THEIR FIRST TIME

They lay on the bed, their faces close together, breaths intertwined in the dimly lit room.

Naru was almost frozen, cupping her face with his hands, absorbing every blink, every sigh, as if trying to memorize this moment forever.

But he didn't move.

"What is it?" she whispered, running her fingertips over his cheek.

He shook his head.

"I don't know… I can't…"

Leyla smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"You can't? You? The same Naru who bragged about being such a great charmer and seducer? Are you seriously getting nervous now?"

Naru groaned and covered his face with his hands.

"Leyla…"

"No, no, just tell me one thing. How is it possible that you're afraid to undress me?"

He sighed, moving his hands away from his face and looking her straight in the eyes.

"Because you're different. You're not some fleeting adventure. You are the woman I love. And… I don't want to do anything that might hurt you or something you'd regret later."

Leyla was silent for a few seconds, then slowly sat up and stood in front of him, holding his gaze.

And then, without a word, she let her dress slip down her body.

Naru swallowed hard.

Leyla now sat before him, wearing red lace lingerie that left almost nothing to the imagination.

He wasn't breathing.

"Okay, since you're such a coward…" she said, crossing her legs slowly. "Looks like I have to take the lead."

Naru was still frozen, but then, suddenly, he laughed.

She had caught him off guard, as always.

"You know…" he said, moving closer and wrapping his arms around her waist, "it's not fair that you use my weakness against me."

Leyla rested her forehead against his.

"Who would've thought you'd be this weak when it comes to me?"

He chuckled and kissed her.

First gently, then deeper, until they both lost their footing and ended up back on the bed.

His hands moved slowly down her body, his fingers tracing every curve.

Leyla felt a hint of fear, but she refused to show it.

She was sure.

This was what she wanted.

She felt him gently lay her down, his lips trailing down her neck, then lower.

She closed her eyes and let out a soft sigh, her heartbeat racing.

And when the last piece of fabric fell, when they were finally bare before each other, nothing stood between them anymore.

Only feelings.

Only love.

But then, at the very beginning, he paused.

Once more, he looked into her eyes.

"Are you sure?"

His voice was husky, his gaze piercing into her soul.

Leyla nodded, running her hands down his back.

"Yes."

And he listened to her.

It wasn't perfect.

It hurt, even though he was gentle, and she felt tears well up in her eyes.

But she didn't waver.

Naru was careful, kissing her every time he felt her tense up, whispering words of comfort, doing everything he could to make it easier for her.

And when it was over, when they lay side by side, Naru gently brushed strands of hair from her face, kissing her forehead.

She smiled, even though her eyes were a little wet.

"Hey…" he said softly, caressing her cheek. "Are you okay?"

Leyla nodded.

"It was… um… well…"

Naru suddenly sat up.

"What?! It wasn't good?! Did I do something wrong?!"

Leyla laughed and pulled him back down.

"No, you idiot… The first time is never amazing, but…" She looked him straight in the eyes. "I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world."

Naru watched her for a few moments, then smiled and pulled her even closer.

"Alright… Then next time…"

Leyla placed a hand over his lips.

"Not now, my prince. Just be quiet and let me enjoy this."

Naru smiled and kissed her palm.

And as they lay there, intertwined in silence, they both knew—

This was a moment they would remember forever.

____

The room was quiet, lit only by the dim glow of a lantern, as Leyla and Naru lay intertwined among the crumpled sheets. His hand lazily trailed down her waist, while she traced circles on his chest with her fingers.

"So…" she murmured, resting her chin on his arm. "That's it."

Naru smiled and kissed her forehead.

"That's it," he repeated, then suddenly frowned. "But… did it hurt?"

Leyla shifted slightly.

"Well… yeah, a little. But nothing I didn't expect."

He studied her carefully, as if trying to determine whether she was lying.

"But you don't regret it?"

She smiled and pinched his side.

"Of course not, you fool. It's just… now I understand why girls always say their first time isn't that amazing."

"Hey!" Naru propped himself up on his elbow, pretending to be offended. "Are you telling me I wasn't great?"

Leyla giggled.

"I'm just saying that next time, I expect a better performance."

Naru immediately started climbing over her.

"Well, we can practice right now."

She gasped in shock and pushed him away.

"No, no, no! You've tortured me enough for one night! First, a shower, then we'll discuss new training sessions."

"Hmpf." Naru rolled onto his back, throwing an arm over his forehead. "You're so cruel, Leyla."

Leyla laughed and slipped out of his embrace.

But then she froze.

On the white sheets, right beneath her, was a dark crimson stain.

Her face turned red, and she quickly pulled the blanket over it to hide it.

"Oh," Naru murmured, noticing her sudden movement.

Leyla raised a hand.

"Don't say anything."

"But I didn't know it could be so—"

"Don't say anything!"

Naturally, Naru completely ignored her protest and stared at the stain with curiosity.

"So, this is what it looks like…"

Leyla groaned and covered her face with her hands.

"Naru, I swear, stop staring at it!"

He looked at her, then burst into laughter.

"Sorry, but this is my first time being with a virgin. I didn't know there could be this much blood."

Leyla turned as red as a tomato and quickly started gathering the sheets.

"Stop analyzing and throw me some clothes!"

Naru propped himself up on his elbow, clearly enjoying her panic.

"Why? I've already seen everything."

Leyla angrily grabbed her skirt and bra, putting them on at lightning speed.

"You're the devil!"

"But you love this devil."

"Not after this moment."

Naru laughed and watched as she ran barefoot toward the bathroom.

But before she could shut the door, he was right behind her.

"Wait a second," he said.

Leyla turned around, raising an eyebrow.

"What now?"

He leaned against the doorframe, eyeing her mischievously.

"I hope you're not planning to shower alone."

Leyla's face burned.

"Well… of course I am!"

Naru shook his head.

"Oh no, no, no. After everything we just went through, you don't have the right to be shy anymore."

Leyla swallowed as he stepped closer.

"Naru…"

He grabbed her waist and pulled her against him.

"Come on, just relax. It's just a shower."

"But—"

She didn't get to finish her sentence because he had already lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the bathtub.

"Put me down, you maniac!"

"No."

"Put me down!"

"No."

Just as she was about to wrestle her way out of his grip, he turned on the faucet, letting warm water fill the tub.

Leyla glanced at the door, searching for an escape.

"Can I at least keep my underwear on?"

Naru looked at her as if she had just said the dumbest thing in the world.

"Why would I let you do that?"

She groaned.

"Out of mercy?"

He shook his head and unhooked her bra with a grin.

"No mercy."

"You're impossible!"

"But you love me."

"Not anymore!"

She tried to cover herself again, but he effortlessly lifted her and placed her in the tub.

"Ahh! The water is too hot!"

"You're exaggerating, princess."

He stepped in after her, sitting behind her and pulling her into his embrace.

Leyla had planned to keep complaining, but then she felt his hands gliding down her shoulders, his fingers tracing along her neck and back.

It felt too good.

She leaned back, resting her head against his shoulder.

"Okay, maybe you were right about this."

Naru kissed her temple.

"Say that again."

"Don't get greedy."

"But I love when you tell me I'm right."

"You're too used to getting compliments."

Naru smirked and continued massaging her shoulders.

"You know… I could stay here with you forever."

Leyla chuckled and closed her eyes.

"Yeah… me too."