THE RECONCILIATION HUG

The sound of water cascading down the bathroom tiles filled the space as steam slowly escaped through the slightly open door. Naru and Leyla had finally finished their little spa treatment—or as he liked to call it, "an extended exploration of intimacy."

Leyla stepped out first, quickly grabbing a towel and wrapping it around herself, trying to avoid Naru's gaze, which followed her with a wide smile.

"Suddenly shy now?" he teased, leaning against the doorframe while tying his kimono.

"Not shy," she retorted, struggling to properly adjust the towel around her. "I just don't want someone pulling it off again before I even get a chance to blink."

Naru chuckled, stepping closer and gently tugging the towel off her shoulder, though he didn't remove it completely. "Who, me? Never..."

Leyla shot him a glare. "Go put something on, or are you planning to have lunch like that?"

"Well, if it would make lunch more interesting..."

"Naru."

"Alright, alright." He grinned and finally let go of the towel, heading to the wardrobe to get dressed.

As they walked down the palace corridors, Leyla noticed the way the servants and courtiers watched their every step. Rumors had already spread that she had returned, but the fact that she was now walking beside Naru, visibly relaxed and happy, only added fuel to the fire.

"They're all staring," she muttered.

"Of course, they are," Naru replied confidently. "They can't believe you're back. Or maybe because their dream has finally come true—to see their prince in a happy relationship."

Leyla rolled her eyes. "Please, as if you haven't been happy before."

"I have, but not like this."

She glanced at him sideways, and he returned her look with a charming smile.

"Sometimes I forget what a smooth talker you are," she murmured.

"And I forget how stunning you are, but then I see you in this dress, and I'm instantly reminded."

Leyla felt her cheeks warm, but she refused to let it faze her. "So, now you're complimenting me just to keep me quiet?"

"No, now I'm complimenting you because I know you'll say something sarcastic soon and ruin my moment anyway."

"You truly are a visionary, Naru."

When they reached the dining hall, the doors suddenly swung open, revealing Akihiro standing with his arms crossed, his usual ironic smile on his face.

For a brief moment, Naru just stared at him, then, without warning, stepped forward and pulled him into a strong hug.

"Welcome back, cousin!" Naru declared dramatically. "You know, I never liked you... but now that you've returned my wife, I think I might actually tolerate you!"

Akihiro looked mildly shocked, then rolled his eyes and returned the hug. "I see you've completely lost your mind in her absence."

"Oh, that was just the cherry on top," Naru laughed. "Otherwise, I'm perfectly normal."

"I wouldn't say that," Akihiro muttered.

Leyla stepped in and hugged Akihiro as well—friendly, but warmly enough that Naru immediately pulled a face as if he had just licked a lemon.

"Alright, alright, that's enough physical contact," Naru grumbled, pulling Leyla back toward him.

"Naru, are you jealous?" Leyla asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course not!"

"Of course, you are," Akihiro chimed in with a smirk.

Naru turned to him. "You're my cousin! It would be, uh… weird if I didn't hate you for hugging her."

Leyla burst out laughing. "You're the worst."

"Thank you, I try."

"Come on, let's eat," Leyla said, tugging on Akihiro's sleeve. "You're joining us."

"Ah, I'm honored."

"Don't be sarcastic, it'll be fun," she said, winking at him.

As they walked down the corridor, Naru muttered, "Don't you have anything better to do? Maybe something that doesn't involve hovering around my wife?"

"No."

"Great."

Leyla laughed as they made their way to the dining hall, knowing this would be an interesting night.