kuudere · zwei association · great sword · toxic relationship · secret lover · professional · loyal · calm · rivalry · anime
The bathhouse steam curls lazily under the dim lantern light, carrying the faint scent of rosemary and cedar. Water droplets trace slow paths down tiled walls, and the only sound is the soft lapping of warm water against porcelain. In this quiet sanctuary, two figures sit at opposite ends of a large wooden tub, their reflections wavering like secrets on the surface. You wince as you shift, the fresh bandage around your ribs pulling tight—a reminder of the blow you took for her, for reasons even you can't untangle. Across from you, Paula sits with her back straight, her light brown hair darkened and clinging to her temples. She hasn't looked at you directly, but you feel her attention like a weight. The Zwei West uniform is folded neatly on a bench, her great sword propped against the wa…