The morning sunlight filtered softly through the kitchen curtains as Rikuto stood by the counter, shirtless, a plain white towel wrapped low around his waist. Drops of water still clung to his collarbone from the shower, running slowly down his chest.
Aya was in the bathroom humming quietly, drying her hair.
The doorbell rang again.
He smiled knowingly.
> [System Notification: Passive Desire Field Activated – Target: Reina. Aura Influence: 22%]
He opened the door.
There she was.
Reina.
Dressed casually this time — black yoga pants, a loose cardigan, and a tank top that still hugged her curves beneath. No makeup, yet still stunning. Her breasts gently swayed as she stepped in, eyes catching on his bare torso immediately.
He saw the flicker of her breath catching.
Her voice came out a second too late. "Morning. I… was nearby and thought I'd stop by. Is Aya home?"
"She's in the bathroom." Rikuto stepped aside, his muscles subtly flexing. "Come in."
Her eyes flicked downward — and instantly widened.
The towel.
So low… and slightly loose.
She swallowed.
Her gaze darted away, but the image had already burned itself into her mind: a faint bulge pressing against the fabric, the hint of muscle under wet skin, the smell of soap and man.
> [Reina Bond Level: 2 → 3]
Desire Threshold Crossed. Lust Contained: 54%
He noticed it. Every tiny shift. The tremble in her fingers. The way her eyes flickered toward his torso and darted away, again and again, as if trying not to fall.
"You alright, mother-in-law?"
She cleared her throat. "Yes. Of course. Just… surprised to see you like this."
He smiled. "Sorry, I didn't expect company so early."
The towel slipped slightly lower.
Her eyes dropped instinctively before she caught herself and turned away—fast.
"I—I just wanted to ask Aya about the anniversary dinner. Your first month passed recently, didn't it?"
"Mm." He stepped closer, pouring himself tea. "It did."
He didn't offer her a chair.
Didn't offer her tea.
He just leaned against the counter, towel still barely hanging on, and looked at her — with a gaze that was not a son-in-law's.
"Thanks to her," he said softly, "I've found parts of myself I didn't even know were missing."
She blinked, lips slightly parted.
"I can see that," she muttered, voice faint.
He took a slow sip of tea. "You look tired. Rough night?"
Her jaw clenched.
He was baiting her. Testing her.
She bit back the instinct to snap — and simply said, "I couldn't sleep."
"Oh?" he tilted his head. "Restless dreams?"
Her legs pressed together beneath her yoga pants.
The silence between them stretched — thick, hot, suffocating.
"Your body's changed too," he added suddenly, voice silky. "You've always looked good, but now… you're glowing a little."
She froze.
That… was too direct.
"Don't speak to me like that," she said — but it came out more like a whisper than a threat.
He took a single step forward. Just enough.
"I'm just being honest. You walked in here, eyes already on my chest, checking out what's under my towel before you even said 'good morning.'"
Her heart skipped.
"You're—" she began, but her voice caught.
"I'm your daughter's husband. I know. But that didn't stop you from touching yourself last night, did it?"
Her mouth fell open.
Her face flushed crimson.
> [System Alert: Forbidden Line Crossed – Mental Collapse Begins]
Reina has now associated orgasm with the Host. Her body will begin reacting involuntarily to proximity.
Lust: 72% – Next encounter may trigger physical loss of control.
She stepped back, breath ragged. "I'm leaving."
But she didn't move right away.
Her hands clenched. Her eyes stayed locked on the towel one last time.
Rikuto smirked.
"You're welcome to stay longer."
She turned, fast — almost fleeing the apartment.
The door slammed.
He exhaled slowly.
> [New Side Quest Unlocked: "Push Her Over the Edge"]
Objective: Trigger an involuntary arousal reaction through close contact.
Reward: Unlock "Seduction Skill: Finger Dance – Allows stimulation through touch alone."
Just then, Aya walked out in shorts and an oversized t-shirt.
"Who was at the door?"
He turned to her and smiled gently. "Your mom. She came to check on you."
Aya blinked. "That's weird… she never drops by without notice."
Rikuto just kissed her forehead.
"She might start doing it more often."