Lumine was kind, thoughtful, and normally the reserved type—never one to lose her composure, even in the most chaotic situations. But that was before she stepped into the Kamisato Estate, before she laid eyes on Kamisato Ayaka for the first time.
The soft glow of lanterns bathed the entrance in warm light, the evening breeze carrying the faint scent of sakura blossoms through the air. Lumine had expected elegance—Ayaka was the Shirasagi Himegimi, after all—but nothing could have prepared her for the sight before her.
Ayaka stood with effortless grace, her posture perfect, yet there was a softness to her presence that made her seem almost unreal. Her pristine blue and white garments shimmered subtly under the lanterns, the intricate embroidery reminiscent of delicate frost patterns on a winter morning. Lavender hair cascaded down her back in a silken flow, tied with a dark ribbon, framing a face so stunning that Lumine momentarily forgot how to breathe.
Then Ayaka smiled, a gentle, welcoming curve of her lips. “Welcome to the Kamisato Estate, Traveler.” Her voice was soft, melodic—like wind chimes swaying in a summer breeze. “I am Kamisato Ayaka. It is an honor to finally meet you.”
Lumine parted her lips to respond, but nothing came out. Her golden eyes, usually sharp and perceptive, were frozen in wide-eyed admiration. She had met many nobles, warriors, and gods alike—but never had anyone stolen her breath quite like this.
Paimon, floating beside her, nudged her impatiently. “Hey, Traveler! You’re staring! Say something already!”
That snapped Lumine out of her trance—sort of. She cleared her throat quickly, trying to mask her momentary lapse in composure. “Ah—right. Sorry, I just…” She trailed off, her mind scrambling for something coherent to say. Before she could stop herself, the words tumbled out.
“I just wasn’t expecting to meet someone so… breathtaking.”
Silence.
Ayaka’s lips parted slightly, her lilac eyes widening as a deep blush crept up her porcelain cheeks. The poised and graceful Lady of the Kamisato Clan was suddenly at a loss for words. “I-I… You are too kind, Traveler,” she stammered, her voice softer than before.
Lumine blinked, realizing what she had just said. “I mean—graceful! I mean, you’re very… impressive?” She winced inwardly. That wasn’t any better.
Ayaka quickly looked away, pressing a hand to her cheek as if that would somehow cool the warmth spreading across her face. “You are… quite straightforward,” she murmured, her usual composure slipping just a little more.
Lumine, flustered but unwilling to let the moment go to waste, recovered swiftly, her lips curling into a slow, confident smile. “Well, honesty is important, isn’t it?” She tilted her head slightly, watching as Ayaka struggled to meet her gaze.
Ayaka swallowed hard, her heart pounding in a way she wasn’t accustomed to. She had received admiration before—countless praises from nobles, warriors, and poets alike—but none had ever been so direct. None had ever made her feel quite like this.
Paimon, looking between the two, let out an exaggerated sigh. “Geez, Traveler, you’re really laying it on thick! Poor Ayaka looks like she’s about to overheat!”
Lumine chuckled, finally pulling back, though the playful gleam in her eyes remained. “I suppose I should give her a break,” she teased, before flashing Ayaka another smile. “For now.”
Ayaka exhaled slowly, willing her blush to fade as she turned toward the inner courtyard. “Please… come inside,” she said, her voice softer than before. “I’d like to hear more about your adventures—and perhaps show you some of Inazuma’s finest hospitality.”
Lumine fell into step beside her, still watching her with that knowing, confident gaze. “Spending the evening with you? Now that sounds like my kind of adventure.”
Ayaka didn’t have to look at her to know she was smiling. And yet, despite her best efforts to stay composed, she couldn’t stop the warmth from returning to her cheeks.
---
As they made their way through the grand halls of the Kamisato Estate, the soft glow of paper lanterns illuminated the intricate wooden carvings and delicate floral arrangements placed with care along the walkways. The night air carried the distant murmur of a biwa being played somewhere within the estate, its melancholic melody blending with the gentle rustle of sakura petals in the breeze.
Paimon, floating lazily beside them, let out a dramatic groan. “Ughhh, Paimon’s exhausted! All this walking, all this talking—Paimon needs a break!” She flopped onto Lumine’s shoulder, looking pitiful. “Is there anywhere Paimon can rest? Her wings are about to fall off!”
Ayaka giggled behind her hand, her previous fluster forgotten for a brief moment. “Of course. We have a guest room prepared for you both. I will have tea and refreshments sent over as well.”
