Chapter 11: A Heated Encounter
Kazuki limped back to the barracks, his entire body aching from the intense training session. His shirt clung to his damp skin, and his hair was matted with sweat.
"You look like you've been run over by a carriage," a familiar voice said.
Kazuki turned to see Tara leaning against the doorframe of her room, her arms crossed beneath her chest, pushing her cleavage up enticingly. Her grin was playful, her green eyes gleaming.
"Yeah, well," Kazuki muttered, rubbing his sore shoulder. "Elara doesn't hold back."
"Neither do I," Tara said, pushing off the doorframe and walking toward him. Her hips swayed with each step, her curves accentuated by her tight training outfit. "Need some help with those sore muscles?"
Kazuki swallowed. "I... uh... I'll be fine."
Tara's grin widened. "Oh? Are you sure?"
Before Kazuki could respond, Tara grabbed his wrist, pulling him inside her room and shutting the door behind them. The room was small, but the bed was large and inviting, the scent of flowers hanging in the air.
"Sit," Tara said, pushing Kazuki down onto the bed.
Kazuki's heart pounded as Tara climbed onto the bed behind him, her hands sliding over his shoulders. "You're so tense," she whispered, her lips dangerously close to his ear.
Her fingers pressed into his muscles, kneading them gently but firmly. Kazuki winced at first, but the pressure began to feel good—too good.
"Relax," Tara said, her breath warm against his neck. "You've been working so hard. You deserve a little reward."
Kazuki's face burned as Tara's chest pressed against his back, her hands sliding lower, dangerously close to his waist.
"T-Tara..." Kazuki managed, his voice strained.
"Hmm?" Tara whispered, her lips brushing against his ear. "Something wrong?"
Kazuki's mind raced, his pulse quickening. The warmth of Tara's body, the softness of her touch—it was overwhelming.
But before anything more could happen, the door swung open.
"Kazuki!" Elara's voice rang out, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. "What the hell is going on?!"
Tara pulled back, her grin unapologetic. "Just helping Kazuki relax."
Elara's jaw clenched, her golden eyes flashing with irritation. "Get out."
Tara chuckled, sliding off the bed and sauntering toward the door. "Guess I'll see you later, Kazuki," she said, winking. "Hope you enjoyed my 'training session.'"
As the door closed behind her, Kazuki slumped forward, his face buried in his hands. Elara stood there, arms crossed, her gaze intense.
"Care to explain?" she demanded.
Kazuki groaned. "It's... not what it looks like."