* * *

“And if I lose control, you’ll die. Are you willing to accept that?”

Zerbin suddenly threw the words out, as if tired of this conversation.

“No! But thanks for the warning!”

I answered hastily.

I trust that a magnificent hero like Zerbin won’t lose control over something as trivial as s*x, but still.

You never know.

If he experiences an electrifying pleasure for the first time, he might momentarily lose himself—not enough to kill me, but maybe enough to break a limb or two.

And that’s a very real fear.

He’s giving me the opportunity, so I should accept it gratefully.

Not for the chance to touch Zerbin’s amazing muscles—no, not that.

It’s about building a connection with another person.

‘If he says so, then I must’ve been wrong about him.’

How well do I even know Zerbin to judge what kind of person he is?

Then again, would someone as strong as him care about positions in bed?

It doesn’t mean anything.

If someone refused to bottom out of pride, it’d only show they’re the kind of small-minded fool who worries about such petty things.

“…Please, take care of me.”

Now, I just need to focus on doing my best to make Zerbin feel good.

First, I cleaned myself up.

I’d been sulking for days, doing nothing but eating and sleeping, and I looked like a wreck.

My hair was a mess, my clothes were shabby—it wasn’t a good look.

Honestly, the fact that he still wanted to comfort me and hold me despite this nightmare of an appearance was incredible.

Isn’t Zerbin just a wonderful person?

Maybe that’s what makes him a hero.

Or… is it?

The fact that he’s offering to sleep with me—could it be because of my face?

Even looking a bit rough, am I still attractive?

If my appearance managed to impress someone I thought was completely immune to my looks, I can’t help but feel a little proud.

While Zerbin was showering, I searched the room for everything we might need.

Hearing the sound of water from the bathroom made me ridiculously nervous.

Have I ever been this tense in my own bedroom before?

When the bathroom door suddenly opened, Zerbin emerged freshly washed and glistening.

I instinctively turned my head—and froze.

He apparently didn’t see the need for clothes, stepping out completely naked.

His perfectly sculpted muscles glistened, still damp and catching the light.

He was blindingly sexy.

I couldn’t help but swallow hard, staring at him.

Our eyes met.

Startled, I quickly looked away.

Zerbin wasn’t doing this out of desire for me—he just wanted to experience it.

If I let on how aroused I was, it’d probably ruin the mood.

Zerbin strode toward the bed without hesitation, drying his wet hair roughly with a towel, and laid himself down.

His confidence and decisiveness were startling.

I wasn’t ready at all, but it was too late now.

Besides, if I waited to feel prepared, I’d probably never get there.

“So… I’ll touch you now?”

“Do you always announce yourself like that?”

Of course not!

When I bring men to bed, there’s usually only one goal in mind, so I’m not usually this awkward.

But you’re the hero!

How am I supposed to keep my composure when I’m about to have s*x with you?!

Unable to say that, I just shook my head.

“Just do it as you normally would.”

How am I supposed to act normal?!

Zerbin lying naked on my bed was already overstimulating enough.

Seeing the muscles he usually kept hidden under clothes made my heart race uncontrollably.

Taking a deep breath, I positioned myself and spread his legs.

Zerbin flinched slightly at the contact.

Was it because he wasn’t used to being touched?

Worried he might change his mind, I glanced up to check his expression.

He looked as stoic and irritable as ever, so it didn’t seem like he was about to stop me.

‘…’

I was so nervous I thought my heart might burst.

Following the movement of my hands, Zerbin bent his knees and opened his legs.

His passive submission, as if trusting an experienced partner, was overwhelmingly provocative.

His thick thighs, with sharply defined muscles, and his firm, round backside were all on full display.

And… I can’t.

I can’t look anymore.

Damn it, he spread himself for me, but I still feel like I’m committing a sin.

‘Even this is good-looking.’

Zerbin’s size matched his stature.

If I’d had to take him in without preparation, I probably would’ve lost my mind.

Was that why he was being considerate?

I have to return the favor.

Carefully, I wrapped my hand around his c*ck and began to move.

My hands were trembling so badly that it was almost comical.

“…Hhng.”

Oh.

It was a clear moan.

Wait, I just touched it with my hand a little, didn’t I?

I didn’t lick it; I just held it and touched it with my hand.

Sure, my hand trembled a bit, but that can’t really be called stimulation.

Surprised, I involuntarily looked up.

“……”

Zerbin, seemingly just as startled, was covering his mouth with his hand, his wide eyes betraying his shock.

His hands were so large they covered most of his face, yet his cheeks were visibly flushed, a deep red.

It might be rude to say this about a hero, but… he looked kind of cute.

Zerbin rarely showed much expression, so it had been a long time since I’d seen such a vivid display of emotion on his face.

And, surprisingly, it wasn’t even a negative emotion.

It wasn’t worry or displeasure.

Just seeing that made me feel it was worth agreeing to this whole idea of sharing a bed.

Not that I was satisfied yet.

‘Well, this is progress.’

Maybe it was just nerves from his first time, but Zerbin seemed quite sensitive.

It was a surprising contrast to his usually disciplined and abstinent life, devoid of any indulgence.

And that worked out in my favor.

Even if someone like me—a mere adventurer—was his partner, it increased the chances of satisfying him.

“D-don’t stare.”

Wow.

His voice shook.

Perhaps he felt too burdened by my blank, startled gaze because Zerbin quickly averted his eyes.

It was a reaction I had never seen before.

Usually, I was the one flustered and trembling in front of him!

Unbelievable.

Seeing him flustered like this made my cheeks flush as well, my heart beating a little faster.

I really must be a hopeless person.

‘I kind of… want to tease him.’

Instead of focusing on serving the hero with all my might, I was entertaining such thoughts.

But my rationality wasn’t weak enough to give in to my desires, so I suppressed my darker urges with all my strength.

“A-anyway. It’s normal to make sounds if it feels good. There’s nothing weird about it, so don’t be embarrassed!”

I tried to comfort him, worried he might feel bad.

But since I’d already startled him and stared openly, my words didn’t seem to land.

All I got in return was a cold glare.

No way… I managed to get forgiven for meddling in his matchmaking, but is this going to end our relationship because I embarrassed him in bed?

“It’s normal for it to feel more sensitive when someone else touches it for the first time. You’re just surprised because it’s been so long or your first time with someone like me. Really, there’s no need to hold back!”

I added quickly, trying my best.

Zerbin’s brows furrowed.

His piercing gray eyes met mine, and even though it was just eye contact, I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Was he mad? I wasn’t even saying anything wrong.

“……Alright.”

Phew.

What a relief. His gaze softened a little.

Eventually, Zerbin removed his hand from his mouth.

“Then.”

I almost said, ‘Shall we continue?’ but held back, afraid he’d find my tone too casual.

I didn’t want to upset him again.

Even so, my heart pounded nervously at skipping this small step.

No, Zerbin told me to act normally.

If I acted strangely, he’d dislike it even more.

* * *