Paimon perked up instantly. “Wait, really? Wow, Ayaka, you’re the best!” She turned to Lumine with a smug look. “You don’t mind if Paimon takes a quick nap first, do you? You can handle the fancy talk.”
Lumine smirked, arms crossed. “Go ahead, Paimon. I’ll manage.”
With Ayaka’s guidance, Paimon was soon settled into a cozy room, already stuffing her face with sweets before sleepily declaring she was “just resting her eyes.” Ayaka gently closed the door behind them, leaving only her and Lumine in the now-quiet hallway.
The air shifted.
The absence of Paimon’s chatter left behind a lingering silence—one that neither seemed too eager to break. Lumine leaned casually against the wooden frame, golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable yet undeniably intent.
“She’s predictable,” Lumine murmured, amusement lacing her tone.
Ayaka turned to her with an amused smile. “She certainly has a charm of her own.”
Lumine hummed in agreement. Then, with a slow, deliberate step, she closed a bit more of the space between them. “You know,” she said smoothly, eyes flickering with mischief, “I wasn’t kidding earlier.”
Ayaka tilted her head. “About what?”
Lumine’s smirk deepened. “You really are breathtaking.”
Ayaka’s breath hitched.
Lumine took her silence as an opportunity to lean in just a little closer, her voice a low, teasing whisper. “And I can’t help but wonder… does the graceful Lady Ayaka ever get flustered?”
Ayaka’s entire face burned as she quickly looked away. “I—! That is—!”
Lumine laughed softly, clearly enjoying her reaction. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Ayaka pressed a hand to her cheek, her heart racing. “Y-you are quite… bold, Lumine.”
Lumine grinned. “Confidence is important.” She winked. “And so is being honest, don’t you think?”
Ayaka swallowed, still trying to steady her breath. Finally, she found her voice again. “I… I suppose so.”
And yet, even as she said it, she couldn’t shake the feeling growing in her chest.
She had been admired before. Many times. She had been called beautiful, elegant, enchanting—words spoken with reverence but never with such directness, such certainty. Lumine’s words were simple, but the weight behind them made Ayaka’s pulse quicken in a way she wasn’t prepared for.
Perhaps it was foolish—perhaps even reckless—but a thought took root in her mind, persistent and inescapable.
She had only just met Lumine… and yet, she could already feel herself falling.
Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the way Lumine was watching her until a teasing voice pulled her back.
“What’s wrong?” Lumine mused, tilting her head. “You’re deep in thought. Thinking about me, perhaps?”
Ayaka stiffened, her blush returning in full force. “I—! Y-you—!”
Lumine chuckled, clearly entertained. “I’ll take that as another yes.”
Ayaka let out a small huff, turning away in a vain attempt to regain her composure. “You are… quite troublesome, Lumine.”
Lumine merely grinned. “And yet, you’re still standing here with me.”
Ayaka bit her lip.
She was.
And for the first time in her life, she didn’t mind at all.
---
The night deepened, the sky a tapestry of velvety indigo with stars glimmering like scattered pearls. The Kamisato Estate, always elegant, seemed even more enchanting under the moon’s glow—its carefully tended gardens bathed in silver light, the distant lanterns swaying in the soft night breeze.
Somehow, without realizing how time had slipped away, Lumine was still there.
Ayaka had insisted it was only proper to extend the Kamisato Clan’s hospitality to a guest as esteemed as the Traveler. But, if she were to be honest with herself, she simply hadn’t wanted the evening to end.
“Would you… allow me to show you something?” Ayaka asked, hands folded neatly in front of her, though there was a trace of something shy in her expression.
Lumine arched a brow, intrigued. “That depends. Is it something as breathtaking as you?”
Ayaka’s lips parted slightly, caught off guard by yet another bold remark. A soft pink rose to her cheeks, but this time, she did not look away. Instead, she took a breath, gathering her composure before offering Lumine a small, knowing smile.
“I suppose you will have to see for yourself.”
She turned gracefully, motioning for Lumine to follow. The two of them stepped into a secluded courtyard, where the stillness of the night felt almost sacred. A small pond reflected the moon’s glow, sakura petals drifting lazily across its surface. The air smelled of wisteria and earth, fresh from the evening breeze.
Ayaka moved toward the center of the courtyard, where the smooth stone pathway opened into a wide, open space.
