Chapter 174: Between Caution and Desire ( 174 )

Words : 1175 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Chapter 174: Between Caution and Desire ( 174 ) Haneda Airport, Tokyo. The low hum of arrival announcements echoed across the terminal as the sliding doors parted. Haruki and Kyouko stepped into the cool, polished air of Haneda Airport’s arrival hall—business-class return. They stood near the baggage carousel, waiting in quiet. Kyouko wore a beige coat over her slender frame, paired with a facemask and large black sunglasses—elegant, composed, discreet. Haruki stood beside her, hands in his pockets, keeping a casual distance. The bags arrived, and they each retrieved one. They began walking slowly toward the exit, the glass doors ahead revealing a cloudy Tokyo sky. "...Kyouko?" "Hmm?" she glanced up at him. "Wanna go straight home?" She tilted her head thoughtfully, then gave a soft reply. "I want to take a walk... but not with these," she gestured lightly to the suitcase in her hand. "We should go home first. Then maybe go out somewhere later." Haruki nodded. "Where do you want to go?" Kyouko smiled under her mask. "We’ll decide after we get home." He looked at her and smile. "Okay." They waited by the curb just outside the terminal, the quiet murmur of other passengers drifting around them. Haruki stood beside Kyouko, both watching the road in silence. A taxi pulled up. Haruki stepped forward first, loading their suitcases into the trunk as the driver opened the rear door. Kyouko slid in gracefully, adjusting her mask and coat before settling into the seat. Haruki followed a moment later, closing the door behind them with a soft thud. As the taxi pulled away from the airport, Kyouko reached out—her movement quiet, fluid—and wrapped her arm around Haruki’s. Then, gently, she leaned her head against his shoulder. Haruki didn’t say anything. The cityscape of Tokyo blurred past the window. Inside the car, everything was still. Their fingers interlocked between them. The taxi rolled to a soft stop outside the familiar gate of the Harusawa residence. Haruki stepped out first, paid the fare, then moved quickly to the trunk, unloading both their suitcases. Beside him, Kyouko quietly reached into her purse, fingers finding the slim silver remote. She clicked it. With a soft mechanical hum, the automated gate slid open. They stepped inside, dragging their luggage over the tiled driveway. The sound of their wheels echoed gently in the silence. Kyouko pressed the remote again. The gate rolled shut behind them, sealing them back into the life they had to pretend in. Her eyes drifted across the driveway. Only her car was parked there. And Haruki’s scooter. Inside her mind, a small note of relief: They’re not home. Satoshi... Satomi... probably still drowning in their business schemes. She exhaled quietly and reached back into her purse—this time for the alarm remote. A soft beep confirmed she’d disarmed it. Then her fingers found the house key. She slid it into the lock and pushed the door open. The air inside was still. Dim afternoon light filtered through the curtains. But the entryway was a mess—shoes scattered, mail left on the floor, one of Satomi’s heels tipped over near the wall. Haruki stepped in behind her and closed the door softly. Before she could move further, he reached around her waist and gently pulled her back against him. His arms wrapped tight. His lips pressed to her neck. Then up—toward her cheek. And finally to her lips. A slow, deep kiss. Kyouko closed her eyes, melting into it. When she pulled back, her voice was a breathless. "...We shouldn’t be too careless." She turned slightly in his arms, her hand resting on his chest. "At least let me check my room... and yours first. Just in case." Haruki’s brow furrowed slightly. "But their car’s not here," he whispered back. "Still..." she said gently, eyes calm, serious. "Let’s be careful." Smack. Haruki’s hand landed lightly on her butt. Kyouko gasped softly, spinning back toward him with wide eyes and a sharp hiss through her smile. "Haruki!" He grinned, completely carefree. "Don’t do that," she whispered, voice low but full of amusement. "What if they’re home?" "I don’t think so~," he murmured, still smiling playfully as he leaned closer, trying to steal another kiss. Kyouko narrowed her eyes, though the smile on her lips showed her affection. She gently pressed her hand against his chest, holding him back. "Seriously," she said. "Let me check first." He let out a small chuckle, raising both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright..." She turned, her heels softly clicking against the floor as she walked upstairs. After checking every room—doors, corners, even behind curtains—Kyouko finally descended the stairs. The house remained quiet. And there, sprawled comfortably on the long couch in the living room, was Haruki. One arm behind his head. Eyes half-lidded. She paused on the last step, watching him. "You tired, Haruki?" she asked softly. "Need coffee?" He looked over at her and smiled faintly. "Are you sure? We’re both tired from the flight, right? At least let’s rest a moment." Kyouko shook her head gently. "Don’t worry about it. I’ll make coffee for us." He closed his eyes and let out a breath. "Okay... thanks, honey." A beat of silence. Then— "Haruki..." she said, narrowing her eyes at him with a playful glare. He opened one eye slowly. "...Hmm?" "Don’t call me that here," she said in a light whisper. "What if you accidentally slip and say it when they’re home?" Haruki chuckled, hands still resting behind his head. "Okay... Kyouko-san~" he teased, dragging out the suffix. Kyouko rolled her eyes, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away. She turned toward the kitchen, her footsteps soft against the floor. "...Kyouko?" Haruki called from the couch, still lying down, eyes half-closed. "Hmm?" she answered softly, busy in the kitchen, the gentle clink of ceramic and the sound of water filling the air. "There’s an event I’ll need to attend soon," he said, his tone casual. "A Fujiwara exclusive dinner." Kyouko glanced toward him. "And?" Haruki shifted slightly, head resting against the armrest as he looked at her. "Do you want to accompany me?" he asked. "You know... be my partner there." Kyouko paused, her fingers still wrapped around the coffee pot handle. She turned slowly, offering a small smile. "Haruki..." she said gently. "I don’t think I can." She placed the cups on the tray, her voice calm but sincere. "Besides... what would your father-in-law think?" she added with a soft, teasing lilt. "If I suddenly appeared at a big event like that... but not with him?" Haruki blinked, then exhaled with a dry smile. "You should bring Satomi instead," Kyouko said, her tone warm but measured as she brought the tray to the table. She knelt down to place the cups carefully in front of him. Haruki looked up at her, his voice quieter now. "I don’t want to bring Satomi." Kyouko met his gaze—but didn’t answer right away. With her usual soft grace, she sat beside him on the edge of the couch—quiet, close. ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 174: Between Caution and Desire ( 174 )

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