Chapter 238: Small Steps, Big Dreams ( 238 )

Words : 1172 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

Chapter 238: Small Steps, Big Dreams ( 238 ) They arrived at the car dealership just past noon. The glass doors slid open as Haruki and Kyouko stepped inside, hand in hand. Haruki gave a polite nod to one of the suited staff near the entrance— And subtly signaled the manager not to say anything unnecessary about him. This branch, after all, was part of Yamashita Corporation. The manager, recognizing Haruki instantly, gave the slightest bow of understanding—then stepped back to allow them space. Kyouko didn’t notice. Her eyes were already wandering the sleek showroom—curious, quietly fascinated. Rows of polished cars glistened under the ceiling lights, each one spotless and inviting. She walked slowly, her soft steps echoing faintly on the clean tile floor. Haruki followed a few steps behind, smiling at how her eyes sparkled as she examined everything— Like a child in a candy store, but with the grace of a woman who carried herself like nobility. "Which one do you think is good?" he asked. Kyouko paused, hands behind her back, then looked over her shoulder with a thoughtful smile. "Hmm... I don’t know. There’s a lot of choice..." Her eyes scanned the floor again. "But... let’s not rush into anything, okay?" Haruki chuckled quietly, stepping closer. "Of course. We’ll pick what feels right." Haruki leaned in a little and whispered to Kyouko. "I’m going to borrow the toilet here for a moment. You go ahead and look around—see which one feels best for us, okay?" Kyouko smiled and gave a small nod. "Mm~ okay, Haruki." She turned and wandered deeper into the showroom, admiring a white sedan by the far corner. Haruki walked calmly toward the front counter, where the manager stood waiting near the reception. "Excuse me," Haruki said, wearing a polite smile, his voice low. "Where’s the toilet?" But his subtle hand signal beneath the counter said something else entirely. The manager straightened. "Ah. Of course, sir. Please follow me." They walked past a set of frosted glass doors and into the back office hallway. The manager opened his personal office door, quietly closing it behind them. Haruki glanced at the desk. "Let me use the phone. I need to make a quick call." The manager nodded without hesitation. "Yes, Mr. Nakagawa." Meanwhile, Kyouko continued strolling gently between the display cars. Her fingers lightly brushed the edge of a black compact SUV before she paused in front of a pearl-white hybrid sedan. Clean lines, smooth curves—quiet, refined. She tilted her head thoughtfully. A young saleswoman approached with a polite bow. "Good afternoon, ma’am. If you have any questions about the models, I’d be happy to assist you." Kyouko turned, offering a soft, graceful smile. "Mm... thank you. I’m just looking for now." The girl smiled back, clearly put at ease by Kyouko’s gentle tone. "Well, this one here is our newest hybrid. Very fuel-efficient, and it’s one of our quieter models. A good balance of comfort and daily practicality." Kyouko nodded, folding her hands neatly in front of her. "Quiet sounds good... Haruki works from home a lot. We’re not planning long commutes, just something reliable." The saleswoman’s eyes sparkled. "Then this may be a perfect fit. Would you like to step inside and feel the interior?" Kyouko smiled again. She gently opened the driver-side door and slid inside, moving with quiet elegance even in the simplest gesture. Comfortable. Simple. She glanced at the mirror and smiled faintly to herself. Then—she noticed movement in the corner of the window. She turned slightly— And saw Haruki walking toward her. He looked relaxed, casual, smiling softly. Kyouko smiled from inside the car, eyes meeting his as he approached. Haruki leaned slightly toward the open door. "Did you finish your business in the toilet?" she asked with a playful tone. Haruki chuckled. "Yeah... took care of it." He gave her a quick glance, then looked around the vehicle. "So... did anything catch your eye?" Kyouko gestured gently toward the car she was in. "How about this one?" Haruki tilted his head. "This one?" "It’s a family car," she said softly, "not too expensive... and it feels comfortable. Simple. Quiet." Haruki stepped back a little, giving it a once-over. "...Looks good." He looked back at her, watching the way she sat in the car—relaxed, elegant, completely at ease. He smiled. "Maybe this one is the right fit." Kyouko smiled as she looked up at Haruki from the driver’s seat. "But... it might take time to actually get it," she said softly. "There’s still paperwork, registration... and the parking certificate." She gave a small, knowing smile. "And since we’re living in a temporary apartment right now, it might get complicated." Haruki leaned an arm on the open door, listening. "So..." she continued, "how about we just rent for now?" Haruki blinked. "Rent?" Kyouko nodded, her tone practical but gentle. "It’ll save time. We don’t need to rush into ownership yet. Once we move somewhere more permanent, we can buy properly." She smiled again, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It takes weeks to get the parking approval anyway... might as well do it properly." Haruki looked at her for a moment, then chuckled under his breath. "You really think of everything." Kyouko just smiled again, modest and calm. "Someone has to, right?" Haruki looked at the car thoughtfully, then turned back to Kyouko. "Then how about I ask the company to provide one for me?" Kyouko glanced at him, her expression calm but slightly curious. "Are you sure?" she asked softly. Haruki smiled. "I can try. They’ve offered that kind of support before—especially since I work directly under Yamashita-san. It’s not unusual." Kyouko tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Wouldn’t it be too much?" He shook his head. "Not if I frame it as mobility support after the accident. Just until we settle down somewhere." She was quiet for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Mm... if that’s the case, then it’s okay." Haruki smiled, watching her face. "You’re always thinking about the details." Kyouko smiled back gently. "Well... now that we’re living together, everything you do affects me too." Haruki smiled at her words. Then leaned a little closer. "At least... the one you’re eyeing," he said softly. "Let’s get it." Kyouko blinked, slightly surprised. "We’ll place the order. Wait patiently. And in the meantime..." He brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers before leaning in just a little more. "...we can use a rental car while we wait." Kyouko was about to respond when she felt his breath near her ear. He whispered. "By that time... I’m sure your waiting period is also coming to an end." She froze for a moment, then turned her head sharply—blushing as she met his sly grin. "Haruki..." He grinned wider. "You know what that means." Kyouko narrowed her eyes, pretending to scold him—but her lips were already curling into a smile. "You’re really impossible." "And you’re mine soon," he whispered again, eyes soft but burning. ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 238: Small Steps, Big Dreams ( 238 )

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