The Chosen One •

17

🐺 Kun 🐺

I stand in front of Isabel's bathroom mirror, brushing my teeth with an extra toothbrush she left for me. The bristles are soft, and the minty taste fills my mouth as I watch her in the reflection. She's sitting on the edge of the counter, gathering her things for her final exam later this morning. I can tell she's nervous-her fingers are tapping against the countertop like a nervous rhythm only she can hear.

We've both been up for hours, talking, getting lost in each other's presence. I haven't been able to shake the feeling of wanting to stay with her, to make sure she's okay, but I know she needs to focus on her exam. She has this determination about her, a quiet strength, and I admire it. Still, I can't help but steal glances at her every now and then.

After I spit and rinse, I lean back against the sink, glancing at her, a smirk pulling at my lips. "You're sure you don't want to join me in the shower? I'll make sure to leave the hot water for you."

She looks at me, a flush creeping up her neck, and for a moment, I think she'll brush it off like she usually does. But then, to my surprise, she stands up, walks over to the shower, and begins peeling off her clothes.

The sight of her movements, so shy and unsure, stirs something deep inside me.
I can't take my eyes off her. She's petite, delicate even, but there's a softness to her-her waist narrow, her hips fuller than I'd expected. Her breasts are full and firm, her dark brown skin smooth. My breath catches as I take her in, and I can't help but appreciate every curve of her.

She steps into the shower, and the sound of the water hitting our skin is almost surreal.

It's warm, soothing, and the steam starts to fog up the mirror. I step in behind her, keeping a safe distance at first, but something pulls me toward her. I can't help but place my hands gently on her small waist, following the lines of her body. Her breath hitches as I do, but she doesn't pull away. I love how her body feels under my touch-so warm, so soft.

She turns slightly to face me, her eyes meeting mine, and I can see the hesitation there. She's nervous, and I know it's not just because of the shower. She's still adjusting to everything, to me, to us.

"I'm nervous," she says quietly, her voice barely audible over the sound of the water. "Seeing you fight that rogue... It made me nervous for the journey that's ahead of you."

I chuckle softly, my fingers tracing the curve of her waist. "You're worried about me?" I ask, teasing her, trying to lighten the mood.

But there's a serious edge to her words, and I can't ignore it.

I step closer, raising an eyebrow. "Do you see any scars or bruising on me?" I ask, half-expecting her to notice the wear from the fight.

She shakes her head, her eyes scanning my chest and shoulders as if she's looking for something. I can feel the warmth of her gaze, and it stirs something inside me. I smile, relieved.

"No?" I press, my voice playful. "Did you see the fight? The rogue was still weaker than me, even though they're... mysteriously strong. But they weren't a match."

She nods, and I can see the tension ease from her shoulders just a bit. "I'm strong, Isabel. I'll be fine. Trust me." I say it more for her than for me, wanting to calm her nerves, though I'm not sure she believes me entirely.

We begin to clean ourselves, the cool peppermint scent of her Dr. Bronner's body wash filling the small space of the shower. I can't help but laugh as the tingling sensation creeps up my arms.

"This body wash is spicy as hell," I say, rubbing my chest, feeling like my skin is being coated with peppermint. "It feels like my skin is eating peppermints."