UNUSUAL COMFORT

Naru stood in front of her, completely unrestrained in his underwear, smiling as if he was reassuring not only himself but also Leyla that there was no reason to be ashamed. "You know," he said with a teasing expression on his face, "maybe I should stay like this, to show you that nothing is unusual. It might be easier for you to relax, but given how you're blushing, I think it's better if I put something on. I don't want you to misunderstand me. After all, I'm not just an ordinary model to you."

Leyla turned her head, her heart racing, but she didn't know how to act. She couldn't believe he was really standing there in front of her, awkwardly unaware of her anxiety. "Naru," she said through clenched teeth, "please, put some clothes on! I don't know how you can…".

Naru just raised an eyebrow, and his smile grew even more charming. "Oh, why should I?"

Leyla took a deep breath, trying to hide her discomfort. Embarrassment completely overwhelmed her, but she didn't want to show it. Even though she felt awkward, all she wanted was for him to stop acting so relaxed while she was completely confused.

Naru noticed her expression, even though he couldn't hold back his laughter. "You know, there's no reason to be ashamed. It's never too late to relax."

He smiled and then sat on the edge of the bed, just waving at her. "Alright, alright, I'll put something on. But you have to know that it's just for you." He added jokingly, "You must admit that this actually suits me quite well."

Leyla just sighed. As she walked toward the bathroom, she still felt that discomfort, but at least he was considerate enough to respect her space. She didn't want to dwell on it, but she couldn't shake that feeling off. Besides, she thought, she had to learn to cope with everything that came with him.

---

After she had showered, Leyla put on her comfiest long pajamas and entered the room. She closed the door and quietly walked over to the bed. Naru was lying on the bed, already dressed, but with that satisfied smile on his face that only urged her to stay and let go of everything.

She sat beside him, convinced she shouldn't act like everything was normal. But she still felt the fear that she might do something wrong. Being with him.

"You know," Naru began as he watched her settle in, "you could have at least worn some shorter shorts. After all, now that we're a bit more relaxed, what do you think?"

Leyla looked at him, her heart in her throat. "I don't think that's really my priority right now," she replied with a laugh, but she couldn't help but notice she was still a little red from the earlier moment.

Naru raised an eyebrow and moved closer. "Then let's start relaxing the right way."

And as she lay there beside him, she knew this was just the beginning of something uncertain but very exciting.

Naru began to kiss her passionately, his kiss filled with tenderness, but he didn't cross the line. Even though he was attracted to her, he was aware of her innocence and knew he had to be careful. His lips moved slowly, carefully, as if with every motion he wanted to cherish her and show her how special she was.

Leyla, however, couldn't hold back her smile. She started to laugh, confused and a bit surprised. "You know, I have to admit," she said, pulling back from him for a moment. "I never thought I'd end up with someone who isn't human and still looks better than most people. How did this happen?"

Naru stood there, surprised by her question, but then decided to respond with similar humor: "Yeah, really. Maybe you're the one that fate intended for me. I just wonder… how did you manage to stay innocent until now? Kudos!"

Leyla sighed and rolled her eyes at his question about how she managed to remain innocent all this time.

"You know, it wasn't some grand plan. It's not like I walked around saying, 'Hey, I won't have sex until I'm thirty because I want to frustrate everyone around me.'"

Naru laughed, but he was still waiting for the real answer.

"I've had a few relationships," she admitted with a shrug. "But in the end, they always ended in failure. Either they were too clingy, or too immature, or I'd realize we had nothing in common except the fact that we both loved sushi and drank our coffee without sugar. And then, when things started to get serious, I'd just lose interest. It was like... I don't know, it wasn't worth it."

Naru looked at her with a slight smile, but he didn't comment.

---

"And you?" she raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "How many do you have in your collection? I mean, women."

Naru paused for a moment, clearly surprised that she had taken the initiative in the conversation. Then he smiled with that seductive grin of his, leaning in closer.

"Oh, so now you're curious?"

"Of course I am. You're, technically speaking, a prince, you're handsome, powerful, you have this mysterious vibe... Don't tell me that women have fallen at your feet and nothing has ever happened."

"Well... to be honest..." Naru leaned back on his elbow, enjoying her reaction. "There have been. Some came because of my status, some were fascinated by the fact that I'm a yokai, and some just... wanted an adventure."

Leyla frowned. "Define 'some.'"

"Oh, princess, you sound a bit jealous now," he teased, but when she shot him a deadly glare, he immediately raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! I don't know the exact number; I haven't kept track, but let's just say... I haven't been a saint."

Leyla shifted in her seat, trying to appear disinterested, but the blush on her cheeks gave her away. "And what did you do with those women?"

Naru chuckled, enjoying her unease. "Oh, if you really want the details…"

"I don't know if I do, but if you skip anything, I'll know!" she warned him.

