#wattpad preview

[rosejigglypuff76]

Cookie Run Kimura AU - Chapter 7 (Preview)

Author's Note

My deepest apologies for being unable to write for a while. Due to me being busy with a lot of writing for my 2nd Term of my 1st Year of College I ended up getting a bad case of Writer's Block, due to my mind becoming mentally exhausted from various homework and projects. 😅🎀

Luckily the 2nd Term of my 1st Year recently finished a few days ago, and I'll be returning to my 1st Year's 3rd Term this coming May 8. But in the meantime, I'll try my best to complete Chapter 7 for my Cookie Run Kimura AU!

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Cookie Run Kimura AU 🪴 Episode 7 (Preview) - Full Experimental Alchemist 🧪

Grandmaster Hotel, Sparkling's Juice Bar Wednesday, 5:41pm  in the Afternoon

"Hehe!! I supposed that was one dance within the starlights!", Herb politely chuckled while watching the reel that Sparkling posted on his Instagraham Page (Cookie Instagram Page) that ended up getting a lot of views within the first few hours alone.

As promised, Vampire sent the video he recorded on his phone to Sparkling. With the blonde teen himself both posting it and also adding the red-haired teen as a collaborator of the aforementioned reel.

"Wow! And it's crazy that you and Rockstar chose to stop the crowd from betting on either of you!", Cherry Blossom pouted in disappointment, "You won that match yet…"

Sparkling served the usual drinks to the rest of his friends, ending with serving Cherry Blossom her usual Sakura Milkshake. He sighed before replying with, "Even if Rockstar won instead of me, we both had the same idea regardless of the outcome. That being that there shouldn't be any bets, and that in the end we chose to dance for fun and sincere enjoyment."

"That's one reasonable and truly humble answer, Sparkling. It's cruel to see that there's not many cookies who have just as logical of a mindset as you, Herb, Cream Puff, and most of the cookies here...", Cocoa Butter (Dark Choco) calmly joined in the conversation as he drew on his calligraphy sketchbook.

The dark-haired teen gave an oblivious Cherry Blossom one silent side eye, drawing a quick sketch of one cute blue bear jelly plushie. The one that Herb won for him earlier in the arcade, which is also sitting right in front of him on the table.

Mango showed one big warmhearted smile, giggling at the amount of fun his friends are having. At the moment he was writing down the remaining few things on his notes from his phone, listing down everything the Student Council needs to do for the Science Fair.

"That looks like a lot of work that you wrote down.", Cream Puff spoke, taking a small little peek on Mango's list and overall sets of notes, "Working hard as ever, I see! Hehe!"

The young Student Council President himself nodded, double checking if there's anything that he needs to add or remove. Smiling kindly with complete satisfaction and happiness, "Everything is written down, and assigned the required things for each of us to do. Each is given a couple of tasks that's best suited for the five of us, both as individuals and as a team!"

One thing led to more chain reactions within the Blooming Friend Group. Most of them involve Herb and Sparkling offering their help to Mango and Cream Puff. A couple of times would have Cocoa Butter give some ideas as well, and Cherry Blossom followed along every so often.

Vampire would join in at times, recommending what the Student Council can do to promote the event in the Lotte World Tower and even make the event more widespread but reasonably limited to those in Cookie Biscuit City for a less stressful but amazing day.

That's when another idea sparked up in Mango's mind, "Hey Vampire? You're the Leader of the Science Club right?"

"Of course, Mango!", Vampire kindly replied, "If you need more help for the Science Fair, you can come to me or any of the members."

"I actually was about to ask!", the upbeat blonde cheered at the easy-going redhead, "WellyouseeweareveryopentobothofferinghelpandalsoreceivinghelpfromeveryonebothcookiesandcreaturesalikesoifyouarefinewithisitokayifyouandtheScienceClubhelpusoutwiththeScienceFairnextweek?"

"Let's just say everyone has that "Chibi Awe Face", that originated from those iconic Cookie Run Kingdom Korean Videos!", Herb thought to himself (and you) the moment Mango spoke that fast.

It took at least a few or so seconds until everyone was able to process what Mango just said. Ironically he's still easy to understand despite talking in one breath at times due to excitement.

"Mango? Is it okay if you talk a little slower please?", Cream Puff asked, blushing in embarrassment for her fellow Student Council member and silly-sweet love.

Mango blushed in embarrassment as well, chuckling with the same embarrassed look but was reassuring nonetheless, "Heh heh! Sorry about that Cream Puff. I guess it was hard for you guys to understand when I spoke that fast."

Vampire shook his head with reassurance, "Well actually, we understood what you said Mango. But we also don't want you to say it all in one breath, for your safety."

"Ah!", Mango showed a "Chibi Awe Face" of his own, kindly understanding the situation and in full agreement, "I'll try my best to keep that in mind. Thanks for telling me, heh heh!"

Everyone had a nice fun laugh, simply enjoying the times they have with each other and just in general having a great amount of fun times.

Needless to say, the red-haired boy eventually responded to the slightly younger of the two blonde teens in the room, "From what you mentioned Mango, that sounds like a great idea! I'll make sure that-!"

*beep boop*

Vampire briefly jumped out of his seat the moment he felt a sudden buzzing sound in his pocket. Calming down almost in an instant though, before proceeding to pull his phone out. Getting a recent notification of someone sending him a text message.

He sat there for a couple of seconds reading the text he was sent, before giving one deep but calmly chill sigh, "Sorry guys. But my little sister wants me to help her with something urgent at home."

*SWOOSH!!!*

It was ironically followed by Vampire putting down his payment for his drink at the counter, before immediately dashing out of the Juice Bar like his life depended on it.

This raised a bunch of eyebrows for the rest of the Blooming Friend Group. Both confused and worried of what urgent thing Alchemist texted Vampire moments prior to him bolting out of the Juice Bar. Of course, Sparkling and Herb are the most concerned. But Cream Puff was even more concerned and even scared for Vampire, "Is it just me… Or did Vampire look like he was hiding how afraid he's currently feeling about that text message Alchemist sent to him…?"

[powerful-niya]

— (hαppílч єvєr αftєr.)

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ 𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚆𝚎𝚍𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙰𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝙽𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙷𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚝𝚊! (𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻)

Link to One-shot Below ↴ Wattpad | AO3

Pairing˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚Naruhina 

Synopsis˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡On their honeymoon night, newlyweds Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki indulge in a night of passion, love, and deep intimacy at a luxurious love hotel—a place they had always dreamed of visiting together. 

What begins as a night of pleasure quickly turns into something much more—a physical and emotional awakening, a celebration of their love, and the first of many nights as husband and wife. 

Content Tags˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚Affectionate Sex • Anniversary Celebration • Body Worship • Bridal Lingerie • Candlelit Romance • Couple Goals •Clit Play • Cunnilingus • Dirty Talk • Domestic Bliss • Erotic Romance • Fantasies & Fantasizing • Fingering • First Night as Newlyweds • Fluff & Smut • Foreplay • Frottage • Honeymoon • Husband Appreciation • Honeymoon•Husband/Wife • Intimacy • Lingerie • Loss of Control • Love Hotel • Love Making • Marathon Sex • Multiple Orgasms • Newlyweds Bliss • Oral Sex • Overstimulation • Panties • Passionate Sex • Pillow Talk • Power Play • Praise Kink • Sensory Overload • Sixe Difference Kink • Soft Dom!Naruto • Strip Tease • Sub!Hinata • Sweet & Spicy • Tooth-Rotting Fluff • Vaginal Sex • Wedding Anniversary Special • Wholesome • Wife Appreciation • Voice Kink • 2025.

✨March 22, 2025✨

Overall Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚12.7K

Tumblr Post: Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚2.1K

Preview ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

"Congratulations on your marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Uzumaki!"

"Arigatou gozaimasu!"

Those words.

Naruto and Hinata had spoken those words countless times throughout their wedding day—again and again, from morning until night, to smiling faces, to cheering guests, to loved ones beaming with joy. 

They bowed deeply, thanking every well-wisher, every elder, every dear friend who had come to witness the moment they had waited for their entire lives.

And yet—no matter how many times they heard it. Congratulations!

No matter how many times they said it. Thank you!

It never lost its magic.

Never dulled.

Never stopped feeling surreal.

It was like a dream they never wanted to wake up from. Like something too beautiful, too perfect, too vast to fit inside a single day.

They were married.

Finally, undeniably, irrevocably bound to one another.

Tied together by fate, by love, by the very vows they had exchanged beneath the sky.

Today and always. 

Even now, with the wedding behind them and their honeymoon finally in full swing, their hands remained locked together, fingers tightly intertwined—just as they had been hours ago—

Standing beneath the altar.

Exchanging the very wedding bands that now shimmered on their fingers.

The wedding ceremony had been long, yet it unfolded so gracefully, so beautifully, stretching through the day in a haze of indescribable emotions—and neither of them would have had it any other way.

Every moment had been perfect.

From the slow, breathtaking walk to the altar—where, for the first time all day, their eyes truly met, seeing each other not just as Hinata and Naruto, but as bride and groom…

…as two souls about to become one. 

To their wedding vows—spoken in trembling voices, with blushing cheeks and teary eyes, each word drawn not just from the heart, but from the very depths of their souls. 

To the way their hands trembled as they slipped their wedding bands onto each other's fingers, to the thunderous applause and joyful cheers that erupted the moment their lips finally met in their first kiss as husband and wife.

They could still remember it vividly. The way it felt.

Deep.

Warm.

All-consuming.

Where the rest of the world faded into nothing, where time itself seemed to pause, where there was no one else, nothing else—only them.

And then finally—

The reception. 

An evening overflowing with joy and laughter, surrounded by their dearest friends and family. An evening where cups upon cups of sake were poured and savored, where glasses clinked high in the air, voices lifting in heartfelt toasts, and embarrassing stories spilled freely. 

Much to Naruto and Hinata's dismay. 

They ate and ate until their bellies were full, danced until their legs could barely hold them up, and laughed until their tummies ached, tears glistening at the corners of their eyes.—

Until breathlessness became bliss.

Until they were lost in the magic of the night, carried away until the stars shone high above them.

Yes.

Every moment had been exactly as they had imagined.

Exactly as they had wanted. 

A perfect day.

A perfect beginning to their forever.

And now, with nightfall upon them, it was time to unwind. 

To indulge.

To finally enjoy a night that belonged to no one else but them.

A sleek gold key slid smoothly across the counter, the soft scrape of metal against polished wood filling the space between them. It came to a halt just inches from where Naruto and Hinata stood, catching the warm, rose-tinted glow of the lights above.

Their gazes dropped.

There, resting against the polished counter, was their hotel key, and dangling from it, a small, heart-shaped keychain—a detail so charming, so deceptively innocent, it almost felt out of place.

Naruto chuckled, "Heh, cute."

He cast a sideways glance down at his wife, his grin widening at the sight of her flushed cheeks, the way her lavender eyes lingered on the key on the counter—though her expression told a different story. 

Because while the key itself may have seemed sweet and cutesy—

The place it led to?

Not so much.

The engraving on the key glinted under the low, intimate lighting, the delicate letters etched into its surface reflecting back at them—

"Suite 707."

"Your room has been set up exactly as requested," the hotel receptionist chirped, the words flowing effortlessly from her lips—as if she'd recited those words a thousand times before.

She was young, poised, with red lips painted into a welcoming smile and chestnut-brown hair pulled into a high, sleek bun, not a single strand out of place.

Her blouse hugged her curves, emphasizing a rather generous bust, and the way she leaned forward just slightly, elbows resting delicately on the counter, told them everything they needed to know.

She was eager for her job.

Perhaps, a little too eager.

From the moment Naruto and Hinata stepped inside, from the second her gaze landed on their glistening wedding bands, her demeanor had been rather…playful.

Naruto sensed it—the way her eyes lingered, watching them just a little too closely.

Like she had seen hundreds of newlyweds before them.

Some shy.

Some bold.

Some still caught in the daze of saying "I do."

But something about Naruto and Hinata amused her more than the rest. 

Maybe it was the way Naruto's grip on Hinata's hand never wavered, his thumb tracing slow, absentminded circles over her knuckles—gentle, yet possessive.

Or maybe it was the way Hinata's cheeks flushed so easily, her lavender eyes flickering with something soft, unsure—yet undeniably excited.

Maybe it was the eagerness thrumming between them.

The quiet thrill of their first night as husband and wife.

Or maybe, it was simply the fact that they had been waiting for this moment for so long—waiting to come here.

They had talked about this place for years, wondered what it would be like, joked about making the trip one day.

And now, as husband and wife—they were finally here.

The Secret Garden.

A love hotel.

A five-star one, too.

It was a hidden oasis, tucked away in the southernmost reaches of Kyushu, Japan—where the air was constantly warm, the nights stretched long, and the sea breeze carried the kind of temptation that lingered like the burn of good sake.