“This is where I often practice my swordsmanship,” she explained softly, fingers trailing along the hilt of her fan-like sword. “But… there is one form that is especially dear to me.”
Lumine watched as Ayaka unsheathed her blade, the polished steel catching the moonlight in a way that made it seem almost ethereal. The way she moved—so poised, so delicate yet undeniably strong—was mesmerizing in itself.
“Would you allow me to perform the Kamisato Art: Soumetsu for you?” Ayaka asked, voice carrying a quiet sincerity.
Lumine’s golden eyes gleamed with curiosity. “I’d love to see it.”
Ayaka took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment, grounding herself. Then, in one fluid motion, she stepped forward.
What followed was less a display of swordsmanship and more a dance.
Ayaka moved with breathtaking grace, her blade slicing through the air like a brush painting upon an invisible canvas. Her every step was light as falling snow, the hem of her dress fluttering as she twirled. Frost bloomed beneath her feet, delicate ice crystals forming patterns on the stone, catching the lantern light and making them shimmer like scattered diamonds.
She spun, her sword tracing elegant arcs, sending a flurry of snowflakes into the air. They hung for just a moment, suspended, before melting into nothingness.
Lumine barely breathed, entranced.
It was not just skill—it was poetry. It was emotion made tangible, a story told through movement, each step and flourish imbued with meaning. This was more than just training. It was something deeply personal.
And when Ayaka finally stilled, lowering her sword in a graceful bow, Lumine realized she hadn’t taken her eyes off her once.
Ayaka glanced at her hesitantly, the faintest trace of pink still on her cheeks. “Was that… to your liking?”
Lumine exhaled softly, stepping forward, closing the distance between them just enough that the cool air between them felt charged.
“To my liking?” she echoed, voice low and warm. She tilted her head, golden eyes shining with something unreadable. “Ayaka, that was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
Ayaka’s breath caught.
Lumine reached out, fingertips brushing against a stray petal caught in Ayaka’s lavender hair. But instead of plucking it away immediately, her touch lingered, her gaze holding Ayaka’s with quiet intensity.
For all her bold remarks earlier, this moment was different.
Softer. More real.
“I can see why it’s dear to you,” Lumine murmured, voice just above a whisper. “It’s… you. Every part of it.”
Ayaka swallowed, her heart pounding loud in her ears. No one had ever looked at her quite like this. No one had ever spoken to her in a way that made her feel so seen.
“I…” Ayaka started, but the words failed her.
Lumine smiled gently, drawing back just a fraction, though the warmth of her presence still lingered. “You don’t have to say anything,” she said softly. “I already know.”
Ayaka wasn’t sure what Lumine meant by that, but somehow, she felt no urge to ask.
Because, in the quiet hush of the night, with frost melting beneath their feet and the scent of sakura petals in the air, she thought—perhaps, for once, words weren’t needed.
And as the moon bore witness to the moment between them, neither was willing to step away just yet.
The moment hung between them, fragile as the frost-dusted petals that drifted through the night air. The world had quieted—no rustling leaves, no distant murmurs of the estate, only the soft inhale of breath and the unspoken tension crackling like lightning between them.
Lumine wasn’t thinking anymore.
She wasn’t the Traveler, burdened by duty and destiny. She wasn’t a warrior who had faced gods and monsters alike. No, right now, she was just a girl standing before something—someone—undeniably beautiful. And, for once, she allowed herself to want.
Her feet moved before she could stop them. A single step, then another.
Ayaka didn’t retreat.
Lumine had expected hesitation—perhaps a nervous step back, a startled glance away. Instead, Ayaka stood her ground, wide lilac eyes locked onto her, lips parted ever so slightly as if caught in the middle of a thought she had long since forgotten.
And then, just as Lumine closed the remaining distance, Ayaka did something that made Lumine’s heart stutter.
She closed her eyes.
A silent invitation. A quiet surrender.
Lumine’s breath caught in her throat as she leaned in, so close now that she could feel the warmth radiating from Ayaka’s skin, the soft scent of wisteria and fresh snow curling around her. Every second stretched endlessly, every moment drawn out like the final notes of a love song.
And then—finally—she closed the gap.
Their lips met, featherlight at first, hesitant yet electric.
Ayaka inhaled sharply through her nose, her hands clenching slightly at her sides as if anchoring herself in the moment. Lumine could feel the faintest tremble in her, the way her breath hitched at the contact. And yet, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she melted—tentative at first, like a snowfall meeting the warmth of spring, then softening into something unmistakably real.
