After the shower, Ellyn stepped out into the warm air of the room, her skin still faintly dewy. She reached for a towel and carefully dried herself,

Her long hair clung damply to her back and shoulders. With a small gesture, she summoned a soft breeze, letting the gentle current sweep through the strands until they were fully dry.

Silky, smooth, and glimmering faintly in the light.

She slipped on the underwear and bra Hazuki had bought for her the day before, adjusting the straps with a satisfied hum. Her gaze lingered in the mirror, tracing the curve of her figure, the fullness of her chest, and the subtle lines that shaped her body. A quiet smile touched her lips at the sight.

From the side, she turned slightly, testing the way her hips moved with the casual but elegant dress she chose for the morning. It fit her well, modest enough for inside the house, yet graceful in a way that suited her true self.

Her tail flicked lightly as she guided it through the neat opening made in the back of the fabric. She gave it a small swish, ensuring the fit was comfortable, before standing tall in front of the mirror.

Golden hair falling over her shoulders, eyes gleaming like molten sunlight, the reflection that stared back at her carried the quiet dignity she had kept hidden.

Perfect.

Ellyn walked slowly toward the dining table, her steps deliberate, the hem of her dress swaying softly with each movement.

"Hazuki~ how do I look?" she asked, her voice sweet as she stopped near him.

Hazuki turned his head, a strip of roasted meat still between his teeth. He chewed casually, eyes scanning her up and down once before returning to his meal.

"Hmm? You use that transformation magic again?"

Ellyn's cheeks puffed, lips pursed in a pout. "I'm not! This is the real me!"

"Yeah, yeah," Hazuki said, waving his hand dismissively while taking another bite. "Stop doing that or you'll waste your mana."

Ellyn stomped her foot lightly, her tail flicking behind her in clear irritation. Her golden eyes locked onto him, frustration bubbling in her chest. "I told you, this is the real me!"

Hazuki didn't flinch, didn't even look at her a second time as he calmly tore into his food. "Mm. Real, fake, whatever. Just don't waste your mana. Sit down and eat before it gets cold."

Her lips tightened into a sulky line. She dropped herself into the chair beside him with a soft thump, crossing her arms on the table. Her golden hair slid over her shoulder as she leaned in, tilting her head with narrowed eyes.

"You really don't get it, Hazuki…"

"Get what?" he asked flatly, reaching for another piece of meat.

Ellyn's ears twitched, and her tail coiled lazily around the chair leg. "…That you're looking at the real Ellyn right now. Not some illusion. Not some trick."

Hazuki finally gave her a brief glance before shrugging. "…Sure. Real you. Got it."

Her jaw slackened, disbelief flashing across her face.

"I'm serious!" Ellyn raised her voice, her cheeks puffed in frustration.

Hazuki let out a long sigh, wiping his fingers on a cloth before pointing at her with the bone he just finished.

"Ellyn… enough of that. Go eat breakfast and stop wasting mana on your transformation skill again."

Her golden eyes widened, tail swishing sharply behind her. "I told you it's not—ugh!" She stomped her foot hard enough to make the table shake lightly.

She side-glared at Hazuki while grabbing her share of the roasted meat, tearing into it with small, angry bites. Every chew felt like she was biting him instead of the food.

He really doesn't believe me at all… stupid Hazuki…

Where is that puff purple ball and Syaria? Mou! If Ridan were here, he could explain everything to Hazuki! Then he'd finally believe me!

She took another frustrated bite, glaring at the roasted meat.

Hazuki's so dense!

Meanwhile, on Hazuki's side, his face stayed calm as he chewed slowly, but his thoughts were far from steady.

Ohhhh… the adult Ellyn looks so beautiful! That hair… that body… those eyes…

He forced himself to stab another piece of roasted meat with his fork, keeping his expression plain.

Ugh! If only she wasn't just a kid using some transformation skill, I'd already grab her and—no! Stop it, Hazuki! Don't even think about that! She's a kid! A kid!

He stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye, watching her puff her cheeks and chew angrily. The way her golden hair fell over her shoulder, the way her dress hugged her shape.

She's so hot!

Hazuki quickly shoved more meat into his mouth, hiding his face behind the plate.

Man, I want to kiss her so bad…!

His grip on the fork tightened.

Calm down, Hazuki. Just eat. Just eat. Don't look. Don't think.

But his eyes still wandered, betraying him with every stolen glance.

Hazuki chewed his meat slower, his mind slipping deeper into dangerous territory.

Ohhh! That thigh… so smooth!

And her ear...I want to touch it! That tail too

He froze mid-bite, blinking.

Wait… hold on. Did I ever actually touch her ears? Or her tail?

His brow twitched slightly as he thought back.

Since the day I met her… she trapped me with that pinky promise. Then that stolen kiss… and the other stuff she pulled… but…

He squinted at Ellyn, watching her tail flick with irritation as she chomped on her roasted meat.

Nope. Not once. I've never touched them.

His stomach flipped at the realization. Crap. Aren't ears and tails for beastkin supposed to be, like… super sensitive? Ohhh man, if I actually touched them...

Hazuki shoved another bite into his mouth quickly, trying to bury the thought.

Nope. Stop it. Don't think about it. Don't even go there, Hazuki…

Hazuki paused, chop of meat half-chewed in his mouth.

Hmm? Asking her permission to touch her ear and tail… that's not a crime, right? Right?

He swallowed hard, his throat tight.

But… how the hell do I even ask that?

He slumped back slightly in his chair, staring at the table.

Come on, Hazuki. Remember the old world? Every girl hated you… or, well, probably. That waitress back then....yeah, the one who looked at you like you were some creep just for smiling at her. Damn it…

His hand twitched on the table, eyes flicking to Ellyn's flicking tail again. But this is different, right? She's Ellyn.Not like those girls back home…

He let out a silent groan, stabbing the meat with more force than necessary.

Arghhh! Why does this feel like I'm about to commit a crime just by asking!?

( End Of Chapter )