Chapter 38
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Samuel’s skin was so cold and damp it sent a shiver through Adrien. But that icy contact only stoked a strange heat deep inside her. Adrien adjusted her position, scooting closer until her bare skin was pressed tight against Samuel’s firm body.
The cave was silent except for the sound of rain—but to Adrien, it was anything but quiet.
Every sound was amplified: the subtle click of her own throat, Samuel’s heartbeat racing far too fast. That’s when the full awkwardness of their situation finally hit her. Every time she tried to move, their bodies would brush, and every touch sent a jolt of heat through her.
Adrien squeezed her eyes shut, feeling the sudden pressure to say something—anything.
“…Are you warming up at all, Ensign?”
“Yes. I’m warm now,” came the muffled reply from above her head.
“How did you end up falling?”
“I’m not really sure.”
“I don’t buy that.”
“It’s the truth.”
“So it was your own mistake?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure.”
“So… you’re saying nobody pushed you.”
There was no answer. Adrien glanced up, meeting Samuel’s eyes in the dimness of the cave.
“Surviving was a miracle, you know that, right?”
“It wasn’t really a miracle.”
“You weren’t scared, being alone?”
“No, I wasn’t afraid.”
Adrien couldn’t help but chuckle. Most people would be overwhelmed with relief after being rescued, but Samuel had barely reacted at all—just like someone who’d already faced death more than once.
That calm had bothered her a bit, but she didn’t mention it. Samuel must have his reasons for being the way he was. And Adrien had no interest in delving into such personal histories—not with him, not with anyone.
“I get the feeling you’d have made it out even if I hadn’t come.”
“…Maybe. I probably would’ve managed somehow.”
Samuel’s hand brushed Adrien’s hair, gently tucking it behind her ear. For the first time, his movements were truly careful.
“But I didn’t expect you to come for me, Commander.”
He said quietly with a hint of relief.
“Someone else could have come, you know. The whole squad is out looking for you.”
Adrien rested her head on Samuel’s chest again, hoping to soak up more of his growing warmth. Before she knew it, the cold had faded and she was almost comfortable. The warmth and the simple intimacy of their skin pressed together were oddly satisfying.
Adrien shifted a little to get more comfortable—only to realize Samuel was being very quiet. And then—
“Ensign, your guiding is leaking again.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Keep it sealed or you’ll collapse.”
“But…”
What now? Adrien looked up again. Samuel was avoiding her gaze, his neck and ears were turning red.
“I’m having trouble concentrating.”
As if on cue, a surge of guiding energy spilled out from him.
“You…”
“I’m sorry, Commander.”
She understood, even if she didn’t say it out loud. Adrien, too, was experiencing a different kind of heat, even if she didn’t show it.
“If you keep this up, you’ll actually collapse.”
She was going to move off him to give him space to recover. But then Samuel grabbed her arm, looking down at her rather urgently.
“Can I change my answer?”
“Change what?”
“I think I was scared.”
“….”
“So… could you comfort me?”
Adrien had just started to shift away, but now she settled back down. The new angle brought her into sudden contact with something hard and heavy. Her body tensed—Samuel’s e******n pressed against her, bringing back vivid memories of their previous connection. Her lips felt dry.
Impulsively, Adrien asked.
“What exactly do you want, Ensign?”
“…Just let me lean on you.”
Adrien gave a small nod. Samuel slowly leaned forward, resting his forehead on her shoulder. Her body instinctively arched backward, and Samuel’s large hands wrapped firmly around her waist.
Samuel’s hot breath traced over her chest, his nose brushing her collarbone, and then, before she could brace herself, his lips touched hers—a feather-light kiss, but completely unexpected. Adrien couldn’t stop a sound from escaping her throat.
Samuel met her gaze. The rain was still pouring, relentless.
“…Commander.”
Samuel was now openly releasing guiding energy. Adrien gave a crooked, exasperated smile.
This was pure temptation—the kind no Esper could possibly resist.
“Ensign, I’m not exactly a model of self-control.”
“Does that matter?”
“I mean, if you keep this up, I won’t be able to stop.”
“And what if I don’t mind?”
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