Chapter 113: Bonds on the Breeze ( 113 )

Chapter 113: Bonds on the Breeze ( 113 ) Kyouko walked beside Haruki, her fingers brushing lightly against his now and then. The breeze played with her hair, lifting strands across her cheek. Her dress flowed gently around her knees, simple yet beautiful. Haruki glanced sideways at her, quiet, serene, her eyes scanning the sea with a kind of peace he rarely saw in anyone. He reached out. Their fingers touched. Kyouko blinked. Then smiled faintly. She didn’t pull away. She let him hold her hand. They walked like that for a while, slow, unhurried, as the wind carried the faint cry of gulls in the distance and the soft hush of waves crashing far below. "Mm..." Kyouko tilted her head toward the ocean. "It’s really beautiful here..." Haruki didn’t answer. He was too focused on her. On the way the golden light touched her skin. On how her fingers fit so gently in his. Kyouko stopped walking for a moment, turning toward the sea. She took out her phone. "Let’s take one more," she said softly. Haruki leaned in close. Kyouko shifted, her face brushing his cheek, and just before she snapped the photo. She turned. And kissed him. Quick. Gentle. But real. Her lips touched his in a soft, romantic brush just as the shutter clicked. She pulled back with a smile. "This one... is just for me," she whispered, tucking her phone away. Haruki looked at her. Then smiled too. They stood there for a while longer, fingers still lightly intertwined, the sound of the waves far below filling the silence between them. Neither of them spoke. They didn’t need to. Even after the kiss. Even after the photo. The quiet between them felt... peaceful. Kyouko finally gave his hand a soft squeeze and turned toward the path. "Let’s go," she said, her voice light. Haruki nodded and followed, their hands still joined. They walked back along the cliffside path, slower than before, as if neither of them wanted to reach the end too quickly. The breeze followed them, playing with her hair, brushing against their clothes. When they reached the car, Kyouko let go gently to open the door. Haruki moved around to the passenger side, but just before getting in, he glanced back at her—watching the way she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, how she adjusted the skirt of her dress before slipping in beside him. That same soft smile still played on her lips. As the engine started, Haruki rested his elbow on the window ledge and looked over. "Where to next?" Kyouko didn’t answer right away. She simply smiled again and began to drive. Kyouko guided the car up the slope into a small, elegant seaside café nestled above the waves. The building was wooden, shaded by palms, with a broad ocean-facing terrace that looked like it had been made just for lovers. She parked smoothly and stepped out, her dress fluttering in the breeze. Haruki followed in silence, his gaze lingering on her back as they walked toward the entrance. A soft bell chimed as they entered. They were led to the far end of the terrace, a semi-private corner booth overlooking the water, with soft seats that curved gently around the table. The sky was golden now, and the sea below sparkled like glass. Haruki slid in beside her. The menu reflected the café’s specialty: fresh seafood, carefully plated. Elegant. They ordered a grilled local lobster, seasoned with Okinawan sea salt and herbs, served with roasted vegetables and a citrus butter sauce. Kyouko chose a sparkling fruit drink. Haruki went with a chilled herbal tonic. Everything felt slow. Unhurried. Even the ocean outside moved like it had nowhere else to be. When the food arrived, the scent was intoxicating—fresh, rich, delicate. Kyouko carefully picked a piece of tender lobster with her chopsticks, brought it to her lips... and paused. She looked at Haruki. Then, smiling softly, she leaned toward him. And instead of offering the bite with her chopsticks... She held it between her lips. "Mm~" she hummed, eyes narrowing playfully. "Try it..." Haruki froze, then leaned in. Their faces were close. Very close. He moved slowly, his lips brushing hers as he bit down and took the tender piece from her mouth. The contact—warm, soft, electric—lingered. When he pulled back, he chewed slowly, eyes locked with hers. Kyouko giggled, turning her face slightly. "Which one..." she whispered, voice teasing, "was more delicious...me, or the food~?" Haruki swallowed, heartbeat heavy. He didn’t answer. His hand reached for hers under the table. Fingers entwined again. Outside, the breeze moved through the terrace like a sigh. And Kyouko leaned slightly into him, her hair brushing his shoulder, the faintest smile still on her lips. The plates were mostly empty now, the drinks half-finished. The sea outside had turned a deeper blue, streaked with gold as the sun dipped lower. Kyouko leaned lightly into Haruki’s side, her head resting near his shoulder, their fingers still entwined beneath the table. The breeze played with a few strands of her hair. Haruki glanced at her. And then he said it. Soft. Certain. "...Kyouko." "Hmm?" she replied without lifting her head, her voice light. "I love you." There was no hesitation. No fear. Just the truth. Kyouko’s eyes fluttered slightly... and then she smiled. A gentle, quiet smile. "I love you too, Haruki~" she whispered. Haruki settled the bill with a quiet nod to the staff, and Kyouko followed him out, her steps soft behind his. Outside, the ocean breeze had grown cooler. The sky had shifted—no longer bright, but not fully dark. Hints of deep blue melted into the last warm streaks of sunlight above the water. The terrace lights flickered on behind them, casting a gentle amber glow across the wood. They walked together toward the car. Their hands found each other again. Fingers intertwined. No rush. Just closeness. Kyouko smiled as she walked, her hair catching the wind, her heart still light from the warmth of the meal—and the words he had said. Haruki glanced at her, watching the way her eyes crinkled faintly when she smiled, the way her lips curved gently without trying. He couldn’t stop staring. She looked... so happy. And that made him happy. "Kyouko," he whispered, his voice low, just for her. "Hmm?" she turned her head slightly, her eyes soft. They kept walking. Haruki leaned in, his lips close to her ear, his breath brushing her skin. "I want to eat you~" he said softly. Kyouko froze for just half a second. Then giggled—quiet, warm, breathless. Her cheeks pinkened as she looked straight ahead. "Not now, big boy~" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Haruki only smiled, gently pulling her closer as they reached the car. ( End Of Chapter )