Chapter 114: Broken Threads ( 114 )

Chapter 114: Broken Threads ( 114 ) "I think it’s time I go home," Kyouko said softly, her voice gentle as the sea breeze now curling through the shadows of early evening. She turned toward Haruki, smiling with warmth in her eyes. "Let’s go. I’ll send you home." Haruki looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Okay~" They stood by the car for just a beat longer, the last glimmer of golden light fading behind them. Then Kyouko stepped closer. Without a word, she leaned forward, and kissed him. Haruki didn’t hesitate. He leaned in too, arms slipping gently around her waist, pulling her close. Their lips met. Slowly. Then deeper. The kiss grew warm. Passionate. Their tongues met, brushing, tasting Soft breaths. Quiet heat. When they finally pulled apart, Kyouko was still smiling. Her cheeks were faintly pink. And her heart was full. She turned quietly, opened the door, and sat in the driver’s seat. Haruki slipped into the passenger side beside her. The car started with a gentle hum. Outside, the sea faded into night. Inside her mind, Kyouko whispered to herself. Best date ever. She felt it. All of it. The wind on her skin. His hand in hers. The warmth of his lips still tingling against her own. She felt light. Happy. The road stretched quietly ahead, painted in soft shadows and the last breath of fading light. Kyouko drove slowly, her eyes on the road, but her mind far, far away. Beside her, Haruki sat in silence, the wind from the open window brushing through his hair. He glanced at her now and then, still feeling the kiss they’d shared, still tasting her lips on his. And Kyouko... She smiled. But inside... Inside, she was afraid. Because somewhere deep in her heart. She knew. What scared her most wasn’t being caught. Wasn’t judgment. Wasn’t even the risk. It was something far more dangerous. If one day... she couldn’t resist anymore. If she stopped caring. If her love for him grew so strong, so consuming, that even shame and consequence wouldn’t stop her. If she ever looked at him in front of others... And didn’t pull her hand away. Didn’t hide the way she looked at him. Didn’t hesitate to kiss him—openly. If that day ever came... She didn’t know what would happen. But she was scared. Because tonight had been too perfect. And her heart? Was starting to forget it was a secret. Kyouko pulled the car gently to a stop in front of Haruki’s house. The headlights washed softly across the front door, the sea whispering somewhere beyond the quiet road. Haruki unbuckled his seatbelt, but didn’t reach for the door just yet. Kyouko turned toward him. He leaned in. And once more, their lips met, slowly, without words. No rush. No need for anything more. Just a kiss. Her lips lingered against his. She closed her eyes. When they finally pulled apart, neither spoke. Haruki smiled softly. "Good night," he whispered. "Mm," Kyouko nodded, her voice barely audible. "See you soon..." Haruki stepped out, closing the door with a gentle click. He walked toward his front door, each step slow, reluctant, his hand brushing the back of his neck as he looked back once, just to see her face in the car. She smiled faintly, watching him. He unlocked the door, stepped inside, and disappeared into the quiet light of his home. Kyouko stayed still. Just for a moment. Watching. Only when she was sure he had gone in safely, the front light flicking off behind him, did she finally turn her eyes forward again. Her hands slid back to the wheel. She exhaled. The car eased away from the curb and disappeared into the Okinawa night, carrying with it a woman who had never felt so happy... And never been so afraid of that happiness. Meanwhile, at the Kitayama residence... A cab pulled up quietly in front of the old family home, its headlights briefly washing across the gate. Two figures stepped out. One tall, composed in a neatly pressed suit. The other walking closely beside him, adjusting her bag with casual elegance. They approached the door in silence. Ding-dong. Inside the house, Kitayama looked up from his cup of tea, eyebrows lifting slightly. "Hmm? Perhaps that’s Kyouko," he murmured. Hanako had just finished putting away the last of the dishes when the bell rang. She dried her hands, untied her apron, and moved toward the front door with her usual calm stride. When she opened it. Her eyes narrowed. There they were. Satoshi and Satomi. Neat. Smiling. Late. Hanako gave them both a long, quiet look. "I didn’t think you two would actually come back," she said flatly. "You’re both lucky I didn’t book a ticket yet." Satomi gave a soft laugh. "We came back, didn’t we?" Satoshi offered a polite nod, adjusting his watch. "We... rearranged our schedule." Hanako didn’t move aside yet. Her tone didn’t soften either. "You rearranged your priorities, you mean." Neither replied. After a long pause, Hanako finally stepped aside and opened the door wider. "Grandma, where’s Mother?" Satomi asked as she stepped into the house, glancing around the living room. "She’s on a date with another man," Kitayama grumbled from his seat, not even looking up. "EHHH!!? For real!?" Satomi gasped, completely stunned. Hanako let out a quiet sigh and a small laugh. "No, no. Your grandfather’s just messing with you." "Oh..." Satomi said, still visibly shaken. "Don’t joke like that..." Kitayama narrowed his eyes, clearly not in the mood for laughter. "NOW, SATOSHI!" "Y-yes, Father-in-law?" Satoshi replied quickly, his back stiffening like a nervous child. "Sit. Right here." "Yes, sir..." Satoshi walked over and sat obediently on the tatami mat near the table. "You too, Satomi!" Kitayama barked. "Eh? Me?" "You think I’m talking to the wall? Sit down!" "Y-yes, Grandpa!!" Satomi said quickly, hurrying over to sit beside her father. The room quieted. Kitayama’s eyes moved between the two of them. Sharp, disappointed. Hanako watched from the side, saying nothing... but her silence said enough. Kitayama leaned back slightly, folding his arms as he stared at the two sitting in front of him. The silence grew heavier with each passing second. And then, he began. His voice wasn’t loud at first. Just steady. Low. But the weight in it made both Satomi and Satoshi sit straighter, their shoulders tense. He started asking questions. Not just questions, demands. Why hadn’t they come sooner? Why hadn’t they visited even once, not during New Year’s, not on birthdays, not when Kyouko came alone to visit? Did they even think to call? Did they forget this house still existed? His tone sharpened with every word. And then, like a wave that could no longer be held back. He exploded. His voice thundered through the room, sharp and furious. He pointed at Satoshi. The last time he was here, was the day he married Kitayama’s daughter. Kyouko. That was the last time he stood under this roof as family. And after that? A single phone call. After Satomi was born. And then... nothing. No visits. No messages. No voice to say "thank you" or "how are you." Kitayama didn’t ask for much. Never had. But now, after decades of silence, his disappointment boiled over. He didn’t care about success. About companies. About schedules. He cared about family. And Satoshi? He had failed that completely. Satomi sat frozen, her head bowed slightly, lips tight. Satoshi said nothing. Because there was nothing to say. ( End Of Chapter )