Taming

The moment the bedroom door clicked shut, Osano's mask shattered.

His usual laid-back charm? Gone.

His casual smirk? Replaced by something hungrier.

His dark eyes? Now empty voids, staring straight at Nene like she was prey.

Nene barely had time to react before she was pinned to the bed, Osano hovering over her like a beast ready to devour.

"Nene," he murmured, his voice lower. Rougher.

She gulped. Oh no.

She knew this look. It was the look he had back in their youth. The one he had right before doing something crazy.

Like… kidnapping her.

Or, in this case—

Ravaging her beyond human limits.

Her survival instincts kicked in.

Think, Nene, THINK!

She grabbed his face with both hands and kissed his forehead. "You must be so tired after all that traveling!"

Osano paused.

Nene smiled, sweating bullets. "How about a nice meal first? A warm bath? A relaxing massage? Maybe all three?!"

Osano narrowed his eyes. "Nene…"

She gulped.

"I haven't seen you in months." His fingers traced her arm, slow and teasing. "You really think I care about food right now?"

Nene let out a nervous laugh. "W-Well, you do need energy! Can't have you collapsing on me, right?"

Osano smirked. "I'll collapse on you for a different reason."

Nene: panics internally.

Her last resort: distraction.

She cupped his face again, eyes softening. "Osano," she whispered sweetly. "Did you… bring me a souvenir?"

Osano froze.

For the first time, his dark, ravenous gaze flickered with something else.

"…A souvenir?"

Nene nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! You traveled so far! I thought you'd bring me something special!"

Osano squinted.

Then—he sighed dramatically, rolling onto his back.

"Tch. I was going to give it to you after, but fine."

Nene exhaled in relief. She lived.

For now.