Lumine’s fingers found their way to Ayaka’s cheek, the tips of her gloved hands ghosting along smooth porcelain skin, tracing the heat that had bloomed there. Ayaka shivered at the touch, her breath a soft sigh against Lumine’s lips.
It was gentle.
Unrushed.
A moment stolen in the quiet hush of the night, where the world outside the Kamisato Estate ceased to exist.
And yet, it was enough to leave them breathless.
Lumine was the first to pull away—just barely. Their foreheads rested against one another, their breaths mingling in the cool air, hearts beating in tandem.
Ayaka’s lashes fluttered open, her lilac gaze dazed, lips still parted as if unsure whether the moment had been real or just a fleeting dream.
Lumine’s lips curled into the faintest smile, her golden eyes tracing every detail of Ayaka’s face—the soft flush of pink dusting her cheeks, the way her expression lay bare with quiet wonder.
“I…” Ayaka’s voice was barely above a whisper, but whatever she had been about to say trailed off, lost between them.
Lumine tilted her head, voice teasing yet laced with something softer. “What’s wrong?” she murmured, her thumb gently tracing along Ayaka’s cheek. “You’re deep in thought… perhaps thinking of me?”
Ayaka’s breath hitched, her blush deepening to the tips of her ears. “I—!” She swallowed, unable to form a coherent response.
Lumine chuckled softly, the warmth of it brushing against Ayaka’s lips.
She had fought countless battles, traveled across nations, and faced challenges she never thought she’d survive. But right now, standing beneath the soft glow of lanterns, holding Ayaka like this…
She had never felt more victorious.
The kiss had ended, yet the air between them remained heavy with something unspoken. Ayaka, still breathless, pressed a delicate hand to her chest, as if trying to steady the frantic beat of her heart. The world around them felt distant—like the flickering lanterns, the soft rustling of sakura petals, and the cool night breeze had all faded into the background.
Lumine watched her, golden eyes warm but searching. Ayaka’s usual poise was nowhere to be seen; instead, she looked vulnerable, hesitant, unsure. A long silence stretched between them before Ayaka’s voice, barely above a whisper, broke it.
“I… I have never…”
She trailed off, her fingers curling slightly against the fabric of her sleeve. Lumine didn’t need her to finish. She could see the truth in Ayaka’s downcast gaze, in the way she refused to meet her eyes. This was all new to her. Being this close. Letting herself want.
Lumine softened, stepping forward until there was barely any space left between them. She reached for Ayaka’s hands, holding them with a gentleness that made Ayaka’s breath hitch.
“Then I’ll be careful with you,” Lumine murmured, her voice low and steady. It wasn’t a question, nor was it mere reassurance—it was a promise.
Ayaka finally looked up, lilac eyes shining with something unspoken. Her lips parted as if to respond, but no words came. Instead, she simply held onto Lumine’s hands a little tighter.
Lumine let her take her time, let her breathe, let her feel. And in that quiet space between them, something shifted—something fragile yet undeniable, something that neither of them had the heart to break.
---
The night had stretched on longer than either of them had realized. The once-vivid glow of the lanterns had dimmed, casting elongated shadows across the stone pathways. The wind had grown colder, carrying with it the scent of rain yet to fall.
Ayaka, still flustered from everything that had transpired, cleared her throat softly. “It’s late…” she said, but the words sounded reluctant, as if she didn’t truly want to part ways.
Lumine tilted her head slightly, watching her with a knowing gaze. “Are you trying to send me away already?” she teased, her lips curving into that infuriatingly charming smirk.
Ayaka’s blush deepened. “I am only being considerate. You must be tired from your travels, and—”
Lumine reached up, ever so gently brushing a loose strand of hair behind Ayaka’s ear. The motion was slow, deliberate, her fingertips lingering just long enough to make Ayaka’s breath catch.
“Ayaka,” Lumine said softly.
Ayaka shivered at the way her name rolled off Lumine’s tongue.
“Will I see you again tomorrow?”
The question was simple, yet the weight of it pressed against Ayaka’s chest. A part of her knew the answer should be formal, measured, something befitting her status. But that part of her was quickly unraveling in Lumine’s presence.
So instead of thinking, instead of hesitating, she nodded.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Lumine’s smile deepened, satisfied. She didn’t push for more, didn’t press further. She only let her fingers linger against Ayaka’s skin for a moment longer before stepping back, her golden gaze still holding Ayaka captive.