This was no ordinary hotel.

Wasn't for hurried travelers, tired businessmen, or even families on vacation. 

No. 

This place was built solely for lovers. 

A place where intimacy thrived behind closed doors.

Where secrecy was expected.

Where pleasure was promised.

Where desire was indulged.

A retreat for couples who wanted to disappear, to exist in a world of their own making—if only for a little while.

And just stepping into the reception area promised exactly that.

Soft, ambient lighting glowed from rose-gold chandeliers. The walls were draped in deep red velvet, the fabric rich and indulgent, meeting plush, matching cushions that lined the elegant chairs in the seating area.

Beneath their feet, the marble floor gleamed, smooth and cool—a striking contrast to the warmth that pulsed through the air, creeping into their cheeks, blooming deep within their chests. 

Flowers were everywhere. 

Makes sense, given the love hotel's name.

Many were arranged in elegant vases, others draped along the walls, cascading in lush, flowing garlands. Some were even woven into a breathtaking petal arch, framing the grand entrance to the lobby.

Their fragrance filled almost every corner of the building—so fresh, so sweet, so intoxicating.

And if that wasn't enough—there were other scents, too.

Subtle hints of rosewood and vanilla.

Not overwhelming, but just enough.

Enough to latch onto the senses.

Enough to sink beneath the skin.

Enough to warm the chest and make the eyes feel just a little heavier, a little hazier.

Like…an aphrodisiac.

Here and there, the walls were adorned with intimate artwork—portraits of lovers entwined, their bodies bare, sculpted in soft, artistic depictions of passion.

It was beautiful.

It was sensual.

It was exactly the kind of place Naruto and Hinata had always wanted to visit.

And for the next few weeks—it was all theirs.

"I truly hope you two enjoy your stay." The receptionist’s voice rose once more, her nails drumming lightly against the desk—a soft, rhythmic click, click, click.

"And if you need anything—" She paused, her red lips curling with amusement, "Anything at all—just dial zero."

Hinata's cheeks burned, her blush deepening, turning her as red as a ripe tomato. Heat crawled up her neck, spreading like fire throughout her entire body.

She couldn't shake it.

The jittery excitement.

The nervous, overwhelming anticipation sat buried deep in her chest, its grip tightening, coiling deeper with every thought, every breath, every passing second.

It's finally happened.

She was finally a wife.

Newly married.

Still adorned with the soft flush of her wedding makeup, her midnight-blue hair cascading in elegant waves down her back, crowned by a delicate headband woven with white camellias, baby's breath, and soft pink forget-me-nots—a floral arrangement as gentle and precious, as she was.

Her wedding gown was gone, exchanged for something lighter, more comfortable—a simple white sundress, one that still carried the grace, the beauty, and the full essence of a bride.

Finally, married.

Married to the man of her dreams.

It didn't feel real.

But it was real.

Hinata felt like freaking out.

Like fainting.

Like crying, laughing, or maybe spinning in circles and screaming at the top of her lungs, declaring to the entire world just how unbelievably happy she was. 

But even that—even all of that—wouldn't come close to capturing the depth of what she felt.

Kami.

On second thought… she just might faint.

But just as her world threatened to slip away into darkness, a gentle squeeze to her hand pulled her back, keeping her grounded for the one last second she needed.

"You okay, Hina?"

She blinked, her thoughts still struggling to catch up to reality.

Her gaze snapped up to Naruto's.

Somewhere along the way, he had already finished up with the receptionist, their adorably themed room key now dangling between his fingers.

She nodded, still breathless. 

"Yeah… it's just surreal." She acknowledged in total disbelief, "We talked about this for so long, always saying we'd come here someday, and now…"

"We're finally here," Naruto murmured, finishing the thought for her, "About to treat ourselves."

He leaned in, his warmth sinking deep, lips grazing her ear as his voice dropped—low, rough, just how she liked.

"All night long."

A slow, delicious heat coiled deep in her stomach, spreading lower, settling right between her thighs.

She knew exactly what that meant.

Hinata barely had a second to process before strong hands wrapped around her, lifting her effortlessly off her feet.

A startled giggle spilled from her lips.

Her body crashed against Naruto's solid chest, her legs tucked securely in his muscular arms, cradled bridal style.

Hinata barely had time to loop her arms around his neck before he was already on the move, carrying her quickly toward the lobby's elevator.

Behind the desk, the receptionist giggled, watching the newlyweds rush off in their excitement. 

"Have fun, you two~!" She called after them, lifting a hand in a playful wave.

But neither of them noticed.

They were lost in their own little world now.

Hinata laughed, breathless, her face pressing into his shoulder, his warmth seeping through the fabric of his suit. 

"N-Naruto-kun!" She gasped between breathless giggles, trying to contain the fluttering in her chest.

His grin widened, his hold on her tightening just a little more.

"C'mon, Hina," Naruto scoffed playfully, flashing her a toothy, mischievous grin, "You didn't really think I'd let you use those pretty little legs of yours to walk, did ya?" A deep, rumbling chuckle rolled through his chest, the sound vibrating against her, sinking into her skin.

His fingers flexed teasingly against her thighs, bunching up the soft fabric of her white dress beneath his calloused hands.

"Nah, not a chance." He shook his head, his spiky blonde locks bouncing with the motion, "Not on our honeymoon."

He jostled her playfully in his grip, making her squeal, her laughter spilling out even louder, drawing a few curious glances from nearby guests. Hinata's cheeks burned at the sight, mortification creeping up her neck, but no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't stop giggling.

"Naruto-kun! P-People are looking!" She whispered embarrassingly, burying her face against his neck, her warm breath fanning over his skin.

Naruto only grinned, completely unfazed, not even sparing the onlookers a second glance.

"Let 'em look, hime."

He leaned in a little closer, his lips brushing dangerously close to her ear. 

"All I want you to do," He murmured, his voice low, hot, "is sit back, relax, and let your husband do the honors—"

His smirk deepened, his grip firm and steady as he finally carried her through the open elevator doors.

"Let me take you to our room the right way."

Continue Reading on Wattpad Or AO3.

||Previous. ||

||🖤𝓚𝓲𝓼𝓼 𝓜𝓮, 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓜𝓮 𝓒𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷🖤||

[cowboygenesis]

hello friends! today i woke up to see over 200 (WOW) votes on the one-shot poll. i got over (or under?) eager and selected the 1 week duration-- which i think is excessive --so we're closing it prematurely.

40% of you wanted to see gale up next, so we're gonna go with that (a fact i'm VERY happy about considering i started writing this fic before the poll had even gone up...).

expect some of this: forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and heated arguments.

enjoy this lil preview, and see you soon!

masterlist.

[stolenslumber]

though the stars walk backward (sjy) (preview)

Your first encounter with Jake Sim ends with ketchup on your clothes and his burger in his friend's lap. The second encounter doesn't go so smoothly, either. He thinks he might have gotten the hang of it by the third time, but as the saying goes: there is no easy way from the earth to the stars.

PAIRING: sim jaeyun x female reader GENRE: college au, one-sided enemies-to-lovers (the e2l part is short-lived lol sry), friends-to-lovers, mutual pining, fluff, romance, jake as a star soccer player but also loser physics nerd WARNINGS: swearing, eventual kissing and suggestive content/sexual themes, familial angst/generational trauma (it's present and it's heavy but it's not suuuuuper heavy) WORD COUNT: ~2.5k (preview); final word count is, again, btwn me and god PUBLISH DATE: reallyyyyyyy hoping to get this out before my next semester starts but We'll See About That...

“Don’t freak out, but I think the girl you stare at in the library is staring back at you.”

Jake freezes with his burger halfway to his open mouth. “What? Where? And I don’t stare at her in the library—”

Jay nudges his friend’s jaw upwards. “I said don’t freak out.”

“At least he didn’t turn in her direction,” Sunghoon offers. But he says it while looking disdainfully at the ketchup dripping from Jake’s burger onto the dining hall table, so Jake isn’t all that comforted by it. 

Instead, he repeats “Where?” through gritted teeth. 

“At your four o’clock, but I wouldn’t get too excited about it.” Jay squints. “I’m pretty sure she’s glaring at you, honestly. Okay, seriously do not freak out, but she’s coming over here…”

Jake tries to figure out what to do with himself as you approach with alarming speed— should he fix his hair, or tuck his shirt in? Damn it, he doesn’t even remember if he’s wearing something clean today. Before he can fully comprehend it, you’re standing in front of him, looking as pretty as ever in a silky dress that floats down to your ankles. 

Your mouth opens to say something, and there’s a deep furrow between your brows that Jake longs to smooth out, but then his hands clamp down on his burger, and— “Oh shit, dude, I’m so sorry!” 

Bright red ketchup decorates the front of your pristine white dress.

Your jaw drops, as does your gaze, fixated on the ugly red splotch spreading over the fabric covering your stomach. Everything you’d been meaning to say to him flies out of your head, replaced by blood rushing in your ears as your anger grows at the foolish oaf in front of you. “This is dry clean only,” you hiss.

Jake drops his burger in Jay’s lap, ignoring his friend’s squawk of indignation. Hurriedly, he wipes his hands on some napkins and tries offering them to you before cowing under your withering glare. “I am so sorry,” he repeats. His arms flail at his sides before he picks up the cardigan lying next to him and hands it to you. “You have a library shift coming up, right? Please feel free to wear this until you can get home and change. I have class until two, but I can take your clothes to the dry cleaners afterwards. I’m really so sorry!”

Your mouth shapes around air a few times as you work out exactly how to respond to him, but then your phone buzzes to remind you of your library shift— it is coming up— and you decide that you’ll deal with this— and him— later. Unhappily, you grab the proffered cardigan. “Two o’clock. Don’t be late.” And then you twist on your heel and depart, leaving Jake to stare sadly at the swish of your hair against your back.

“Are you gonna take my clothes to the dry cleaners, too?” Jay intones dryly from beside him.

Jake groans and sinks back down into the booth, covering his face with his hands and shaking his head repeatedly. “I can’t believe that just happened. I have to walk into traffic now.” Before Jay can say anything else, Jake tacks on, “And yeah, give me your pants.”

“Damn, take me to dinner first. Oh, wait, I guess you did offer me food.” Jay plucks the burger out of his lap and deposits it onto Jake’s plate pointedly.

Sunghoon lets out a whistle between his teeth. “Wow, I’ve never seen anyone fumble so badly. Like, seriously, that should be studied in a lab.”

“I got nervous!” Jake exclaims. 

Sunghoon chortles. “Clearly. Cute girl comes over, and you not only call her dude, but you also squirt ketchup all over her.”

Jake kicks him in the shin, hard. “Can you not pile on?” 

“Sorry, sorry.” Sunghoon holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Was that the first time you interacted with her?”

Unhelpfully, Jay pipes up. “Unless you count staring at her in the library interacting, I’d say yes. Speaking of, how do you know her schedule, bro? You’re creepier than I thought.”

Jake jabs him with an elbow. “My class got canceled once and I saw her at the library then, okay? Some of us actually have homework, Socrates and Warren Buffet.” He rolls his eyes at Sunghoon (philosophy) and Jay (business) in turn. “And again, I don’t stare!”

A few hours later, Jake stares at the back of your head.

He’s not in his usual spot in the library, which is a round table near the windows on the mezzanine level— straight line of sight to one of the reference desks, but he did not pick that spot on purpose, no matter how much his friends like to joke that he did. He’s been sitting in that spot since the first day of his freshman year; he’d chosen it because he like being able to see out into the quad, and the noise level in that area is perfect for him (not too quiet, which would make him fall asleep, and not too loud, which would just make him want to join in on wherever the fun was). He couldn’t have known that you would show up halfway through last year, get a job as one of the students manning the reference desk, and then occupy the exact spot his eyes tend to rest on when he zones out.

And he really couldn’t have known that you would be so pretty.

It doesn’t help that you’re in practically all of his classes this year, and he’s had the opportunity to talk to you every day for the past two weeks if he wanted to. He’s not the most shameless person in the world (Sunghoon), but he’s also not scared of his own reflection (Heeseung), so why couldn’t he have just introduced himself like a normal person on the first day of classes and avoided this whole ketchup fiasco?

Someone comes up to the desk to ask a question, and your head tilts toward them as the afternoon sunlight frames your face just so; Jake gulps and thinks, Oh yeah, that’s why. So pretty. And dizzyingly smart, if the way he sees your pencil fly over quizzes is anything to go by.

As if sensing his eyes on you, you twist around fully to catch him staring after you’ve answered the question of the person in front of you. Jake blinks deer-in-headlights eyes at you; if this was a cartoon, there would be a ?! above his head.

Your own eyes narrow at him and you jerk your head in your own direction. Get over here.