"Well, there was a bit of everything," he said thoughtfully. "Some were fleeting adventures, some a bit more serious. Sometimes I entertained myself with court ladies, sometimes with travelers who stumbled into my world, and sometimes with princesses from other clans trying to secure political alliances..."

"Wait, you slept with women for politics?" she blurted out in shock.

"Not exactly for politics," he corrected her. "But sometimes, it was part of the arrangement. You know, court intrigues, power, status..."

Leyla crossed her arms again, now visibly annoyed. "A-ha. And I suppose all these women were madly in love with you?"

"Well... I didn't get many complaints," he said confidently.

Leyla let out a disgusted sigh and turned her head away. "You're disgusting."

Naru laughed and pulled her closer. "Why? You asked, and I answered honestly!"

"Yeah, but I didn't expect you to tell me you lived a harem lifestyle!"

"I didn't have a harem!"

"Oh, excuse me, just a bunch of women coming and going. Clearly, a completely different thing!"

Naru nodded with a smirk. "Glad you understand."

"Ugh!" Leyla pushed him away and turned her back on him.

Naru leaned on his elbow and teased, "You know, it's fascinating how you wanted to know all this, and now you're mad."

Leyla fell silent, angry at herself for even bringing up the topic. Of course, he had a past. He was so much older than her. But it still irritated her.

"Leyla," he said softly, pulling her closer. "Right now, you're the only one who has my attention. There's no one else."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm sure you say that to everyone," she muttered.

"Yes, but you see, I've never had this conversation with anyone before."

"Oh, what an honor," she mumbled sarcastically, still refusing to look at him.

Naru chuckled and kissed her shoulder. "I'm just saying—if I had to choose between a thousand women from my past and you, I'd choose you. Every time."

Leyla finally softened a little, but she refused to give him the satisfaction. "Yeah, sure. Until we solve this case. Then, who knows what will happen."

Naru smiled mysteriously. "Oh, princess... we'll see about that."

Leyla sighed, realizing she had just fallen into an even deeper emotional dilemma than she had expected.

She glanced at him from under her lashes, now noticeably more relaxed, though her cheeks were still burning.

"Alright… since you obviously have so much experience…" she began, but her voice caught. She turned her head to the side, took a deep breath, and continued. "Why don't you tell me some things... about, um... that?"

Naru's satisfied smirk widened, and he shifted closer, propping himself up on his elbow as he observed her.

"Oh? You want me to educate you, princess?"

"Don't say it like that! It sounds creepy!" she wailed, grabbing the nearest pillow and smacking him in the face with it.

He laughed, completely unfazed.

"Alright, alright… So, theoretical lessons?"

She nodded, though her eyes showed she was already questioning every decision that had led her to this moment.

Naru got comfortable, slowly raising his hand and gently running his fingers over the back of hers, barely touching her.

"First, princess…" he said in a soft, seductive voice. "Everything begins with touch."

"Aha..." she whispered, hypnotized by the way his fingers traveled up her arm.

"There's a difference between accidental touch, intentional touch, and a touch that leaves a mark."

"A mark?"

"The kind you still feel even when the other person is gone."

A shiver ran down her spine, but she didn't pull her hand away. She just watched him in silence, her heartbeat quickening.

Naru then slowly leaned in, placing his palm on her waist.

"And of course…" he murmured, shifting his fingers just enough to cause a reaction. "Sensitivity depends on many factors. For example, this—"

Leyla suddenly jerked away.

"Hey! That tickles!"

"Yes, some parts of the body require a different kind of touch."

"You sound like you're giving an instruction manual!"

He laughed and leaned back on his elbow again, watching her with endless amusement.

"Well, what did you expect, princess? A poetic speech?"

"Maybe something less like… like—"

"Like you're studying for an exam?" he cut in, clearly enjoying her embarrassment.

She just covered her face with her hands.

"Oh my God, I can't believe we're talking about this."

"And we've only just begun."

His voice was so satisfied that she had to peek at him from behind her fingers—only to see that infuriatingly perfect smirk.

"Naru, if you don't stop enjoying this at my expense—"

"What will you do?"

She stared at him, red to her ears.

"I'll tell you to move on to the practical part."

Silence fell.

Naru blinked.

Then, he grinned widely.

"Princess…" he said slowly, lifting her hand and kissing her fingers. "Don't play with fire."

She felt her heart pounding, but instead of pulling away, she just pressed her lips together and averted her gaze.

"I'm just saying..." she whispered.

He watched her for a moment longer, as if deciding whether she was joking or serious. Then, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

"Go to sleep, princess. We have a long day ahead tomorrow."

And before she could protest, he simply tucked himself under the covers, leaving her to wonder…

Who had actually been teasing whom?