“Good,” she murmured. “Then I’ll be looking forward to it.”
And with that, she finally took her leave.
Ayaka remained where she stood, staring at the place where Lumine had been just moments ago. The cool night breeze did little to soothe the warmth that still lingered on her skin.
She touched her lips absentmindedly, exhaling slowly.
Tomorrow suddenly felt much too far away.
---
The soft golden light of dawn filtered through the cherry blossoms, casting dappled shadows across the Kamisato Estate. Ayaka stepped outside, expecting the solitude of the early morning. Instead, her breath caught when she saw her—Lumine, standing beneath the sakura tree, bathed in the delicate pink glow of falling petals.
“You’re up early,” Ayaka said, her voice coming out softer than she intended.
Lumine turned at the sound, her golden eyes flickering with warmth as a slow, knowing smile curved her lips. “I was hoping to see you before the estate wakes up.” She took a step closer, her gaze never leaving Ayaka’s. “I didn’t want to wait too long.”
Ayaka’s heart stuttered. The words carried weight, a meaning unspoken yet understood. Last night’s kiss had lingered in her thoughts, leaving her restless, and now, standing here in the quiet morning, Lumine’s presence was just as intoxicating.
“I—I see…” she murmured, pressing a hand lightly to her chest as if to calm the erratic beat of her heart.
Lumine tilted her head, watching her intently. “You’re adorable when you’re flustered, you know that?”
Ayaka quickly turned away, gripping the hilt of her fan with both hands. “I am not flustered,” she protested, but her voice lacked conviction.
Lumine chuckled, stepping past her toward the courtyard’s training ground. “If you say so. You came out here to train, didn’t you?”
Ayaka cleared her throat, trying to steady herself. “Yes. A daily routine is important.”
“Then let me spar with you.”
Ayaka blinked, turning to look at her. “You wish to spar?”
Lumine smirked, already stretching her arms. “What? Worried I’ll be a distraction?”
That was exactly the problem.
Still, Ayaka straightened, forcing composure into her voice. “Very well. But do not expect me to go easy on you.”
Lumine’s grin widened. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
As they stepped onto the training ground, Ayaka readied her stance, trying—failing—not to let her mind wander. Lumine was dangerous in more ways than one, and the biggest threat wasn’t her skill with a sword.
It was the way she looked at her.
By midday, Ayaka found herself restless again. No matter how much she immersed herself in work, her thoughts continued to drift toward her.
It was unthinkable how quickly Lumine had unsettled her. How the memories of stolen glances and whispered words had ignited something unfamiliar—something Ayaka was unsure how to navigate.
And yet, despite her uncertainty, she knew one thing for certain: she wished to see Lumine again.
So, with practiced grace, she composed an invitation. A tea ceremony. A proper one, refined and formal. That was how she could justify it—to herself, to others. It was simply a gesture of Inazuman hospitality.
Nothing more.
But as she handed the invitation to Lumine later that afternoon, Ayaka realized her carefully crafted façade wasn’t fooling anyone.
“A tea ceremony, huh?” Lumine mused, studying the delicate script on the parchment. Her golden gaze flickered up, mischief dancing in her eyes. “Should I be honored… or is this just an excuse to see me again?”
Ayaka’s breath hitched. “I—I simply thought it would be appropriate to show you more of Inazuman culture…” she tried, but even she could hear the hesitation in her voice.
Lumine leaned in, her voice lowering just enough to make Ayaka’s heartbeat unsteady. “Mhm. Sure.”
The way she was looking at her—like she saw straight through every carefully composed word, every effort Ayaka made to maintain her poise—made Ayaka’s pulse quicken.
Ayaka swallowed, willing herself to maintain composure. “Will you accept, then?”
Lumine’s lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile. “How could I possibly refuse?”
Ayaka exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
The moment Lumine turned to walk away, Ayaka pressed a hand against her chest, trying to steady the fluttering within.
This was dangerous.
And yet… she was already falling.
---
The setting sun bathed the Kamisato Estate in warm hues of gold and pink, the sky a breathtaking blend of colors that reflected in the gentle ripples of the koi pond. Ayaka had chosen this time carefully—the quiet hours of the evening when the world seemed softer, slower. More intimate.
A low lacquered table had been set beneath the sakura trees, adorned with the finest porcelain teaware and delicate wagashi sweets. Lanterns flickered softly around them, their glow casting intricate patterns against the petals that drifted lazily to the ground.
