Chapter 245: Fading Comforts ( 245 )

Words : 1096 Updated : Oct 7th, 2025

Chapter 245: Fading Comforts ( 245 ) Kyouko stood just outside the apartment lobby. The morning breeze tugged softly at her hair as the sunlight poured over her, gentle and golden. She watched as Haruki stepped into the waiting taxi. Her hand lifted in a small wave. And her smile. Pure. Serene. The kind of smile that didn’t ask for anything... Just gave warmth. Naturally. Haruki turned his head from inside the taxi. And the moment his eyes met hers through the glass, his heart fluttered. She looked so beautiful. Bathed in sunlight. That soft dress fluttering slightly at her knees. Her long ponytail catching the morning light. Her skin glowing, untouched, natural. No heavy makeup. No pose. No forced expression. Just her. Smiling at him. As if saying—"Go ahead. I’ll be here when you return." Inside Haruki’s chest. A quiet ache. A soft joy. I’m so damn lucky. He smiled. And gently raised his hand through the window, mirroring her wave. The taxi began to pull away, but his eyes lingered. Even as the distance grew. She really is my home now. Kyouko stood on the pavement, watching the taxi disappear down the street. Her hand slowly lowered. She smiled to herself. A soft, private smile. Then turned around and walked back toward the apartment entrance. The morning sun continued to warm her shoulders as she passed through the glass doors. "Good morning," she said gently, bowing her head to the uniformed security guard. "Good morning, ma’am," he replied with respectful politeness, slightly surprised by her grace. Kyouko made her way to the elevator and pressed the button. The panel lit up with a soft chime. As she waited, a small group of young women gathered nearby—chatting, laughing softly among themselves, dressed in fashionable attire. Kyouko stood quietly beside them, hands folded neatly in front of her. Despite being nearly twice their age, her youthful glow and elegance blended her seamlessly into the space. One of the girls glanced at her, then nudged her friend gently. They lowered their voices a little, surprised by Kyouko’s presence. Kyouko noticed the glance. She gave them a smile. And a soft nod. Graceful. Effortless. The elevator doors opened with a soft chime. Kyouko stepped in, giving space for the others to enter as well. Meanwhile, at the Harusawa residence. Satoshi woke up late. The sunlight that poured through the half-drawn curtains felt dull and dry, making the room appear more lifeless than warm. Beside him, Satomi was still asleep. Sheets tangled around her bare legs, her long hair splayed across the pillow. Last night had been... satisfying, for him at least. He’d gotten what he wanted. Taken what he claimed. But now, in the morning light. Everything felt different again. Satoshi slowly sat up, the ache in his lower back reminding him of his age. He rubbed his neck, then stood. Careful not to wake Satomi. He stepped over discarded clothes, lingerie, and empty water bottles. The room was a mess. No, the entire house was a mess. He made his way into the bathroom. The door slightly ajar, the air stale. The sink was cluttered with makeup wipes, half-squeezed toothpaste, and two of his razors knocked to the floor. Dirty clothes were piled in the corner. He sighed. He had asked Satomi to at least clean up her things. Or help manage the laundry, the clutter... something. But her answer had been simple: "We should just hire a maid, Papa. This isn’t my job." No matter how he hinted or asked. No matter how he hinted or asked. She didn’t lift a finger. He turned on the faucet, splashing cold water onto his face. Looking up into the mirror, he stared at his reflection. Unshaven, slightly bloated, eyes tired. This house... It was no longer a home. Not since Kyouko left. The kitchen was cold. The fridge nearly empty. No smell of warm breakfast or brewed tea anymore. No tidied laundry. No organized shelves. No Kyouko. Satoshi dried his face and stepped back into the hallway, glancing toward the once-pristine dining room. Now it was dusty, cluttered with unopened mail, bags, and random things Satomi had dropped and never picked up. A home that once held elegance and order. Now just hollow walls and silence. Satoshi walked back to the bedroom. Where Satomi, still naked beneath the sheets, shifted slightly in sleep. Satoshi sat on the edge of the bed, glancing at his phone. Unread messages. A few calls he ignored. He scrolled absently, then paused. Yeah... maybe I should just hire a maid. It wasn’t about the mess anymore. It was about her. Satomi. He’d do anything to keep her comfortable. If she didn’t want to clean—fine. If she didn’t want to cook—fine. He’d take care of it all. He had money. He had influence. All she had to do was stay close. Behind him, the sheets rustled. "Morning, Papa~" Her voice came soft and lazy, paired with a light stretch that made the blanket slide off her shoulder. Satoshi turned to her with a smile. "Morning, darling~" He reached out and stroked her hair gently. "Wanna head out to eat? Something light? Maybe that new place at the tower?" "Mm~ okay." She yawned and turned over, burying her face into his pillow, completely unbothered. Satoshi chuckled. He stood up, already reaching for his clothes. She was spoiled. Bratty, sometimes. But she was his. And he was fine with that. As long as she stayed his. He’d give her everything. "Wake up, darling," Satoshi said gently, buttoning up his shirt. "We’ve got a meeting with our client this evening. Don’t take too long." "Mm... I know, Papa~" Satomi’s voice was playful and lazy as she slowly sat up, the blanket sliding off her bare shoulders. She leaned forward—arms wrapping around him from behind, resting her chin on his shoulder. Her skin still warm from sleep, her breath soft against his neck. "Papa~" she cooed. "Since our company’s doing so well now..." She trailed her fingers lightly down his chest through the shirt. "...don’t you think we deserve a vacation?" Satoshi chuckled, reaching up to touch her hand. "That’s a good idea." He turned slightly, looking back at her. "If there’s anywhere you want to go—just say it." Satomi grinned. "Mm... I’ll think about it later~" She kissed the side of his neck and stood, stretching casually. Unbothered. Entitled. This was her world now. The company under her name. The house under her feet. And the man she once called "Father"—now completely hers. ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 245: Fading Comforts ( 245 )

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