After leaving the wagon with the horses hidden among the trees, the trio of friends flew to the river during the night and took their first bath together, overwhelmed by intense emotions.
Irene gazed at the calm eyes of a naked, wet Rynelle, sitting on a rock in the water. The kitsune's heart fluttered.
'W-what if I'm in love with Hanami? Was it too obvious? A-am I lying to her?'
A memory struck her like lightning: an image from when they were children, accompanied by the shared words of a promise—a loyalty and trust they would build together.
'We'll never lie to each other…'
Her eyelids relaxed, and she was able to look at Rynelle with more confidence. She was very nervous, but at the same time, their promise rose above all fear and worry. Giving her a steadier look and meeting her gaze directly, she said:
"Yes. I'm falling in love with Hanami."
Rynelle listened attentively without flinching as one of her blue strands fell over her face. She closed her eyes and, looking away, replied:
"I see…"
Irene clenched her hand into a fist and pressed it against her chest. Such a dry response filled her with doubt.
'Is she mad? Did I upset her? Is she sad or worried? Do I disgust her? What does that answer mean? Aren't you going to say anything else…?'
The sound of the flowing water stopped being relaxing and became uncomfortable. Irene couldn't stay with that doubt, so she asked:
"Did you not like my answer?"
"I wasn't thinking about that."
"Then what were you thinking about?"
Rynelle looked at her again, stepped down from the rock she had been sitting on, and moved a little closer to Irene.
"I was thinking that we can't always choose who we fall in love with. It's a decision between two people, and if they feel that mutual attraction, I see no reason not to support my friends."
Her words sounded sweet, but they failed to calm Irene. It was her tone and her expression; something about them made her feel uneasy.
"I brought your razor too, Irene. Do you want us to do it together?" she asked, leaning a little closer to her ear. "Hm? What's wrong?"
Hanami's playful side came to a halt when she sensed the silence between Irene and Rynelle. Their gazes were locked on each other. In response to Hanami's question, the elf began walking toward the shore, saying:
"I'm done bathing, so I'll go back to watch our things."
Irene pressed her lips together. Once again, that constant attempt to run away from difficult situations. She didn't want to indulge that behavior, so she spoke in a slightly annoyed tone.
"Rynelle already knows about our love."
"Huh? A-already?" Hanami said, nervously looking at both of them. "I thought it would take you longer to want to say it."
That comment made Rynelle stop in her tracks. Irene turned and walked past Hanami, confronting the elf directly.
"If you want to tell us something, then say it—but don't walk away in silence."
"Tell you something?" She turned slightly to the side. "Irene, you're misunderstanding things. I'm not angry at either of you."
"You're not?"
"Of course not. What I said is exactly what I meant." She turned around and started walking again. "I'll support your relationship."
Irene grew worried and followed her again, stopping her only with words:
"Then why does it seem like something is bothering you?"
"I don't know…"
Rynelle held her own elbow, hunching her shoulders slightly, and forced a troubled smile onto her face.
"Maybe it's something to do with my period."
Hanami passed by Irene's side and hugged Rynelle from behind. It wasn't invasive like she usually was, but rather delicate and tender. She pressed her gently against her body and spoke in a low tone.
"Say what you're feeling, Rynelle. Do you think we'll exclude you? Are you feeling jealous? Or is it that… you think I'm going to steal your cute little fox?"
Rynelle looked away. She gently held Hanami's hands and replied:
"Let me go, okay?"
Hanami interpreted her low tone as sadness, but she didn't understand why. Not wanting to upset her, she spoke softly:
"Before I let you go, I want you to answer one question. Is that okay?"
"What?"
Hanami pressed her chest more firmly against Rynelle's back and, seeking her gaze, asked:
"Do you feel something for Irene?"
Rynelle felt her heartbeat speed up. Her light-blue eyes widened, her gaze trembling. She wanted to deny it out of nervousness, but Hanami placed her right hand over Rynelle's chest, feeling her racing heart.
"Your heart is beating so fast," she said with a smile. "I'm right, aren't I?"
"I-I haven't even answered anything…"
Hanami laughed softly when she noticed her furrowed expression and flushed cheeks. Then she whispered:
"Tell me. If it's you, my dear Rynelle, I won't have any problem sharing my sweet little fox. You're one of my treasures, and I'd give everything for both of you. So…"
She moved her right hand to the face of the one she was holding and, using her index finger, lifted Rynelle's chin to make her look at her.
"If my dear, lovely, and sweet little fox accepts you, then I'll accept you too—and I'll let you love her deeply."
Rynelle felt a shiver in her lower belly. Her legs trembled as her eyes grew glassy—not from sadness. Her pointed ears turned red and twitched slightly.
Hanami kept her gaze on her the entire time. When Rynelle finally looked at her, the vampire responded with even more tenderness, closing her eyes and nodding.
Her heart was pounding. Those feelings were new to her, and admitting them was difficult; even so, she felt protected and safe in Hanami's arms, as if Hanami already knew her answer and had accepted it beforehand.
Rynelle looked away, exposing her slender, delicate neck. Drops of water fell from her blue hair. She thought for a few seconds and, trusting Hanami, spoke:
"Y-yes…" she exhaled, almost in a whisper.
"Yes?" Hanami murmured playfully.
Rynelle closed her eyes, her blush deepening. She grew frustrated at having to admit it.
"Yes, I do feel something for Irene…"
Irene's furry ears twitched, causing her mouth to part slightly.
Hanami smiled, and before she could celebrate, Rynelle interrupted her, saying:
"But I'll be the one to tell her—at the right time, on the right day. I'll do it my way… is that okay?"
Hanami nodded. Rynelle touched her hands, signaling for her to let go, and she did. Once they separated, the elf began walking toward the riverbank.
After gathering her things, she flew off toward her wagon, completely naked. Hanami watched her leave with a calm expression.
When she turned around, she saw the fearful look on Irene's face, her tail gently swaying behind her. Hanami approached her with a playful tone and asked:
"Why are you so quiet, sweetheart?"
Irene gave a small start, turned slightly to the side, and forced an awkward smile as she said:
"It's nothing."
"Hmmm~"
Invading her personal space, Hanami slipped her left hand between Irene's legs to caress her. The kitsune trembled.
"Ahh~"
"You know, I've been aroused for a long time, and I want you to touch me. I can't stand another second of seeing you naked in front of me and not being able to tell you everything I feel."
Irene sighed with pleasure at the touch while listening to Hanami's words. Her cheeks warmed as she looked straight at her, gripping her by the biceps.
"H-Hanami…"