Eros. (Benimaru Shinmon)

九十三

The morning light filtered through the small gaps in the shoji screen, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. I stirred slightly, feeling the remnants of sleep clinging to me like a comforting blanket. But something else pulled me from the depths of my slumber, something solid and warm pressing against my side. Slowly, I blinked my eyes open, the room coming into focus in soft, blurry shapes and colors.

As I began to rise, a weight shifted on my torso, sliding down to rest on my waist. My breath caught in my throat as I looked down, and my eyes widened at the sight that greeted me. There, wrapped possessively around me, was Benimaru's arm, his skin warm against mine, his grip gentle yet firm. The sensation of his touch sent a shiver through me, but it was nothing compared to what I saw next.

As my gaze traveled further, I found myself face-to-face with the chiseled planes of Benimaru's toned abs. His body was partially uncovered, the blanket that had been draped over us during the night now half-fallen, revealing the sculpted muscles of his torso. Each contour was defined, the light from the window highlighting every ridge and curve of his abs. I could see the subtle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, his body relaxed in the peacefulness of sleep.

For a moment, I was frozen, my mind trying to catch up with what my eyes were seeing. The intimacy of the situation sent a flush of heat to my cheeks, and I bit my lower lip, unsure whether to move or to stay perfectly still. My heart began to race, the steady thrum of its beat loud in the quiet room.

I shifted slightly, trying to process how we had ended up like this, but the movement caused Benimaru's arm to tighten slightly around my waist, pulling me closer to him. The warmth of his body was intoxicating, and the feel of his skin against mine was almost too much to bear.

As I took a deep breath, my chest brushing lightly against his side, I couldn't help but let my eyes wander back to his face. His expression was peaceful, a stark contrast to the usual stern and focused look he wore during the day. The sight made something in my chest tighten, a mix of emotions swirling inside me—affection, confusion, and a yearning I couldn't quite place.

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. My hand twitched at my side, almost wanting to reach out and trace the lines of his abs, to feel the solidity of the man who had somehow found his way into my heart despite everything. But I held back, afraid that even the slightest touch might shatter the fragile moment we were sharing.

Instead, I let out a slow, quiet breath, my eyes lingering on him for just a little longer. The morning light continued to bathe the room in its soft glow.

Feeling Benimaru's arm tighten around me, I was pulled even closer to his warm body, my cheek brushing against the hard surface of his chest. My heart was still racing, the intimacy of the moment leaving me flustered. As I took a deep breath to steady myself, I decided to speak, though my voice came out softer than I intended.

"You should get up," I said, trying to keep my tone light and teasing. "Shinra and Arthur... You need to check in on them."

Benimaru, still half-asleep, let out a low, contented hum, his lips brushing against the top of my head as he mumbled, "Five more minutes."

My breath hitched as his words sent a shiver down my spine, the casual, almost playful tone completely at odds with the stern and commanding man I was used to. I blushed furiously, feeling his strong arm around me, his body still pressed close to mine. I couldn't help the thoughts that raced through my mind—memories of yesterday, the heated moments that had left me both breathless and bewildered.

"Did yesterday really happen?" I whispered, more to myself than to him, the question slipping out before I could stop it.

Benimaru shifted slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he murmured in a low, teasing voice, "Need a recap?"