A Jealous Pervert

Lena lies on the couch, her breaths slow and deliberate.

Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Again.

Across from her, Yui sprawls on the floor, sketchbook in her lap, pencil dancing as she hums softly.

Lena groans.

Yui glances up, the corners of her mouth curling with quiet satisfaction. “You sound better already.”

“I’ve had worse injuries,” Lena mutters.

Yui’s smile dims. Her gaze drifts downward, remembering the look and feel of those old scars.

She blinks hard and shakes the image away. “That doesn’t mean you should be so careless. Why did you save me anyway? Do you like me?”

Lena lifts a brow. A smile threatens. “Of course I do.”

Yui freezes, mouth open, eyes wide. “Nya?”

“I do… recall a kiss,” Lena adds casually.

Yui drops her sketchbook and pencil with a clatter. She scurries across the floor on her hands and knees, crawling to the couch like an excited cat.

She stops beside Lena. Their eyes meet.

Lena reaches over and gently tucks a strand of Yui’s hair behind her ear.

“Aw,” she breathes, grinning. “You’re in love with me.”

Lena groans and plants her palm over Yui’s face, gently shoving her back. “Stop. The plot’s not deep enough for a confession yet.”

Yui tilts her head, eyes narrow, lips tighten into a mischievous grin. She leans in close, holding up her pointer and middle finger together, poised like she’s about to deliver something deeply inappropriate.

“But we can go so much deeper,” she purrs.

Lena grabs her fingers mid-air.

The doorbell rings.

They freeze. Eyes meet.

“Who could that be?” Yui asks.

She hops to her feet and bounds toward the door.

“Yui, wait,” Lena calls after her. “You need clothes.”

She yanks the door open without hesitation.

There, standing like he’d just stepped out of a cologne ad and into her worst nightmare, is a man with golden eyes and a smug little smirk.

He’s tall. Too tall. Built like someone handcrafted him out of pure ego and gym hours. His black hair slicked back with irritating precision, like he wanted to look casual but couldn’t help himself.

Yui blinks. Eyes wide.

He holds a bouquet of sunflowers in one hand and a heart-shaped box of chocolates in the other.

She barely has time to register the tight white T-shirt clinging to his chest or the khaki cargo shorts before he speaks.

“My lady…” he starts, voice all smooth and noble.

His golden eyes land on the hem of her oversized shirt. Which is failing. Epically. Her panties are one bounce away from center stage.

“Aaaah!” He stumbles back like his eyes were on fire. “Cover yourself, demon!”

Yui scowls, hands on her hips, foot tapping with enough fury to register on the Richter scale. Her eyes blaze, locked onto Kaito like she’s about to unleash an attack.

“Who are you calling demon?”

He straightens, brushing off his near-death experience with practiced bravado. His panic melts into calm composure.

Brilliant eyes gleaming with confidence. He steps inside with elegance, his arm nudges Yui aside like she’s some low-level side character as he walks by her.

“Lena? What has this demon done with my lady?”

From the couch, she raises her hand lazily.

“Kaito? It’s been ages! Get over here and give me a hug right now,” she calls out, voice light, unbothered.

Behind him, Yui slams the door with the full force of betrayal. She seethes in silence, cheeks puffed, anger radiating like a kettle about to scream.

Kaito strides to the couch, placing the bouquet and chocolates on the table like a love-sick prince laying down his offerings.

He kneels beside Lena with too much familiarity, too much ease. Then helps her sit up, hands gentle, gaze soft, before taking his place beside her on the couch like it’s his rightful spot.

Yui stomps back in, grabs her notebook and pencil off the floor with the intensity of a woman betrayed by fate. She stares down at them.

They’re so close. Are they?

Nope, nope, nope.

She spins on her heel and storms into the kitchen.

Lena watches her go. She’s jealous, that’s new. Then she glances at Kaito. They both share a smile. Small. Knowing.

“Your drama lessons are coming along nicely,” Lena giggles softly.

Kaito chuckles, his voice lower now, gentler. “I see why you saved her. How are you, Lena?”

She pats his leg, her smile faint but real. “Surprisingly good. How about you? Is your acting career going well?”

“Yes. It’s much better than our former life.”

“That’s good news.”

Yui reenters with quick, angry footsteps. She’s carrying Lena’s cigarettes and ashtray like a sacred offering, but her face screams vengeance.

“I’m making coffee. Would you like anything else, Lena?”

She fluffs Lena’s pillow with precision. Sets the ashtray into her lap smiling at her. Then, without a word, gently places a cigarette between her fingers and lights it like a devoted lover.