Ayaka sat gracefully, her every movement precise as she arranged the tea implements with care. Despite her calm exterior, her heart was uncharacteristically unsteady.
She wasn’t sure if it was the lingering memory of their kiss the night before… or the fact that Lumine, with her golden gaze and effortless charm, was watching her so intently now.
“You’re serious about this, huh?” Lumine mused, resting her chin on her hand as she observed Ayaka’s movements with interest. “I’ve never seen anyone look so elegant just making tea.”
Ayaka glanced up, her lips curving slightly despite herself. “A tea ceremony is not just about making tea. It is a form of art, a reflection of harmony and tranquility.”
Lumine hummed, clearly amused. “And inviting me to this… was that also for harmony and tranquility?”
Ayaka’s fingers hesitated for the briefest moment as she lifted the teapot. She knew that teasing lilt in Lumine’s voice all too well now, and yet, she still wasn’t prepared for it.
“I invited you because…” Ayaka inhaled softly, regaining her composure, “it felt appropriate.”
Lumine smirked. “Mhm. Appropriate.”
Ayaka focused on pouring the tea, refusing to let her gaze falter under Lumine’s knowing eyes. The liquid flowed smoothly into the porcelain cups, steam curling like delicate wisps of silk. She placed a cup in front of Lumine with practiced grace.
Lumine accepted it but made no move to drink. Instead, she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to something softer, more intimate.
“Did you know you get this little crease between your brows when you’re trying not to react?”
Ayaka froze, her heart skipping a beat. She quickly averted her gaze, trying to will away the warmth threatening to rise to her cheeks.
“I do not.”
Lumine chuckled. “You do.”
Ayaka exhaled, steadying herself. “You should drink before it cools.”
Lumine finally lifted the cup to her lips, taking a slow sip. A small, appreciative smile tugged at her lips. “It’s good.”
Ayaka allowed herself a quiet breath of relief—until Lumine set the cup down and leaned forward again, just close enough that their knees nearly touched.
“But you know,” Lumine continued, golden eyes locking onto hers, “I think I like something else even more.”
Ayaka swallowed. “And… what might that be?”
Lumine’s voice was smooth as silk. “Seeing you like this. Flustered.”
Ayaka’s entire body tensed as the warmth she had been trying to suppress finally won. She lowered her gaze, pressing her hands together in her lap as if that would steady the wild beating of her heart.
“You are relentless,” she murmured.
Lumine laughed softly. “Only because you’re so cute when you try to act composed.”
Ayaka wanted to protest, to argue that she was always composed, but the words refused to come. Instead, she reached for her own cup, lifting it to her lips in an attempt to disguise the fact that she was absolutely losing this battle.
The tea was warm, but nowhere near as warm as the feeling spreading through her chest.
For a while, they simply sat in companionable silence, the world around them slowing to a gentle rhythm—the distant sound of cicadas, the occasional rustle of the wind through the sakura trees.
Lumine finally broke the quiet. “Thank you for this.”
Ayaka blinked, glancing up. “For what?”
“For this moment,” Lumine said, her voice softer than before. “For letting me see this side of you.”
Ayaka felt her breath hitch. The way Lumine looked at her now—without teasing, without mischief, just pure sincerity—was almost too much.
“…I am glad you came,” she admitted quietly.
A slow, adoring smile curved Lumine’s lips before she even realized what she was doing. Her fingers moved instinctively, cupping Ayaka’s cheeks with a gentleness that contrasted the wild heat thrumming in her veins. Her thumbs brushed over the soft skin, feeling the warmth of Ayaka’s blush beneath them.
Ayaka gasped softly at the sudden closeness, her lilac eyes widening as she met Lumine’s gaze. There was something magnetic in those golden irises, something that pulled her in, left her breathless—entranced.
She barely had a second to process before Lumine leaned in and pressed her lips against hers.
Soft. Warm. Dizzying.
Ayaka’s breath stuttered, her entire body going still at the sensation. She had never—never—been kissed before, and yet… it felt right. It felt intoxicating.
Her fingers curled slightly in her lap, gripping onto the fabric of her kimono as if to ground herself, as if to remind herself that this was real—that Lumine was here, that she was kissing her.
And then, just as suddenly as it happened, Lumine began to pull away.
No.
The thought was sudden, unbidden, and yet, before Ayaka could second-guess herself, she found herself leaning forward, her eyes fluttering shut once again.
