**Chapter 44: Reclaiming Confidence**

As the water dripped from their bodies, Kou and Mitsuba stepped out of the shower, wrapping themselves in warm towels to banish the chill of the bathroom air. The steam from the shower still lingered, casting a misty veil over the room, but it was nothing compared to the haze of emotions that still swirled around them. Mitsuba's movements were quick and decisive as he began to dry himself off, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint that Kou knew all too well. As he finished drying, Mitsuba struck a pose, his towel wrapped artfully around his waist, and declared, "Doing all your lewd fantasies on me, I see! Am I just the twink of your dreams!" There it was, his cocky, ever-confident personality back, and Kou couldn't help but laugh at the sight of his partner, transformed in an instant from vulnerable to vivacious. As Mitsuba spoke, he furrowed his eyebrows, arched his back, and let his hands glide up his pubic area, all the way up to his feminine chest and nipples, which were already beginning to harden. Kou's eyes followed the movement, his gaze lingering on Mitsuba's pert nipples as they hardened under his fingers. "Twink of my dreams, huh?" Kou repeated, a chuckle playing on his lips as he reached out to gently tug on one of Mitsuba's nipples. Mitsuba let out a soft yelp, but his smile only grew wider as he leaned into Kou's touch. "Well, I suppose it's only fair that I get to be the star of your fantasies," he said, his voice husky with amusement. Kou raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Mitsuba's bold claim. "And what if I have fantasies that don't star you?" he asked, his voice low and teasing. Mitsuba's grin faltered for a moment, before he recovered, his confidence unwavering. "Then I suppose I'll just have to make sure you realize that I'm the only one you need," he said, his eyes sparkling with determination. The air was charged with tension, as Mitsuba's words hung between them, a challenge and a promise all at once. Kou's eyes locked onto Mitsuba's, and he could see the fire burning within them, a flame that seemed to grow brighter with every passing moment. As they stood there, wrapped in their towels, the world outside seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a bubble of anticipation and desire. And in that moment, Kou knew that he was ready to see where Mitsuba's bold claims would lead.