[ Ayaka had loosened up and stopped feeling shy, but Cloud's comment turns her face red. She's glad she's not facing him, else he'd see how embarrassed she has become. ]

In a light novel I read... there was a couple who took a bath together. The heroine washed her boyfriend's back.

[ She'd mentioned something like it before, but she's not going to push the idea. Besides! They're already in the tub. ]

I always thought this act was intimate and romantic. I just... never imagined it would happen to me.

[ More and more ideas of hers are coming true, and it is all because of him. If Cloud so much as wrapped his arms around her like this, he would feel his girlfriend tense up a bit. More surprises, one that's overwhelming and she isn't ready for.

Her voice continues to be soft, barely audible and almost missable if Cloud doesn't listen closely. Her hands under the water are slowly swooshing about, creating gentle waves and little ripples. ]

This is nice.