Jake gulps and straightens up before shuffling over to you. He kind of feels like he’s walking to the gallows, but on a flower-lined path, because his cardigan on you softens you around the edges, and you look right at home in it. 

“Heeeeeeey.” He raises a hand and waves at you, even though he’s right in front of you. He winces before you can even raise a skeptical eyebrow at him, but then you do, so he grimaces. “Sorry, that was weird. Uh, hi.”

You nod curtly at him. “Hi. I’m done in two minutes. Thanks for being on time.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he mumbles to the floor. Luckily, you don’t catch it because you’re packing away the problem set you were doing in between answering student questions, which he chances a glance at because hey, he’d been having trouble with page 157.

Of course, you catch that. “What are you, twelve? Do your own work.”

“Wait, what? Hold on a second, I’m not trying to cheat off of you— hey, wait up!” He scrambles to catch up with you where you’re already halfway down the stairs. Panicked, he speeds past you and plants himself in your path, greeted by your look of supreme irritation for the second time that day. “I wasn’t trying to cheat off of you,” he says, more firmly this time. “I was just gonna ask you how you did with page 157, because I was having some trouble with it earlier.”

You scoff and slide to the left to go around him, only to be met by him mirroring you. “Are you serious right now? Get out of my way.”

“We’re going to the same place!”

“Yeah, and now I’ve remembered that I can pay for my own dry cleaning. Move.” You go right, and he follows.

“I’m still coming— I gotta take Jay’s pants there. I dropped my burger in his lap earlier when, well, you know.”

You go left again, and he follows once more. “Okay, for real? Let me go, asshole.”

Jake drops his backpack off his shoulders and hoists it onto his knee, rummaging around in it while still blocking your path. You think he’s officially lost it, but you’re also never one to miss an opportunity, so you feint to the right and then go left, but he’s faster and blocks you again with his head halfway buried in his backpack. Damn it, he’s good. You don’t realize you’ve said it out loud until he looks up at you and smiles sheepishly. “Soccer team,” he explains. Oh— that reminds you why you were approaching him at the dining hall in the first place, and real anger resurfaces in your blood. 

“Like I care,” you snap. You’re about to just shove him down the stairs and call it an easy day when you’re met with a crumpled piece of graph paper waved in front of your face. “What the hell is this?”

“Next week’s problem set! See, look, I finished everything except the problems on page 157, and I did get started, but I just wanted to check if I was on the right path, okay? I promise, I wasn’t trying to cheat off of you.” He frowns. “These aren’t even graded for quality. It’s just a submission for completion.”

Your eyebrows climb up your forehead. Though his handwriting is shit, you can see that he’s telling the truth. The fact that he’s doing the problem set for next week probably should have tipped you off in and of itself, but what surprises you is the simple elegance with which his calculations come out. “Hey, how’d you do that on number 89 on page 151—” You cut yourself off. “Never mind. Fine, I believe you. Can you move now? We’re blocking the entire stairway.”

Jake seems to finally notice the build-up of annoyed students in front of and behind you both. “Right, oops.” He zips up his backpack and slings it over one shoulder before descending the stairs with quick steps. He turns around and tilts his head quizzically at you when you don’t follow. 

Truthfully, you’re trying to decide if you should make a break for it and go up the stairs so you can take a different set of stairs down, but then you realize how childish that sounds. So, it’s with less dignity than you’d like that you meet him at the bottom of the staircase. But you don’t stop where he’s standing; instead, you breeze past him so smoothly that he finds himself staring at the back of your head for a few seconds before springing into motion after you. 

“Soooooo… dry cleaner’s?” He offers you a tentative smile once he’s fallen into step with you.

You seem to have made your mind up about something, because you turn to him with a dazzling smile that knocks the breath right out of his lungs. “Lead the way.”

“O-Okay.” He’s taken aback by your sudden about-face, but he’s not going to question it.

He tells you that he’s happy to drive there, and you’re perfectly agreeable about it. You even start talking about the problem set that had been the source of such strife just minutes earlier. At the dry cleaner, you give him the biggest surprise yet when you ask for his number. Obviously, he gives it to you, and he has to pretend like he isn’t perturbed by the cryptic, almost manic look in your eyes when you promise that you’ll be in touch.

But then you’re gone without so much as a goodbye, and it’s only when he gets back to his place that he realizes he doesn’t even know how you got home, and he can’t text you because he doesn’t have your number.

Still. A win is a win.

ball sports (derogatory) (heeseung, jay, jake, sunghoon) 

jake: this has been the strangest and possibly greatest day of my life

sunghoon: ur preaching to the choir ketchup boy

sunghoon: yizhuo told me i was hotter with blonde hair

sunghoon: so like hell yeah she thinks im hot but hell no now i have to dye my hair back

jake: ????? did i ask

jake: i’m talking about MY day

jay: she actually did not say you were hotter with blonde hair. in fact none of those words came out of her mouth 

jay: you asked if she liked your new hair and she said no

sunghoon: hop off my dick tf????

heeseung: so what happened jake

sunghoon: oh i can tell u this it’s old news

sunghoon: jake fumbled his first interaction w/ the girl he stares at in the library

jake: BUT she asked for my number and said she’d be in touch!!!!

sunghoon: right so u can pay for her dry cleaning bill

jake: OR maybe she wants to be friends

jake: to lovers<3

jay: idk she kinda looked like she wanted to take you out when she was coming over to us at lunch today

jake: LIKE ON A DATE?????

jay: no like

jay: lethally

women’s rights and wrongs (you, minjeong, aeri, somi)

you: so you know how i was gonna confront jake today

yizhuo: yeah i heard that went poorly

yizhuo: sunghoon said something about ketchup????

you: nvm all that. i have a Better Plan. i’m gonna ruin his life

minjeong: cool

somi: noooooo he’s hot

you: HE RUINED MY BROTHER’S LIFE

somi: girl u have to let that go

somi: ur brother is 10 and made it to the B team for club soccer

somi: i think he’ll be fine

you: BUT HE SHOULD’VE BEEN IN THE A TEAM. I SAW JAKE’S BEADY EYES SINGLING HIM OUT UNFAIRLY

somi: he actually has like insane puppy dog eyes

you: anyways i’m going to systematically but subtly make his life more and more difficult as soon as i start assistant managing his soccer team on monday. but he will never know it’s me bc i’m going to be so nice and normal to his face BUT ACTUALLY i’m gonna make him my bitch

yizhuo: “nice and normal to his face” u have the worst poker face i’ve ever seen

minjeong: technically speaking if ur an assistant manager aren’t u THEIR bitch

[xlostsoulsfound]

Sneak peak into the next story I’m writing :D

I really like how it’s going I have 1500 words wrote on it to so far :)

[duffmckagans]

do i bother making chapter update posts like i used to? or do people just get wattpad notifs sent to their phone/ao3 notifs sent to their emails? i don't know if people actually looked at those posts/if it's a waste of my time + if i should just rely on the notification system . . .

[zetsub0n0n4nsensu]

Otaku Despair Club Arc 0:

These Losers Can't Seriously Be My Party In The Fantasy Isekai!

After being transported to a land of magic and monsters, do these zeros have what it takes to make it to the first layer intact? Or will they be crushed by the weight of their collective indifference before the cycle even begins? Friends and foes, down the spiral they'll go! Mind the river and don't forget your map, episode 0 of 𝘐𝘴𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘶 𝘊𝘺𝘤𝘭𝘦 is gonna be an adventure!

𖦹°.*𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘴*.°𖦹

♡ ◇ Read On Wattpad ☆ ✿

[sweetgem97writes]

Princess Hierarchy Preview

Hello everyone, this is a preview to one of my upcoming plays, Princess Hierarchy that I will be posting on my deviantART known as Muggle-Gem-Princess and my Wattpad known as LovePrincessGem. I really hope that this play will make you not only laugh, but you will enjoy it as well.

Princess Hierarchy

A Play by Princess Gem

Characters (in order of appearance):

Narrator (Either Gender)

Snow White "Snow"

Cinderella "Cindy"

Sleeping Beauty "Sleeps"

Miss. Royally Your Majesty

Rapunzel "Zels"

The Queen of Hearts

The Mad Hatter

Pinocchio

Prince James Charming (Charming #1)

Prince Damien Charming (Charming #2)

Prince Charles Charming (Charming #3)

The Sugar Plum Fairy

The Three Little Pigs

Thumbelina

The Evil Queen

Prince Arthur

Beauty

The Beast

Little Red Riding Hood

Goldilocks

Principal Her Royal Highness

ACT I takes place at the ASB Club and Rapunzel's Home

ACT II takes place at the ASB Club; the Math and Science Club; and the Garden Club

ACT III takes place at Snow White's Castle; during Gym Class; and then ASB Club

Time/Setting-Modern Day Fairy Tale/Modern Day High School

Act I, Scene I

(Scene I. A fairy tale book appears and it reveals itself as a pop up book. We are introduced to a castle-shaped school titled "Fairy Tale High." Then, THE NARRATOR starts speaking.)

The Narrator: Once upon a time, there were fairy tale stories that became popular throughout the years they were introduced. Whether they were used as bedtime stories to children or cinema successes for families, fairy tales became a popular genre for people everywhere around the world. Until one day, when all the famous fairy tale writers such as the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, and Hans Christian Andersen all found themselves wondering "What if, all of our fairy tales went to school together?" As in, "What if the children of tomorrow made their own spin on their stories?" Maybe, they could be superheroes or horror detectives, or maybe, they could go to school together! And thus, the iconic authors put their stories together as one big collection book, and whoever came across it, would make their own fairytale story! As time went by, public domain happened, and so our very own fairy tale characters became different people in different stories. And now, the trend contiunes with the one and only: Princess Hierarchy!

(The book then gets zoomed in as we now transfer to the play's setting: Fairy Tale High where various and iconic fairy tale characters such as Puss n Boots, The Big Bad Wolf, The Fairy Godmother, and others as teenagers adjusting to the new story they're in. We then zoom into the school's building where more characters were seen as they were chatting, being on their smartphones, having a coffee or two, among other teenage behavior they displayed. Finally, we reach our last location: Association Student Body or the ASB Club where SNOW WHITE, the club's president was writing down a few notes for today's meeting. Helping her was also some little blue and yellow birds.)

Snow White: Alright so, 12:30 PM is our Lunch Meeting to discuss Homecoming Week, Back to School Night, and Class Election. Friday at 3:00 PM is the Save the Dwarfs meeting, then Monday shall be New Students week to make up for pictures

(A blue bird gives her a latte in a bag)

Snow White: (takes it kindly) Aww, thank you so much Skylar. How sweet of you. (takes it out of the bag and sips it; only to spit it out immediately) Does this have soy in it?! How many times do I have to say that I'm allergic to soy?! (throws her cup down) Get out of here, (swats her hands at them) go! You disgust me!

(SNOW WHITE continues writing down her meeting notes. Then a knock is heard. From here on out, SNOW WHITE IS NOW REFERRED TO AS SNOW)

Voice: Snow?

Snow: Yes, yes, come in.

(Enter CINDERELLA and SLEEPING BEAUTY, SNOW's "friends" to say the least.)

Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty: (excitedly) Snow!

Snow: (squees) My girls! My queens! My princesses!

(All three run up to each other and greet each other by mimicing a kiss on the cheek.)

Cinderella: How was your summer?

Snow: I went to the Bahamas!

(They all squee again)

Cinderella: Any cute guys that you met?

Snow: Pfft, do I even need to ask?

(They all share a laugh)

Snow: What did you girls do?

Cinderella: (sadly) Prince Dean and I broke up.

Snow: Oh darling, I'm so sorry.

Cinderella: Yeah, but he was also such a creep. I mean, all he ever liked was my feet and my older step-sister.

Sleeping Beauty: I guess he likes ugly feet?

(SNOW and CINDERELLA gasp)

Snow: Sleeps, you are like so unprofessional! You're a princess, be better than that!

--

That's all I have for now. Hope you all enjoy it and you're always free to give me feedback.

P.S. If you guys believe that I should tag this as "mature" due to the feet joke, let me know.

UPDATE: 1/11/24

Made a few more edits and corrections with help from my Discord friend. Same one that helped me with my Bottom of my Asylum Heart and The Wish posts.

[zoramones]

[ FEBRUARY 6TH, 196O ]

After forty days of silence...

SMIT:  I don't know how to live with myself anymore, Bev. I-I've ... killed people. (...)  A lot of people.

BEVERLY: (MELANCHOLY)  I killed someone. D'you forget why we're here?

SMIT shoots her a glare of displeasure. Not funny. His expression conveys, but his eyebrow is quirked up as he takes a long drag of his cigarette. It's not usually in his wife's nature to make a joke like that. Something that crass seems to come out of his own mouth most of the time.

