The den was quieter than usual, the pack having settled into their evening routines. Kouga wandered through the dimly lit tunnels, the bioluminescent moss casting a soft, ethereal glow. He was heading toward the hidden hot springs, a secluded spot within the tunnels that he often visited to unwind.
As Kouga pushed aside the curtain of vines and stepped into the steamy embrace of the hot springs, his mind was elsewhere, lost in the myriad responsibilities and thoughts of the day. But all those thoughts evaporated in an instant when he saw her.
Kagome.
She stood in the center of the spring, her back turned to him, water cascading down her bare shoulders in a glistening waterfall. Time seemed to freeze, his heart thundering in his chest as his breath caught in his throat.
Kagome? Here? Now?
His eyes traced up the curve of her spine where it disappeared into the water, the swell of her breasts, the delicate line of her neck, and the soft waves of her hair clinging damply to her skin. She was beautiful—breathtakingly so—in a way that he had never fully allowed himself to acknowledge until this moment.
A jolt of panic surged through him, and he turned away, his face burning with embarrassment. How could he have been so careless? So foolish? "I-I didn't know you were here! I'm so sorry!" he stammered, his voice barely steady.
Kagome spun around at the sound of his voice, instinctively covering herself with her arms. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, but she couldn't help but feel a strange sense of calm at his presence. "Kouga! It's okay… really."
Kouga stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. "I should go. I didn't mean to intrude."
She watched him stammer apologies, trying to avert his gaze, and felt a strange mix of amusement and something deeper, something more tender. It was endearing to see the confident, brash wolf demon so flustered. She had never seen him like this before—vulnerable, almost boyish in his discomfort.
He's really cute when he's like this.
Kagome hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. "No, wait. You don't have to go." She lowered her arms slightly, her embarrassment mingling with a tentative sense of boldness. "We can share the hot spring. There's plenty of room."
Kouga's mind raced, torn between his desire to flee and the unexpected invitation. "Are you sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable."
Kagome offered a small, reassuring smile. "I'm sure. It's just us here, and… I trust you, Kouga."
Swallowing hard, Kouga nodded, trying to steady his nerves. But her smile, gentle and reassuring, melted his defenses. She trusted him. She saw him as more than just a brash warrior or a leader of the pack. She saw him as someone worthy of her trust, her vulnerability.
As he began to undress, she couldn't help but watch, her heart beating faster. There was something undeniably captivating about him, the way his muscles moved, the strength and grace in his every action. She had always known Kouga was strong, but seeing him like this, so unguarded, stirred something within her.
He's... really something, isn't he?
Her eyes traced the lines of his body, the chiseled muscles of his chest and abdomen, the powerful build of his arms and legs. His fundoshi did little to hide his size between his legs, the bulge evident as he made his way towards the spring. The way the light from the glowing moss played over his skin, casting shadows and highlights, made him look almost ethereal.
He's beautiful.
She felt a rush of emotions—curiosity, excitement, a tinge of nervousness. It wasn't just about physical attraction; it was about the person he was, the bond they shared. She felt a warmth spread through her, a sense of connection that went beyond words.
As he slipped into the water, trying to keep his gaze respectfully averted, he couldn't help but sneak a glance. The sight of her, relaxed and at ease in the water, only deepened his admiration and his feelings.
Beautiful. There was no other word for it.
"Thank you," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "For trusting me."
Kagome nodded, her smile growing more relaxed. "You've always been there for me, Kouga. I know you'd never hurt me." His vulnerability, his respect for her, made her see him in a new light. She wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap between them.
He's here with me, and it feels... right.
In the soft glow of the bioluminescent moss, they sat in companionable silence for a moment, the steam rising around them, creating an intimate cocoon. "I've never seen anyone so beautiful, Kagome," he confessed, the words slipping out before he could think to stop them. It was the truth, pure and unfiltered, and he hoped she understood just how much he meant it.
His words took her by surprise, and her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and pleasure. She had always known Kouga had feelings for her, but hearing him say it so openly, so sincerely, touched her deeply.
Does he really think that? No one's ever said it like that before.
Kagome's blush deepened, but she didn't look away. "Thank you, Kouga. That means a lot coming from you."
Kouga shifted slightly, moving a bit closer but still maintaining a respectful distance. "I… I never expected this. To be here with you like this."
Kagome's eyes softened, her heart swelling with warmth. "Neither did I. But I'm glad we are."
The silence that followed was filled with a newfound understanding and a deepening connection. As they sat there, the steam rising around them, she knew this moment would stay with her. It was a step towards something new, something that felt both exciting and comforting. She felt a sense of anticipation, of possibility, and she was ready to explore it with Kouga.