Chapter 34: The Subtle Push ( 34 )

Chapter 34 - The Subtle Push ( 34 ) Kyouko headed downstairs, her chosen outfit flowing with each step—casual yet flattering enough to draw a second look. She adjusted the sleeves lightly as she turned the corner into the living room. Haruki was already there, leaning against the table with a cup of coffee in hand. When he saw her, he straightened up, the warm look in his eyes instantly softening into something deeper. Without a word, he slowly walked over and slipped his arms around her waist from the side, gently pulling her closer. "You look beautiful," he murmured, his voice low and sincere. Kyouko blinked, her lips parting slightly—not from surprise, but from how natural it felt now, how easily his touch settled on her. Haruki reached for her hand, lifting it with a tender grip before kissing the back of her fingers slowly and deliberately. A warm flutter rose in her chest. She tried to respond casually, but her breath caught just a bit. "You're saying that because I'm the only woman around," she teased softly. Haruki grinned. "No. I'm saying it because it's true. And because I want to kiss you again." She smiled, brushing her fingertips against his cheek. "You already got your kiss this morning, remember?" "I want more," he said, half-teasing, half-serious. Kyouko laughed softly, easing her body into his chest just for a moment before stepping back. "Let's behave. At least for now, okay?" Haruki let out a light laugh, his thumb brushing her cheek. "Yeah. Of course. I guess I'll just have to wait until we're back home, huh?" Kyouko smiled softly, her hand resting over his heart for just a moment. Then she stepped back and turned toward the door. Kyouko felt the warmth of Haruki's arms around her waist, his touch lingering a little bolder than before. It was different now. He didn't hesitate anymore. And she knew why. It was her. She had been the one who allowed it all—from the subtle, harmless touches to the way their lips had met with deep, unspoken hunger. She had opened that door. Not all at once, but little by little, until here they were... and now, she wasn't sure how to close it. Even if she wanted to refuse him now, could she? She didn't want Haruki to feel awkward or rejected. She didn't want him to stop looking at her the way he did. Kyouko reached up, her fingers brushing along his jawline. "Let's go to your office," she said gently, offering him a small smile. "And later... we'll decide what to do." Her thumb traced his chin, and she leaned in just enough—close enough to feel his breath, her lips hovering near his. Haruki froze, waiting. But she just smiled, pulling back a little, teasing. "Naughty boy~" she said with a wink. Haruki narrowed his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "You're dangerous, Kyouko-san." She giggled softly. "And you're too easy." Kyouko reached for the keys on the counter and held them out. "You drive. I don't know where your office is." Haruki took the keys with a small nod and a soft smile. "Okay." They stepped outside, and the morning sun warmed the quiet street. The silence between them wasn't awkward—it was comfortable, filled with an unspoken understanding. Haruki unlocked the car, and Kyouko slid into the passenger seat. He got in beside her and started the engine. The car hummed to life, and Haruki backed out of the driveway. As he drove, Kyouko stared out the window. As the car pulled away from the house, her mind wandered. This wouldn't have happened... if it weren't for her. If she had kept her distance. If she hadn't let him hold her. If she hadn't smiled when he looked at her that way. If she hadn't returned the kiss. None of this would've happened. They could have remained as they were meant to be—just mother-in-law and son-in-law. Nothing more. No confusing emotions. No stolen glances. No kisses that still tingled on her lips. But she had allowed it. And the scariest part? She wasn't sure if she wanted it to stop. Her fingers nervously fidgeted in her lap as she stole a glance at Haruki—handsome, young... and so incredibly attractive. He was her daughter's husband. