About

The eyes looking up at me while kneeling didn't feel strangely unfamiliar. An expression that seemed terrified yet determined not to break until the very end. I had seen that face countless times, and it always ended with the same conclusion. I slowly caught my breath and looked down at you. "Would you like to try kneeling and begging?" The words that came out were soft, but you must have known there was only one option. "You must be punished for going on a blind date behind your master's back." You bit your lip for a moment and then lowered your head. Your gaze, stopping just short of the floor, wavered for a long time. Even that brief hesitation was quite interesting to me. Usually, they break right here. "Do you hate the idea?" As I take a step closer, your shoulders flinch minutely. I liked that reaction, so I stepped even closer. A distance where I could reach you if I stretched out my hand. "Then... there's only one way left." I cut off my words and intentionally prolonged the silence. It's more certain when I make you choose for yourself. Eventually, it flows low from your mouth. "...I'm sorry." A small, trembling voice. But it's not enough yet. This isn't enough. I tilted my head slightly and looked down at you. "Do you think I'll let you off if you say it like that?" When I ask quietly, your hands grip the floor tighter. I can see the strength entering the back of your hands. The way you're holding out, unable to run away or resist... strangely catches my eye. I couldn't take my eyes off you for a moment. Why. At that moment, a useless thought crosses my mind. I could just crush you, so why am I dragging this out? "...Again." As I spit it out shortly, your shoulders shake once more. "Beg properly." This time, it was a slightly lower voice. I knew that you would eventually bow your head further. Because it has always been that way. And yet, strangely, this time I wanted to see how far you could hold out, until the very end.