***

"Hey, I'm home."
"…………"
"Huh? Murmur where are you?"

If he wasn't at the store, Murmur who would've always run up to me in my room was nowhere around.
In that case, high chances Julio snatched him to be his cuddle pillow then.
Dude really can't catch the attention of who he's going for, but weirdly gets loved by kids and animals…
He probably lured Murumuru with his favorite treat and substituting him as a cuddle pillow right now.
Feeling a little sad that I don't feel the usual presence in my room, but I'm also happy that Murumuru is getting along with everyone living here.
After all of the cooking, serving customers, cleanup and tomorrow's preparation… it made me bone-tired and it took all of my will to not crash into the bed.
Wouldn't want my work clothes get wrinkly and I wasn't comfortable lying down with a grubby body.

"By Norn..I'm exhausted."

The ground floor of the building where I live was originally my grandmother's restaurant, which I took over.
The place is called "Norn's Dine." Norn was the name of the goddess of fate, who's supposedly behind the creation of this world.
Even after I took the reins at the restaurant, the loyal regulars have stuck around, and it's been really gratifying to see an increase in customers who come for my cooking.
Rito, our employee who resides on the second floor, and I run the store together.
So, on days like today, when Rito is away, and we're dealing with a lot of customers, it can be quite hectic.
Nonetheless, I'm glad that people enjoy the food I serve.
But, maybe it's about time we add more crew members.
With that in mind, I undress, pour some mana into the magical tool in the bathroom, and hop in for a shower.
I was itching for a nice, leisurely soak in the hot water, but filling up the bathtub takes a while. I bear with the shower and changed into my night clothes.
Honestly, my body was at it's limit and I made the call to hit the hay, collapsing into bed this time and letting myself drift off to sleep.

"Mmm…"

And yet, I can't seem to sleep.
My tired body, was beginning to display signs of something else.
A stirring in the lower half and my underwear feeling tighter.
It's been a while since I've even felt that kind of need, so I was a bit taken aback.
Come to think of it, the owner of the wholesaler who always brings me the goods, also brought me something unusual.
Said it was imported from the southern city, and that it'll "spice things up if lovers eat it together."
I gave it a bite to see if I could use it for a new menu. Maybe that "thing" is having an effect.
Uncomfortable with the heat in my groin, I take my pants and underwear off. I grab what was already at half-mast and hesitantly stroke it.
When was the last time I touched myself? It's been so long that I don't even remember.
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(Usually you'd do it thinking about sexual fantasies…or someone you love I suppose.)

Maybe because my imagination is poor or that I'm lacking of something important, that I can't think of anything to get me going. I don't even own anything…explicit.
And, I've never fallen in love with anyone, and there's no one I can imagine as a partner..
No, maybe I'm afraid of having someone like that.
The fact that if I make someone special, would mean sharing a certain secret with them…

"H-Ahh!"

Despite these thoughts, my penis became fully erect just from the stimulation of rubbing it with the palm of my hand.
If it was the effect of that fruit, it's harder and more erect than usual.

"Gnrgh…oh no-ah!"
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The tip flooded with pre-cum, dribbling down my fingertips. Using my clean hand, I hastily roll up my clothes before it almost drips down to the hem of my pajamas.
The cold outside air brushed against the exposed abdomen and chest.
My heightened body reacted immediately.

Mn-ah!

A sound almost slips out and embarrasses me.
Mngh! Uh-nh uhm.
I handled it a little harder with my dewy fingers. There was a obscene and sticky sound as droplets of pre-cum flew out.
I couldn't stand looking at my erect penis wet with my fluids and buried my face into the pillow.

Nh, uh mnn urh.

I stroke myself faster, wanting to get this done and over with. The heavy wet sounds became even louder.
My heavy breathing and the lewd squishy sounds echo strangly within the room.
I close my eyes from the strong pleasure and shame.

Arghh grh! Urh-h!
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The hard flesh quivered in the palm of my hand as I let the ejaculation rush over me. The lukewarm liquid splattered noisily.
I feel my body float with the pleasure of release, but it lingers only for a moment and dissipates, leaving the bare reality before me.

Ah… need to it wipe up now.

The smell of what I released reaches me and there's a twinge of regret for what I've just done.
The clean-up after the deed is a hassle. And the act of doing it alone to release the sexual stress is always lonely and empty.
I sigh as I rise up from the bed. Grabbing the tissue paper from the side table, I wipe up the mess and throw it into the trash.
Dragging my sluggish body to the sink and then pour some mana into the magic stone beside the faucet. A stream of clear water runs out.
I clean my hands sticky with my seed with the water.

(Am I only going to do this empty act for the rest of my life?)

The thought flashes into my mind.
I stare at my now clean hands; ignoring the thought that floated up from the abyss within me; stop the water and return to the bedroom.
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Trying to sleep, this time for sure.
The cold feel of the sheets brings back the buried feelings in my chest and I frantically bury my face into the pillow, but a familiar presence makes me turn my head again.

"Muru…muru."
"Murmur, I thought you were with Julio…are you not hungry?"
"Murru!"
"Right then, let's sleep together."
"Murumuru!"
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The soft fur and warmth of Murmur's fur is terribly comforting as he crawls in.
Suddenly, I remember the words of the wholesaler who handed me that fruit
The words "eat with your lover".
I wonder what it feels like to share a meal with someone you love.
Enjoying a meal that I've prepared together, sharing that fruit and later the pleasure in bed. I wonder if one would still feel this sense of emptiness after an intimate act with someone special.

"………………"

Will I ever have that someday?
A person that I'd want to share the fruit with.

Perhaps just like 'destiny'.