The living room lights were dimmed, a single floor lamp casting a warm amber glow. A soft romantic comedy played on the large screen, but no one was paying much attention to the plot.
Rikuto sat in the center of the couch, with Aya curled under his left arm — already dozing off, her head on his shoulder. On his right…
Rina.
Legs bare. Tank top tight.
And far too close.
She held a blanket over her thighs, but her eyes weren't on the movie.
They were on him.
---
Suddenly system chimes in...
> New Minor Task Generated:
"Fan the Embers: Touch Without Touching"
Objective: Tease Rina without direct contact.
Reward: +5 Affection Points | +0.3 Charm
Hint: "Heat rises with playful risk."
Rikuto smirked inwardly.
Time to play.
---
As the movie dragged on, Rikuto shifted slightly. His right thigh pressed gently into Rina's, sending a jolt up her leg.
She flinched.
But didn't move away.
He let his fingers hover near the blanket edge, close to her skin, but never quite touching. The proximity alone made her tense. She adjusted her position, pulling the blanket up — and when she did, the hem of her tank top lifted ever so slightly, revealing her smooth stomach.
Her breathing quickened.
She wasn't cold.
She was heating up.
---
"Oh, I forgot," Rina whispered suddenly, breaking the silence. "I brought snacks."
She reached into the bowl on the table and picked out a small strawberry.
She held it up to Rikuto with a sly grin. "Want one?"
He turned, smirking. "Feed me."
Her eyes lit up. She brought it to his lips, but just before he bit down, he caught her wrist — and slowly sucked the berry from her fingers, letting his lips brush over her skin.
She gasped.
A full-body shiver.
And a whisper of a moan escaped her lips before she caught herself.
Aya stirred beside him, still half-asleep, mumbling something before shifting.
Rina blinked fast, cheeks flushed.
Rikuto leaned close, his voice low. "Your turn."
He picked up a berry and held it to her lips. When she opened her mouth, he didn't pull back — he pushed it slowly between her lips, letting his fingers trail along the corners of her mouth.
Juice trickled down her chin.
She licked it off.
Eyes locked on his.
It was innocent.
But not really.
---
System Update
> Quest Update:
✅ "Fan the Embers" complete.
Reward: +5 Affection | +0.3 Charm
🟢 Rina's current state:
Mood: Stirred | Guard: Medium | Desire: Kindled
"She's imagining things now. Let the fantasy simmer. Soon, she'll crave the real."
---
Aya finally yawned and sat up. "I'm going to bed…"
Rina stood too, clearing her throat. "Yeah, same. Thanks for the movie, brother-in-law."
She didn't look back as she walked away.
But her steps were quicker.
Tighter.
And somewhere behind that closed guestroom door — a hand slid under her shorts as she bit her lip, remembering how his fingers felt… even though they never touched her.