SMIT:  Yes, but—  (he scoffs) the guy you killed deserved it. Plus, (...)

He stares at the cigarette butt between his fingers after pulling it away from his lips. His gaze is hard and judging. Contemplative as he chuckles bitterly to himself.

GUILTY. Smit Eubank knows he's as guilty as sin can be.

SMIT:  Self-defence, remember?  (...)  Mine was never in self-defence.

NOW, HUSBAND AND WIFE SIT IN SILENCE. The gentle breeze soothes the fear of what they left behind ...

Their peace is only temporary...

BRITTLE BONES / STRANGER THINGS (2023)

Preview to the overture

[paradiecircus]

My latest update to one of my favorite TB fics 😎🤗 check it out on Wattpad, Ao3, or fanfiction.net

[rosejigglypuff76]

I decided to spilt Full Experimental Alchemist into two parts for my Cookie Run Kimura AU! So Episode 7 will be the first half of the aforementioned two-parter! 🎀

It was a last minute decision, since there was a lot of scenes I have ideas for. But it felt best if said scenes were split into a two parts, mainly with a lot of scenes in mind.

There was also a lot of scenes that I either revisioned, scrapped, changed, etc. Alongside Writers Block with a few of these scenes.

But either way, I hope you enjoy Episode 7 of the Cookie Run Kimura AU! 🪴

[powerful-niya]

— (hαppч єndíngѕ.)

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚𝙷𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚢 𝚅𝚊𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎'𝚜 𝙳𝚊𝚢 (𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟻)

Link to One-shot Below ↴

Wattpad | AO3

Pairing˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚Naruhina 

Synopsis˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡For Hinata, self-care had always felt like an unattainable luxury. Her demanding career as an analyst consumed nearly every waking hour, leaving her with precious little time to relax. 

It was only until one night, during one of her late-night doom scrolls, she stumbled on a massage therapist's website. Desperate for relief, she booked a session, only to discover, in her fatigue, that she accidentally signed up for something far more sensual than she expected.

Content Tags˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚Accidental Stimulation • Accidental/Purposeful Touching •  Adult-Life • Aftercare • Aphrodisiac • Body Worship • Breath Play • Butt Groping • Client x Masseur • Consensual • Dirty Talk • Edgeplay • Erotic • Erotic Massage • Erotic Tickling • Explicit • Fantasies & Fantasizing • Fingering • Groping • Hands Kink • Latex Gloves • Lingerie • Lubrication • Massage Therapy • Massage Parlor • Masseur • Modern AU • Multiple Orgasms • NSFW • Oil • Orgasm Denial • Overstimulation • Praise Kink • Pussy Suction Pump (Toys) • Pussy Worship • Self Care • Self Love • Sex Pollen • Sex Toys • Sexual Coercion • Scent Kink • Size Difference Kink • Spa • Stripping • Uniform • Valentine Day • Valentine's Special • Voice Kink • 2025

✨The Masseur and the Analyst✨

Overall Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚23.9K

Tumblr Post: Word Count˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚11.6K

Preview ༘♡ ⋆｡˚

Hinata let out a long, exhausted sigh as she flopped onto her couch, the cushions embracing her like they did every evening.  

Same time.  

Same routine.  

With a wince, she reached down and kicked off her heels, groaning quietly to herself. 

"How is it that shoes this cute can hurt this much?" She muttered, rubbing her sore feet through her stockings, already thinking it might be time to rethink her shoe choices. 

The soothing effects of her quick massage kicked in almost instantly, sending a wave of relief through her tired muscles. She wiggled her toes, stretching them out, another long, drawn-out sigh escaping her lips from the relief.

This was the moment she'd been waiting for all day—the bliss of being back home, alone, on her favorite couch. 

Hinata reached for the glass of wine she'd poured earlier, her arm extending over the coffee table in her living room. As she picked it up, the glass let out a soft clink that echoed through her otherwise quiet apartment. 

She brought the glass to her lips and took a slow sip, savoring the way the sweet, tangy flavor danced across her tongue. A soft, contented moan escaped her as the taste settled, a warmth blooming in her chest, taking away just a bit of the tension she'd been carrying all day.

Next, she reached for her laptop, placing it on her lap before flipping it open.

The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, revealing a familiar sight—her wallpaper, a swarm of vibrant monarch butterflies drifting gracefully across a bright blue sky, with the password prompt hovering in the center. 

For a moment longer than she intended, her gaze was trained on that single word, for far too long, as if it had trapped her in a trance. Once again, she was zoning out—a new habit she'd unknowingly picked up.

And honestly? At this point, it didn't even surprise her anymore.

Her brain was still tangled up in the stress of the day, the never-ending to-do lists swirling in her head. Even something as mindless as logging in to her laptop felt like a chore after the chaos she'd just endured.  

The endless flood of emails.  

The mountain of spreadsheets.  

The constant need to come up with fresh ideas for campaigns.

The deadlines of projects and presentations that never stopped creeping closer.  

And of course, the back-to-back meetings—most of which seemed to exist purely so her boss could hear himself talk.  

Hinata let out a frustrated groan just thinking about it all. 

"Another day down," She muttered under her breath, "You survived, girl. You did it."

She had to keep reminding herself of that—because if she didn't, she might actually lose her mind.  

Sure, being a marketing analyst had its perks—a solid paycheck, decent benefits, and a title that sounded impressive in conversations. But lately, the downsides were creeping in, threatening to overshadow everything else. The grueling hours, the relentless workload, the constant pressure to stay ahead—it all piled up until it felt like there was no escape. 

More often than not, she found herself staying late at the office, trying to catch up, or lugging her work home with her, her laptop becoming a permanent fixture on her coffee table. Even after officially "clocking out," the demands of her job seemed to follow her everywhere. There was always something that needed tweaking, always something that demanded her attention. 

Therefore, she barely had a second to catch her breath, let alone carve out time for a real break. It was exhausting, and tonight, it was hitting her harder than ever.  

At twenty-seven, Hinata had worked tirelessly to climb the career ladder. She had been raised to believe that success meant dedication, that her career should come first, and that giving anything less than her best simply wasn't an option. And she had—she'd poured her all into her work, proving her worth in every way she could.  

But lately… she couldn't ignore how much it was starting to take a toll on everything—her mind, her body, her entire life outside of work. And if she was being honest, she wasn't even sure she had much of a life outside of it anymore.

Her social life? Yeah, that was pretty much dead in the water.

Most of her friends had either moved away, gotten caught up in their own careers, or settled down with partners. Group texts had become fewer, invites to dinners or game nights were rare, and even the occasional check-in messages had slowed to a trickle. 

It wasn't anyone's fault—it was just life—but that didn't make it any easier. 

Far too often, Hinata found herself trapped in the same endless cycle: slogging through long, draining hours at work, then slipping into her quiet apartment, popping a frozen dinner into the microwave, and finally collapsing onto the couch all alone. And before she knew it, the next day would roll around, and the routine would start all over again. 

Work, eat, sleep, repeat.

A steady routine she had fallen into without even realizing it.

And her love life? Ugh. That was a whole other disaster she didn't even want to think about.  

At this point, it felt like a lost cause. Not because she didn't want something real, or meaningful—but because, honestly? 

She had no idea where to even begin.  

It wasn't for lack of trying. She'd been on a few dates, met men through her coworkers, and even attempted the whole dating app thing. 

But nothing ever clicked.

The conversations always felt awkward and forced—no spark, no chemistry, no connection. By the end of the night, she'd catch herself glancing at the clock over and over, mentally counting down the minutes until she could finally head home.

And, of course, the main reason so many dates fell flat usually boiled down to one simple fact: she was just exhausted.

Between the demands of her job and everything else on her plate, the idea of pouring any energy into a relationship felt downright overwhelming.

Hinata craved something more—she really did. But when it came time to figure out how to achieve that, she found herself completely stuck.

This…was her life now. 

Work, then returning home, only to trap herself in a quiet room for hours with no one to talk to, to share a day's thoughts with, or simply sit beside and unwind. She constantly reassured herself that it was only temporary, that eventually, things would get better. But after a few years of this daily routine, it became harder and harder to believe in that promise. 

No conversation, no company... 

….well, not entirely no company.

A soft rustling near the entrance of the living room caught her attention, and just as expected, her chubby Scottish Fold sauntered her way in, looking as if she owned the place. 

Mochi—her cat.

Within seconds, the little white bundle of fluff hopped up beside her, curling into a warm ball against her side just like she always did when she arrived home. It was her way of saying 'welcome back', though she suspected she was also angling for a treat.

Hinata reached out to scratch her head, her fingers brushing through her soft, white fur.

She let out a weary sigh.

"Mochi, why is life like this? All work, no fun," She murmured softly, her fingers trailing behind her ears before gliding down to the delicate curve of her neck, brushing against the smooth leather of her pretty pink collar.

The fluffy tabby let out a slow, unimpressed meow, flicking her tail as if she completely agreed.

She chuckled softly, nodding her head, "Yeah," She murmured, more to herself than to her, "maybe I really do need a break."

With another sigh, she logged into her computer, settling in for what she knew would be yet another hour of mindless scrolling. It was a habit at this point—cycling through the same social media websites, half-reading articles she didn't care about, and watching videos she'd forget about in five minutes. 

She wasn't exactly sure what she was looking for—maybe some distraction, maybe just something to keep her from thinking too much. 

Whatever it was, it didn't matter. 

Time blurred as her fingers lazily flicked away at the touchpad, her thoughts drifting.  

Then, something caught her eye.  

As she casually browsed through an article, a pop-up ad suddenly appeared in the corner of her screen, its bold text practically shouting for her attention:

"Relax & Rejuvenate: Indulge In What Makes You Feel Good."

"Pamper Yourself With A Massage Today!"

Hinata's scrolling came to an abrupt halt. 

The invitation in those words were so direct, so tempting, that she couldn't help but pause, curiosity already bubbling up inside her.

And then she saw…him.

Below the text was the smiling face of a blonde masseur, his bright grin and sparkling blue eyes seeming to invite her to click. 

And, well, how could she not?

Before she could second-guess herself, her cursor hovered over the ad, and with a small click, she was in. The website loaded in instantly, and at the very top, in bold, playful lettering, the header proudly declared:

"Welcome to Happy Endings! We hope you enjoy us rubbing you to completion!"

Hinata blinked, a faint flush creeping up her neck. 

Wait. What?

'Did it really just say that?' She thought, her lavender eyes darting back over the words again. 

She hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to laugh or close the tab, but something about the rather… interesting heading—and that smiling blonde from before—made her keep scrolling.

Looking further, the website's design was actually very calming—pastel shades, gentle layouts, and photos of plush towels draped over immaculate tables in dim, candlelit rooms that screamed "relaxation."

As Hinata scrolled, she noticed glowing reviews everywhere she looked. People couldn't stop raving about how professional the staff was, how laid-back the place felt, and how every last ache and knot in their bodies were thoroughly worked out by the end of their sessions.

Her own neck gave a little twinge then, almost on cue. She let out a small sigh, rubbing the tender spot without even thinking about it.

"Maybe this is what I need..." She mumbled to herself, one hand idly stroking her dozing cat, while the other scroll further down the site. Her gaze wandered over the staff bios, each one blending into the next until suddenly, one name caught her eye.

Naruto Uzumaki. Owner.

Hinata froze, heart skipping a beat.

Wait a minute. That man. 

It was the same one from before. 

Sure enough, the smiling blonde in the photo was the exact same man she'd seen in the ad earlier—the blonde, blue-eyed heartthrob. 

Everything about him looked impeccably put-together. 

His blonde hair was styled just right, and he wore a crisp white collared shirt paired with neatly pressed matching pants, arms folded confidently over his chest. The fabric couldn't quite hide the subtle swell of muscle underneath, like it was almost ready to burst free.

Then there was that laid-back grin, lighting up his oddly whiskered face, showing off a row of perfect, pearly whites. Hinata found herself momentarily forgetting to breathe, her pulse quickening ever so slightly as she took in the sight of him.

"Ooh, what do we have here…" She muttered, nibbling on her lip as she shifted on the couch, trying to get comfy. Her gaze traveled over the screen, maybe lingering a little too long on the handsome blonde's picture before drifting down to read the description beneath it.

Naruto Uzumaki – Owner & Lead Masseur 

With years of hands-on experience, Naruto prides himself on delivering personalized treatments that target tension right at its source. Known for his warm smile and knack for making clients feel instantly at ease, he's earned a reputation for melting away even the most stubborn knots. Whether you're looking for deep relaxation or a rejuvenating stress release

Naruto's technique promises to leave you feeling renewed—inside and out. 

Hinata blinked. Inside and out?

Oh wow. He wasn't messing around.  

The words hung there, heavy in her mind, making her pulse speed up a little and her flush deepen. 

She read it again. 

