My Name is Sera
My name is Sera. It's not my real name. I can't remember my original one. Apparently, some kind of magic is at work—something that won't let me recall it until I return to my original world. Still, I don't mind this name. It feels like something out of a fairy tale, like a princess's. It makes me blush a little, but I think it's pretty. Especially when Ares says it—my face softens right away, and I feel this silly rush of happiness. I have to remind myself to keep a straight face, scrambling to compose myself, but then his gentle voice pulls me right back under.
Deep down, I know I'm totally smitten. Objectively speaking, Ares is the kind of guy anyone would like—handsome, kind-hearted. But even if he weren't much to look at, I'd probably feel the same. Someone might call that crazy, but I mean it. Our first meeting was straight out of destiny's script—dramatic enough to make you believe in fate.
I've always been timid, scared of everything since I was little. Luna was the one who protected me, every step of the way. Boys would pick on me whenever they got the chance. There was a time I even developed a fear of men. But everything changed after I met Ares.
It was the first day at our new school. Luna and I always walked together, but I'd forgotten about her new morning training schedule. For the first time, I had to go alone. Looking back, it was nothing—a big dog whose owner had let go of the leash. It wasn't attacking; I just panicked. But in the moment, I was terrified, on the verge of tears, frozen in place. No Luna to save me. The dog kept barking, and I huddled there, shaking.
That's when he appeared. Ares stepped calmly between me and the dog, turning his back to shield me. That was it. The owner showed up soon after, apologized, and took the dog away. Left behind were me, Ares, and his little sister Mari. I still remember Mari grumbling at him—something about him being too nosy. He just laughed it off.
Embarrassed, I couldn't even say thanks properly. I bolted from the scene like a coward. Mari probably cursed me out. But I couldn't help it—I'd fallen for him at first sight, just from that one glance back at his concerned face. Even now, thinking about it makes my cheeks burn.
Luna heard the story later and apologized seriously, walking me to school religiously after that. But I'm glad it happened; it gave me that fateful moment with Ares. Our paths kept crossing after that, like it was scripted. We ended up in the same class, became friends naturally. Mari and Luna joined in, and before long, we were all irreplaceable to each other. Every day felt like a dream.
But even now, in this strange new world, I still haven't confessed to him properly...
"E-excuse me..."
"Oh, come on in."
My heart was still racing from the bath I'd just finished. I slipped carefully into the tent. Minwoo was already set up and waiting. Inside, it was surprisingly spacious—bigger than it looked from outside. A curtain divided it in half lengthwise. On the other side was a simple bed big enough for one person, surrounded by mysterious gadgets and glass vials. It almost felt like I'd slipped back to my original world—modern, professional vibes.
I'd imagined a casual rubdown, but this looked serious, legit. I stood there, dumbfounded, until Minwoo chuckled at my gaping stare.
"I'll finish prepping here, so Sera, head over there, change into the clothes on the bed, and lie down."
"Ah, y-yes..! Sorry..!"
I snapped to and dashed behind the curtain. Ugh, so embarrassing..!
"Clothes to change into... this?"
A neatly folded scrap of fabric sat on the bed.
"Wh-what...? I have to wear this..?"
Simple cotton sports bra and panties. Basically underwear. Ugh... so humiliating... Should I back out now? But how do I even say that...
In the end, I changed. There was a big towel on the bed to cover up, so once I was under it, it'd be fine. I climbed on carefully, wrapping myself tight.
Minwoo's voice came from the other side. "Ready? Can I come in?"
"Y-yes..!"
The curtain parted, and he stepped in, closing it behind him before approaching. My heart pounded harder than before. Stupid... It's just a massage, nothing weird... So why is my face burning like this?
"Alright. Let's get started?"
"Y-yes... Please take good care of me..."
I swallowed nervously. A real massage—tensing me up, but exciting too. If I kept this up, maybe I'd actually get prettier. Gain some confidence. Not enough to confess, but still.
"Sera."
"...Yes?"
He called my name suddenly. I looked up, startled. He smiled warmly. "Why so tense? It's just a massage. Relax, or it'll backfire."
"Ah... S-sorry..."
"No need to apologize... You say it a lot, don't you?"
"S-sor— ugh..."
"Haha... Okay, for real now?"
He pulled out a small bottle, uncapped it, and poured clear liquid into his palm.
I blurted, "Wh-what's that?"
"Oil, obviously?"
"O-oil..?"
"Yeah. Can't do an oil massage without oil. Didn't I mention?"
"..."
No, you didn't. Oil massage? Was that... okay?
"Oh, it's from the local river, but quality's guaranteed. No worries."
"Okay..."
Not what I'm worried about... But backing out now? No way. I had to trust him.
Still... this scent is nice... A sweet aroma wafted from the bottle. My one gripe about this world was no proper skincare. A pro handling it? Better than cosmetics.
Yeah, for courage... to confess to Ares..! Gotta tough it out!
"Can you slide your arms out? Starting with them."
"Ah, sure..."
I extended my arms from under the towel. His large hands touched my skin—rough, but slick with oil, feeling just right. Warm, too.
I let out a soft moan without thinking. "Huaah..."
"Hm..?"
"Mmph..! S-sorry... Nngh..."
I clamped my mouth shut, mortified. But he just smiled.
"Heh... It's fine. Natural reaction. Tell me if anything hurts or feels off."
"Y-yes..!"
So embarrassing..! I squeezed my eyes shut. It's just 'cause it's my first time..! I'll get used to it..!
"..."
The massage was calmer than I'd feared. Stiff at first from the skimpy outfit, but his skilled, gentle hands melted the tension away. No weird stuff—just simple work on arms, calves, back, and shoulders.
But my heart kept racing louder. My body heated up like a sauna.
"Haa... Haaa..."
Perfect for sleep. I started dozing off.
Like he read my mind: "Tired? Go ahead and sleep."
"Haa... N-no... I couldn't..."
But my body begged for rest. Labyrinth training had wrecked me. The others were probably out cold too.
"..."
If they are... it should be fine. He said it's okay.
I couldn't fight it anymore. Quietly, I drifted off to sleep.