Chapter 59: After the Duel (Saeko's POV)

Amane collapsed, but I didn't think he was weak or anything. The fact that he was able to react and attempt to defend himself was more than enough.

Really, the power of Suihei Yaburi might have been too much…

I needed to hurry and get us inside. Thankfully, only the dueling area had an open roof.

I picked up Amane and dragged him into the washroom. If I left him in his soaked uniform, he'd end up sick, so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I removed most of his uniform, leaving only his underwear. Even though this was the perfect opportunity to see what he wielded, I couldn't do it. A wave of disgust, stronger than anything I had ever felt before, hit me.

My desires—the ones I had struggled with before—abhorred the very thought of those acts when they were non-consensual. I even had to cover my mouth to keep myself from accidentally throwing up on him.

I'd be sad if his wonderful body got covered up and I couldn't look at it anymore. Just for appreciation, of course. I had no intention of doing anything while he was unconscious.

"Amane, you're the first and last person I'll do this for," I muttered under my breath while running warm—almost hot—water into the tub.

After tossing his soaked uniform into the dirty clothes, I grabbed a fresh set, identical to the one he had worn. After neatly folding it, I placed it in another basket before returning to Amane, who was still leaning against the tub. I picked him up—doing my best—and gently lowered him into the warm water, making sure he was as comfortable as possible.

His face visibly relaxed, and even a bit of drool leaked from his mouth.

"Pffft—Bwahaha!" I couldn't hide my amusement, but I also didn't let him stay in such an embarrassing state. I wanted to see him like that only when he was conscious—under the relentless domination of my true desires.

Ah~ I really wanted to do such things with him, but seeing him in this unconscious state made me feel sick at the mere thought.

The disgusting bastards who can force themselves to do such things should be eradicated! The thought resonated in my head with an intensity that almost startled me. I had always despised those types of people, but right now, the hatred burned even stronger. I felt like I could take matters into my own hands and pass judgment myself.

"Hah~" I sighed.

Calming down, I focused on the task at hand—caring for Amane.

I grabbed a clean washrag from my left, which rested on the edge of the tub, and dipped it into the basin of warm water beside me. Slowly, carefully, I ran the cloth over his upper body, making sure to be gentle.

His skin was more tanned than I thought. I never really paid attention before, but he definitely wasn't some shut-in. I should have figured that out from his physique alone. His visibly formed six-pack, the muscles on his arms, and even his legs were all well-toned. He didn't have the body of a professional athlete, but it was clear he took care of himself.

Such a body was only obtained through self-discipline and a desire for self-improvement, which made my opinion of him rise even higher.

How could I not admit that I liked him now? Everything went beyond my sadistic desires—I really just wanted to be with him. Sure, it's a realization I've come to many times today, but these were feelings I really had to understand. I couldn't just waltz into a relationship, especially one as unique as Amane's.

A harem. He achieved a feat most people in the modern world couldn't even dream of, and even in the past, it was something few could accomplish. If they did succeed, it was either because of their position of power or wealth—though the former is a method more common nowadays.

I just... Hesitation wasn't what stopped me. It's just that... was there really anyone as good as him around my age? That was the big question. Like everyone, I had my preferences, but I also had to be realistic—the answer to my question was no. Most—and let me emphasize the most, not all—men around my age just wanted to fuck or were too childish.

Being childish wasn't the issue... I guess they were just stuck in childish actions? Ah, whatever. Who am I even trying to explain my thoughts to!?

Ding~

Hearing my phone go off, I dried my hands off the best I could and unlocked it.

"No way..." I couldn't believe what I was reading. I got a text message from a group chat with my closest friends. The two were weird and strange—honestly, I don't even know how we became friends. Either way, I loved talking to them, and while they didn't share my exact hobbies, they were passionate in their respective fields, even if they didn't show it outright.

Reading the text, I grinned and shook my head.

[Group Chat: Passion Project]

[Ri-chan]: Hey.

'As dry as usual...'

[Me]: What's up, girl?

[Yuki-chan]: ?

[Ri-chan]: I want a boyfriend. However, the one I want is taken. This sucks.

"W-?" I couldn't even formulate words.

It took me a second to reply. I really just hoped Amane didn't wake up anytime soon.

[Yuki-chan]: Then find another one. Lamenting over what you can't have is pointless.

[Ri-chan]: Yeah, but it's not that easy.

[Yuki-chan]: How…

[Ri-chan]: Well, Miss Ice Princess, feelings are pretty hard.

[Me]: You two need help, especially you, Yuki. XD

[Yuki-chan]: How? My response was purely logical. It's best for her to hear that.

I couldn't deny her words, but still, it seemed I was the more emotionally developed one in our little group.

[Ri-chan]: Sae, let me come over. I need to cry.

[Me]: Sure, later! Kinda busy rn.

[Yuki-chan]: With what, your sword?

[Me]: No. With a dude right now, currently trying to clean him.

[Yuki-chan]: ...

[Ri-chan]: No way...

Oops. I covered my mouth, amused. I put my phone on silent and pushed what just happened to the back of my mind. I didn't mean to leak that, but they were my girls, so I normally just spoke without thinking.

The carefree Amane in front of me had no idea what I might have just put him through.

I placed my right hand on his face, gently rubbing his cheek, and whispered, "I'll make it up to you somehow... but you'll have to help me, whether you want to or not~!"