Deep relaxation. Stress release. Inside and out.

Then, she read the words again, this time more slowly. 

Deep... Release... Inside and out.

Her brain did that little jumpy thing where it started overthinking the phrasing, but she shoved that aside. 

It was probably nothing, right? Just a weird, slightly suggestive choice of words. 

Hinata's mind drifted as she absently scrolled through the list of massage options available at Happy Endings. Most were the standard selections—deep tissue, Swedish, Shiatsu. Then there were others—hot stone, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, reflexology.

Then there were other traditional choices—hot stone, aromatherapy, lymphatic drainage, and reflexology. But as she scrolled further, something changed.

The options took a more… intimate turn.

Nuru.

Tantric.

Her fingers paused.

But then—there was one more.

One that stood out even more.

"Happy Ending Massage."

Hinata tilted her head, squinting at the screen.

Wait a second—wasn't that the name of the massage parlor? Happy Ending? Or was it Happy Endings with an s?

Hinata blinked, her mind momentarily stalling as she tried to recall. She could have sworn it was one or the other, but in that moment, the thought barely stuck. Because right now, she was too caught up—too distracted—by the massage option staring her in the face.

Her head tilted slightly as she skimmed the title again. 

Happy Ending Massage.

Was this some kind of premium, all-inclusive service? A special, all-in-one package that combined multiple techniques? 

Or… was it something else?

Her fingers tapped lightly against the laminated page, her curiosity deepening. It almost sounded like a massage buffet, offering a little bit of everything. But if that were the case, why was there such an emphasis on the word erotic?

Hinata shrugged it off. 

She wasn't in the mood to question it further. She was simply too tired. All she needed right now was some serious relief—no more thinking, no more working, just... happy endings.

A massage was a massage, right? 

And this one sounded too promising to pass up.

So, with a resigned sigh, Hinata clicked the "Book Now" button without a second thought.  

Almost instantly, a new page loaded, filled to the brim with a mountain of terms and conditions, liability waivers, and an endless stack of permission forms—medical questionnaires, health disclosure agreements, and all that fun, legally binding jazz.

Bleary-eyed and on autopilot, Hinata mindlessly began scrolling through the fine print. The words blended together, a mess of legal jargon and checkboxes, her brain struggling to process anything beyond Sign Here and Agree to Terms & Conditions.

At some point—she wasn't even sure when—her head drooped forward, her fingers idly hovering over her keyboard. She must have dozed off mid-form, because the next thing she knew, her chin jerked up, her lavender eyes blinking rapidly as she realized she had half-filled out a few fields in her sleep.

"Ugh, get it together, Hinata…" She mumbled, rubbing at her eyes before forcing herself to finish the last few entries.

Once she reached the booking calendar, she expected to have plenty of options to choose from—but instead, her heart sank.

Nearly every single appointment was booked solid.

The entire week. The next week. Even some of the week after that.

Hinata's lips parted in disbelief, her finger scrolling frantically, hoping for at least one opening that wasn't weeks away.

And then—

There it was.

A single available slot.

Next Saturday.

Hinata sighed in relief, clicking on the time slot before finalizing the appointment. 

"Yes, next Saturday should work," She murmured to herself, already feeling a sense of anticipation creep in. 

With the booking confirmed, she finally shut her laptop, officially calling it a night.

"Turn left in 300 meters," the GPS announced, its crisp, robotic voice cutting effortlessly through the soft hum of the car's engine.

Hinata's fingers tapped rhythmically against the steering wheel, keeping time with the upbeat melody playing through the radio. 

Moonlight Magic by Kana Hanazawa.

It was one of her favorites, a feel-good tune that perfectly matched the excitement buzzing in her chest.

Needless to say, she was in a fantastic mood. 

Because today wasn't just any Saturday.

Today was the Saturday.

After two grueling, endless weeks of back-to-back work, mind-numbing reports, and more emails than any human should ever have to deal with, the weekend had finally arrived—and Hinata was practically buzzing.

Sure, she always looked forward to the weekend. Who didn't? It was the one time she could actually unwind and escape from her responsibilities, at least for 48 hours. But this weekend?

This weekend was different.

This weekend was special.

Because in just a few short minutes, she would be arriving at 'Happy Endings' massage parlor for an appointment she had barely been able to stop thinking about since she booked it. It was the one thing that kept her going through the relentless chaos of work for the past two weeks.

But now, it was finally here! 

Grinning from ear to ear, Hinata shimmy-shimmied with excitement in her seat, her hands gripping the wheel of her Toyota Prius as it cruised through the bustling Tokyo streets. The GPS kept its steady stream of directions, guiding her through the lively maze of urban lights and busy crosswalks, all leading to the address provided by the 'Happy Endings' website.

Although some of the details were a bit fuzzy, Hinata distinctly remembered booking her appointment for 6:30 p.m.—a time that was a little later than she'd usually prefer. But since it was the only slot available, she just refused to pass up the chance. 

Her excitement was only further confirmed when a sweet notification from 'Happy Endings' flashed on her phone, reaffirming her 6:30 p.m. appointment.

⸻

 Hello there! 

Your 'Happy Ending' massage appointment is all set for Saturday, February 4th at 6:30 p.m. Can't wait to see you then! 

Chosen Masseur: Naruto Uzumaki.

⸻

Hinata's gaze drifted to the message on her phone, securely mounted on the dashboard. Her lavender eyes flicked from the road to the final line of text, and a smile lit up her face.

Of course, she had specifically booked Naruto himself as her masseur. Well…duh.

Not only was she craving some serious relief, but a small, secret part of her was excited to finally meet Naruto in person. She couldn't help but wonder if he'd look as hot up close as he did in his photos, because, you know, people sometimes turn out looking differently in real life. 

Fingers crossed that her heavenly massage would come with a side of handsome company too. 

She shimmied again, a soft, bubbly giggle escaping her lips.

"Up ahead, turn left," the GPS reminded her again, cutting her thoughts short. 

Following the GPS's directions and the familiar blue light, which signified 'go' in Japan, Hinata smoothly veered the steering wheel to the left. Her lavender eyes flitted between the road ahead and the beautiful city unfolding outside her window.

The daylight had faded, and now the evening had taken over Tokyo, yet the city was just as alive as ever. Everywhere she looked, the streets were filled with people—so many people, each wrapped up in their own little worlds. 

In the gentle glow of the city lights, she could see couples strolling hand-in-hand, friends laughing over drinks at sidewalk cafés, and office workers in crisp suits hurrying between evening meetings, glancing at their watches as they went about their business.

She let out a soft sigh. 

On a typical weekday, that would have been her—darting around in those same damn heels, rushing from one errand to the next, only to end up glued to her desk. There, she'd be slogging through endless emails, drowning in spreadsheets, and later in the evening sitting through meetings with people whose personalities were as bland as the coffee they sipped. And then there was the work itself—

Hinata shook her head, her brows knitting together. 

'What am I doing? Why am I even thinking about that?' She thought to herself, tightening her hands around the steering wheel. 

No, today's supposed to be different. 

Today was about letting go, not obsessing over the hectic chaos of the weeks behind her. 

She didn't even want to dwell on that. 

It was finally the end of the week—and that was what she should focus on. Today was all about giving herself the break she so desperately needed. 

That's all that mattered now. 

With that thought in mind, her radiant smile returned—just in time, too.

"Your destination is to your left," the GPS announced. Hinata whipped her head to the left so quickly that it nearly snapped, her eyes darting back and forth until she spotted it.

"Happy Endings."

Her heart did a little flip inside her chest. 

There it was—the massage parlor, standing alone and framed beautifully by the soft pink petals of blooming sakura trees. Above the entrance, an illuminated sign elegantly spelled out "Happy Endings" on a finely crafted wooden board, its glow cutting softly through the dimming light of the setting sun.

The building itself was a warm brown structure, its windows tucked behind gentle, pale wooden sliding shutters. Below the sign were expansive glass panels, and Hinata noticed they were slightly fogged, likely from the warmth inside.

"Hm, quaint," She murmured, a delighted smile curling at her plump lips. The parlor sat on a small, well-maintained lot, and while a few cars were already parked, it wasn't crowded—just enough to tell her this little gem was a favorite among the locals. 

It was yet another reassuring sign that "Happy Endings" was exactly where she needed to be.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, Hinata guided her car into the parking lot and carefully selected a spot to ease into. Once she parked, she switched off the engine and slumped back in her seat, letting the quiet wash over her for a moment. 

Just for a moment. 

Hinata took another deep breath.

This was it—her moment to finally treat herself to her very first massage.

In a burst of excitement, she sprung up in her seat and broke into a little shimmy dance right there in the car. 

"Yas, I'm really doing this!" Hinata squealed to herself, the excitement bubbling over. She knew it might seem a bit childish—if anyone happened to see her shimmying around in her car, they'd probably think she'd lost her mind.

But at that moment, she couldn't care less. 

The mere thought of finally treating herself, actually prioritizing self-care, had her heart racing. She felt empowered, beyond belief. 

And she couldn't help but squeal again with joy.

'Fingers crossed that everything turns out perfectly.' She mused with glee. With that hopeful thought in mind, she grabbed her purse and keys, swung open the car door, and finally stepped out into the cool, evening breeze. 

Hinata swung open the heavy wooden door of Happy Endings, and a gentle bell chimed above, announcing her arrival. 

Steeping inside, her lavender eyes roamed around, first catching the flicker of artfully placed candles, then drifting upward to see delicate lanterns hanging overhead, casting playful shadows on the immaculate white walls and plush brown furniture. 

The reception area. 

Somewhere in the background, she could hear the soothing strains of gentle piano music playing, flowing seamlessly with the delicate trickle of water from a nearby fountain.

It was perfect.

Exactly what she had imagined stepping into a massage parlor.

Right then, she was already giving Happy Endings major props; she felt truly welcomed. And as she looked around, everything was impeccably clean—another good sign. 

Hinata took a sniff at the air, and the scent that greeted her was exactly what she had hoped for. The sweet aroma of incense floated around her, clean and pure, like melted vanilla, instantly soothing her senses.

Making her way to the front desk, she noticed an ornate wooden counter where a statuesque woman with neatly pinned grey hair sat. The receptionist's piercing emerald eyes met hers as she glanced up from a ledger, a welcoming smile spreading across her face.

"Welcome to Happy Endings," She greeted warmly, "I'm Mabui. How may I assist you today?"

Hinata's fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her purse, nerves fluttering in her chest.

"Hi, Mabui-san," She said softly, "I have an appointment scheduled for 6:30 p.m."

Mabui turned gracefully in her chair and began scrolling through her computer. After a brief pause, she looked up with a friendly smile.

"Hinata Hyūga, correct?"

"Hai, that's me," Hinata replied softly.

"Wonderful! Is this your first time visiting us by any chance?" Mabui asked, her eyes crinkling with genuine interest.

Hinata nodding slightly, nervously twirling a strand of her long, midnight blue hair around her finger, "Hai… it's my first time," She admitted softly, her voice barely above a murmur.

The moment those words left her lips, Mabui's expression brightened instantly. Her features softened with warmth, and a wide, beaming smile stretched across her caramel-toned face. 

"Oh, how exciting!" Mabui practically gushed, her excitement spilling over like warm honey, "We're absolutely thrilled to have you here, Hinata-san. There's nothing we love more than welcoming new visitors!" 

Hinata couldn't help but let out a soft giggle, the corners of her lips tugging upward her nerves loosening just a little.

Mabui's enthusiasm was downright infectious, filling the space between them with a warmth that eased some of the tension knotting in Hinata's chest. There was something about the grey-haired receptionist that put her at ease—like she was talking to an old friend rather than checking in for an appointment.

It was…comforting.

Mabui clasped her hands together, tilting her head slightly, "So, how are you feeling today, darling?" She asked, her voice gentle but curious.

Hinata let out a quiet breath, finally releasing the strand of hair she had been absentmindedly twisting between her fingers, gently tucking it behind her ear.

"Well.." She murmured, glancing down for a brief second before offering a small, sheepish smile, "I'm a little nervous… but mostly excited. I've never done anything like this before."

Mabui let out a soft, knowing chuckle, waving a hand in reassurance, "Oh, that's completely normal, Hinata-san. Your first time can feel a little overwhelming, but trust me—you're in excellent hands. We always strive to make sure our guests feel right at home."

Rolling slightly in her chair, Mabui continued, "Now, let's get you checked in, shall we?" She pointed to a sign-in sheet on the counter and handed Hinata a pen. 

"Just sign here," She said with a friendly smile, "Once you're finished, go ahead and make yourself comfortable in our lounge—just over there." She motioned to her right, where a cute sign labeled "Lounging Area" hung from the ceiling, swaying ever so slightly.

Hinata hummed softly, giving a small nod of acknowledgment.

