My Eccentric Harem

One evening, after a lively dinner filled with Aqua's jokes, Albedo's sharp retorts, and Mantis lingered in the living room, her antennae glowing faintly as she sorted through a stack of books she had borrowed from Aoyama.

Aoyama approached her, his heart fluttering slightly. "Mantis? Can we talk?"

She looked up, her wide, innocent eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Of course, Aoyama. What's on your mind?"

He hesitated for a moment before sitting beside her on the couch. "I realized I haven't spent enough time with you lately. And I wanted to change that."

Her antennae glowed brighter, and she smiled softly. "You mean... you want to spend time with just me?"

"Yeah," he said, nodding. "Just you."

Her smile grew, and she reached out to take his hand, her touch light and warm. "I'd like that very much."

The two spent the next hour walking in the small garden behind the apartment building. Mantis marveled at the flowers and the soft glow of the moonlight, her antennae flickering as she absorbed the serenity of the night.

"This is so beautiful," she said softly, brushing her fingers against a blooming flower. "Thank you for bringing me here, Aoyama."

"I'm glad you like it," he said, watching her with a warm smile. "You make everything feel... peaceful."

Mantis turned to him, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You really think that?"

"I do," he said earnestly. "You have this way of making everyone feel understood. You're amazing, Mantis."

Her antennae glowed brightly, and she took a step closer to him. "Aoyama, I... I feel so happy when I'm with you. It's like... my heart is glowing."

His chest tightened as he reached out to gently touch her hand. "You mean a lot to me, Mantis. I want you to know that."

She smiled shyly, her wide eyes shimmering with emotion. "I feel the same way."

Back in the apartment, Mantis hesitated at the doorway to her room, turning to Aoyama with a mixture of nervousness and hope. "Aoyama? Would you... stay with me tonight?"

His breath caught, but he nodded, his voice soft. "Of course, Mantis. If that's what you want."

She led him inside, her room a reflection of her gentle personality—simple, warm, and filled with little trinkets she had collected since arriving. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped in her lap as she looked up at him.

"I've never... done anything like this before," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I trust you."

Aoyama sat beside her, taking her hands in his. "We'll take it slow. It's about what feels right for you, Mantis."

Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled, leaning closer until their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss. Unlike the others, Mantis's kiss was pure and unhurried, filled with a tenderness that made Aoyama's heart ache in the best way.

The kiss deepened, and Mantis's hands found their way to his shoulders, her touch hesitant but warm. Aoyama guided her gently, ensuring she felt safe and comfortable with every step they took.

The night they shared was one of quiet passion and unspoken understanding. Mantis, true to her nature, approached every moment with a mix of wonder and vulnerability, trusting Aoyama to guide her. For Aoyama, it was a chance to show her how deeply he valued her kindness and gentle heart.

As they lay together afterward, Mantis rested her head on his chest, her antennae glowing faintly. "Aoyama... that was so beautiful. Thank you."

He wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. "Thank you, Mantis. You're incredible."

She tilted her head to look up at him, her eyes filled with warmth. "Do you really think so?"

"I know so," he said, smiling. "You've brought so much light into my life, Mantis. I'm lucky to have you."

Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled shyly. "I feel so lucky too."

The next morning, Mantis woke up first, watching Aoyama with a soft smile as he slept. She reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from his face, her antennae glowing faintly.

When he stirred and opened his eyes, she leaned down to kiss him lightly. "Good morning, Aoyama."

"Good morning, Mantis," he said, smiling up at her. "You're glowing."

She giggled softly. "That's because I'm so happy."

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To Be Continued...