Chapter 298: Back to Each Other ( 298 )

Words : 1156 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 298: Back to Each Other ( 298 ) The ringtone cut through the quiet of the room. Kyouko turned, spotting her phone resting where she had left it beside the apron. When she saw the name flashing on the screen, her heart skipped. Kitayama. Her father. For a moment, she hesitated, fingers hovering above the phone before finally answering. "Hello... Father?" Her voice was soft, respectful, almost nervous. "Kyouko!" His deep voice came, steady and commanding as always. "I’m with Haruki now. I’m going to bring my grandson to my house." Her eyes widened. "Eh? But..." "No buts." Kitayama’s tone left no room for argument. "You’ve promised that you sent him to my house once a month. And your mother is here with me too. She wants to see him." Kyouko pressed her lips together, torn between obedience and hesitation. Her father’s word was absolute. Yet, as a mother, her heart still tugged anxiously at the thought of being separated, even for a short while. "Father..." she began softly, but stopped, unable to voice the protest in her heart. On the other side, Kitayama’s tone softened just slightly. "Don’t worry. He’s my grandson. Nothing will happen." Kyouko exhaled slowly, her fingers brushing her dress where it fell over her chest. Her father’s presence. Firm, commanding, yet protective was something she could never resist. "...Alright, Father," she whispered, yielding at last. "Good," Kitayama said firmly. Then Kyouko heard a soft shuffle, and another familiar voice came through the receiver. "Ah, Kyouko-chan~" Her heart skipped. "...Mother." Hanako’s voice was cheerful, teasing as always. "We’re going to bring Itsuki to our house tonight. You can come fetch him tomorrow, alright?" Kyouko hesitated, fingers tightening around the phone. "Umm... okay." "Good girl," Hanako laughed gently, then lowered her tone, playful and knowing. "Then enjoy your time with Haruki tonight~" Kyouko’s face flushed hot. "M...Mother!" On the other end, Hanako chuckled softly, clearly enjoying her daughter’s reaction. "Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean." "Mother... please," Kyouko whispered, glancing at the crib where Hinano still slept peacefully. "Alright, alright. We’ll see you tomorrow." Hanako’s voice turned warm again before the line clicked off, leaving Kyouko staring at her phone, her cheeks still burning. Kyouko quickly dialed Haruki’s number, her heart still unsettled from the earlier call. The line connected almost instantly. "Haruki!" she blurted out, unable to hide the nervous tremor in her voice. On the other side, Haruki’s gentle chuckle flowed through. "Ahaha... I couldn’t do anything. It’s your father we’re talking about," he whispered softly, his tone both amused and reassuring. Kyouko bit her lip, trying to calm herself, but Haruki’s voice soothed her. "Besides," he continued, "Father mentioned he had already promised to bring Itsuki over to their house. You must have forgotten, right? By the time I arrived, they were already here, playing with Itsuki, spoiling him, treating him like a little prince." Haruki’s chuckle came again, low and fond. Kyouko exhaled, pressing a hand to her cheek. "So that’s how it was..." she murmured, her voice softer now. "Don’t worry," Haruki said gently. "He’s in good hands. We’ll pick him up tomorrow." Kyouko closed her eyes, her lips curving into a small, tender smile. "...Alright." Once the phone call ended, Kyouko lowered the phone slowly onto the table. Her eyes lingered on the black screen as her voice escaped in a whisper. "I... I forgot about the promise." She pressed her hands together, fingers tightening. "How careless of me." Her chest rose and fell with a quiet sigh, a trace of unease crossing her face. The memories of her father’s strictness in the past stirred within her. The firm voice, the way his words left no room for excuses. "Now Father is strict again..." she murmured, lowering her gaze. Just like before. For a moment, she stood there in silence, her heart restless. Then, gently, she shook her head, her long hair swaying against her shoulders. "...But he’s still my father. And he’s happy holding his grandson. That’s all that matters." Her lips curved faintly, though her chest still ached with nervous warmth. Since Itsuki would be spending the night at her parents’ house, Kyouko let out a soft breath and smiled faintly to herself. I think I’m going to cook something special for Haruki. The thought alone warmed her chest. She turned toward the kitchen, tying her apron neatly around her waist. Since he loves meat, I’ll make his favorite dish. Something hearty, something that will make him smile the moment he smells it. Opening the refrigerator, she began taking out the cuts she had carefully chosen. "And coffee too..." she murmured softly, setting aside the beans and the small jar of honey. "The way he likes it. Super strong, bitter, without sugar... but with honey and goat milk." Her smile deepened as she ground the beans, the rich scent filling the air. Every detail mattered. The seasoning, the balance of flavors, the warmth of the cup that would sit waiting for him. As Kyouko prepared the meat, trimming and seasoning it with delicate care, a tender memory surfaced. For years now, no matter what she set before him, Haruki never left a single grain of rice, a single shred of vegetable, nor even a drop of soup in his bowl. His plates were always polished clean, as though his appetite had been waiting only for her hands to cook. She placed the lid gently over the pot, letting the flavors blend while she set the table with quiet grace. The chopsticks aligned perfectly, the bowls warm to the touch. Kyouko then heard the familiar hum of a car engine outside. Her heart skipped. Haruki. She quickly turned off the stove, making sure the pot was settled and the flame extinguished. The lids were in place, everything safe and waiting. She moved quietly, her apron swaying softly as she crossed the living room and slipped into the bedroom. Hinano was still sleeping soundly in her crib, her tiny chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. Kyouko leaned over for a moment, brushing her baby’s cheek with the back of her finger before pulling away with a soft smile. At the mirror, she carefully adjusted her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear. She slipped her feet into her cute fluffy slippers, the kind Haruki always teased her about, yet adored seeing her wear. Then she walked slowly toward the front door, each step unhurried, graceful. She opened it just as Haruki stepped out of the car, his tall frame catching the last glow of the sunset. The sight of his handsome face made her lips curve into another smile. Pure, warm, welcoming. "Welcome home, darling," she said softly, her voice carrying that gentle warmth that always belonged to him. Haruki’s eyes softened the moment he saw her. He smiled back, his expression filled with affection. "I’m home... honey." ( End Of Chapter )

Chapter 298: Back to Each Other ( 298 )

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