Chapter 161: Gestures and Glances ( 161 )

Words : 1176 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Chapter 161: Gestures and Glances ( 161 ) The two black Toyota Vellfires pulled smoothly into the hotel’s private driveway. The engines shut off. Doors slid open. The family stepped out one by one, stretching after the ride, their eyes drifting upward at the elegant façade of the resort. Kazuma was the first to move, quietly stepping ahead toward the hotel lobby. Inside, the receptionist at the front desk straightened immediately, bowing low the moment Kazuma approached. A well-dressed hotel manager appeared from a side corridor and joined him, speaking softly with practiced respect. Hanako, standing under the shade just outside the glass doors, smiled faintly. Her eyes followed the interaction—Kazuma receiving a sleek envelope and access cards with a silent bow of acknowledgment. Kitayama stood beside her, arms crossed. He said nothing. No names needed to be spoken. No titles. No introductions. This was their hotel. Owned by the Takahashi Group. "Dear?" Hanako said softly, adjusting the strap of her handbag as they stood near the hotel entrance. "Hmm?" Kitayama replied without looking, eyes still following the valet moving their luggage. She leaned in slightly, voice lower. "How many rooms did the hotel prepare for us?" "Four." His tone was matter-of-fact. Hanako blinked. "Eh?" she whispered. "What about Haruki-kun? We can’t split Kazuma or Kenji away from their wives." Kitayama finally turned to glance at her, mildly annoyed. "Haruki and Kyouko live in the same house now, don’t they?" Hanako froze. "...Yes, but—" "So what’s wrong with them sharing the last room?" A pause. Hanako stared at him, lips parting slightly. "It’s not like they’re going to do anything," Kitayama muttered, walking a step ahead. "Didn’t Kyouko say before—Haruki’s been living with them in Tokyo?" Hanako nodded slowly. "And from what I’ve seen," Kitayama added, "he treats her with respect. Like a proper son-in-law." His tone was firm. "Don’t go thinking weird things." Hanako tilted her head slightly and smiled to herself. "If you say so, dear." Kitayama didn’t respond. He walked straight toward the lobby, his hand casually lifted in greeting to the manager still chatting with Kazuma. "Now let’s go," he said. "Get our keycard, go upstairs, and relax. I need a damn drink." Hanako followed, her footsteps light, her eyes warm. Kazuma accepted his keycard with a polite nod to the hotel staff, then turned and handed the remaining ones to Hanako. "Mother," he said, "You can arrange the rooms for everyone." "Thank you, Kazuma-kun," Hanako replied with a smile, taking the slim envelope in her hands. She glanced through the cards quickly, then began handing them out. "Kenji," she called calmly, "You and Hitomi take this one." Kenji gave a half-wave, still holding Riko’s hand. "Got it~" Hanako then tucked one envelope under her arm for herself and Kitayama. Then, she turned toward her eldest daughter. "Ah... Kyouko~" Kyouko looked up, a small polite smile already forming. "Sorry, but you and Haruki will have to share a room." Her tone was light, breezy. Kyouko blinked. "Eh...?" Haruki, standing beside her, raised an eyebrow faintly—but said nothing. Hanako continued with that same soft smile. "It’s just for the trip, of course. Only four rooms during peak season." "I trust you both can manage." Kyouko glanced at Haruki. He gave her a small, knowing smile. Her heart skipped. "Yes, Mother." Hanako’s smile remained unchanged, calm and composed as ever. "Besides," she added smoothly, "you’ve already been living together at the seaside house while Kyouko looked after you." She turned her gaze gently toward her daughter. "So I believe there shouldn’t be any problem sharing a room again... right?" Kyouko opened her mouth, then closed it. A soft nod followed. "I don’t mind, Mrs. Hanako," Haruki said respectfully, giving a small bow. "Thank you." "Good." Hanako handed them their keycard with quiet finality. "Now then—everyone, let’s go settle into our rooms and enjoy the morning." With that, Hanako turned gracefully, following Kitayama and the others toward the elevators. Kyouko held the keycard in her hand, staring at it for a moment before walking beside Haruki. Inside Kyouko’s mind, as she stepped into the elevator beside Haruki— Why is it... Why is everything pushing us closer and closer? From the seaside house... To this trip... Now even sharing a room again... She didn’t believe in fate. But this felt dangerously close. Her fingers lightly gripped the keycard in her hand. If it weren’t for my monthly period... She bit her lower lip gently. I know. I know Haruki would ravish me. Right there. Without hesitation. And the truth was— She wouldn’t stop him. Because she loved it. The way he kissed her. Touched her. Held her like no one ever had before. Even now, just standing this close, his scent made her heart flutter. She glanced sideways. Haruki stood calm and composed, but she knew that look in his eyes. The stillness that masked his hunger. This trip... is going to be dangerous, she thought. But her lips curved into a faint smile. The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open. Everyone stepped inside—Kitayama, Hanako, Kenji with Hitomi and their kids, Kazuma and Keiko, and finally Kyouko and Haruki at the back. As the elevator rose smoothly toward the upper floors, the hum of polite conversation filled the air. "So, what should we do for lunch later?" Kazuma asked, glancing at the button panel. "Eat at the hotel restaurant?" "I heard the seafood buffet is seasonal," Keiko said. "Maybe we should try it." "If it’s fish, I’m in," Kenji grinned. "I want sashimi." "You always want sashimi," Hitomi sighed with a smile. Hanako nodded thoughtfully. "Let’s eat here today." "Mm. Save energy for the beach later," Keiko added, rubbing her growing belly with a soft, tired smile. "Sake for lunch?" Kitayama muttered half-seriously. "No, dear," Hanako said calmly, without even turning her head. Everyone chuckled softly. At the back, Kyouko stood quietly beside Haruki, hands clasped in front of her, her eyes watching the glowing numbers above the door. The elevator chimed softly as it reached the next floor. The panel glowed—Kyouko and Haruki’s stop. Haruki stepped forward first, hand lightly placed against the door to keep it open as Kyouko followed silently behind him, luggage handle in hand. "We’re going here," Haruki said politely. "Let’s meet at lunch in the restaurant downstairs." "Alright," Hanako replied gently with a nod, giving her daughter a soft, unreadable look. "We’ll see you both then." Kitayama said nothing, only crossed his arms and gave a faint grunt that passed as acknowledgment. Kazuma offered a polite nod, and Keiko gave a small wave. Kenji smirked. "Don’t get lost." The doors slid closed as soon as Kyouko and Haruki stepped out, leaving them in the quiet, plush-carpeted hallway. Inside the elevator, the rest of the family continued upward—to the top floor and their respective suites. Behind them, the hallway stretched still and silent. Kyouko held the keycard gently between her fingers. Haruki glanced at her. Neither of them spoke. But both could feel it—the electricity in the quiet. ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 161: Gestures and Glances ( 161 )

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