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Chapter 7: Between Fire and Flesh
I have seen the good in the world and I have seen the evil. But what matters is what stands in between the two.
A/N: I wanted to add romance to this tale.
So I'm sorry about the change in plans.
But there's more action to come, and if you don't like romance, then feel free to skip this chapter.
"It's so pretty," the girl said softly, rising to her feet as the sky shimmered above them. She turned to Rui and, without warning, embraced him tightly. Her arms wrapped around him, her cheek brushing his chest. Rui's heart skipped a beat, but what really made him freeze was the warm pressure of her large breasts pressing directly against him.
He inhaled sharply as he felt his trousers betray him.
"Let's get inside," he said quickly, awkwardly freeing himself from her grasp before he lost control of his senses.
They walked into the house, Rui quietly shutting the door behind them, still trying to clear his thoughts. Chinatsu casually lifted her hair and began tying it up into a bun with fluid, practiced grace. Rui watched, briefly stunned. Every movement she made looked like it belonged in a painting—elegant, effortless, intoxicating.
Then his mother appeared and beamed when she saw them.
"Rui, you've finally brought me a wife!" she declared, rushing forward to hug Chinatsu. But her enthusiasm faltered as her eyes landed on a strange blue mark on the girl's neck. She pulled back slightly, narrowing her eyes.
Rui opened his mouth to object, but his mother raised a hand.
"My goodness, what's that?" she asked, alarmed.
"Um... something bit me there," Chinatsu said with a faint laugh, lying without much effort.
"That won't stand," his mother said. She clapped her hands twice, summoning two maids who appeared within moments. "Get her ready. Treat her like a queen. She's having dinner with us."
The maids bowed, understood immediately, and gently ushered Chinatsu to another room. Rui sighed as she disappeared behind the door.
"Finally, I can rest," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "I couldn't take my eyes off her for a minute…"
His mother stood nearby, watching him with a grin that only spelled trouble.
He noticed and frowned. "What?"
"It's just the girl," she said, chuckling. "She's gorgeous... and very much endowed."
Rui's face went crimson. "Endowed?! Um..."
He backed away quickly, embarrassed, as his mother burst into laughter behind him.
† † †
"Rui, how do I look?" Chinatsu's voice called.
He turned—and nearly choked.
She twirled in a new dress, its neckline even deeper than before. Her generous chest jiggled slightly with each spin, the dress offering barely enough support. Rui's mouth fell open. The dress was supposed to be elegant, but nobody had thought to give her a corset, and now two soft mounds poked slightly through the thin fabric.
She seemed completely unaware.
"You look... amazing," he managed to say, tearing his gaze away and willing his mind to stay out of the gutter.
"Thanks", she said simply, glancing at her reflection in a nearby mirror.
She turned and walked out without another word, leaving Rui speechless.
From the kitchen, his mother called, "Rui, we're out of pepper. Mind running to the store?"
"Sure," he replied.
"I'll follow!" Chinatsu shouted, darting out after him.
"No, it's night and way too dangerous," Rui said sharply.
And also, I don't want to have an erection all the way to the store, he thought, gritting his teeth.
"Let her go," his mother said, smirking. "Besides, it's a nice way of bonding."
Rui sighed. His mom could be such a pervert sometimes.
They walked together under the dim glow of lanterns, the streets quiet but foreboding. Chinatsu skipped a few steps ahead, humming to herself.
"Hey, don't get too far ahead. This part of town is dangerous," Rui warned.
She paused and waited for him—but in that moment, a shadow lunged from the alley, grabbing her by the arm and yanking her away.
"Chinatsu!" Rui shouted, bolting after them.
The man moved fast, dragging her into a narrow alleyway. Rui gave chase, fury boiling in his chest. He turned the corner just in time to see the man slam her against the wall and tear open her top.
Her breasts spilled out, and she winced, trembling.
"Oh yes," the man growled, grabbing one and squeezing hard.
"Rui!!" Chinatsu cried out.
A vicious slap cracked across her cheek.
That was it.
Wind howled into the alley as flames erupted around Rui's fists. He charged forward like a bullet, igniting the attacker in a blazing inferno.
"Chinatsu, are you okay?" he asked, rushing to her side.
But he froze when he saw her. She was sobbing, trying to cover herself with trembling arms. Her face was flushed with shame and fear. Rui's heart ached.
The attacker, still aflame, staggered to his feet and tackled Rui, slamming him against the wall. The fire on his body hissed out, but his fists rained down like steel.
Then, turning again to Chinatsu, the man grabbed her wrist and yanked her arms away from her chest.
Chinatsu responded with a furious kick straight to his groin.
He screamed and crumpled.
She ran to Rui, kneeling beside him.
"Rui..."
He looked up into her tear-filled eyes.
"Rui…"
"Chii," he whispered. "I love you. From the first moment I saw you, until now. I've always loved you."
"Aww, boo hoo," the man mocked, staggering toward them again.
Chinatsu's fist slammed into his face before he could reach her.
Rui exploded in rage. Fire surged from his palm as he drove a blade of flame into the man's chest.
The attacker collapsed, blood pooling beneath him.
Chinatsu stared, wide-eyed, as red drops splattered across Rui's face.
"Let's get home," he said softly.
† † †
His mother said nothing as Rui recounted what happened. She only shook her head solemnly.
"I don't know what this town is turning into. Ever since Akuma took over, the place has taken an unholy turn," she said bitterly.
Rui was heading to his room when he heard faint sobbing from Chinatsu's bedroom. He hesitated, then knocked.
"Chi, can I come in?"
"Yeah..." she said between sobs.
He stepped inside. She was curled up on the bed in a nightgown—simple and modest, but her sadness outshone everything. He sat on the edge of the bed, facing her.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I was staring at you when you were vulnerable. You've lost so much... your brothers, your peace. And now, I've only added to your pain. I don't deserve you, Chii."
She reached out, her fingers wrapping around his.
"Don't make this more awkward, Rui. We love each other. But we live in a world filled with evil, lustful people and monsters."
Rui looked into her eyes and couldn't hold back. He leaned forward and kissed her.
She gasped slightly, but didn't pull away. Then her eyes drifted shut, and she kissed him back, holding him close.
But after a moment, she broke away, her breath shaky.
"No, Rui... we can't. Now please leave my room."
"Can't what? Chii…"
She straightened her hair, avoiding his eyes. "I don't want to talk to you. You can leave now."
Her words hit harder than a punch. Rui nodded silently and walked out.
Behind the door, he heard her sobbing again.
His heart twisted.
And for the first time in a long time... he hated the world more than ever.
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