"Are you sure this is edible?" Lorin stared at the charred mystery on the table, unable to tell if it was vegetable or meat.

"Hm?" Xueyi looked back at him, puzzled, her smile eager for his reaction after tasting it.

Lorin nudged the fork. Had he not watched Xueyi cook it himself, he’d have suspected another one of her mysterious potions.

But seeing her hopeful expression, he couldn’t refuse. He took a small bite.

Just as he’d feared—bitterness and a strange texture flooded his mouth, impossible to identify.

Still, Lorin forced a smile to match Xueyi’s anticipation.

He couldn’t understand how her porridge and other dishes differed so wildly, as if made by two different people.

Grimacing through the meal, Lorin headed to the bath at Xueyi’s reminder.

For mages, heating water was trivial. But Lorin only wielded water magic. Xueyi, a fire mage, handled it effortlessly despite her inexperience.

Warm water soaked into his skin, melting away days of exhaustion.

Xueyi’s sudden disappearance had been dramatic, but she was safe.

*Still… should we really ignore what’s happening in the Royal Capital?*

Just as drowsiness crept in, rustling sounds came from outside the bathroom door.

Relaxed in the steam, Lorin didn’t react immediately—until the door slid open.

Xueyi stood there, completely bare.

"Xueyi—!" Lorin whirled away, clamping a hand over his nose to stop the heat rushing upward.

A single glance had seared her image into his mind, amplified by those strange dreams he’d had.

Silence swallowed the room, broken only by the door clicking shut.

Xueyi shielded herself slightly with her arms, but droplets beaded on her skin under the steam, her cheeks flushing pink.

Watching Lorin’s stiff back, she bit her lip. This was her choice, yet maidenly shyness made her hesitate.

Last time at his house, emotions had carried her—plus, she hadn’t been fully undressed. Now, clarity made her boldness feel reckless.

Footsteps neared. Lorin swallowed hard, water—or sweat—trickling down his temple.

"If you’re washing up, I’ll just… go now. Ha… ha…"

His nervous chuckle died the moment soft skin pressed against his back.

Xueyi molded herself against him, arms sliding from her body to encircle his waist. Her warmth fused with the bathwater, as if they might melt together.

Lorin couldn’t see her face, but the frantic heartbeat against his spine betrayed her nerves.

"Xueyi?"

He started to turn.

"W-wait!" Her voice came quick, breathless. "Don’t… don’t look yet."

"R-right." He snapped his head forward.

*She’s shy too.*

Xueyi had imagined intimate moments with him countless times. But reality stripped away the fantasy—cool water couldn’t instantly boil.

"Do you… think I’m too forward?"

"No! Never." Lorin shook his head.

Since confessing her feelings, Xueyi’s advances had grown bolder. Yet he’d never doubted her sincerity. She reserved this tenderness only for him, guarding it fiercely when others were near—like staking a claim.

"Then… turn around. Just a little."

"How little?" Lorin tensed, shifting awkwardly. "Like this? Or this?"

"…"

Annoyed by his clumsy act, Xueyi gripped his shoulders and spun him to face her.

She seized his hand and pressed it firmly over her left breast.

Warmth and softness flooded his palm. Lorin jerked his gaze upward, fighting a nosebleed.

But beneath his palm, he felt it—her racing heart, her trembling fingers.

"Only… with you…" Xueyi whispered, face crimson, words stumbling. "I’d dare… this…"

Lorin finally met her eyes. Mist or tears glistened in them, her gaze hazy with vulnerability. Her trembling hands and heartbeat were proof enough—she wasn’t fearless.

Xueyi lifted her chin, eyes fluttering shut.

Even Lorin understood the invitation.

His free hand rose hesitantly, then brushed her cheek before his lips met hers.

Steam made their kiss damp and warm.

The moment he responded, Xueyi transformed—shyness vanished as she pushed him against the tub wall, claiming his mouth with fierce hunger.

Lorin’s mind reeled. *I was the one initiating… now I’m the one being taken.*

Their bodies slid together, sweat and bathwater indistinguishable.

When they finally broke apart, gasping, their breaths mingled hotly.

"Is this… okay?" Xueyi murmured, nearly draped over him.

Lorin felt roles reversed. He steadied his breathing. "We could wait—"

Xueyi pressed a finger to his lips. Her eyes still held that feverish glow, but she nodded softly. "Mm."

"Then… just like this for now." Her arms slid down to wrap around his waist, her cheek resting against his chest.

Lorin held her, glancing at the steam-filled ceiling.

Xueyi never hesitated when it came to him. Now, he was learning to meet her halfway.

But taking this final step?

Perhaps they still needed something more.

Like a betrothal.