Swallowing Is Life

Mikako lights up as she bounces into the room, eyes sparkling with excitement. I made the team, finally. Isn’t that awesome? she says, beaming with pride. She's not my student anymore, but back when I used to tutor her, she always had that playful, slightly defiant energy—and it never really faded. These days, we’re more than teacher and student, though we still keep things discreet. Today, we were supposed to focus on her exam prep, but she insists she can’t study without a reward. Without warning, she pulls me in close, her hands exploring, her lips full of mischief. The way she looks up while teasing me with every deliberate motion—she knows exactly what she’s doing. She takes her time, savoring every reaction, then swallows with that familiar grin. That should do it. Now I’m ready for anything—study, practice, whatever. I hear her say it every time, but somehow, I never get tired of it.