Chapter 180: A Moment of Happiness ( 180 )

Words : 1158 Updated : Oct 1st, 2025

Chapter 180: A Moment of Happiness ( 180 ) The boutique was quiet and refined—mirrors tall, lighting soft, the scent of delicate fabric and wood polish in the air. Kyouko stepped out of the fitting room, wearing a sleek black dress that hugged her waist. She turned slightly, hands brushing her hips, then looked at Haruki. He sat relaxed on the velvet bench, arms crossed, one brow raised. "What do you think of this, Haruki?" she asked with a shy smile. Haruki tilted his head, eyes moving over her slowly. "Hmm... good." A pause. "But not perfect." Kyouko pouted gently, then laughed. "You’re so strict." She disappeared behind the curtain again. Moments later, she stepped out in a lighter, champagne-colored piece—simple, soft, with a flow near the legs. "How about this one?" Haruki glanced up again. "Too casual." Kyouko sighed, then smiled again—enjoying the process more than she let on. Each time she came out, she watched his face carefully. Not just to hear his answer—but to feel it. That silent approval. That warm gaze that lingered a second too long. The way he looked at her when she wore something only he would see past the fabric. She disappeared again, the soft rustle of hangers following her. Behind the curtain, she whispered to herself with a little grin. If I find the one he loves... maybe I’ll wear it just for him later too. "How about this one?" Kyouko asked as she stepped out of the fitting room, turning slightly in front of the mirror. The dress shimmered subtly under the boutique lights—elegant, tasteful, with a deep neckline and soft flow that traced every gentle movement she made. Haruki looked up—and didn’t speak for a moment. His breath caught. "...Perfect," he said finally, quietly stunned. Kyouko smiled, pleased. "Okay. This one then~" She turned and slipped back into the fitting room to change. While she was inside, Haruki stood, walked to the counter, and spoke to the boutique staff in a low voice. "Please pack all the ones she tried on. Including the last one." The staff nodded with a smile. He pulled out his card and paid. By the time Kyouko came out—dressed again in her own clothes, holding the selected dress in her arms—she paused at the counter. The staff handed her a set of elegant bags. "All set, ma’am. Everything’s paid for." She blinked. "...Eh?" She looked back at Haruki, surprised. "Haruki!! All of these were expensive—we came here just to buy one dress for the dinner event!" she said, clearly flustered. "You should save your money!" Haruki only smiled as he adjusted the bag in his hand. "My salary hasn’t been touched in I don’t know how long," he said casually. "Satomi makes her own money and never asked what I earn." He looked at Kyouko softly. "So why not spend it on you?" Kyouko’s lips parted. "Haruki..." She didn’t finish the sentence. She couldn’t. She just looked at him—heart warm, cheeks faintly red—and quietly held the bag closer to her chest. As they stepped out of the boutique, the gentle breeze stirred Kyouko’s hair. She walked beside Haruki, the boutique bags in hand, her steps light and almost playful now. Then she leaned in—just enough that her lips nearly brushed his ear—and whispered with a quiet smile, "I know you’re after something... naughty boy~" Haruki chuckled under his breath, turning his head slightly to glance at her. "Oh~ you read me," he replied with a sly smile. Their eyes met for a second. Kyouko stepped a little closer and gently wrapped her hand around Haruki’s arm. Haruki blinked, eyes widening slightly at the sudden contact. "...Kyouko..." "What?" she asked with a smile, tilting her head sweetly as if nothing were unusual. "If your husband saw this..." She gave a soft hum, brushing her cheek lightly against his shoulder as they walked. "So? They’re the ones who want us to be ’friends,’ right?" Haruki fell silent. She felt his hesitation—but didn’t let go. She gave his arm a gentle tug and kept walking, pulling him along with her like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Don’t think so much about what they’d say," she said softly. Then her voice lowered, teasing. "Or maybe... you’re shy? Walking around with an older woman like me?" Haruki looked at her—half amused, half in awe. He chuckled under his breath. "Are you sure about this?" "Yes~" she whispered, eyes forward. "If anyone asks, I can come up with an excuse later." She leaned in closer. "For now... just enjoy your girl." Inside, Haruki was stunned. He didn’t expect her to do that. Of course... he wanted it. How could he ever refuse? To walk beside Kyouko like this—openly, no hiding—like she was truly his... It was something he always dreamed of, but never thought he’d have. A beautiful woman. The one he loved, the one he worshiped. Walking with him like a real lover in the daylight. Without hesitation, Haruki reached down—gently but firmly—and pulled his arm free from her hand. Kyouko blinked, her eyes wide in surprise. But before she could speak, he stepped closer. And slid his arm around her waist. Kyouko gasped softly. Then smiled. The kind of smile that only bloomed when she was truly happy. She leaned into him—closer than before, her body lightly brushing his side. They kept walking like that. Together. Like two people in love. Even if no one else in the world could know. Even if it could only be for now. To them, in that moment— It felt real. As they walked side by side, Haruki leaned in, his voice low and close to her ear. "We’re going on a real date today..." He smiled faintly. "And we stop by a hotel~" Kyouko’s eyes flicked toward him, amused. "Naughty boy~" she whispered, her voice airy with laughter. "Nope... no hotel~" Haruki raised a brow, pretending to pout. But Kyouko leaned in just a little closer, her tone quieter now—deeper. "If you want..." she said sweetly, "you can ravish me as hard as you want when we get home." Her eyes glinted softly. "At our house." Haruki’s breath hitched. "Mm... I like that," Haruki murmured back, his arm still wrapped around her waist. They walked hand in hand through the city, fingers intertwined like any couple in love. No rush. No hiding. For the first time in a long while, they simply enjoyed the world together—openly. Haruki brought her to quiet spots across Tokyo. Places he knew she might like. A garden tucked between modern towers. A quiet street filled with antiques. A rooftop café where the breeze was soft and the tea came in delicate porcelain. They had lunch together. Side by side. No one watching. No one judging. And Kyouko smiled. She smiled in that rare way she only ever did with him. Not polite. Not careful. But purely... happily. ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 180: A Moment of Happiness ( 180 )

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