Chapter 19: A Dangerous Game
The tension was palpable as Elara and Tara stood face to face, the air between them crackling with unspoken animosity. Kazuki swallowed, his back pressed against the courtyard wall as he watched the two women stare each other down.
"Make you?" Elara repeated, her eyes narrowing as her fists clenched at her sides. "You're really asking for it, Tara."
Tara's grin widened, her tongue flicking over her lower lip as she stepped closer to Elara, their faces inches apart. "Oh? And what are you going to do? Fight me? Here?" Her eyes darted toward Kazuki, her smirk deepening. "Or are you afraid he might enjoy it too much?"
Elara's jaw tightened, her chest heaving with barely contained anger. "You're playing a dangerous game, Tara."
"Am I?" Tara said, her fingers tracing a slow line down Elara's arm. "Or are you just afraid to admit that you're not the only one who can make him feel good?"
Elara swatted Tara's hand away, her eyes blazing. "Enough."
"Oh, you haven't seen 'enough' yet," Tara purred, her gaze sliding back to Kazuki, who was struggling to control his racing heart. "Kazuki, tell me... did you like it when I kissed you?"
Kazuki's face burned, his mouth opening to respond, but no words came out. The memory of Tara's lips, her warmth, her scent — it was all still too vivid, too fresh.
"That's what I thought," Tara said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "See, Elara? You can try to protect him all you want, but you can't protect him from himself."
Elara's eyes flashed dangerously. "Get out. Now."
Tara chuckled, stepping back and raising her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But don't think I'm done with you, Kazuki." She winked, blowing a kiss before sauntering away, her hips swaying with every step.
Kazuki let out a shaky breath, leaning against the wall for support. Elara's hands were suddenly on his shoulders, her face inches from his, her eyes searching his. "Kazuki, are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine," Kazuki stammered, but his hands trembled as they hung by his sides.
Elara's jaw clenched, her grip tightening. "She's trying to mess with your head. Don't let her get to you."
"I know," Kazuki said, his eyes dropping to the ground. "But..."
"But what?" Elara's voice softened, her hand moving to cup his cheek. "Talk to me."
Kazuki's heart pounded as Elara's thumb brushed against his skin, her touch gentle and warm. "It's just... when she kissed me, I..."
Elara's eyes darkened, her breath hitching. "Did you like it?"
Kazuki's pulse quickened. "I don't know. Maybe?" His face flushed, his gaze meeting Elara's. "But it didn't feel like this."
Before Elara could respond, Kazuki's hands moved to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together. Elara's eyes widened, her lips parting as Kazuki leaned in, his breath mingling with hers.
"Kazuki..." Elara whispered, her voice trembling.
"This," Kazuki said, his forehead resting against hers. "This feels different."
Elara's hands moved up to his chest, her fingers curling into his shirt. "Then don't stop."
Kazuki's lips descended, capturing hers in a kiss that was both tender and intense, their bodies melting into each other as the moonlight bathed them in its glow.