Chapter 66: For Research Purposes
"Tsk!"
The brief satisfaction Shizuka felt vanished quickly. She'd expected something like this, but did Ryuji really have to say it so bluntly?
"Well, I didn't want to lie to you, did I?" Ryuji smiled knowingly, catching her thoughts.
"Tsk!"
As frustrating as it was to deal with him at times, Shizuka still felt a surge of happiness hearing that. "Fine, it's your call."
Not that she could do much to change Ryuji's mind anyway.
"But you'd better not come over for the next few days."
"What, why?"
Ryuji was confused, briefly wondering if this was about jealousy or something else.
Shizuka hesitated, her face reddening a little with embarrassment. "I need time to recover," she muttered.
In truth, if not for the changes Ryuji had somehow caused in her physique, she'd probably be too worn out to even speak. Moderation is key, after all!
"Pfft!" Ryuji almost burst into laughter, quickly realizing the reason for her comment.
"Hahahaha!"
As his laughter echoed, Shizuka, who had been lounging, shot him an annoyed look, though there was a hint of playfulness in her gaze.
"Laugh all you want now, but one day I'll make you feel like I do now."
"That day can't come soon enough!" Ryuji teased, fully confident in his stamina.
After they bantered a little more, Ryuji checked the time. "Well, I should get going."
Shizuka waved him off, clearly needing the rest. "Yeah, yeah, go on."
---
"Ryuji-kun!"
Ryuji looked up from his phone to see Utaha waving at him, already waiting at their meeting spot.
He noted that she had put some extra effort into her appearance today, her usual elegant charm boosted by her outfit. Her perfectly styled hair and figure turned heads as she stood out from the crowd.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ryuji said as he approached.
Utaha smiled, her cool demeanor melting into warmth. "Not at all. I just arrived myself. There's a restaurant I wanted to try out. Shall we go?"
"Of course," Ryuji agreed, following her lead.
As they reached the restaurant, Ryuji raised an eyebrow at the sign.
"A couple's restaurant?"
Utaha blushed slightly but still responded with determination. "I told you, I'm trying to experience things for my novel. I thought this might help me write a better romance."
Ryuji chuckled at her earnest reasoning. "Alright, lead the way."
After their meal, they walked through the streets, with Utaha holding onto his arm. "This is research too, right?" Ryuji teased.
"Of course it is," Utaha replied confidently, though the slight flush on her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment.
The evening was going smoothly until a sudden downpour forced them to take shelter under a nearby mall. Utaha's mood dipped as she gazed at the heavy rain, realizing it had ruined her carefully laid plans.
"I guess we can't continue our walk," Ryuji mused, looking at the downpour.
"No, wait!" Utaha said quickly, not wanting the evening to end just yet. "There's… there's something else we can do."
"What do you have in mind?" Ryuji asked, genuinely curious.
Utaha's face turned a deeper shade of red as she glanced meaningfully toward a nearby hotel specifically, a couple's hotel.
It didn't take long for Ryuji to catch on.
"You want to skip all the steps and fast-forward to the end?" he asked, a sly grin forming on his lips.
Utaha nodded, trying to maintain her composure despite the overwhelming embarrassment.
"Well, I'm not one to refuse such an offer," Ryuji responded without hesitation.
---
The sun had barely dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the city as Ryuji and Utaha strolled hand in hand toward the hotel.
They reached the entrance of the hotel, a glittering facade that seemed to beckon them inside. As they stepped through the revolving doors, the noise of the city outside faded into a gentle hum, replaced by the hushed elegance of the lobby. Soft classical music played lightly in the background, mingling with the scent of fresh flowers that wafted through the air.
"Good evening, sir, madam," greeted the hotel attendant, a young man with a polite smile and impeccable manners. "How may I assist you tonight?"
Ryuji glanced at Utaha, who returned his look with a playful glint in her eye. "We'd like to check in for the night," Ryuji said.
"Certainly," the attendant replied, his fingers already moving deftly over the keyboard of his computer. "Do you have a suite preference? We have several options available."
