Chapter 23 : Physical Contact

They prepare dinner. Tomato and ham salad. It's summer, so they might as well eat something fresh and simple. They bring the dishes to the TV and serve themselves. With the sound of the movie in the background, they eat and chat normally. Komi gets into the mood by making a few jokes. Then, once the meal is over, they clear the table before settling down more comfortably on the sofa to watch the rest of the movie.

Komi seems to glance at him a few times, wondering what he has prepared. Ishi senses her gaze and immediately places his hand on her bare thigh.

She gasps when his hand touches her thigh, a shiver running through her at this intimate contact. She looks at him out of the corner of her eye with a shy smile on her lips.

" That's what you prepared. I must say, it's actually progress for me to feel a man's palm on my thigh. "

Komi moves slightly, allowing his hand to slide a little higher on her smooth skin. Ishi is happy to see that this kind of touch doesn't scare her.

" That's right. Couples usually do this kind of thing. Gentle caresses. "

He continues to move his hand up and down her thigh, staying far enough away from her shorts so as not to make her more uncomfortable than necessary. Komi nods and bites her lower lip as his hand continues its sensual exploration of her thigh.

" Gentle caresses, huh ? I guess that's an essential skill for any romance. "

She squirms slightly, hyper-aware of every touch of his fingers on her sensitive skin.

" Although I have to admit, the sensation is quite... distracting. Is this the kind of attention Tadano can expect from me in the future ? "

Komi looks at him with half-closed eyes, a mixture of innocence and budding desire evident in her expression.

" I think it's more the kind of thing he can do, if he dares. Otherwise, you can do it too, but watch his reaction carefully. Moments like this are what bring two people closer together... for example. "

Ishi slowly moves closer to her, their bodies touching on the side.

" Like this ! "

She inhales sharply as their bodies press against each other, her skin tingling.

" Like this, huh? So close, so... intimate. "

She snuggles up against him, savoring the warmth and solidity of his silhouette.

" I see. Creating closeness, gauging reactions. It's all about the subtle art of escalation, isn't it ? "

Komi's hand rests on her chest, feeling the steady beat of her heart.

" I think I'm starting to grasp the nuances. Tadano will be mad when I put these lessons into practice. "

She laughs softly, a shy smile on her lips as she maintains this intimate contact, eager to absorb every aspect of this tactile tutorial.

" Haha, exactly ! "

The minutes pass with the movie playing in the background. Komi relaxes in his presence, quickly getting used to his touch. The hand on her thigh moving slowly in time with his heartbeat is even soothing. In return, Ishi is happy that she leaves her hand on his chest, which makes her press herself even closer to him.

" Mmm, that's nice. I never thought hugging could be so... sweet. "

She sighs contentedly, her hand absentmindedly tracing patterns on his chest as the movie continues in the background.

" You're a master at creating this intimate atmosphere. "

Komi gives him a playful wink, but there is a note of sincere gratitude in her voice for his patient advice. It's true that their current position is almost like a hug. Komi leans in to find an even more comfortable position.

Her chest presses against his, and with her tight T-shirt, Ishi can feel the shape of her breasts perfectly. Komi doesn't flinch at this intimate contact, just relaxed by the position.

She is aware of the contact but makes no move to pull away, finding it strangely comforting. She makes no effort to change position, seeming to enjoy the closeness.

" This is a different evening than I expected. But I must say that your teaching methods are... effective. I'm quickly getting used to your touch against me. "

She laughs softly, her warm breath against his neck as she speaks.

" Don't forget, this is all for the sake of my relationship with Tadano. Purely educational, of course ! "

Komi winks at him.

" I know... You can see that I'm staying professional ! "

Slowly, she allows herself to enjoy the position, finding it comforting. His broad shoulders are reassuring. It is only at the end of the film that she seems to snap out of her reverie when he stands up. She feels disappointed to lose the contact.

" Oh, wow, I think I really zoned out ! Your presence is so... relaxing. "

She stretches languidly, the movement emphasizing her curves in her tight T-shirt.

" Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb the beautiful Komi. "

Ishi feels it's time to make his move.

" Earlier, didn't you say that this outfit was just the beginning of what was to come later ? Do you have a second outfit, or... did you find a seductive nightgown in your things ? "

Komi nods shyly and says, embarrassed.

" I did find something to sleep in... It's pretty embarrassing, but I don't remember having it. It was a gift from a friend for my 18th birthday. Wait, I'll put it on. "

Still eager to show it to you for your opinion, Komi returns in a short, thin pink nightie that barely covers her buttocks.