Chapter 188.5 - Thai Massage (Bonus)

“Hah… hah…” my breaths come in ragged gasps, my chest heaving from the strain.

I’m drenched in sweat, my muscles screaming for mercy, my head pounding as if stuffed with needles.

Ayu stands on the other side, her chest rising and falling, sweat trailing down her neck.

“So, 27 to 43,” I manage between breaths. “Shall we call it a day?”

She hesitates, her gaze steady, then sighs. “You really went all out, didn’t you? Alright. You win.”

Finally…

It’s basically pride alone keeping me upright right now, stopping me from collapsing half-dead onto the ground.

I thought after Houston’s brutal, inhuman, completely ethics-less training, these spars were supposed to be the relaxing part of the day. But goddamn—pushing beyond full-state Overdrive again and again? Forcing my body to move at insane speeds and stop instantly? And when I try to catch a ‘break’ by dropping to full-state, Ayu’s relentless offense keeps me on edge, constantly analyzing every move, every possible outcome, and stuck mostly on the defensive for fear of a perfect counter.

My legs falter as I drop Overdrive to resting state, and the next thing I know, my butt hits the ground.

Dammit.

I glance at Ayu, expecting a laugh or a smug comment. Instead, she surprises me—she’s walking toward me.

She crouches down, her eyes locking onto mine.

“Thank you.”

Huh? Thank you for what?

Before I can even respond, she turns around, grabs my arms, and drapes them around her neck while holding my waist.

What the…

“Ayu? What? I’m fine, I can go—”

“Don’t fight me on this. You’ve already given me everything tonight. Let me do this for you,” she says, her voice warm but firm, holding me steady.

This…

“It’s not the first time I’ve carried you like this anyway,” she says with a grin as she lifts me off the ground.

When? Oh, maybe… after that time I nearly died? For some reason, the thought warms my heart.

Feeling my much larger body being carried on her back… okay, this is embarrassing.

But I just sigh. Alright. Fine.

We walk slowly, her steady steps carrying us back to our cave. When we arrive, she carefully lowers me down next to the hot spring.

“Thanks,” I say, my voice low, still a bit embarrassed.

She turns around, removing her mask and looking at me.

I smile. Seeing her face always brightens my day. But I can see the strain from our spars on her too—her drenched hair clings to her skin, and her breathing is still uneven.

Even so, she wears the most refreshing smile.

“I haven’t done anything yet, silly,” she says, then leans in and gently lifts my mask off.

“You really pushed yourself tonight. I might’ve been a bit selfish…” She leans forward and plants a soft kiss on my lips. “You really are the best.”

What did I do?

I’m still not sure what’s happening. Is it my headache muddling my thoughts?

“So,” she says, her teasing smile widening, “you won the bet. What do you want?”

The bet? Oh… right.

“I haven’t decided yet,” I admit honestly.

She laughs softly. “After you went all out to win 43 rounds, I thought you would have something specific in mind.”

Hmm… not really. I guess... I forgot halfway?

“Ah.” I grit my teeth as a sharp pain shoots through my head.

Damn… even thinking is hard.

Her expression shifts, worry flickering in her eyes.

“Close your eyes,” she says gently.

What? Close…?

Her hand moves, and she softly presses my eyelids down. I don’t resist.

“Don’t think. Don’t use your waves either. Just… relax.”

Her voice is soothing, like a lullaby guiding me into calmness.

I lower Overdrive all the way to zero. My body relaxes instantly, but the pain and headache stubbornly linger.

I feel Ayu’s hands gently removing my armor and damp cloth, her movements careful, as if trying not to aggravate my battered state.

Her fingers trail lightly down my arms, a sensation both electric and soothing. It sends a subtle shiver through me, the kind that feels almost healing in itself.

She moves me with ease, supporting my weight as she guides me toward the hot spring. I feel the warmth of the water enveloping my exhausted body, soothing the aches and washing away the grime of the day.

I hear the faint rustle as she undresses and steps into the water.

She pulls me toward her, her hands firm but gentle, and shifts me against her until my head rests against something soft and tender. Her firm breasts.

I can hear and feel her heartbeat, steady and calming.

Her hands move to my head, her fingers working in slow circles. The tension in my scalp begins to melt away under her touch, the headache loosening its grip.

It feels incredible.

So… relaxing.

Her fingers press into just the right spots, kneading away the stubborn knots. My thoughts blur, my awareness shrinking to the sensation of her hands.

Each movement feels precise, almost practiced, like she knows exactly what my body needs.

A soft hum escapes me, and I realize how deeply I’ve let my guard down.

She works her way to my temples, her thumbs applying just enough pressure to release the strain behind my eyes. The dull pounding in my head begins to fade, replaced by a calming rhythm that mirrors her steady breathing.

“Better?” she whispers, her voice low and soothing.

I nod weakly, unable to summon the energy to speak.

Her hands shift to my shoulders next, her thumbs digging into the tight, sore muscles. The combination of the warm water and her touch feels like a balm, easing the sharp pangs in my body. My shoulders, perpetually tensed, begin to loosen under her care.

I can’t help but let out a soft chuckle. “You’ve been hiding this talent from me, haven’t you?”

She falls silent, her fingers hesitating for a moment before continuing, slower now. “Well… I…”

Her voice is low, almost unsure.

She’s embarrassed? But why?

Her hands move down to my arms, her fingers pressing and kneading into the sore, overworked muscles.

Wait… this feels familiar. Wasn’t this… Thai massage?

“You used to give Thai massages?” I ask, curiosity slipping into my voice.

Her fingers suddenly dig a little harder into my bicep, catching me off guard.

I hold my breath for a moment as she loosens her grip, the sharp discomfort fading into immediate relief.

“I… yes,” she replies, her tone flustered, almost hesitant.

I grin, eyes still closed. “You’re really good at it. Honestly, I’m starting to feel spoiled.”

There’s a pause before she speaks again, her voice quieter. “I only did normal massage. Nothing… weird.”

Her flustered tone makes me chuckle. “Ayu,” I say, reaching up and trailing my hand to her cheek. My fingers brush against her skin, soft and warm. “I was just thinking how amazing you are. You worked so hard back then, and it shows. I’m sure you were a great daughter.”

She’s silent, but I can feel the way her breath hitches, just slightly.

“And for the record,” I say, my voice softening, “you’re by far the best woman I’ve ever met,” I chuckle lightly. “I’m lucky to have you as my future wife.”

There’s a beat of silence. “Future… wife?” Her voice cracks a little, the words barely a whisper.

I smile. “Two things are certain for me, Ayu. One: I will always trust you, no matter what. And two: I will always love you, no matter what.”

I can’t see her face, but I can feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. Her hands falter for a moment before she resumes the massage, her movements gentler now, almost hesitant.

“You…” she begins, but her voice trails off.

I chuckle again, leaning my head slightly into her breasts. “What? Did I say something you didn’t know already?”

“No,” she murmurs. “Just… shut up and relax.”

Her words make me grin wider as the tension in my body continues to melt away under her skilled hands.

I smile, allowing my mind to unwind, the ache in my muscles fading into the warmth of the moment.

I don’t need to open my eyes or sense with my waves to know—she’s smiling too.