"Feels like you're scrubbing my skin off."
"Isn't that how it's supposed to be? When I scrub Suika down, I use even more force!"
Yuugi laughed heartily, giving Rin 's shoulder a hearty pat before downing her cup of wine in one gulp. With a satisfied sigh, she grabbed the bottle of shower gel nearby.
"Here, this'll make it smoother."
"Oho, this lathers up quick—squish squish~"
Rubbing her hands together, she produced a thick foam, slathering it over Rin 's back with practiced ease—while simultaneously leaning forward, her head nudging closer.
"Boss, pour me another! I'm just getting started!"
"You really won't let up for even a second, huh?" Rin shot her an exasperated look but obliged, filling her cup to the brim and holding it up for her.
With a tipsy grin, Yuugi rested her chin on his shoulder, clumsily sipping at the wine. A contented burp later, her scrubbing grew even more vigorous.
Squish, squish— The slick sound of foam filled the air as she poked Rin 's back curiously.
"Couldn't tell through the towel earlier, but damn, Boss, you've got some solid muscle. Not bad!"
"Running a general store keeps you active. Now quit poking my ticklish spots and scrub properly."
"Heh~ Got it! Refill, please!"Yuugi happily obliged, downing another cup before her soapy hands began creeping further forward.
As Rin handed her the next drink, she leaned in to sip—only for their bodies to press flush together.
Rin stiffened, the sudden, overwhelming contact nearly knocking his soul out of his body.
Yuugi froze too, her alcohol-flushed cheeks burning even brighter. Despite the thin barrier of her bathrobe, the heat between them was unmistakable, sending an electric tingle straight to her core.
"Ahem… If you don't want it, I'll drink it myself—"
"No no no, gimme!"
Seeing him pull the cup away, Yuugi lunged, clamping her teeth on the rim and gulping furiously.
Just an accident! Not like I grabbed him or anything! Priorities—this last cup is MINE!
"Another round! I can still go!!"
Drunk on both liquor and freedom (no Suika around to steal her drinks!), Yuugi's voice boomed with renewed vigor.
"That one! The big bottle next!"
"This one's strong. Go slow, or it'll wreck you."
"BRING IT!!"
The moment Rin uncorked the bottle, a vicious, fiery aroma erupted, assaulting their senses like a raging beast. Yuugi's eyes gleamed with predatory delight as she tapped his chest impatiently.
Ignoring their close proximity, she inhaled deeply—the potent scent sending her blood roaring.
"Higher—yeah, like that—"
"Gulp gulp—Cough cough COUGH—!!"*
Her eagerness backfired. The liquor burned down her throat, triggering a fit of coughs that sprayed wine everywhere. The rich scent filled the air as her chest heaved violently against Rin 's back, each gasp threatening to shatter his spine.
Guilt gnawed at him.
'Sorry, Suika… I tried to stay impartial. But my "test" is less of a trial and more of a torture! How is anyone supposed to endure this?!'
"You alive?"
"Cough—Hack!Y-yeah… Wasted so much…"
Yuugi winced at the spilled liquor. This brew's ferocity was exactly her style—yet most of it was now dripping off Rin .
"Got any left?"
"Here. Try not to spit it on me this time."
He rolled his eyes but opened a fresh bottle. Yuugi chuckled sheepishly, chugging while wiping the spilled wine from his skin—until her soapy hand slipped.
"Pfft—!!" Wine sprayed. Yuugi's pupils shrank to pins.
She yanked her hand back like she'd been burned, her face now crimson beyond blame.
"A-accident!!"
"At this point, I might as well be marinated in alcohol."
Rin 's tone was dry, but given the… bonus service, he let it slide.
"Go ahead inside. I'll rinse off and join you."
"Mm~" Yuugi scurried toward the bath—then doubled back to grab every last bottle of wine, avoiding eye contact.
The guilt was crushing.
'Not only did I betray Suika… Now I feel bad for Marisa too! This was PURELY accidental!!'
Meanwhile, oblivious to the drama, Suika and Marisa paused mid-conspiracy, their noses inexplicably itching.
Shrugging it off, they resumed plotting.
"To achieve greatness, one must first master endurance! Only those who bear humiliation can seize victory when the time com—"
"Plain words. Now."
"Play nice with the Boss for a while. Butter him up so I can get that wine-cellar guard job." Suika's whisper made Marisa's eye twitch.
'So YOU get the perks while I throw myself to the wolves?!'
"No deal! That bastard and I are sworn enemies, not happening!" Marisa crossed her arms. If anything, she wanted away from his clutches—not deeper in!
"Don't you wonder what's in that cellar?"
"Hah? It's just booze!"
"Nuh-uh. That place is booby-trapped like a fortress. Why guard it so hard unless there's treasure?!"
"...I'll think about it."