Mikoto sat alone in her chambers, the dim candlelight casting flickering shadows on the walls. She had just finished her dinner, a simple meal of roasted vegetables and tender meat, but her appetite had waned long before she had taken her last bite.
She called out for Sakurao, her trusted advisor and confidant. She knew he would come, eager to please her, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for using him as a distraction.
Sakurao entered the room, trying to hide his excitement at the summons. He was a handsome man, with dark hair and piercing eyes, and Mikoto knew he had feelings for her. But she had always kept him at arm's length, never wanting to risk their professional relationship.
"I just wanted some company," Mikoto said, her voice soft. She knew she didn't need to explain herself, but she couldn't help but feel the need to justify her actions.
Sakurao approached, sensing her tension. He was gentle, always careful not to upset her. Mikoto reflected on how she had used him in the past, as a way to take her mind off of things. But now, as she looked into his eyes, she couldn't help but think of Manabe, the man who had captured her heart.
Their moment of closeness began, and Sakurao was careful, sensing her mood. Mikoto's mind was elsewhere, but she couldn't help but be drawn in by his touch. She thought about Manabe, and how different he was from Sakurao. Manabe was bold and confident, while Sakurao was reserved and cautious.
Their moment ended, and Mikoto thanked Sakurao, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't help but feel guilty for using him, for letting her mind wander to Manabe.
Sakurao left the room, hopeful for more. He knew Mikoto was conflicted, but he couldn't help but hold on to the hope that one day, she would see him as more than just a distraction.
Mikoto laid down, still thinking of Manabe. She wondered why he was on her mind so much, why she couldn't shake him from her thoughts. She scolded herself for getting distracted, for letting her mind wander. She had duties to attend to, and she couldn't afford to be distracted by a man.
She took a deep breath and got up, ready to move on. She had to focus on her duties, on being the strong and controlling leader she was meant to be. She couldn't let herself get distracted by a man, no matter how much he had captured her heart.
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