Chapter 15 : The Beginning of the Evening

It's only been a day, but Ishi feels like time is standing still. Once again, he tidies up the apartment while waiting for her. He feels a certain excitement. He knows that tonight he will have opportunities to get closer to her, even during the night.

Komi arrives at his place, a small bag in her hand, looking a little nervous but excited. She is dressed simply in jeans and a soft sweater, her hair falling in loose waves around her face.

" Hi Ishi, I'm here for our... our training session ! "

She bites her lip and glances around his living room.

" I brought some clothes to get comfortable in. And maybe to try on later, for your opinion. "

Komi sets her bag down, fidgeting slightly.

" So... where should I put my things ? And what's the plan for tonight ? Dinner, then a movie, then... the main event ? "

She blushes at her boldness but maintains eye contact, curious to hear his response and opinion.

" Yes, the food is in the oven. We can eat in front of the TV, chat a little before going to bed for the experiment. But don't stress. Everything will be fine ! "

She nods, visibly relaxed by his reassuring words.

" Perfect, Ishi. I like the idea of a relaxed evening. "

She put her things in her room and helped him set the table, stealing glances at him as he moved around the kitchen.

" And you're right, no stress. It's just a friendly sleepover, right ? Even if it does involve a little... hands-on learning. "

Komi giggles nervously, playfully bumping her hip against his as they pass each other.

" Lead the way, coach. I'm ready to take in all your lessons. "

Her tone is light and teasing, but there is a hint of confidence and sincere anticipation in her voice. Komi knows she is in good hands with him, ready to explore this new frontier.

" Haha, you're in a good mood, that's good. But hey, the practice will just be sleeping together. When you sleep, nothing happens, so no stress. Just get used to having someone next to you. "

Komi smiles slightly.

" Sleeping together, I understand. No pressure, no expectations. Just... getting used to sharing a bed with someone. "

She sits down at the table and accepts a plate from him.

" Although I have to admit that the idea of waking up next to you is... intriguing. Different from my usual moments of solitude. "

Komi takes a bite to taste and chews thoughtfully.

" Tell me, Ishi, what do you think Tadano and I should do for our first official sleepover ? Is there anything I should keep in mind to set the tone and pace ? "

" Not really... You can keep an eye on whether he's comfortable. Why don't you let him try to get closer to you too ? If you make all the effort... it'll be sad. "

" You're right, I shouldn't be the only one initiating this closeness. Tadano also needs to feel comfortable expressing his own desires. "

She takes a sip of water, gathering her courage.

" Maybe I could start by... wearing something a little more seductive to bed. Not too provocative, but suggestive. "

Komi bites her lip and looks at him from under her eyelashes.

" And maybe... maybe I could " accidentally " brush against him in the dark to let him take the lead if he wants to. What do you think, Ishi? Am I on the right track to encourage reciprocity without being too direct ? "

Ishi takes out the rest of the food and serves it for himself and Komi. They sit down on the small sofa close to each other, and he turns on the TV.

" That's not bad, but like I said, wear something simple like pajamas. Don't give him frivolous ideas too quickly. "

Komi nods, a small smile on her lips, as she settles down next to him on the sofa.

" Simple pajamas, got it. I'll find something comfortable but not too revealing. "

She takes a bite of her meal, chewing thoughtfully.

" And you're right, no need to give Tadano any premature ideas. Little by little, as you always say. "

Komi leans back, feeling comfortable in front of the TV.

" Speaking of small steps, I'm curious... what kind of physical contact is appropriate at my level with Tadano ? Holding hands, cuddling, a chaste kiss to say goodnight... or am I aiming too high, too fast ? "

She glances at him, seeking his expert opinion, a hint of mischief in her eyes despite her underlying caution. Ishi asks something else first.

" By the way, did you bring pajamas or not ? I can give you something if you want. "

He swallows a bite of food with the sound of the TV in the background.

" As for you and Tadano, I'd say things are going well for now. Wait and see how far he wants to take things. You'll find out at the meeting you've scheduled with him next week. "

Komi blushed slightly at his pajama suggestion.

" Oh, I did bring a simple cotton pajama set, but... I wouldn't say no to borrowing one. For authenticity's sake, of course ! It makes it feel more real and romantic."

She laughed softly, playfully tapping his shoulder with hers.

" And you're right about Tadano. I'll take it slow and gauge his comfort level. Our dinner and movie next week will be a good test to see where we stand physically. "

Komi finished her meal and set down her empty plate.

" But I'm glad you think I'm on the right track. Your advice has been invaluable, Ishi. "

She stretches languidly, the hem of her sweater riding up to reveal a small portion of her stomach.

" So, about that pajama loan... what did you have in mind ? "

" Oh, just a simple T-shirt... . Sorry, I don't have any lingerie here... . "

For once, it's Ishi who gives her a mischievous look.

" I think the size will be fine. "

Komi laughs softly at his playful remark, a mischievous gleam lighting up her eyes.

" A T-shirt, huh ? That's very... practical of you, Ishi. But I must say, the idea of wearing your T-shirt to bed feels strangely right. "

She stands up and stretches again to accentuate her curves.

" But you're right, the size should fit me well. You've seen me in such small sizes before... . I mean, you've noticed my measurements, haven't you ? "

Komi winks at him, enjoying this pleasant exchange.

" And don't apologize for not having any lingerie, it's normal for a boy. I happen to have a few... interesting pieces with me. For educational purposes, of course ! "

She smiles mischievously.

" Shall we go to the bedroom to finish this clothing exchange ? I'm suddenly feeling quite... eager. "

" Oh ! Well, I can go get it right away, yes... By the way ? Are you wearing sexy lingerie today or not ? "

Ishi was just teasing her, sensing the good atmosphere. Komi blushed profusely at his bold question, a shy smile appearing on her lips.

" Oh my, how frank ! I like that in a man. "

She tapped her chin with her finger, pretending to think.

" Well, since you ask... I may have put on something special. Nothing too extravagant, mind you. Just a pretty bra and lace panties, but not red and black, sorry, hehe ! "

Komi leans toward him, her voice turning into a conspiratorial whisper.

" But you'll have to wait until lights out to see if I decide to show it. Think of it as motivation to make our sleepover even more... memorable. "

She steps back with a wink, her cheeks red with excitement and impatience.

" Now about that T-shirt... open the door to your room for me, oh wise and handsome guardian. "

Ishi looks up... impatiently !

He is pleased to see that his teasing remarks do not deter her. She teases him back. He goes into the bedroom and brings out a large T-shirt.

" It's a little big for me, but it will reach down to your thighs and cover what needs to be covered. Will that work ? "

Komi takes the oversized T-shirt and lifts it up to inspect it. Her eyes sparkle with mischief as she notices its length.

" Oh my, this is quite a nightshirt ! It'll look like a nightgown on me. I hope it won't slip off too easily during the night... . "

She brings the fabric to her nose and inhales deeply.

" Mmm, it smells good. Already comforting. I can tell you do laundry often. "

Komi winks at him before changing the subject.

" So, what's the plan now, oh wise and generous host ? Shall we finish our TV series and retire to the bedroom ? "