Lumine stilled for half a heartbeat, startled by Ayaka’s shy yet unmistakable response.
Then she smirked.
“Oh?” she murmured against Ayaka’s lips, her voice low and teasing. “You want more?”
Ayaka’s breath hitched, but she couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes. If she did, she was certain she’d melt on the spot.
Lumine chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down Ayaka’s spine.
“Well… if that’s what you want.”
This time, Lumine didn’t hesitate. She closed the distance once more, but unlike the first kiss—hesitant, testing, unsure—this one was deliberate.
Fierce.
A quiet gasp escaped Ayaka’s lips before Lumine swallowed it, her hands moving from Ayaka’s cheeks to cradle the back of her neck, pulling her in closer.
Ayaka could barely think. Her heart pounded so violently she was certain Lumine could feel it through the delicate layers of her clothing. Her fingers twitched, uncertain of what to do, before they finally lifted—hesitantly, cautiously—to grasp at Lumine’s sleeves.
Lumine deepened the kiss, her lips moving with more force, more certainty, and Ayaka let her.
She wanted this.
The realization sent a fresh wave of warmth crashing over her. She had always been composed, always been careful, but now—now—with Lumine’s lips pressed against hers, with her breath mingling with her own, with the scent of sakura wrapping around them—she wanted nothing more than to let herself fall.
A cool breeze swept through the courtyard, carrying stray petals through the air, but neither of them noticed.
For at this moment, the only thing that mattered was each other.
Ayaka barely had time to process what was happening—her heart was still hammering against her ribs, her breath still uneven, her lips still tingling from Lumine’s kiss. And yet, amidst the dizzying warmth, the words escaped before she could stop them.
“I love you.”
The moment they left her lips, her entire body froze.
Her eyes widened in sheer panic, hands flying to cover her mouth as if she could take it back. Did she just—?
The world seemed to stop. The night air suddenly felt too thin, her surroundings a blur of glowing lanterns and drifting petals. Had she truly said that aloud?
She hadn’t meant to say it—not yet. She had barely had time to understand the emotions stirring within her, and now, in the heat of the moment, she had blurted it out without thinking.
A deep, mortified blush spread across her face as she quickly averted her gaze. Oh, Archons. What must Lumine be thinking?
But then—a soft chuckle.
Ayaka’s breath caught as she dared to glance up, only to find Lumine smiling at her—a fond, affectionate, utterly lovestruck smile.
And then—
“I love you too.”
Ayaka’s lips parted, her breath hitching. Did she hear that correctly?
Lumine’s hands found hers, fingers intertwining with a tenderness that made Ayaka’s heart ache in the best way.
“You… you do?” Ayaka whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Lumine laughed softly, giving her hands a light squeeze. “Of course, I do.” Her golden eyes softened as she tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering. “Did you really think I’d kiss you like that if I didn’t?”
Ayaka felt like she was about to combust. She was the Kamisato Clan’s graceful and dignified daughter, trained in composure and etiquette, but none of that seemed to matter now. Not when Lumine was looking at her like that. Not when her heart was so full it felt as if it might burst.
“I— I just—” Ayaka stammered, completely at a loss.
Lumine giggled, squeezing her hands again. “Relax, Ayaka. No need to overthink it.”
Easy for her to say! Ayaka was falling apart.
But then—Lumine leaned in again, pressing the softest, sweetest kiss to her forehead.
And just like that, Ayaka melted.
The tension in her shoulders eased, her grip on Lumine’s hands tightening just slightly as she let herself exhale.
Lumine smiled, leaning back just enough to look at her. “I love you,” she repeated, voice like a gentle breeze.
Ayaka swallowed hard, blinking away the sting of overwhelming emotion. “I love you too,” she murmured, this time without hesitation.
Lumine grinned, tilting her head playfully. “See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Ayaka huffed, a mix of fondness and exasperation in her expression. “You truly are relentless.”
Lumine winked. “Only with you.”
A comfortable silence settled between them, the weight of their confessions lingering in the air, warm and undeniable.
Neither wanted to move. Neither wanted to break the moment.
But then—
Paimon’s muffled voice echoed from down the hall. “Lumine? Helloooo? What’s taking you so long? Paimon’s getting hungry again!”
Ayaka and Lumine both startled, before exchanging glances. And then—
They laughed.
Because even in a night of stolen kisses and whispered confessions, Paimon’s hunger would always find a way to interrupt.