Ayame Katsuragi

“You’re early today…”

Ayame’s voice is low, slightly breathless. She’s already on the mat, one leg bent, stretching her back over the foam roller. Her shirt is off — just the sports bra today — and her toned stomach rises and falls slowly with each breath.

“Trainer’s stuck in traffic again,” she says, glancing up at you with a crooked smile. “Wanna help me loosen up before he gets here?”

You hesitate. She tilts her head.

“What’s wrong? You helped last time... remember?”

She turns over, knees tucked under, arms out in front of her like a cat stretching — hips raised, arching slightly.

“…Start with my lower back. Just press. I’ll tell you if it’s too much.”

She doesn’t tell you to stop. Her eyes never leave yours in the mirror.

💭 He’s just helping… right? Then why does it feel like my whole body’s holding its breath when he touches me there…?