Lena smiles gently. “Yui, this is Kaito. I believe you know him as Aegis.”

Yui’s eyes flick to him. Her expression is cold, unimpressed.

Kaito, undeterred, puffs out his chest. “Lena, how could you allow such a sexual demon in your presence?” His voice drips with exaggerated drama.

Yui huffs. “I’ll show you a demon!”

Without another word, she launches herself with a growl onto Kaito, arms out, hands wrapping around his neck, and starts shaking him like a rag doll. His arms and legs flail about dramatically.

“Demon!” he yelps.

“Sugar… Bop!” she yells back, eyes wild.

“Stop it, Yui,” Lena says flatly, not even looking up.

Yui freezes mid-strangle. Her butt’s in the air, panties on display. Her hands still grip Kaito’s neck with intent.

Lena sighs. “Come on, get off him.” She extends a hand.

She takes it and slides off him to her feet, scowling like a scolded puppy.

Kaito stares at them both, rubbing his neck.

“Sorry, Lena. I’ll get the coffee.” Yui vanishes into the kitchen like nothing happened.

“Sugar Bop?” he asks, confused.

Lena grins. “It’s her superhero name. Be nice to her, please. She’s doing her best.”

Kaito looks intently at Lena. “I recognize that look. I’d like to buy you ladies dinner. See if she’s right for you.”

Lena smirks, tired but amused. “I’m in no condition to stop you today.”

“Perfect,” he says, smug and ready for battle.

Yui reappears from the kitchen, balancing a tray with three coffee cups like she’s presenting a peace offering.

She sets them down on the table with theatrical care, then smiles at them, way too proud.

Kaito and Lena lean in, eyes narrowing at the surface of the drinks.

What greets them is… not a heart. Not a tulip. An alarmingly detailed female anatomical shape stares up at them from the foam.

Kaito snorts instantly, shoulders shaking.

Lena’s eye twitches.

Yui hands the cups out, absolutely radiating satisfaction. Like this was a performance art piece and they’re just not cultured enough to get it.

“Yui? Is this supposed to be… a flower?” Lena asks, hoping it was a mistake.

She sparkles with a mix of innocence and pride. “A delicate flower. My creamy masterpiece!”

Kaito wheezes, setting the cup back down, then collapses into the back of the couch like he’s dying.

Lena stares down at her cup. Deep breath, don’t focus on it… stay calm. She sips the latte.

“It’s the sweetest nectar, isn’t it, Lena?” Yui purrs, voice sweet as sin.

He practically falls off the couch, howling.

Lena closes her eyes, her cheeks red. She wants to die of embarrassment, and laugh, maybe both.

The kitchen table is a battlefield disguised as a feast, to-go boxes stacked like barricades.

At the head of it all, Lena sits like a queen on a cushiony throne, a pillow behind her back and an amused glint in her eye.

Yui and Kaito inch their chairs closer on either side. Too close. Dangerously close. They glare at each other across the table like rival suitors preparing for war.

Yui moves first. With a flourish, she picks up her chopsticks, snatches a piece of chicken Katsu, and holds it out toward Lena with a deceptively sweet smile.

“Say aaah.”

Lena locks eyes with her, slow and calm, and takes the bite without breaking eye contact. It’s intimate. Challenging. A little unfair.

Kaito’s eye twitches. His pride screams. He reaches for a pork bun with all the grace of a professional heartthrob, presenting it to Lena like he’s offering his heart.

Lena smiles again, softer, but still amused, and takes a bite.

“Thank you, Kaito.”

“Anything for you, my lady.” His eyes shimmer.

Yui’s face ignites. Steam practically shoots from her ears as the intensity builds. Her fingers tighten around her chopsticks like she’s gripping twin blades forged in petty fury.

She stands.

And launches them.

Twin wooden missiles slice through the air with terrifying precision.

Kaito deflects the first with a smooth, practiced hand, only for it to ricochet and bounce off Lena’s forehead.

He dramatically dodges the second like he’s avoiding a killing blow.

Lena stares at the table, silent.

I don’t blame Yui. He sure is pouring it on thick today.

She exhales softly, her eyes sliding over to Kaito. He’s still grinning, smug in his own theatrical way. Her expression softens, a small grin tugs at the corner of her lips. I can’t blame Kaito for testing her, either. I feel so lucky right now. How odd.

Her gaze drifts to Yui. Her fire’s gone, she looks broken. Lena sighs.

