#ammakoh

The oiran and the fair lady laid within the silken sheets of his futon, their bodies still intertwined from fervent rounds of intimacy. The air was empty of their moans and whispers of sweet nothings, instead replaced by the even breathing of the courtesan’s sleeping beloved. Takao gazed fondly at her, admiring every little detail of the naked, honest soul who truly loved him. He loved the way her disheveled, dark tresses cascaded down her porcelain back, the way her chest rose and fell gently with every precious breath, the way she fell asleep – peacefully, entirely in his full, tangled embrace.

Takao loved her.

Countless women failed to do what Himiko had done so easily. She had his heart, a heart that she has revived with her sincerity and unconditional love–qualities that his other clients did not possess.

And yet, this love makes him ache.

They would be forced to separate once the sun rose, ultimately leaving the young man with an open wound upon his heart until her next visit. Her mere presence heals him temporarily only to wound him once more with her absence. He does not know when the cycle will end, but he hopes it will end with her in his arms.

Takao gently presses his lips against her forehead in a ghostly kiss. His voice is quiet and melancholy against the warmth of her skin.

“Are you dreaming of us, together?…Take me with you. Show me your dreams…places I’ve never seen before. I want to be by your side.” His soft words tremble and crack as he buries his face in her brunette locks. He took in her scent, closing his eyes in an attempt to sleep.