Ryuji hesitated for a moment, considering their options. "What do you recommend?" he asked, turning slightly toward Utaha.
"Well, we have the Deluxe Suite, which offers a king-sized bed, a jacuzzi tub, and a private balcony with stunning city views," the attendant began. "For something more luxurious, there's the Premium Suite, which includes all of that plus a four-poster bed, a fireplace, and access to our exclusive spa facilities."
Ryuji raised an eyebrow, glancing at Utaha again. She gave him a subtle nod, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "I think we'll take the Premium Suite," Ryuji said confidently, pulling out his wallet to pay.
The attendant nodded approvingly. "Excellent choice, sir. Your room is ready and waiting for you. Let me show you to your accommodations."
As they followed the attendant to the elevator. The ride up to the top floor was smooth and quiet, the only sound being the soft rustle of Utaha's dress against her legs. When the elevator doors slid open, they were met with a plush carpeted hallway lined with ornate artwork and elegant fixtures.
The attendant led them to a door at the end of the hall, swiping a keycard to unlock it. "Here we are," he said, stepping aside to allow them entry. "Please enjoy your stay."
Ryuji thanked him, watching as the attendant retreated down the hallway. He turned back to Utaha, who was already stepping inside the suite. "After you," she said with a teasing wink.
The room was even more impressive than Ryuji had imagined. The centerpiece was a massive four-poster bed draped in fine linens, surrounded by dark wood furniture and soft lighting. A crackling fireplace cast a warm glow across the room, and through a set of French doors, Ryuji could see the twinkling lights of the city skyline beyond the balcony.
Utaha wandered over to the fireplace, holding her hands out to the heat. "This place is incredible," she murmured, her voice tinged with awe.
Ryuji nodded in agreement, his eyes following her every move. "It sure is," he replied, his voice low and husky.
She turned to face him, her cheeks flushed from the warmth of the fire. "Shall we freshen up before... continuing our evening?" she suggested, her tone playful.
Ryuji swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "Yeah, good idea," he managed to say, though his thoughts were already racing ahead to what would come after.
They made their way to the spacious bathroom, where a large tub sat invitingly beside a shower equipped with multiple jets. Utaha started the water running, adding some fragrant bath salts that filled the room with a heady aroma.
"I'll go first," she said, slipping out of her dress and stepping into the tub. Ryuji watched, mesmerized, as she sank into the bubbles, her skin glistening under the soft light.
When she finished, she wrapped herself in a thick white bathrobe and stepped out of the bathroom, leaving Ryuji to follow suit. He took his time, savoring the sensation of the hot water pounding against his tired muscles, thinking about what was to come.
By the time he emerged from the bathroom, Utaha was already lying on the bed, her robe tied loosely around her waist. She looked up at him with a sultry smile, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Ready for the next part of our date?" she asked, her voice dripping with desire.
Ryuji nodded. "More than ready," he replied, walking over to the bed and sitting down beside her.
He reached out, his fingers brushing the knot of her robe. "May I?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Utaha's breath hitched, her eyes locked onto his. "Yes," she answered, her voice trembling slightly.
With a slow, deliberate motion, Ryuji untied the knot, allowing the robe to fall open and reveal her bare skin beneath. His hands trembled as he pushed the fabric off her shoulders, exposing the swell of her breasts, her pink nipples and the curve of her hips.
Utaha's chest rose and fell with rapid breaths, her eyes half-lidded with arousal. "Touch me," she whispered, her voice thick with need.
Ryuji didn't need to be told twice. His hands moved of their own accord, skimming over her breasts playing with her nipples, tracing the contours of her body. He could feel the heat radiating from her skin, the tension coiling between them like a livewire.
He leaned in closer, his lips grazing the sensitive skin of her neck. Utaha shuddered beneath him, her hands fisting in the sheets as she arched her back, pressing herself against his touch.
"Ryuji," she breathed, her voice a mix of pleasure and desperation.