Passion

“There’s no time to waste, Ailena. Come here.”

The young lady opened her arms to me.

After a brief moment of hesitation, I stepped into her embrace.

I could clearly feel her hands resting on my waist.

I looked up at her, and she met my gaze with tender, affectionate eyes.

My face grew warm, and my eyes instinctively drifted downward, landing on her soft, cherry-blossom-pink lips.

The improper thoughts I’d barely dared to entertain were now, in this moment, about to become reality… something I never could have imagined.

Thump, thump! Thump, thump!

My heartbeat was beyond “fast”—it felt like it might burst through my chest, my breathing growing heavy without my control.

It’s embarrassing, but I couldn’t help it.

This was my first time in two lifetimes, and her first time too—how could I not be nervous?

No… I need more time to mentally prepare…

But the young lady gave me no room to escape.

She leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against my face.

The scent of honeysuckle wafted from her hair.

It was a fragrance I should have been used to, but now it left me utterly captivated.

“Ailena…”

“Young lady…”

(Content censored, alas)

(Caterina’s Perspective)

Finally, finally, I had this chance.

Even I thought my excuse was flimsy, but I never expected Ailena to actually agree.

I felt a little guilty, but I wasn’t about to let this rare opportunity slip away.

I pulled her into my arms, gazing at her with deep affection.

…It was only now that I realized I was already a few centimeters taller than her.

Ailena’s face flushed as she averted her eyes, too shy to meet mine.

…Her bashful expression was unbearably cute.

Thump, thump! Thump, thump!

My heart had never raced like this before, practically singing in my chest.

“Ailena…”

I couldn’t help but call her name.

“Young lady…”

Her response sent a surge of desire through me.

I closed the distance between us.

She seemed to understand my intent, tilting her face up and closing her eyes.

I could see she was still nervous—her long lashes trembled slightly.

…So cute.

That was the only thought left in my mind.

I couldn’t hold back any longer and leaned down eagerly.

“Mmm… chu…”

Her lips were like cream, so soft they melted on contact.

Having come this far, I threw caution to the wind—why stop now? I went further.

“Mmm… chu… smack… mmm… chu…”

Her taste was like fine wine, intoxicating me.

The emotions in my chest swelled higher.

I don’t want to let her go. I want her by my side forever. I want her to be mine forever. I want to devour her completely…

As I savored her taste, my brain started to run out of oxygen.

Only when I could barely breathe did I reluctantly pull away.

“Why… haah… young lady… haah… are you so… skilled…?”

At that moment, the silver-haired girl’s dazed eyes shimmered with a watery sheen, her hair damp with sweat and clinging messily to her saliva-slicked face.

It undeniably stirred my desire again, and I instinctively licked my lips.

A new idea sparked in my mind.

“Skilled? That was hardly skilled.”

“…Huh?”

“You said it’s your first kiss too, Ailena. How would you know if I’m skilled or not?”

“But… but… it really felt skilled… Wait, is that right? No, that’s not… or is it?”

Clearly, Ailena was thrown into confusion.

Even this flustered state of hers was so lovable… I really wanted to devour her… Oh, wait, haven’t I already?

Then let’s do it again.

“So, Ailena, shall we try one more time?”

“Eh!?”

Her golden eyes widened in shock.

“We’re practicing to get better, aren’t we? If we don’t do it a few more times, what’s the point?”

I smiled, trying to make myself seem as earnest as possible.

“…Um, well, that’s…”

Ailena was so easily swayed, so easily convinced by any semi-legitimate reason.

“Come on, Ailena. Didn’t we ‘promise’ to practice?”

And once I brought up our “promise,” she’d always obediently comply.

See? After a moment of silence and inner struggle, the silver-haired girl finally nodded.

“Then… come here, Ailena. Let’s do it again.”

“…Mm.”

Like a docile lamb, Ailena nestled into my arms.

And I was the big bad wolf, ready to devour the lamb whole.

Morning light filtered through the thin curtains, spilling into the room.

“Mmm…”

I sat up, rubbing my still-sleepy eyes.

I felt like I’d had an incredible dream last night…

What was it? I tried to recall…

“W-W-W-What!?”

The memory hit me, and my face instantly burned red.

…How could I have such an improper dream? And about my own mistress, no less!

This is completely unbecoming of a maid!

As I spiraled into panic, a familiar voice sounded beside me.

“What’s wrong… Ailena…?”

I turned toward the voice and saw a golden-haired little… no, perhaps a big pufferfish now.

The young lady…? Why is she in my bed?

No, wait…

I looked closely at the surrounding decor.

…This, this isn’t my bed—it’s the young lady’s!

Why am I sleeping in her bed?

A terrifying possibility flashed through my mind.

…Could it be that last night wasn’t a dream?

“AHHHH!”

Realizing this, I let out a scream.