Yui slumps in her seat, chopsticks forgotten, her shoulders heavy. That flirty spark, that defiant shine, snuffed out. Her expression is hollow, like something inside her has gone dim.

Lena reaches over. Her fingers brush Yui’s hand, gently.

“Yui, will you help me to the bathroom?”

Yui looks up slowly. Her eyes meet Lena’s.

No smile. No teasing. Her bubbly personality burst under the weight of Kaito’s charm.

She nods. Not saying a word.

Then she rises from her seat, each movement careful. Controlled. Like she’s afraid if she moves too fast, she’ll fall apart.

In the bathroom, Yui helps Lena without hesitation. No flirting. Just quiet, practiced care. The kind that speaks of instinct and trust.

Lena washes her hand at the sink, fingers trembling only slightly under the water.

Yui stands by the door, one hand reaching for the knob.

Lena gently stops her, fingers brushing her arm.

Yui doesn’t look at her. She stares at the wall, at nothing.

“He has a way about him, doesn’t he?” Lena says softly.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Yui’s voice is flat. “Are you ready?”

Lena’s mouth presses into a line. She nods, more to herself than anyone.

“Let’s try to make it through dinner, please. He’ll leave soon.”

Yui shrugs, refusing to look at her.

They return to the table, the air between them heavier now. The noise of dishes, of chopsticks on porcelain, does little to fill the silence.

No more jokes. No more games.

Only chewing and swallowing and pretending everything’s fine.

Later, when the food’s gone, and the table’s clean, Kaito rises and helps Lena back to the couch.

Yui doesn’t follow.

An hour passes before she finally moves, slowly cleans the kitchen, her usual cheer nowhere to be found. Her shoulders sag, every movement sluggish and quiet.

Kaito steps into the doorway, lingering for a second. Watching her mope like she just lost a battle.

He walks in.

“Yui, it’s been a hoot meeting you.”

She glances at him over her shoulder. A glare sharp enough to slice steel. Then she turns her back to him, not saying a word.

“I deserve that,” he says with a soft laugh.

He places a hand gently on her shoulder. Warm. Sincere.

“I owe you an explanation.” He guides her to the table, into the chair, and sits next to her.

Yui stares at the table, dreading his words.

“A long time ago, I was Lena’s mentor. We’ve been best friends ever since. After the skyscraper incident, she’s been depressed and lost. I never stopped worrying about her.” He pauses, watching Yui peek up at him. “But now, I don’t have to anymore, since she’s in excellent hands.”

Yui freezes. Her breath catches. She stares into his golden eyes. “I don’t understand.”

He smiles. “Lena can be quite difficult sometimes, but she’s fond of you. I haven’t seen her smile like this in years. So thank you.”

Yui swallows. “So you’re not a couple?”

Kaito’s laughter booms through the kitchen, his head shaking. “You’re too funny. Take good care of her, Yui. She needs you.”

Yui’s entire face lights up, eyes shimmering, lips parting in surprise.

“I will. I promise. Thank you, Kaito. Come visit anytime.”

He nods, patting her head gently before standing and walking out.

Yui follows to the edge of the kitchen. She stops and watches him hug Lena and say goodbye.

“She needs me?” Yui breathes.

She spins in place, arms out like she might lift off the ground. Joy pours off of her in waves.

Lena lies in bed, propped up against a mountain of pillows.

The door creaks.

Yui slips in, wearing nothing but her oversized shirt and panties. She flips the light switch off, then tiptoes to the bed.

The full moon gives the room a soft glow.

She crawls into bed beside Lena, careful and slow, leaving a tiny space between them, respecting the healing injuries.

Lena turns her head toward her, smiling.

“You did good today. Thank you.”

Yui blushes, heat rushing to her cheeks. “I could’ve done better. He was very convincing.”

Lena laughs softly. “You should have known better.”

Yui sits up, staring down at her. “How could I have known?”

Lena reaches over, fingertips brushing softly along Yui’s cheek.

“I don’t go around kissing everyone.”

Yui’s lips part. A tiny gasp escapes, barely a sound. Her heart slams in her chest. Her eyes water.

She takes Lena’s hand in both of hers, presses a delicate kiss to her fingers.

How do I respond to that? I doubted her. But I can’t say it. It’s too corny.

Her expression shifts. Mischief wins.

Yui leans in, her voice dropping into a purr, a wicked grin across her face.

“When you’re all better… I’ll let you make my kitty purr! NYA!”

Lena groans, her palm over her face and shoving Yui away half-heartedly. “Go to sleep, perv.”

They both lie there, smiling.