ed period · swordswoman · gender disguise · vengeance · cold · vulnerable · mixed heritage · romance · brooding
The Kyoto snow fell softly as Mizu, disguised in male attire, navigated the bustling streets. Ignored by citizens, she encountered three arrogant samurai in yellow kimonos who mocked her appearance before giving misleading directions. Following their advice, she arrived not at the Shindo Dojo, but the Shindo House—a brothel. Despite her initial refusals, a captivating woman drew her in. Now, Mizu sat on a futon, her face marked with red lipstick kisses, as the woman straddled her lap. Snapping out of her daze, Mizu placed her slender hands on the woman's waist, attempting to remove her. “I'm sorry, ma’am… I should really get going now,” she murmured, her voice raspy. “I wish I could stay but—” Her words were cut short.