"Thirsty..."
Makomo's slightly hoarse voice made Kanzaki Kumo put aside those inexplicable thoughts. He gently moved her delicate body out of his arms and to the side, then poured her a cup of warm water.
"No strength left..."
Looking at the steaming cup held before her, Makomo merely mumbled to Kanzaki Kumo. Her tone sounded almost coaxing, yet seemed to carry a hint of reproach as well.
Setting the cup aside, Kanzaki Kumo gently slipped an arm around Makomo's shoulders and helped her sit up against him. He brushed away the sweat-dampened strands of hair clinging to her cheek, then held the cup in his free hand and gave her water little by little.
Makomo, who usually formed a "mischievous duo" with Shinobu Kocho, now rested quietly in Kanzaki Kumo's arms like a contented kitten, drinking in small sips. Along with her coaxing manner just now, it felt rather novel to him.
While Kanzaki Kumo gazed tenderly at this unfamiliar side of Makomo, lost in thought, the cup emptied before he knew it.
"More..."
Gulp.
Kanzaki Kumo's Adam's apple bobbed.
He knew Makomo meant she wanted more water, but her soft voice and their current state made it hard not to take it the wrong way.
Especially since they had both just experienced that mingling of love and desire. Kanzaki Kumo, whose self-control was normally fairly strong, now felt himself beginning to lose his grip.
Resting in Kanzaki Kumo's arms, Makomo naturally noticed her lover's physical reaction, and her whole body gave an involuntary jolt.
"Water! I meant water!"
Her previously weak voice suddenly grew loud.
"Ahem..." Kanzaki Kumo coughed awkwardly, then laid Makomo down and got up to pour another cup of hot water.
Taking advantage of that brief interval, he temporarily suppressed the desire Makomo had unwittingly stirred