Mika honestly felt pity seeing her like this.
He could see how much she didn't want him to see that part of her body.
The way she tensed up, the way her eyes darted away, the way her entire being radiated shame and vulnerability.
But he knew he had to.
Not just because he wanted to see it himself—though he did.
More than that, she needed to know.
She needed to understand that every part of her body would be loved by him.
That there was no need to feel ashamed of anything. Not a single scar, not a single mark, not a single imperfection.
So he ignored her protests.
Slowly, deliberately, his hands moved toward her third tail.
Astrid saw where he was going. Her eyes went wide with horror.
"N-No." She whispered. "No, Mika, please—please don't do it! I beg you! Don't do this!"
But Mika didn't listen.
His fingers found the very base of her third tail and rubbed gently.
"Ahhh—!"
