Eros. (Benimaru Shinmon)

九十一

Before I could react, Benimaru swiftly scooped me up as if I weighed nothing, holding me in his arms as if I were his bride. I barely had time to gasp in surprise before he used his abilities to lift us both off the ground. The sudden sensation of flying took my breath away, and instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his torso, holding on tightly like a child clinging to a parent. My heart pounded in my chest as we ascended rapidly, the world below us shrinking as he effortlessly landed us on the roof.

My shock was evident as I looked up at him, but before I could say anything, Benimaru's attention was already on the scene below. The twins, Hinata and Hikage, were preparing to charge at Tamaki, who stood defenseless in the courtyard. Benimaru's voice cut through the air, firm and commanding, "That was sixty seconds."

I turned my head to see Tamaki, her clothes shredded, standing there in stunned silence. She seemed as shocked as I was, and her voice wavered as she addressed Benimaru, "Captain Shinmon, you're here?"

Benimaru's eyes remained on her, his tone both observant and slightly chiding, "I'm not quite sure why, but you seem to have a habit of suppressing your own power."

Tamaki's clothes were in tatters, leaving her standing in just her black bra and what remained of her orange jumper pants, which barely clung to her. Then, as if to complete her mortification, a small breeze caught her remaining clothes, leaving her completely exposed.

For a moment, there was only stunned silence as Hinata, Hikage, and Benimaru simply stared at the spectacle before them.

Benimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice deadpan as he commented, "That's shedding a little too much."

Tamaki's face turned crimson as she tried to cover herself, but there was little she could do.

Tamaki's face turned a deep shade of crimson as she desperately tried to cover herself, though her efforts were futile against the embarrassing situation. Her voice trembled as she stammered out an apology, "I'm sorry, sir! It's my Lechery Lure—I don't mean to be rude to you or Miss Inori."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her predicament, a mischievous glint in my eye as I teased, "I'm no better than a man." The twins, Hinata and Hikage, joined in on the fun, pointing at her and yelling in unison, "Hussy!"

Tamaki's embarrassment was palpable, but she managed to compose herself enough to ask, "Is just a simple game of tag enough to really make a lasting change in me?"

Benimaru's response was firm, yet not unkind, "If you cannot take a simple game like this seriously, I doubt you have a chance when you're really playing for keeps. But now you've finally taken up the gauntlet. Keep at it!"

As I glanced up at Benimaru, I noticed something different—a small, genuine smile playing on his lips as he observed Tamaki's progress. It was a rare sight, one that showed a side of him not often seen by others. In that moment, I realized that he wasn't just the egotistical punk I once knew. He was changing, growing, and it made me smile too. There was more to him than his rough exterior, a depth that I was only just beginning to see.

Tamaki, flustered but determined to show her appreciation, turned away and bowed deeply opposite facing from Benimaru, her underwear-clad rear end unintentionally on full display. "Thank you very much, sir!" she said earnestly.

Benimaru blinked, his face an unreadable mask as he questioned dryly, "How exactly am I supposed to respond to that?"

I couldn't resist a smirk as I leaned in slightly, my tone teasing, "You must respond to this like a man. After all, she's doing this for mankind." With exaggerated slowness, I began to pull out my phone, a mischievous glint in my eyes. "For Akira, of course, as he appreciates the fine ass—uh—arts."

Before I could even snap a picture, Benimaru's hand darted out, snatching my phone away in a flash and tucking it into his sleeve. With a swift motion, he scooped me up, one hand firmly under my bottom as I let out a startled, indignant cry, "Hey!"

Benimaru turned away from the scene, his voice calm but commanding as he called out, "Hinata, Hikage, make sure she gets some clothing."

I huffed in frustration, still wriggling slightly in his grip as I protested, "You're depriving me of a shot for Akira! He would've loved it."

Benimaru chuckled, a low sound that rumbled in his chest. "It's funny," he said, "you were jealous of Captain Hibana yesterday, but here you are, willing to get a shot of the rookie."

I rolled my eyes, firing back, "The rookie isn't your type."

He huffed softly, "Oh, so you know my type?"

I met his gaze with a confident smirk, "I do.You're not really one to change much."

Benimaru's eyes gleamed with a teasing light as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. "But I have changed," he said, his tone laced with playful mischief. He began to describe, "My type is toned muscles, a flat stomach, long legs, full breasts.... with perfectly bubble gum pink nipples. And then there's her—"

My face turned crimson as I cut him off, knowing exactly who he was describing. My heart raced, and I couldn't help but blush furiously. He was describing me. I tried to muster a retort, but my flustered state left me speechless, caught between embarrassment and the undeniable thrill of his words. Benimaru simply smiled, clearly enjoying my reaction, as he continued to hold me close.

"It's been a while since I've seen my type on display..." Benimaru mused aloud, his tone thoughtful, as if lost in the memory of something precious. His words sent a new wave of heat to my cheeks, and I quickly looked away, unable to hold his gaze any longer.

I could feel his eyes on me, unwavering and intense. I tried to steady my breathing, focusing on anything but the way his words had made my heart race. But then he spoke again, his voice carrying that same infuriating blend of confidence and amusement. "Maybe it's time I make that dream a reality," he said, his tone almost daring, as if challenging me to respond.

The blush deepened on my face, and I scrambled to change the subject, desperate to divert the conversation back to safer ground. "What about Shinra and Arthur?" I blurted out, trying to sound nonchalant, though my voice betrayed me with its slight tremor.

Benimaru's expression softened as he glanced over toward where Shinra and Arthur were being handled by his men. The sky was beginning to change, hues of orange and pink blending into the early phases of the setting sun, casting a warm glow over the town of Asakusa.

"They're being taken care of," he replied, his tone reassuring. "They've still got a lot to learn, but my men are keeping them in line."

I nodded, grateful for the shift in conversation, but still painfully aware of the closeness between us, of the way his hand rested possessively on my waist, holding me in place as if he had no intention of letting go.

The setting sun painted the world in shades of gold, but all I could focus on was the intensity in Benimaru's eyes and the lingering effects of his words on my already flustered heart.