"...Four times," he said softly, almost more to himself than to her.
His hand came up to tug at the fold of his yukata. The motion was casual—half teasing, half methodical—as he started to undress in turn, slipping out of the outer robe and settling into the lighter, more breathable layer beneath. His movements lacked their usual anxious polish, a sign that the alcohol hadn’t entirely let go of him yet.
He folded the yukata neatly beside him, mimicking her care without even realizing it.
"I’ve heard you hum that song four times now," he continued, casting a sidelong glance her way. "Once in my Palace, when I showed you to your room. Second, when you were focused on whatever you were typing away at your desk. Third, in the party—though that one was more a... performance."
He gave a small, knowing smile.
"And now. The fourth time."
A pause.
He looked down, untying the sash around his waist with an exaggerated slowness.
"Only 3,496 times left before I catch up to your streak," he muttered with faint amusement, referencing the number she’d offhandedly mentioned (and was rather proud) about at the party. "So I guess I’m a little behind."
He leaned back, bracing himself with one hand as he stretched his legs out.
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branchandroot
2/2
Date: 2025-05-14 11:28 pm (UTC)"...Four times," he said softly, almost more to himself than to her.
His hand came up to tug at the fold of his yukata. The motion was casual—half teasing, half methodical—as he started to undress in turn, slipping out of the outer robe and settling into the lighter, more breathable layer beneath. His movements lacked their usual anxious polish, a sign that the alcohol hadn’t entirely let go of him yet.
He folded the yukata neatly beside him, mimicking her care without even realizing it.
"I’ve heard you hum that song four times now," he continued, casting a sidelong glance her way. "Once in my Palace, when I showed you to your room. Second, when you were focused on whatever you were typing away at your desk. Third, in the party—though that one was more a... performance."
He gave a small, knowing smile.
"And now. The fourth time."
A pause.
He looked down, untying the sash around his waist with an exaggerated slowness.
"Only 3,496 times left before I catch up to your streak," he muttered with faint amusement, referencing the number she’d offhandedly mentioned (and was rather proud) about at the party. "So I guess I’m a little behind."
He leaned back, bracing himself with one hand as he stretched his legs out.
"But... I think I can manage. With time."