“I wanted to see you.”

“…”

“Truly.”

His blue irises shimmered. Gazing into those eyes, Yelena gently placed her hand on her husband’s cheek.

“Seeing you like this again… makes me happy. Very happy.” Whispering, she added the words that flowed from her heart. “I love you, Kaywhin.”

Though they had exchanged these words multiple times before, even so, she said them once more. “Do you love me?”

“I love you.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes.” Even though it sounded like a playful question, his response came back earnestly. Their gazes met in silence.

“I love you.”

Yelena gazed at Kaywhin intently for a moment before. And in the next instant, she drew his face towards her. His forehead. His nose. She imprinted a soft kiss on each one, then proceeded to kiss his pursed lips. Their supple skin pressed together seamlessly. To deepen the kiss, Yelena slightly parted her lips that were already connected with his. However, just then, the startled Kaywhin suddenly pulled his head back. Then, he loosened his arms that had been encircling Yelena and moved back, creating some distance between them.

“…?” Yelena blinked in confusion. What’s going on?

“What are you doing?”

“It’s just that…”

Upon a closer look, Kaywhin’s face was tinged with bewilderment. He hesitated momentarily before finally speaking.

“Truth be told, I haven’t properly bathed since the fight yesterday.”

Right after the battle with the Demon King concluded, Yelena lost consciousness, and Kaywhin hadn’t left her side since. He had wiped away the blood and dirt from his body and face with a damp cloth, but that was it. He realized he hadn’t taken a proper bath. Furthermore, he hadn’t changed his clothes. Kaywhin’s expression grew increasingly serious as he objectively assessed his state. On the other hand, Yelena stared at his stiffening face in bafflement.

“Just what?”

Was it just that? The reason for stopping the kiss?

“Well, since that’s the case, come back here.”

“It’s not appropriate.”

“You don’t smell at all. You just have the scent of fresh skin, so come back quickly.”

“I’ll wash up and then return.”

Kaywhin abruptly sat up on the bed and Yelena’s gaze narrowed.

“It won’t take long. I’ll be back soon.”

“Do you want to bathe together?”

Kaihven’s eyes widened and Yelena’s eyes widened too.

‘What did I just say?’

It wasn’t a thought that was carefully formulated. It was a spur-of-the-moment statement driven by her desire not to be separated from her husband.

However, Yelena’s surprise didn’t last long. Soon, her eyes twinkled.

“Isn’t it a good idea?”

Though spoken unconsciously, it didn’t sound bad. No, it was quite a pleasant notion.

“Come to think of it, I’m in the same boat. I couldn’t shower while I was unconscious.” Yelena grasped the edge of the bed and leaned her body towards him. Her silky hair cascaded over her shoulder and flowed down gently. “I need to wash up too, and since we’re at it…” She spoke casually and tried to get up from the bed, but she failed and sank back down. The pain surged suddenly, exacerbated by her injured left ankle.

“Ugh.”

Elena’s groan startled Kaywhin, who hurriedly approached. His large hand supported her anxiously and restlessly.

“Are you okay? Is the pain too much? Should I call a doctor…”

“It’s okay.”

Yelena managed to regulate her breathing and lifted her head.

“It doesn’t hurt now.”

As she refrained from moving, the pain gradually subsided.

Yelena cast a sheepish glance at her ankle. It suddenly struck her.

“Right, I was injured. In this state, what am I thinking…”

From the hand that supported her body, Yelena could sense genuine concern instead of lust. In the moment of Yelena’s embarrassment, a shadow fell over her face. Soon after, a soft pair of lips touched her forehead. The warm lips lingered slowly as if hesitating, before slowly pulling back, as if leaving with some lingering emotions.

“Later.”

“…?”

“When your ankle is completely healed…then.”

Then, what? Bathe together? Though her husband’s words didn’t continue, Yelena completed the remaining parts in her mind as she saw fit. The reddening of her husband’s ears and the omitted words were significant clues that assisted her speculation. Yelena lightly touched the spot where her husband’s lips had met her forehead. A peculiar warmth could be felt.

“I’ll go wash up.”

This time, Yelena didn’t hold onto Kaywhin.

A while later, Kaywhin appeared with his wet hair still not completely dried. He found Elena’s lips and touched them.

Yelena closed her eyes and slipped her fingers between her husband’s wet locks.