All In the Name of Reasearch

The professor of the college human sexuality class pairs everyone up for a research project. The topic is “Sexual Satisfaction-Pushing the Boundaries of What an Orgasm Can Be, and Where to Find One”.

I find myself partnered with Holland. We've only seen each other in class, but I perceive her as intelligent. The professor allows a little time during class for the pairs to get started. I glance over at Holland, noting her nervous demeanor, and decide to sit next to her.

“Hi, Holland, right? I’m Ero. I guess we’re working together on this project…”

Holland nods, adjusting her glasses with a hesitant smile.

“Y-yes, that’s right. I’m Holland. It’s nice to meet you properly, Ero.”

She glances at the project guidelines, her brow furrowing slightly as she absorbs the list of topics related to human sexuality. A faint blush creeps onto her cheeks.

“So, um, where would you like to start with this? I have some notes from our textbook readings…”

Holland pulls out a meticulously organized notebook, filled with neat handwriting and diagrams. It reveals she has prepared thoroughly despite her apparent discomfort with the topic. She looks at me, uncertainty clouding her expression, waiting for my input on how to proceed with our potentially awkward collaboration.

I flip through Holland's notes, pausing on one striking diagram that illustrates a woman spanking a crying man over her knee, who is clearly wearing women’s underwear.

“Uh, Holland… what is going on in this picture?”

Holland’s face flushes a deeper shade of red as I point out the explicit diagram. She quickly flips the page, stammering an explanation.

“O-oh! That? Well, um, I was just trying to include a variety of scenarios to be comprehensive, you know?”

She laughs nervously, fidgeting with her pen.

“It’s called erotic spanking, apparently. The book mentioned it as a common BDSM activity. But I don’t really understand it myself!”

Holland bites her lip, mortified that such a graphic image appears in her otherwise academic notes. Hastily, she changes the subject.

“A-anyway, maybe we should focus on something less... intense for now? Like, um, the anatomy section, perhaps? I have some diagrams of the reproductive system if you’d like to see those instead…”

The campus horn sounds, providing a timely interruption.

“Holland, do you want to meet later at the library? I can check out a couple of books and meet you on the fourth floor, in one of the quiet rooms in the stacks. Does 8 PM work for you?”

Relieved at the escape from the uncomfortable topic, Holland nods eagerly.

“Yes, the library sounds perfect. 8 PM works well for me too.”

She begins gathering her notes, still blushing faintly. “I’ll bring my laptop and printouts. We can spread out on one of the big tables in the study room.”

As students start packing up around us, Holland stands and slings her bag over her shoulder. She hesitates before adding in a softer tone,

“And thank you, Ero, for being so understanding about all this. I know these topics can be a bit... much sometimes. I really appreciate your patience.”

With a small, shy smile, Holland turns to leave, mentally preparing for our collaboration later that evening.

It is a warm fall night in September when I arrive at the library. I spot Holland, who appears cute in a relatable way, with her dirty blonde hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. Her dark eyes shine behind brown tortoise-shell glasses, giving her an air of intellectual curiosity.

She wears a loose, asymmetrical one-shoulder sweater in a pale yellow cable knit, cropped at the bottom to reveal her toned midriff. The sweater drapes casually over her figure, its soft texture contrasting with the sleekness of her short, black, skin-tight athletic shorts, which outline her intimate areas with a subtle, enticing precision.

Her dark brown eyes look at me through her glasses with a mix of curiosity and apprehension as I lay out my books on the table. I notice Holland has her diagrams spread out, including, curiously, the picture of the woman spanking the man.

I lay down a couple of titles I found intriguing—"The Art of the Taboo" and "Panties Aren't Just for Women Anymore: The Practice of Feminization in a Culture that Accepts It."

Holland looks up as I enter, her expression a blend of nervous anticipation and curiosity. As I lay out the intriguing titles, her eyebrows raise slightly behind her glasses. She leans forward to glance at the covers.

“The Art of the Taboo and… feminization practices? My, that’s quite an eclectic selection, Ero.”

She bites her lower lip thoughtfully, gesturing to the controversial spanking diagram still visible among her scattered papers.

“I see you noticed that one again. To be honest, I included it because it seemed relevant to the BDSM section, but I’m not entirely sure I understand its significance beyond the obvious power dynamics at play.”

Holland pushes her glasses up, a determined glint in her eye despite her clear discomfort with the mature content.

“Perhaps we could discuss it further?”

I shoot my shot.

“I think we should push the envelope, Holland. Everyone else is going to have diagrams of reproductive organs and the best erogenous zones, sounding like an article from Women’s Health Magazine. I want our presentation to be one that everyone remembers…”

My enthusiasm sparks a flicker of intrigue in Holland, but her cheeks flush deeper as she glances around to ensure no one can overhear. She leans in closer, her voice low and hesitant.

“P-push the envelope? Ero, I’m not sure… Some of these topics seem rather intense and personal. Are you certain we should venture into such… explicit territory?”

To be continued in chapter 2...