"I'll let you know when Naruto-san is ready for your session," Mabui reassured her, her warm smile remaining constant, never faltering for even a moment.

Turning back to the counter, Hinata reached for the pen, her fingers tightening around it as she quickly signed her name on the sheet. The motion was quick—almost too quick—her excitement getting the best of her, making her strokes a little sloppier than usual.

She exhaled softly, willing her hand to steady, but it was useless. The anticipation was impossible to ignore, tingling in her fingertips, curling in her stomach, making her handwriting a touch messier than she would have liked.

Still, she pressed on, finishing the last loop of her signature with a final flourish before setting the pen down with a quiet clink against the counter. Once she finished, she glanced up just in time to see Mabui sliding a clipboard toward her, a few neatly stacked forms clipped securely at the top.

"These are our consent forms," Mabui explained smoothly, "You should have already signed them when you booked your appointment online, but we keep a physical copy here just as a precaution. Go ahead and read through them carefully, please."

Hinata blinked, momentarily caught off guard, but quickly reached out to take the clipboard.

"Oh, okay," She murmured, her fingers running along the edges of the papers as she skimmed the fine print. 

"Arigato, Mabui-san."

"Of course, take your time," Mabui said kindly, "If you have any questions, I'm right here. And if you need anything—a bottle of water, a little snack, or even a towel—everything is available in our lounge and ready for you to enjoy. Also..."

Mabui reached for a small, elegantly designed pamphlet resting on the counter, her manicured fingers gliding over its glossy cover before setting it down on the clipboard cradled in Hinata's arms.

"Here's a handy guide outlining the services we offer here," She said smoothly, her emerald eyes glinting with amusement. Then, with a playful wink, she added, "Also it can act as a little refresher—especially for the treatment you selected."

Hinata accepted it with a grateful smile, her fingers skimming the edges as she held it close.

"Thank you," She murmured, just about to turn away when—

"Oh, and Hinata-san?"

Mabui's voice stopped her mid-step.

"Hm?" Hinata blinked, glancing back over her shoulder.

Mabui was leaning over the counter now, her arms folded, an unreadable smirk curling at her lips—one that didn't quite sit well with Hinata. 

"And I must say," the grey haired receptionist purred, tilting her head slightly, "you made a fantastic choice picking Naruto-san as your masseur."

Hinata's breath hitched, her fingers twitching around the clipboard in her hands.

Mabui's smirk deepened, and with a slow, seductive shimmy in her chair, she added, "He'll treat you real nice."

Hinata's entire body ignited.

A squeak—an actual, audible squeak—escaped her lips much to her utter embarrassment. 

Oh, kami.

Heat rushed to her cheeks so fast she thought she might faint right there on the spot. Bowing her head in a desperate attempt to hide her flustered expression, she muttered a rushed, breathless, "A-Arigato," before making the quickest escape of her life.

Her feet carried her toward the lounge in record time, her heart hammering against her ribs.

It was nothing. 

Mabui was just teasing. Right?

Right…?

She bit her lip, shaking the thought off—or at least she tried to. But thankfully, before it could spiral any further, something else quickly stole her attention.

The lounge.

The moment she stepped inside, her eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise.

The space was just as cozy as the reception area—if not cozier—like walking into the inviting warmth of someone's personal living room.

Soft, plush brown couches lined the walls, each one adorned with an array of decorative pillows and neatly draped throw blankets that practically called to her. A few guests were already nestled into them, lounging with their eyes closed or flipping lazily through magazines.

Candles were scattered everywhere, their soft, flickering glow giving the room an extra warm vibe just like the reception area. In the far corner, a small TV was mounted on the wall, its screen displaying a Japanese cooking show. 

Hinata's gaze flicked toward it absentmindedly—until she recognized it.

Rokuhoudou: Colorful Days.

A small smile tugged at her lips. 

She had watched that show before—its soothing aesthetic and cozy storytelling had always been a comfort to her. Something about the way the men brewed coffee and prepared traditional sweets with such care in their cafe made her feel at peace. 

Food was her comfort, after all. That includes food shows too. 

But before she got too caught up in watching, her attention shifted again.

In the center of the lounge sat a neatly arranged table, stacked with an assortment of magazines and informational packets from the parlor—perfect for passing the time while waiting.

Her eyes then landed on a mini-fridge nestled against the wall, its glass door revealing rows of bottled water, iced coffee, herbal teas, and a variety of other refreshments. On top, a selection of snacks was carefully arranged in small, decorative bowls—crisp senbei rice crackers, zesty wasabi peas, and neatly lined packs of Pocky, their colorful packaging catching her eye.

Of course, Hinata couldn't resist the lure of food. 

She strolled over, helped herself to a bottle of water, a pack of Pocky, and a handful of senbei crackers, then joined the three other visitors lounging nearby. Settling into her seat, she spent her time happily nibbling on her snack while skimming through the consent forms and the massage parlor packet she was given. 

Time slipped away without her even noticing, and before Hinata knew it, two of the other visitors had been called for their sessions, leaving the lounge quieter than before. Still nestled in her seat, she absentmindedly nibbled on a cracker, her fingers flipping through the massage packet resting in her lap.

"Deep tissue," She murmured under her breath, her eyes scanning the description with mild curiosity.

She turned the page.

"Swedish," She whispered next, her voice barely above a breath as she skimmed the details. Page after page, she continued, taking her time—until her fingers froze mid-turn.

Her breath hitched.

There it was.

A section marked in elegant, curling script: Happy Endings.

Her massage selection.

Her lavender eyes skimmed the description, reading it over carefully. But it wasn't the title that caught her attention.

No.

It was that word again—bolded, standing out above the rest. Erotic.

Hinata stared, her throat suddenly dry.

Wait. 

What…?

"Hinata Hyūga?"

The sound of her name cut clean through the quiet lull of the lounge, disrupting the gentle murmur of the television and the soothing trickle of the water fountain.

"Eeeek!" She squeaked, jolting upright. Her head snapped up so violently she almost saw stars, whiplash be damned, her breath catching somewhere between her lungs and throat. Her wide, startled eyes darted across the room, frantically searching for the source of the voice. 

And the moment she spotted the culprit, her heart skipped a beat. 

Oh. My. Kami.

There, standing in the open doorway of the lounge, clipboard in hand, was him.

Naruto Uzumaki.

Her chosen masseur.

Her breath hitched, her lips parting slightly as an unexpected rush of warmth crawled up her spine.

There he was.

The same man whose face was plastered all over Happy Endings' website, boasting a flawless five-star rating and glowing reviews praising his "heavenly touch" and "unmatched expertise." The very same man she had shamelessly ogled—the one responsible for her booking this appointment in the first place.

And now, seeing him in person?

He was absolutely breathtaking.

More so than she ever could have imagined.

His blonde hair was styled just as neatly as in the photos, strands brushed back, revealing every sharp, chiseled angle of his face. He was dressed in crisp white scrubs, the color standing out against his tanned skin. The fabric was loose but did little to hide the definition of his toned body. 

And those eyes.

Even from across the room, they were striking—a piercing, ocean-blue, framed by dark lashes. 

He looked every bit the professional, but there was an undeniable ruggedness to him, something effortless about the way he carried himself. 

Something that made Hinata's pulse skip violently.

For a moment too long, she just sat there like an idiot, staring, too stunned to move. Her pulse thundered in her ears as she watched him scan the room, flipping through his clipboard, eyes flicking over the other guests with a casual confidence.

"Hinata Hyūga? Do we have a Hinata Hyūga here?"

That snapped her out of it.

"Oh—shoot, that's me!" She whispered under her breath, springing to her feet so quickly she almost knocked over the pamphlet in her lap. 

"Yes! That's me!" She called, her voice bubbling with excitement and just a hint of embarrassment.

Naruto's head turned sharply, his lips curling into a broad, easygoing grin the moment his eyes met hers. 

"Ah—there she is!" He let out a warm chuckle, playfully tapping his clipboard against his palm before pointing at her, "You were hiding from me, Hinata-san."

Hinata's face burned. 

"Oh no! I just—got a little caught up," She laughed nervously, hurriedly gathering her things. She quickly stuffed her snack, the bottle of water, and the massage packet into her purse, before reaching for the forms. 

Before she could grab them, Naruto lifted a hand in a casual beckon. 

"You can bring those with you," He said with a nod, "If you have any questions while you finish looking them over, feel free to ask."

His voice.

Kami, his voice.

Smooth like melted butter. 

Hinata swallowed, offering a small nod as she picked up the clipboard, clutching it against her chest, "Oh, um—actually, I already filled everything out online, so…" Her words trailed off as she glanced up at him, unsure if she needed to do anything else.

Naruto's lips curled into a grin, eyes gleaming with approval, "Perfect! That means we can get things rolling then," He said, then pointed at the clipboard of forms in her possession, "You can leave that there on the table, I'll have someone come by and confiscate it shortly. 

Hinata nodded, setting the clipboard back down on the table. 

Naruto stepped back slightly, gesturing for her to follow.

Hinata managed a small, shy smile in return before she did just that—slipping toward the open door he held for her. Once she stepped through and the door softly closed behind her, the blonde masseur turned to greet her properly, extending his hand. 

For a split second, Hinata hesitated—but then, she reached out, her fingers slipping into his. 

His grip was firm, warm, steady. 

Hinata's heart was pounding so hard she almost forgot to breathe.

Because—oh, kami—his hand was in hers.

Big. Warm. Strong.

Thick, blue veins traced along his tanned skin, his fingers easily dwarfing hers.

She couldn't look away.

Her breath hitched as he gave her hand a gentle rock, his thumb grazing over her knuckles so naturally, that her body responded before her mind could catch up.

A simple handshake.

But why did it feel like so much more?

His touch was already doing something to her, his fingers easing the tension from her knuckles, smoothing out stress she hadn't even realized she was carrying.

Like it was second nature to him.

Like he already knew exactly how to take care of her.

"It's so nice to meet you, Hinata-san," Naruto greeted, blsessing her ears with that voice of his again. So smooth and warm—everything she wasn't prepared for.

"As you probably know, I'm Naruto Uzumaki—the owner of Happy Endings and the head massage therapist here."

And then—finally—he let go.

Hinata's fingers twitched, tingling with the warmth he left behind, still buzzing from the lingering press of his palm against hers.

"Since it's your first time with us," Naruto continued, flipping open his clipboard, "do you have any questions or concerns so far?"

Hinata barely heard him.

She was still stuck on his hands.

The same hands that—soon—would be working their magic on her body.

Touching her.

Cupping her.

Massaging her.

Her lips parted, her throat tightening, her mind spiraling far too fast in a direction she hadn't anticipated.

And Naruto just stood there. 

Waiting.

Expecting an answer.

Oh, kami.

She needed to get it together.

"Mmm…" Hinata murmured, barely able to string words together, but then she caught the sound of his soft chuckle. 

Embarrassment fluttered through her, and she quickly snapped out of it, her cheeks burning bright red. 

"I—I mean, yes, I do have a few questions," She stammered, desperately trying to regain her composure—to erase that embarrassing little sound she had just made from existence.

Her fingers fidgeted against the strap of her purse, her brain scrambling for something—anything—to shift the focus.

"Also, thank you for giving me this opportunity, and—"

Hinata dipped into a polite bow, her hands nervously smoothing over the fabric of her skirt as she forced a shy but genuine smile.

"It's really great to finally meet you, Naruto-san."

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, rich and warm.

"Aww, you're gonna make a grown man blush," He teased, shaking his head with an easy grin, "You're really sweet, Hinata-san, but," his smirk tilted, "there's no need for any formality."

His gaze flickered over her, his smile warming up. 

"I'm here for you, not the other way around."

Hinata bit her lip.

Oh, if only he knew…

In a way, she was here for him.

Sort of.

Maybe just a little.

…Okay, maybe a lot.

The mere thought sent a flutter through her stomach, and before she could rein it in, her shoulders stiffened as she straightened from her bow, standing tall once more.

Naruto caught it instantly.

His sharp blue eyes flickered with knowing amusement, his head tilting slightly as he studied her reaction like she was a puzzle he was itching to figure out.

"Aww, Hinata-san," He drawled, "Relax." 

His smirk softened just a fraction, just enough to make her heart trip over itself.

"This is your time. Your session," He reminded her, voice dipping lower, smoother. "You don't have to be so stiff with me, sweetheart."

Hinata nearly choked on air.

Sweetheart.

Oh, no.

She wasn't ready.

Not for that.

Not for him.

Her lips parted, but nothing came out.

Absolutely nothing.

Just the relentless pounding of her heart in her ears, drowning out every coherent thought she had left.

"O-Oh…" was all she managed, a breathless, pathetic little whimper. 

Naruto let out another amused chuckle. 

He took a casual step around her, then tilted his head toward the hallway, gesturing with a flick of his fingers.

