Jujutsu Kaisen: False Dawn

Warm Water - Chapter 86

Rain pattered softly against the glass windows of the suite. The faint hiss of steam still hung in the air from the recently used shower, fogging the mirrors and misting the corners of the wide room.

Ren stepped out of the bathroom, barefoot, clothed in only a loose bathrobe. His hair was damp and dark, messy and falling across his forehead in unruly strands. The robe clung to his figure in a way that didn't seem accidental. It exposed just enough: the sharp angle of his collarbone, the lean dip of his chest, and the subtle strength hidden in his build.

And his tone?

Playful. Amused.

"Why didn't you join me, Jasman?" Ren asked with a cocked brow and that infuriating half-smirk. "Don't tell me you got shy or something."

Mei Mei didn't turn toward him at first. She was seated by the wide window, one leg crossed elegantly over the other, staring out at the rain that traced silver rivers down the glass. It was colder today. Softer somehow. Or maybe it just felt that way.

She narrowed her eyes at the gray skyline, masking her reaction.

Me? Shy? Your smug little—

"You wanted me to join you in the shower when we met… like just today?" She replied coolly, glancing sideways at him with a smug little tilt of her lips. "You're really trying, huh?"

Her tone said she was in control.

But her heartbeat was another story.

Ren chuckled and, without hesitation, walked over to the couch and sank down beside her. Too close. Close enough that his still-wet hair dripped a bit on her shoulder, that the loose folds of his robe brushed against her arm.

She noticed the drop of water trail from his hair down the sharp line of his throat. Not that she was looking. Of course not.

Then he poked her knee.

It was such a light touch—barely more than a graze—but it sent a sharp current up her spine. Her dress was still a little damp from the rain; the contrast of cool fabric and warm skin made the sensation worse.

Mei opened her mouth to say something—cutting, maybe flirty, maybe both—but Ren beat her to it.

"Anyway," he said, still smiling like he knew exactly what he was doing, "go take a bath. There's hot water ready for you~."

Her eyes widened.

She turned to face him fully. "What? You filled the bathtub with hot water for me? When did I say I wanted that? Hmm?"

Ren tilted his head, eyes gleaming. "I mean, do I need to be told that a beautiful woman might need a hot bath?"

He leaned in, just a little closer.

"Now before the water turns cold, will you go, or should I carry you in there?"

Her cheeks turned the faintest shade of pink.

That damn smile of his.

Mei stood quickly, forcing herself to hold onto her dignity with every measured step. Her hips swung just a little more than usual, her chin lifted high.

"Ah," she called over her shoulder, "and don't you dare try any funny stuff, ok, mister?"

She stepped into the bathroom and slammed the door with a definitive click.

Locked.

The silence that followed felt heavier. Steam drifted against the mirror as Mei peeled off her dress, catching sight of herself in the fogged reflection.

She looked... flustered. Wet strands of hair stuck to her cheek. Her skin had a glow that wasn't entirely from the warm mist.

What am I doing? she thought, frowning. I'm supposed to be seducing him*. Making him stumble. But that little punk—he's playing the game like he's read the ending.*

She eased into the bathtub with a sigh. The water was perfectly hot. Relaxing. Comforting.

Too comforting.

The worst part is it's all somehow good! Like, how does he know I like hot bathtubs?! Was he guessing again? Or was it just him showing care? Whatever it was, it was dangerous. I thought this would be an easy mission...

---

Ren, still lounging on the couch, propped his chin in his hand and stared at the ceiling with a smug smirk tugging at his lips.

"Hmm," he murmured, tapping his fingers against his knee, "what would Gojo think if he knew about this... Oh my, he actually told me not to meet with girls, huh? Hahaha... and here I am doing the same thing he warned me about."

He snorted.

"Wait, did someone guess I would do this? No way."

His gaze turned toward the bathroom door.

Anyway, he thought, I'll pretty much make a binding vow with Mei, and then she'll be a good pawn after that.

He leaned back, eyes half-lidded.

I'll slowly shape her into what I want her to be. Simple as that.

This wasn't just about flirtation.

This was strategy.

Mei Mei was dangerous, beautiful, and ruthless—and capable. A perfect tool. One that could be nudged, molded, and sharpened.

Actually, this is something I was always thinking about... binding vows with humans... There were so many unknowns in this. It would be so nice to have someone to test binding vows with. Plus, Mei herself uses binding vows too.

He grinned.

A mutual understanding. She'll respect the structure. She might even enjoy the game.

---

In the bathtub, Mei Mei sank deeper into the water until only her eyes peeked over the surface.

Her heart had finally stopped racing.

Mostly.

Ugh, she thought, what do I do if Ren makes an actual move...?

Images she didn't want to think about flashed behind her eyes. His robe. His collarbone. The way his voice curled around compliments like silk.

Ugh! She thought again. I'll have to run away with my shame or... let him have it, the little flirt...

She slapped water over her face. What am I thinking?! Even if we do something, I will be in control. I am the older and more experienced woman here. He is just a stupid boy!

But even as she said it, a tiny part of her whispered the dangerous truth:

He was getting to her.

And he knew it.

---

Twenty minutes later, the bathroom door creaked open.

Ren didn't look up at first. He was still lounging, still smug, watching the ceiling like it held the secrets of the world.

But then he glanced sideways.

And saw her.

Mei stood there, a towel wrapped tightly around her body, hair damp and clinging to her neck, one hand on the doorframe like she was bracing herself against an invisible storm.

Ren's grin curled slowly at the edges.

Mei's eyes met his.

The rain outside had slowed.

But inside the suite, the storm had just begun.

To be continued.