Looks like my dear needs a little more pounding~" he teased shamelessly.
"G-Get out, you monster!" Maelona shouted from under the bed covers, her voice muffled and panicked, as if she were genuinely terrified he might act on his words again.
Her body was absolutely not ready for that... Not now... Not even close!
Please, let her rest!!
Aether only smiled softly in response. He rose from the bed at an unhurried pace and walked toward the bathroom, closing the door behind him. The sound of running water followed, and not long after, he stepped out freshly showered.
