Kiss the Stranger

“Warm….”

I had always woken to the morning air’s usual chill drifting around me, but today felt different. The shiver along my spine was still there, yet the warmth on my cheek was something I’d °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° never felt before. I murmured softly and burrowed farther into that heat. The heavy weight enveloping me pressed in more firmly, and I sighed in contentment at the pleasant pressure. Then, suddenly, I felt a gentle breath above my head.
Rikal…?
I thought of the cat who habitually pawed at my hair with those front paws at sunrise, rousing me from sleep—and smiled without thinking.

…Huh?
That was when I sensed something was off. The paw I’d felt against my cheek was oddly sleek compared to Rikal’s usual blunt pads. It felt almost like human fingers.
Fingers?

I opened my eyes and lifted my head—and met an unexpected gaze. Dark violet eyes peered down at me, and for a moment my mind went blank.
What’s happening?
I traced my last memories: tending the stranger’s wound, then resting for a moment on the bed—and I’d somehow drifted to sleep there. But the strange part was what came after.

I’d definitely fallen asleep on the floor…?
Blinking in confusion, I looked up, and the silent man offered me a faint smile.
“Hello.”
“…Hello.”

I returned his greeting without thinking, then my cheeks flamed as I realized I was lying pressed against him on the bed. Heat flooded me all at once.
How long has he been awake? Did I climb up here in my sleep? Has he been watching me this whole time? Why didn’t he wake me?
My head was spinning when Rikal appeared at my side, sniffing and tapping my hair with his paw—a clear signal for breakfast. Thankful for the distraction, I sprang up.

“Right, Rikal. Sorry. You’re hungry, aren’t you? I’ll get it ready.”
Cradling the cat, I slipped off the bed and turned my back to the stranger. I didn’t dare look at his face, but at least I’d escaped the awkward situation. Balancing Rikal on one arm, I hurried to prepare food—but then a shadow fell over me. Glancing up, I met the man’s eyes again as he looked down from above.
“…Hic.”

I swallowed hard, and his brow furrowed. Before I could react, he took Rikal from my arm. The cat yowled and struggled, but he calmly enclosed him in his hold, then spoke.
“I have a fever.”
I froze, then turned to look up at him. Hearing that, his tan face seemed to flush faintly. I hurriedly reached to take Rikal back as he thrashed and dug in his claws.

“Put Rikal down first. Your arm’s all scratched up… Rikal, no.”
Gently lifting the cat into my arms again, I straightened and reached out. It struck me then how high his forehead was. Noticing my hesitation, he inclined his head.
“Here.”

He lowered his arm so I could reach. Placing my hand on his forehead, I then pressed my fingers to my own brow and tilted my head.
“…I think you’re okay?”
I switched hands to check again. Same result. I pulled away, bewildered, and he frowned.

“Maybe I don’t have a fever, but my head hurts. I need medicine.”
I abandoned breakfast prep without a second thought and set out to find pills. Rikal darted between my legs, mewing in protest—the sound growing shrill, as though he were angry. I stroked his head to calm him.
“Just a moment, Rikal. I’ll be right back.”
I reached for the medicine box perched on the shelf. Wondering if I should lower it for ease of access in future, I hesitated—and then a hand shot out from behind. Despite standing on tiptoe and stretching, I watched in surprise as he easily retrieved the box and extended it to me.

“Th-thanks.”
My cheeks burned as I dug through the box. There weren’t many painkillers left. I’d have to trade for more next time—means I’d need at least three tapestries, like Ghurab said. Tonight, I’ll have to stay up late.
Resolved, I poured a cup of water from the jug and held it out with the pills.

“Here.”
“…….”
He stared at my hand in silence, then shifted his gaze to my face. Puzzled, I offered again.

“Take it, come on.”
He frowned. When I looked at him in confusion, he spoke.
“…You have to feed me.”

Only then did I understand, and my face flamed hotter. Was he teasing me now?
“You were unconscious back then. Here—eat them yourself.”
I urged him more briskly. He still frowned but took the pills and downed them, then drained the water in one gulp. His throat’s hollow echo made me exhale in relief.

Suddenly he grabbed my waist and pulled me close.
“…?”

Before I could react, he bent his head and his tongue shot between my parted lips. Then our lips met.

“…!”
Startled, I opened my eyes wide. He held me tighter, pressing me flush against him. With only one arm around my waist, I couldn’t break free. I let myself be enveloped and met his kiss. His heavy tongue roamed my mouth, mingling saliva, sliding over my tongue, and then licking the roof before pulling back. In surprise, I parted my lips again and he caught my tongue between his teeth. My face contorted, but he gently licked his tongue over mine and rubbed his lips against mine.
Below me, I felt him grow even harder. Through my thin garments I could distinctly sense his pulse.
And I—butterflies fluttered in my stomach instead of fear. The moment I felt his arousal, my own heat flared. I even had the urge to rub against him. To think a mere kiss could do this…

Ah.
I felt wetness creeping between my legs. He was preparing me for him. What embarrassed me most was that, despite it all being my first time, I felt nothing but bliss—as if my brain had been steeped in sugar. I even caught a faintly sweet scent I’d never perceived before. Is this all because I’m some shameless omega?
I didn’t get to dwell on it. He pulled back his lips.

Haah, haah.
We both panted. His cheeks were faintly flushed—definitely this time.
He was still holding me. Only our lips had parted. And the sweet scent was gone, maybe just a trick of my overheated mind. As I thought it, he spoke.

“You ate well.”
His lips curved in a satisfied smile, like a predator sated by a feast. My cheeks flamed, and I hurriedly pushed him away from my chest. His arm, which had gripped my waist so tightly, released me almost effortlessly. I stood there, dumbfounded with burning cheeks, when he casually asked:
“What now?”

“Wh-what?”
I stammered, not grasping him, and he answered coolly:
“What do we do now? You looked busy—anything I can do?”

Oh. I understood at last. I needed a moment to clear my head—and letting him fetch water could buy me time. I glanced around and noticed the half-empty jug.
“That, over there.”
He followed my finger, then looked back down at me.

“Should I empty it and refill it?”
“Uh? Yeah.”
Before I could correct him, he turned and strode out of the hut, carrying the jug easily across his uninjured shoulder. I wanted to say, Don’t overdo it… but the words caught in my throat.

“Huh? Why?”
He glanced back at me, the water jug balanced lightly. I watched him go, dumbstruck, and whispered:
“…Be careful with your shoulder….”

“Sure. Thanks.”
He chuckled softly, then walked off the few steps to the hut’s entrance—as lightly as if he carried nothing at all.