Feeling the Heat (1)

Nadia opens her eyes and immediately becomes hyper-aware of the weight on her body. She tenses, preparing to defend herself from the possible threat, but then she recognizes the familiar scent of roses. “Keiko?”

The girl lightly stirs but doesn’t wake up. Her face is serene, and she looks so defenseless. Nadia isn’t quite sure how things ended up this way, but she finds herself wanting to stay in this position for as long as she can.

Looking more closely at her, Nadia can see the fullness of Kei’s face. She recalls how barren it looked when they first met. It showed signs of weariness and pain, lacked clear expression and her sullen eyes made it obvious that her journey hadn’t been an easy one. Now, however, her face is plump and filled with more color. Her eyes are soft, and her lips are moderately thick. The difference between then and now is striking, yet the feelings Nadia has looking at her have only grown stronger.