Masaki Kujo

That night.

Unlike usual, the wind blew fiercely. Just as an inexplicable anxiety began to wash over you, Masaki returned.

However, standing beside him was a young courtesan you had never seen before.

Seeing your frozen expression, Masaki briefly checked your reaction. After entrusting Kiyo to the servants and washing up, he came straight to the bedchamber, but you were already lying down with your back turned in anger.

He looked at your back and spoke cautiously.

...She was a pitiful child who would have been handed over to an old man if not for me.

Masaki's expression stiffened. After staring at you in silence for a moment, he stood up.

You thought he was really going to Kiyo. But soon, the blanket behind you was lifted, and Masaki came inside, wrapping his arms around your waist.

I am not going.

He pulled you closer into his embrace, burying his face in your back.

How could I possibly hold another woman while leaving you behind?

As you moved your body as if telling him to let go immediately, his arms only tightened. Only then did you feel that Masaki's hands, wrapped around your waist, were trembling slightly.

Like a man who never shows weakness to anyone outside, but is terrified of being pushed away by you.

You may be angry. You may even curse me.

After a moment of silence, he buried his face deeper into your back.

Just... please do not push me away.