Chapter 104: Soft Whispers and Stealing Touches ( 104 )

Chapter 104: Soft Whispers and Stealing Touches ( 104 ) Kyouko stepped closer, adjusting the hem of her dress slightly as she leaned down beside Haruki, who was still sitting up on the futon. She cupped his cheek gently with her hand and whispered, "Now go wash your face... and brush your teeth." Her voice carried that calm, loving tone he’d grown addicted to. "Stay for breakfast if my father tells you to... okay?" "Mm..." Haruki nodded, his gaze never leaving her. Then, without warning, his hand slipped up, grazing the soft fabric over her chest, fingers gently cupping her breast. Kyouko gasped softly, her hand pressing over his. "Haruki..." she whispered, eyes darting to the door, just in case. But there was no anger in her voice. Only a quiet thrill. He leaned forward, burying his face in her stomach briefly, kissing through the dress. "So... today?" he murmured, still not letting go. Kyouko’s fingers threaded into his hair for a moment. She leaned down to his ear, her breath warm. "I’ll try to find a way... to come to your house." "Mm... okay~" he exhaled, already imagining it. She smiled softly. Then stood straight again, fixing her dress. "Now go. Don’t make me scold you in front of my mother." Haruki chuckled quietly, rising from the futon. After rinsing his face and brushing his teeth, with the toothbrush Kyouko had quietly handed him. Haruki adjusted his hair in the small mirror. He stared at his reflection for a moment. He exhaled slowly and stepped out of the guest room, heading toward the front door. But before he could reach it. "Haruki-kun." Kyouko’s voice stopped him. She stood near the living room entrance, arms gently crossed, her expression somewhere between a calm smile and a playful warning. "At least have breakfast first." "Umm... okay... Kyouko-san," he replied with a polite nod, playing the formal part again in front of the household. From the living room, Kitayama’s voice boomed the moment he caught sight of Haruki. "Haruki!! Come here and eat breakfast first! Don’t just run off after waking up like some boy who snuck in last night!!" Haruki chuckled softly and scratched the back of his head. "Yes, sir." From the kitchen, Hanako called out with her usual gentle tone, "Kyouko, bring your son-in-law to eat. I’ve set everything." "Yes, Mother." Kyouko walked beside Haruki, her posture serene and composed, as always. But the faint glow on her cheeks... And the small, quiet glance they exchanged when no one was watching— Said everything. As Haruki approached the living room, Kyouko leaned in slightly, her voice low but laced with that familiar, calm authority. "Are you trying to sneak off without breakfast... hmm?" she whispered, giving him a graceful yet pointed side-glare. Haruki smiled sheepishly at that look, the same one that scolded and tempted him all at once. "I wouldn’t dare," he whispered back playfully as he stepped into the room. "Oh! Haruki! Sit down and eat!" Kitayama called out, waving his chopsticks. "Kyouko! His rice!!" "Yes, Father," Kyouko answered, moving with quiet elegance as she brought a fresh bowl of steaming rice to the table and set it before Haruki. "Eat plenty, Haruki!" Kitayama grinned, pouring a bit more tea into his own cup. "You’re still growing, you need to eat more! Don’t be shy!" Haruki chuckled under his breath and nodded. "Yes, sir." In the kitchen, Hanako glanced out and smiled softly. Her husband had been in such good spirits the past few days, ever since Haruki arrived. From the loud laughter on his birthday, to the cheerful drinking last night, and now the warm atmosphere during breakfast... There was life in the house again. "Yes, Haruki," Hanako said gently, stepping out to place another side dish on the table. "You should eat well." Haruki paused for a moment, caught off guard. That smile. It was soft. Serene. Just like Kyouko’s. He bowed his head politely. "Thank you very much." As Haruki quietly picked at his rice, he stole another glance toward Hanako, who was now pouring tea into Kitayama’s cup. There was something about the calm warmth in her movements. The grace she carried. That same serene elegance... Like mother, like daughter, he thought absentmindedly. But before the thought could settle. Clatter! Kyouko, sitting right beside him, "accidentally" dropped her chopsticks. In one smooth motion, she leaned down to pick them up, only to pinch Haruki’s thigh beneath the table. Firmly. His body jolted slightly, but he masked it with a sip of tea. Kyouko straightened up, chopsticks in hand, and her lips moved silently as she gave him a calm, composed side glance: Don’t even think about my mother like that. Haruki reached under the table and gently rubbed the spot where she’d pinched him, lips twitching with a grin. He didn’t say anything. But that smile. It said plenty. And Kyouko, hiding her own smile behind her teacup, kept her eyes ahead like nothing happened. Just another quiet morning in front of the family. With a secret only they shared. After breakfast, Haruki stood at the front door, adjusting the strap of his shoulder bag as he prepared to leave. Kitayama crossed his arms, standing proudly by the door. "Haruki, if you’ve got time off, don’t be a stranger. Visit us anytime, you hear?" Haruki bowed slightly. "Yes, sir. Thank you for having me." Hanako, standing beside her husband, offered a gentle smile. "And be careful on the road. Don’t go riding that scooter too fast, alright?" Haruki smiled, just a little awkward. "I will, Mrs. Hanako." "My, so polite," she chuckled softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Just behind them, Kyouko stood with her arms folded lightly. The moment she caught Haruki’s eyes drifting toward her mother again, she widened her own. Eyes sharp, subtle, and mouthed in a silent warning: Don’t you dare think about my mom. Haruki caught it. And held back a grin. "Kyouko?" Kitayama’s voice cut through. "You’re just standing there. You don’t want to say anything to your son-in-law before he leaves?" "Ah... umm..." Kyouko blinked, then quickly stepped forward with a faint, composed smile. "Be... careful," she said softly, looking into Haruki’s eyes. Haruki gave a small nod, eyes warm. "I will." And just before turning around to walk out the gate, he glanced over his shoulder. And caught Kyouko’s soft, hidden smile. After Haruki left, the house settled into a peaceful rhythm. In the living room, Kitayama lounged on his favorite cushion, sipping tea beside Hanako. The two sat quietly, enjoying the rare calm between family visits. Kenji had already disappeared into his room with Hitomi, who was off work for the day. Kazuma and Keiko were still tucked away in their room. And Kyouko? She was already dressed, tight-fitting exercise leggings that hugged her curves perfectly, and a soft, sleeveless top that showed just enough to make a man’s thoughts wander. She walked into the kitchen, towel over her shoulder. "Mom?" Hanako looked up from her tea. "Yes, dear?" "Can I borrow your car?" "Where are you going?" Hanako asked, casually. "Jogging," Kyouko replied with a calm smile, adjusting her hair tie. "Oh? Alright. Just don’t push yourself too hard." "Mm, I won’t~" She took the keys and stepped out of the house. But inside her mind... Sorry, Mother~ I’m not jogging. I’m going to my man’s place. The moment she closed the car door, a quiet shiver ran through her. Just the thought of Haruki waiting for her. Alone, in that quiet house by the ocean, sent heat rushing through her chest. She knew exactly what would happen the moment she walked through that door. And she knew. He couldn’t wait either. ( End Of Chapter )