#ler!nasse

Mirai sat quietly in his small room, back propped against the wall, his gaze fixed on the new, ethereal appendages unfurling behind him. The wings glimmered faintly in the light, translucent yet vibrant, every feather seeming alive, as though stitched with starlight.

He flexed them hesitantly, watching as they stretched and trembled. It had been only a few days since they had appeared, and though Nasse had explained the basics, he still felt clumsy, almost undeserving of something so miraculous.

His chest rose and fell in a slow breath. “…So these really are mine,” he murmured under his breath, eyes wide with uncertainty. “Yes, of course!” Nasse’s cheerful voice chimed in, floating above him as effortlessly as always. The angel hovered close, her white gown fluttering without the aid of wind.

She clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head at him with a smile that radiated warmth. “Your wings are a part of you now Mirai. Just like your arms, your legs, or your heartbeat. They’re connected to your nervous system, which is why you can move them just by thinking.”

Mirai shifted, still staring. “Connected to my nervous system…? That sounds complicated.” “It’s not! It’s one of God’s miracles,” she said sweetly, “but if you really want to understand…” her eyes sparkled mischievously “…I could show you.” Before Mirai had the chance to ask what she meant, Nasse darted forward.

Her small hands reached toward the gleaming feathers and the tips of her fingers grazed along the base of his wings. Mirai jolted instantly, a sharp squeak bursting out of him. “H-Hey! Wh-What are you doing?!” Nasse giggled. “See? Your wings are sensitive because they’re tied to your nerves. Touching them is like tickling your sides or your feet!”

She wiggled her fingers again, running them in playful little circles at the junction where feathers met skin. The reaction was immediate. Mirai’s entire body shuddered, his wings twitching and fluttering involuntarily as a helpless laugh bubbled from his lips. “Ah! N-Nasse! STohoHOop! That- ehEheh ThAhat tickles!”

He tried to fold his wings back in, but they betrayed him, flaring out instead with a sudden, frantic flap. “Exactly!~” she beamed, moving her fingers higher, teasing along the delicate feathers. “You’re so tense Mirai. This will help you relax. Laughter is healthy!” He doubled over slightly, face burning crimson.

It was humiliating - being tickled like this, unable to control the sounds spilling from him. His laughter was breathy, embarrassed, yet warm at the same time. “Stooop! I-I’m noHot tense! HehehhHey!” “Yes, you are. You always are,” Nasse replied matter-of-factly. She floated closer, looping an arm gently around his shoulders to keep him from squirming away.

“You carry so much worry Mirai. But right now, I want you to feel light.” Her other hand slipped downward, brushing feather-light touches across his ribs. Her gentle touch made Mirai squeal, his giggles spilling faster as he squirmed under her ministrations. His wings flapped wildly, smacking against the wall with soft thuds.

“Ahh! N-Nasse, not th-there! HahAhahha!” His hands flew to grab at her wrists, but Nasse only wriggled her fingers faster, tracing over the soft fabric of his shirt until she found the hem and sneakily slipped her hand underneath. The angel’s fingers skittered across the warm skin of his stomach, making Mirai cry out with laughter.

His torso twisted helplessly, but she followed the movement with surprising persistence, scribbling playfully against his bare stomach. “There we go! Such a cute sound,” Nasse giggled, her forehead pressing briefly against his as she nuzzled closer. Her wings glowed faintly as she teased him, her voice lilting with delight.

“See? You’re smiling now! Isn’t this better than being worried all the time?” “B-Better?! N-Nooo! Hahaha! N-Nasse, plehehease!” His laugh was high and unsteady, his face flushed scarlet. His hands clutched at her arms in desperation, but every time her fingers danced along his skin, his strength faltered.

His wings, too, betrayed him further, flapping and twitching in time with each giggle. Feathers brushed against the floor and his shoulders quivered as the stimulation sent shivers across his entire body. Nasse pulled back just enough to look at him fully.

His laughter was free, unguarded, and though his cheeks burned with embarrassment, his eyes were lighter than she had seen in a long time. She couldn’t help but beam. “There it is! I knew you had a beautiful smile when you laughed.” Mirai shook his head, gasping between breaths of laughter. “D-Don’t say things like thahat!”

But she wasn’t done yet. With a playful little hum, she wriggled her fingers back up his ribs and into the hollow of his underarms. Mirai’s back arched and a startled, unrestrained laugh erupted from him, his wings flaring wide as if trying to escape. “AAAH! NAHHAHA! Too much, too muhuuhuch!”

His laughter rang out, clear and desperate, his body twisting on the floor as he tried in vain to curl away from her fluttering fingers. Nasse tilted her head, giggling softly at his reaction. “But your wings flutter so cutely when I do this. Look Mirai, they’re practically dancing!” He groaned through his laughter, trying to shield his sides with his elbows.

“You’re mean! Plehehease, meHehercy!” “Mercy?” she teased, eyes glowing faintly with affection. “But I thought you wanted to learn how your wings worked?” “I dihhihid! Hahaha buHut not liiike thihis!”

Her laughter mingled with his, her gentle yet persistent touch refusing to let up until Mirai was nearly collapsing back against the wall, his body trembling from the effort of laughing so hard. His wings twitched with every lingering giggle, feathers rustling faintly in the stillness between bursts of laughter.

At last, Nasse slowed her movements, her fingertips brushing lightly over his stomach one last time before pulling back. She sighed dramatically, though her smile was tender. “Already giving up? Is the fun over so soon?” Mirai slumped forward, arms wrapping around his middle as he panted, his face buried in his knees.

His cheeks burned a furious red, and yet the small, unshakable smile remained tugging at his lips. “Y-Yes… over… please…” Nasse hovered a little closer, peering down at him as though trying to memorize the sight. “You laughed so much. I’m glad… it means you can feel some joy again.” He lifted his head slightly, eyes soft despite his embarrassment.

“You really… don’t play fair.” Her giggle was like bells. “I never said I did.” With that, she finally floated back, giving him room to breathe. Mirai stretched his wings weakly, feathers ruffling as he tried to settle them. Despite his protests, he felt strangely lighter, as though the weight he had been carrying had shifted just a little.

“You’ll remember this, won’t you?” she teased gently. “…Yeah,” he admitted, his voice still shaky from laughter, but his smile genuine now, “I’ll remember.” Nasse beamed. “Good. Because I’d love to hear you laugh again.”