"Come, Hinata-san," He murmured, that damn smirk still in place. 

"Follow me.

His shoes made a steady, confident thump as he guided her onward, each step echoing softly against the glazed wooden floor. Every sound—the soft creak of the boards, the gentle rustle of his uniform as he moved, even the faint tap of his clipboard against his palm—seemed heightened, magnified by the stillness around them.

Hinata followed, her lashes fluttering as she stole secret glances at him from the corner of her eye.

Ahead, the hallway was dimly lit, a long, narrow corridor lined with closed massage rooms on either side. Lanterns flickered above, their soft golden glow reflecting off the pristine walls. The air was filled with the scent of warm vanilla and lavender, a nice and calming scent—and yet, her heart refused to settle.

Every step forward sent a fresh pulse of anticipation through Hinata, her heart racing, tightening, twisting.

And then—Naruto stopped.

He gestured toward an open doorway, stepping aside with a relaxed nod, "This room's all yours," He said, motioning for her to enter, his clipboard resting casually against his forearm.

Hesitantly, Hinata stepped inside.

The moment she did, her breath caught in her throat.

The room was… breathtaking. Private. Intimate.

A warm, golden glow filled the dimly lit room, the lanterns above casting a gentle spotlight on the massage table in the center. It was draped in crisp, freshly pressed white sheets, with a stack of neatly folded towels resting at the foot, practically calling out to her. 

The entire space was designed for pure tranquility—soft, neutral tones of beige, cream, and warm browns. Graceful bamboo plants in round pots stood tall in each corner—an addition to the room Hinata found particularly beautiful.

A sleek countertop lined the far wall, showcasing an array of oils and lotions, their delicate glass bottles gleaming under the soft candlelight.

Just beside it, a small sink sat nestled between carefully arranged décor—a vase filled with fresh flowers, a glowing salt lamp, and a trio of scented candles. 

Then… there was the scent.

Hinata inhaled deeply, the rich notes of citrus and amber swirling in the air, but something else overtook it.

Him.

The moment Naruto stepped in behind her, his cologne rushed in and dominated the small space—a deep, intoxicating blend of sandalwood and spice. 

Rich. Warm. Undeniably masculine.

Her breath hitched.

Kami, he was already too much.

"Take a seat for me," Naruto instructed, waving his clipboard over towards the massage table. 

Hinata hesitated yet again, fingers fidgeting with the strap of her purse, before obeying. As she walked past him, she caught another subtle whiff of his cologne—stronger now, closer. It was the kind of scent that lingered, the kind that made it dangerously hard to focus.

Naruto followed her inside, his movements fluid, relaxed as he closed the door behind them with a soft click.

She took slow, tentative steps toward the massage table, her fingers brushing over the pristine white sheets before settling herself at the edge.

This was it.

In just a few moments, she would be right here, stretched out beneath his touch, his hands. 

The thought sent a wave of nervous excitement through her, her stomach tightening, her pulse thrumming in her ears. But she barely had time to dwell on it before she heard the rush of water.

Naruto had moved to the sink, rolling up the sleeves of his white uniform, revealing strong, tanned forearms, corded with lean muscle. He turned on the faucet, letting the heat build before pumping a generous amount of soap into his hands.

"Alright," He murmured, rubbing his palms together, creating a rich lather, "Before we get started, let's go over those questions of yours," He glanced over his shoulder at her, a teasing smirk playing at his lips.

"Hm?"

Hinata's mouth gaped slightly, her fingers gripping the edge of the table just a little tighter.

Kami.

How was she supposed to think clearly when he looked like that?

Hinata let out a deep breath, attempting to steady herself. 

Just ask. Just ask and get it over with.

"U-Um…" She started, her voice wobbling a little too high, "I was wondering—could you explain what makes the Happy Ending massage different from the others?"

The words came out too fast, tumbling over each other like they were trying to escape her mouth before she could change her mind.

And then, for some godforsaken reason, she kept talking.

"It's, uh… kind of embarrassing, but this is actually my first massage. Ever."

For a moment—just a fraction of a second—Naruto froze.

His hands hovered under the running water, shoulders stiffening as if he had just heard the most absurd thing in the world. Then, with a quick flick of his wrist, he shut the sink off, a little too aggressively, and whipped around so fast she half-expected him to give himself whiplash.

"Did you just say—?" His voice pitched up slightly, eyebrows shooting sky-high, "Your first massage?"

He shook his head in disbelief, "You're messing with me."

Hinata shrank back slightly, feeling ridiculously called out, "I—um—no?"

Naruto squinted at her as he reached for a towel, drying his damp hands, "Nah. No way. A grown woman like you, never had a massage before? That's illegal. That should be illegal."

Hinata let out a small, nervous laugh, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, well… unfortunately, no. I've just never had the time," She admitted, shifting slightly on the table, "I work as a marketing analyst—which is really just a fancy way of saying I sit at a desk all day, hunched over a computer."

Naruto winced playfully, shaking his head, "Oh no, your poor back. That's so tragic, Hinata-san."

"Oh yes, truly tragic," Hinata sighed dramatically, rubbing her lower back for emphasis, "I'd love to tell you otherwise, but honestly—my back gave up on me years ago."

Naruto's lips twitched, and then—he laughed. 

A deep, rich chuckle slipped from his lips, warming the space and her heart along with it. 

Hinata let out a soft, breathy laugh of her own, her shoulders relaxing just a bit—especially after realizing she had managed to make the ridiculously handsome blonde laugh. 

Like, oh my gosh, what?!

She hadn't expected to feel this comfortable so quickly, but something about Naruto's easygoing nature made it impossible not to.

"I just—I don't know," Hinata admitted, gesturing vaguely with her hands, "I figured it was about time I actually did something for myself for once. Then I stumbled across your website, read through the services, and thought, 'Maybe a massage is what I need.'"

Naruto hummed, nodding as he leaned back against the counter, arms crossing over his broad chest, "Hmm, so basically, you were drowning in work, at your wit's end, and in desperate need of some proper relief, yeah?"

Hinata's face heated instantly, "Well—!" She choked, flailing for words before groaning and covering her face with both hands, "Okay, yes! That basically sums it up."

Naruto let out a satisfied chuckle, pushing off the counter, "Well, in that case, let me be the first to say—you made an excellent decision coming here." 

He gestured broadly to the room, arms extended, "Welcome to the world of relaxation, hun."

His grin stretched wider, "And just for the record—" He paused, tilting his head slightly, those soft baby blue eyes locking onto hers. 

"I really appreciate you sharing that with me, Hinata-san."

Hinata beamed, cheeks flushing redder, "O-Of course."

For a brief moment, Naruto just stared her, his expression shifting—not just playful now, but genuinely… intrigued. There was something almost thoughtful in the way his eyes lingered on her, like he replaying the words she said over in his head. 

He hummed in amusement. 

"Now, about that question of yours…" He began, snapping himself out of his thoughts, "The Happy Ending massage option we have available here is… well, let's just say it's in a category of its own."

Hinata bit her lip, her heartbeat stuttering.

Oh. 

The way he said it, the way his voice dropped just a little, made something deep in her chest tighten. She wasn't sure if it was anticipation, nervousness, or just the lingering effect of him thanking her so casually earlier, like she had shared something special. Like he actually cared.

It made her want to kick her feet, and giggle into her hands like a silly, silly schoolgirl.

"It's more erotic, more intimate…" Naruto went on, watching for her reaction.

Hinata caught it—the tail end of what he said, anyway.

Her lips parted slightly, a breath hitching in her throat as her mind whirled, catching up to what he was saying.

"Now, don't get me wrong," He continued, his tone as easygoing as ever, "it still works just like a deep tissue massage."

He lifted a hand, gesturing casually as he spoke, "I'll be working through every muscle—your neck, shoulders, arms, back, legs…" His gaze briefly swept over her, as if mentally charting every spot he'd touch, every area he'd press and knead.

"Loosening up every knot, releasing all that built-up tension you've been carrying."

Hinata nodded slowly, her mind grasping for some sense of normalcy in his explanation.

That… that didn't sound bad.

She did need a deep tissue massage.

Her job had her sitting for hours on end, her muscles locked up so tightly she barely remembered what it felt like to be relaxed. 

So that seemed exactly what she needed. 

But then, she looked up and noticed the blonde masseur's smirk changed.

Not drastically.

Just slightly.

His gaze turned a shade darker, something undeniably suggestive flashing behind his blue eyes.

"But the key difference of the Happy Ending massage option," He continued, his voice dipping lower, "is at the very end of your session."

Hinata's brows furrowed, confusion flashing across her face.

"The end?"

Naruto chuckled softly.

"Hai. At the very end—especially for you—" His eyes locked onto hers, unwavering, "I'm going to wrap it all up with something…special." He paused, just for a second. 

"A sweet release. A proper orgasm."

Hinata froze.

Her brain completely short-circuited.

Did he—

Did he just—

Did she hear that correctly?

Her face went up in flames, her fingers clenching her purse strap as tight as she could, the only thing keeping her grounded, reminding her that this was real. That she was, in fact, awake.

"O-O-Orgasm?!" She squeaked, her voice pitching so high she barely recognized it.

Naruto's grin only widened.

"That's right, Hinata-san."

Casual.

Nonchalant.

As if he had just told her the sky was blue.

Hinata gawked at him, completely and utterly shocked beyond belief.

She wanted to deny she heard him correctly.

She wanted to ask if this was some kind of joke.

She wanted to faint on the damn spot.

This is what she signed up for?

This is what 'Happy Ending' meant?

All this time?!

How could she have been so reckless?!

Twice—that word, erotic, had flashed before her eyes. Twice, she had seen it, registered it… and yet, each time, she brushed it off, convincing herself it was just part of the all-inclusive massage experience she had conjured up in her head. 

She knew she had seen it.

And yet, instead of stopping to question it, instead of reading between the lines like any rational person would, she let her excitement get the best of her—rushing headfirst into booking the session without a second thought.

Too hasty. Too quick.

Now, sitting here, her pulse hammering, reality finally sinking its claws in, she could hardly believe it.

What had she gotten herself into?

All the while, as she spiraled deeper into the chaos of her own thoughts, Naruto remained where he was—calm, composed, waiting. His smirk lingered, his sharp blue eyes watching her every reaction with quiet amusement.

But then—

His smile began to fade.

Slowly, that teasing smirk softened, replaced by something more cautious, more observant. His head tilted slightly, his blonde brows drawing together as he took in her silence, her stiff posture, the way her fingers had gone white-knuckled around her purse strap.

His hands lowered, the playful edge in his demeanor slipping just a little.

"…You okay, Hinata-san?"

His voice was gentler now, his gaze carefully scanning her face for any signs of discomfort. 

"If this isn't something you're comfortable with, we can make adjustments." He offered, his voice steady, reassuring, "Just remember, this session is all about helping you relax, not adding to your stress."

Hinata blinked, her mouth opening and closing, her pulse still racing. And then—before she could even think, before she could stop herself—

"No, no—I want it."

The words just…tumbled out. 

What. The. Hell. 

Naruto's brows lifted slightly, his smirk making a slow return.

"…Oh?"

That single word carried so much weight, dragging heat all the way down Hinata's spine.

Oh?

OH?!

Hinata's heart slammed against her ribs, realization crashing down on her far too late.

What the hell had she just agreed to?

Her mouth opened, as if to take it back—to retract the words—but the way Naruto was looking at her, studying her so intently, made the thought die on her tongue.

Especially with him looking so fine.

Kami.

This would be any woman's dream, wouldn't it? To be pampered by a man this strong, this handsome? To have those skilled hands of his gliding over her body, rubbing her down, taking care of her?

He was built for this. Trained for this.

And… if she was being honest… she secretly wanted it.

More than she should.

More than she—

Wait—what?! What the hell was she thinking?!

Her face grew redder and redder, blinking, waiting for him to… say something. Anything.

Naruto hummed, low, considering. 

And with that—he broke the silence.

"Well, alright then."

His smirk returned. 

"But before we officially move forward, there are a few things we need to go over first."

He pushed himself off the counter, moving with that same easy confidence, grabbing his clipboard and flipping it open.

"First off, let's talk comfort levels."

Hinata inhaled sharply, gripping the fabric of her skirt, feeling the heat pulse through her entire body.

Comfort levels?

Oh kami.

"This section requires you to be a little more open with me, Hinata-san," Naruto continued smoothly, flicking through the forms, "That means skin-to-skin contact. Now, you don't have to be completely naked if that makes you uncomfortable. Most of my clients—" He paused, looking at her pointedly, "—especially first-timers—keep their underwear on. Totally up to you."

Hinata's brain short-circuited. Again.

Naked.

Naked?!

Oh. 

She had not thought this through.

