Kumiko had once been taught that her purpose was to deceive mortals and lead them to ruin, so she couldn't help but wonder if this happening to her now. After all, it was beyond foolish to keep Ichiro around when the odds of being caught and banished only increased with each passing hour. 

Not to mention, there wasn't much reward to be found in what she was doing. The only thing she would be getting from Ichiro was a kiss, and the sight of his handsome face was beginning to torture her just as much as it aroused her desire.

As she began disrobing for her bath, an evil thought sprung up in her mind. She needed only to call out in distress, and Ichiro would turn his head and see her naked body in all its glory.

Yes, that's a good plan, Kumiko thought to herself with a smirk. She pulled her obi loose and removed the layers of her furisode until she stood bare in the center of the room. He cannot resist me like this...

Her sense of control vanished as soon as she stepped towards Ichiro's reclining figure. She stopped to shake her head in defiance, but it was too late. Her urge for revenge had been displaced by an impossible fantasy, and she groaned with despair, sinking to her knees to mourn her once unwavering will.

A moment passed before the sound of Ichiro's voice startled her. "Kumiko, you sound upset. Is something wrong?"

She pulled the bucket close while composing herself just long enough to answer his question. "No, I'm all right. Let me finish bathing..."

He exhaled loudly as if something was tiring him. "I see. Do you mind if I turn around?"

Kumiko glanced down at her breasts. She felt tempted to follow through with her earlier plan but ultimately let her conscience triumph. "Please, don't. I'm naked..."

"Oh. I'll keep waiting, then."

She felt reassured by his reply and took the time to wash herself from head to toe. Afterward, she opened her storage cabinet and donned a pale green kosode to contrast with the red ribbon she had chosen for her hair. 

"I'm done," she announced breathlessly. "You may look now."

Ichiro rolled over before rising to a seated position. Kumiko stared once again at his bare shoulders and tried to steady her active imagination. Dreaming's a waste of time. He'll never want me the way I want him...

"You look beautiful," Ichiro commented in a hushed tone that made her heart flutter with surprise and joy. "Those colors are quite becoming."

"Do... Do you really think so?" she whispered back, unsure of whether to trust her own ears.

He averted his eyes while suppressing a smile. "Yes, and I've realized how unfair it is to keep that a secret from you. You've been nothing but selfless, and while I cannot pay you back in money, I'd gladly offer something else instead."

The way his voice faltered told Kumiko everything she needed to know. She pressed a hand to her chest as if doing so would somehow constrain her excitement. "Pray tell, what do you have in mind?"

"My body," Ichiro answered swiftly. "And whatever else you might want, as long as it's within-"

"Yes!" Kumiko squealed, unable to help herself any longer. "Yes, a hundred times!"

"Calm down. I wasn't finished."

"Of course..." She lowered her hands despite feeling like she was about to burst with happiness, Ichiro stared at her as his countenance became serious.

"As long as it's within reason since I'm sure you know about my wound."

Kumiko observed his bandages and wondered how she could forget something so important when she was supposed to be playing the part of a devoted physician. "I certainly do," she lied in an attempt to save her pride. "I was just about to ask about that."

"Whatever you say." Ichiro crossed his arms across his chest. "But there's another thing you should know, and I hope you won't think less of me for it."

"Go ahead. I promise that I won't laugh."

"Well..." He hesitated for a while before regaining his courage. "I'm still a virgin. So, this whole business will be new for me as well, and I can't promise that it will be pleasurable."

"Oh, you don't have to be modest," Kumiko dismissed with a chuckle. "I know you'll be extraordinary."

Ichiro's face fell, which awoke some doubt in her.

"Right?"