Her fingers twitched, "I… I can keep my underwear on?"

Naruto nodded, his expression remaining completely professional despite the nature of the discussion—a skill in itself, "Of course. This is all about what makes you comfortable."

Hinata exhaled slowly, feeling at least somewhat relieved.

Then, Naruto's voice dipped lower.

"Though, if you want the full experience, skin-to-skin contact allows me to work deeper into the muscle tissue. It helps with circulation, tension relief, and overall relaxation. The less restriction, the better the results."

Hinata swallowed hard.

Circulation. Tension relief. Relaxation.

Okay. Okay, that all sounded… reasonable.

Logical.

Totally not like she was about to get stripped down and touched in ways she'd never been touched before.

Right?

But then…

That naughty little voice deep in the back of her mind whispered temptingly.

Would that be so bad?

To experience his hands gliding over every inch of her body? To have those strong fingers kneading into her skin, pressing into all the places that ached?

To finally, finally satisfy those intimate cravings she had been forced to repress?

Naruto glanced up at her, curious but patient, "Still with me?"

Hinata nodded stiffly, her pulse pounding in her ears, "Y-Yeah… still with you."

"Good."

She swallowed hard, then, in a barely audible whisper, murmured, "I-I'd like to keep my underwear on, please."

Naruto gave a simple nod, "Alrighty."

He jotted something down on the clipboard before glancing back up at her.

"So, next, I will use a variety of oils during the session, all tailored to your needs. Some focus on deep relaxation, others on muscle recovery, and some—" His smirk twitched at the corner, "—heighten sensitivity."

Hinata felt her entire body lock up.

Heighten. Sensitivity.

What the hell did that mean?!

Naruto, clearly picking up on her internal struggle, let out a low chuckle,  "I'll go with whatever you're comfortable with," He assured her smoothly, "And I'll let you know exactly which oil I'm using before I apply it. But if you're unsure…" His smirk deepened slightly, "I can always mix a custom blend—one that covers everything. Keeps things… interesting."

Hinata didn't trust herself to speak, so she just nodded again, her throat too dry to function properly.

"Alright," Naruto continued, completely at ease as he flipped to the next page, "Last thing—orgasm control."

Hinata nearly choked on her own saliva.

"O-O-Orgasm control?!"

Naruto grinned, tapping the pen against his clipboard, "Yup. You have two options here."

He held up a single finger.

"One: You let it happen naturally. I work you up, and when your body decides it's ready, you let it all go."

Hinata gaped at him.

She wanted to interrupt—to say something—but he held up a second finger.

"Two: You hold back until I give you permission."

Hinata made a sound.

It was somewhere between a squeak and a wheeze, but it definitely didn't sound human.

Naruto's grin only widened.

"That one's my personal favorite, but, again, all up to you."

Hinata just sat there, her lips slightly parted, completely and utterly at a loss for words. This was so much more than she expected—so much more intense than she ever could've imagined.

She had only intended to get a simple, straightforward massage.

And now this…

She couldn't even breathe.

Her heart pounded so rapidly it was starting to scare her, her thoughts tangling into a frantic mess.

It wasn't just about the massage anymore.

No.

This was more than that. So much more.

This was self-care. Attention. Intimacy.

Everything she had denied herself for years.

It was all right here.

In one session.

With him.

Right then and there, that naughty, reckless part of her came rushing back in again.

It whispered—no, it purred in her ear.

"Do it."

"Let go."

"Treat yourself, girl."

And for once—just once—Hinata wanted to listen to it. She had spent her entire life playing it safe, following the rules, sticking to routine.

Always composed. Always responsible. Always predictable.

Never risky.

Never self-indulgent.

And for what?

For what?!

For years of pent-up frustration? Of loneliness?

For a life where she never once let herself chase desire?

No.

Not this time.

This was her chance—her moment—to take something for herself.

To do something wild.

Something reckless.

Something that made her feel alive.

She had come here to take a break from the norm.

To let go.

To finally, finally stop thinking so damn much.

And the answer was right in front of her.

Blonde. Blue-eyed. Smirking like he already knew exactly what was running through her mind.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

Then, slowly, deliberately—

She lifted her chin and met his gaze.

"…Okay."

Naruto's smirk widened.

"Yeah?" He stated, more as a confirmation than a question.

Hinata bit her lip, her nerves all over the place, before finally nodding.

"Yeah. Let's do it."

Naruto's grin broadened, flashing those stupidly perfect pearly whites—up close and personal—in a way that made her stomach flip and her womanhood clench in anticipation.

Kami.

She had never been so aware of her own body before.

It was ridiculous.

"That's the spirit," He praised, his approval as warm as it was reassuring. "I promise, you won't regret it, sweetheart."

Sweetheart.

There it was again—that pet name, slipping so effortlessly from his lips.

Hinata barely stifled a whimper, clutching her legs tightly together, desperately willing herself to stay composed.

Naruto's eyes flicked to her midnight blue hair, and he tilted his head, "First, let's start by putting up your hair. It's beautiful, by the way."

Hinata blinked, caught off guard, "Eh?"

"Your hair. The color." He smirked, moving toward one of the counters, grabbing something, "It's unique… kinda mesmerizing, actually."

Hinata's face turned red.

Before she could even process the compliment, Naruto was already in front of her, his strong hands reaching toward her.

"May I?"

She nodded quickly, her embarrassment spiking.

Of course, she had forgotten to put her hair up before coming here. Who in their right mind forgets something so simple when going to a massage parlor?!

So embarrassing.

But then—

Her breath hitched the moment she felt him touch her.

Warm.

Firm.

His palms cradled the sides of her head, gathering the silky strands with practiced ease. His fingers skimmed the nape of her neck, collecting ever strand in those large hands of his, sending a shiver trailing down her spine. Every brush, every subtle tug as he gathered her hair into a loose bundle, was oddly intimate. 

Kami.

She hadn't expected this to feel so… nice.

He was so close, his masculine scent wrapping around her making her head spin.

And it was just him fixing her hair.

What the hell was she going to do when he actually touched her?

"There we go," Naruto murmured, successfully twisting her hair up into a messy high bun, securing it with a hair tie. 

Hinata exhaled the breath she didn't know she was holding.

He stepped back slightly, admiring his work.

"Looks good." He smirked. "Now, onto the next part."

He nodded toward the massage table, "Alright, go ahead and slip out of your clothes. Lie down for me—face down, head resting in the cushion." He instructed, motioning toward the head of the table. 

Hinata froze.

Right.

She had agreed to this.

She had literally just said yes to this.

Her fingers twitched, her heart pounding, but Naruto's voice broke through her hesitation again—casual, reassuring, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.

"I'm gonna step out for a moment to grab a few extra things for your session. No rush—take your time. When I get back, we'll get started." He gestured toward the counter, "Oh, and you can set your belongings over there if you'd like."

Hinata glanced down at her purse, nodding softly.

His smirk softened just a little, a flicker of something almost teasing behind his gaze, "Don't run away on me now, yeah?"

Hinata squeaked, gripping the hem of her skirt so tightly, she thought she might tear it.

Naruto chuckled, turning on his heel and heading for the door, his presence lingering in the room long after he had stepped out.

Hinata sat there in the silence, her mind spinning, replaying everything that had just unfolded, struggling to fully grasp the weight of her impulsive decision.

Her hands trembled.

Her entire body felt like it was on fire.

And now…

Now, she had to undress.

She covered her burning cheeks with both hands, squeezing her eyes shut as she kicked her legs in a flustered fit.

Kami help her.

Because she was so screwed.

Hinata exhaled deeply, her head resting against the plush, rounded cushion of the massage table, her face settling into the designated opening.

She was down to her underwear now—her finest set, ironically enough.

It wasn't something she had planned. She certainly hadn't woken up this morning thinking, 'Oh, today seems like a great day to wear my sexiest lingerie, just in case I end up half-naked in front of the most gorgeous man I've ever met.'

She groaned inwardly.

Who was she fooling?

Of course, she had. Of course, she planned it. 

And now… here she was.

Half-naked. Face down on the table, waiting.

Her fingers tensed against the plush fabric beneath her, and she forced another breath through her nose.

Relax.

The room was calm, quiet, soothing—everything a massage parlor should be. Soft, tranquil music drifted through the air, blending with the gentle trickle of the water fountain built into the dark tiled wall. 

The warmth from the flickering candles was nice against her skin at least, warm and heady, designed to lull her into relaxation.

And for a moment—just a moment—it worked.

She closed her eyes, letting the tension drain from her muscles, trying to focus on the peaceful ambiance.

The water.

The music.

The peace.

The soft, steady rhythm of her own breath.

But then—

She became aware of something else. 

A new sound. A new rhythm. 

The pounding of her own heartbeat in her ears, loud, unrelenting—drowning out the music, the fountain, everything.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Her nerves coiled tighter.

Her body, despite the comfort of the table, remained on edge.

She couldn't get Naruto's words out of her head. Everything he had said, everything this massage entailed—it was nothing like what she had originally imagined when she recklessly booked the appointment. 

Not even close.

This was… something else.

Something thrilling.

Something undeniably intimate.

Something she knew would be life-changing. 

Once again, her mind began to scramble. 

But just as she felt herself begin to lose it, just as she was starting to come to terms with how utterly exposed she was—

A knock at the door shattered the quiet.

Hinata stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.

"Hinata-san? Are ya ready, hun?"

That voice. 

Naruto was back.

Hinata jolted upright, her head lifting from the cushion, heart hammering, "H-Hai! I—I'm ready!" She blurted, scrambling to press her face back down into position.

"Alrighty!"

The door clicked open.

Then came, footsteps.

Soft, steady, confident.

Each one sent her heart racing faster, thudding in sync with his approach.

And then—Naruto's voice.

"Good girl."

Hinata squeaked.

A literal, tiny squeak escaped her lips before she could stop it. Her entire body went rigid against the table, toes curling in mortification.

Oh, kami.

Did he just—

Was he—

He was messing with her, wasn't he?

It didn't help that he chuckled, the sound deep, amused, far too satisfied with himself.

"Relax, Hinata-san."

His voice was low, just as before, a warm murmur that sent a gentle shiver down her spine.

The door snapped shut behind him, sealing them off from the rest of the world.

Just the two of them now.

She heard the clink of bottles, the faint rustle of movement as he set something down on the counter closest to her. 

"You're so tense, honey."

Hinata sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers curling into the soft fabric of the table beneath her.

But she couldn't move.

Not when she felt him so close.

Not when every hair on her body stood on edge, her skin prickling with the undeniable awareness of him.

He moved again.

Slow, measured steps, drawing closer—so close, she swore she felt the heat of his gaze trailing over her bare back, over the smooth curves of her body.

Her breath hitched, her stomach twisting as she imagined it—imagined him looking, taking her in, seeing her just in her underwear. 

She sucked in a breath. 

But then, his footsteps changed direction, striding away from her, this time toward the farthest counter. It was then, she heard the faint sound of liquid being poured, the crisp snap of a cap closing, the controlled whoosh of water running as he washed his hands again. 

Her heart pounded against her ribs, her mind spiraling.

The anticipation coiled inside her, tight and heady.

Then she heard it. 

The soft, muted slip of gloves being pulled on.

A quiet sigh left Naruto's lips, as if he were centering himself, rolling his shoulders, flexing his fingers. 

She then heard more footsteps from him, and a brief shuffle of movement, and soon, something warm and weighty draped over her lower half. A towel, she realized, the fabric pressing lightly against her skin, a subtle barrier between her and complete exposure. 

"Alright, sweetheart."

His voice. Deep. Right above her. 

Close enough that she could feel the heat of his presence at her back.

"Let's begin."

Continue Reading on Wattpad Or AO3.

||Previous Chap.||

[endermen-impasta]

I got the preview chapter up and ready :D

Enjoy!

The AO3 servers are down and I can't create an account there so please be patient if you don't want to hop on wattpad to read this!

[depths-of-misery]

[timebookmics]

PREVIEW MAY MOVE!

We are aiming to get traffic to our website, so, what we are thinking of doing is using Wattpad as a preview source for our ebooks instead of our website and use our website for the full story, so, basically you'll go to Wattpad to get the preview and then you'll go to our website to actually read the story.

It's like watching a movie trailer on YouTube and then watching the movie itself in the cinema.

You'll get a teaser, a trailer of our stories on Wattpad but then the full on our website.

[heartspin2023]

I was driving today and thought up this literally while going down the road. It's perfect way to start out the next update for Ascension.

"I wake to the pre Grey skies of early dawn, a habit built from instinct not necessity.

It is these moments, before the sun crests the horizen and before my alarm blares to life,  I feel most at peace. I feel the safest.

I experience the brief falshood that I yearn for: freedom"

May change it some, but that's what I got for now. ^_^ I'm excited for this story I love it so!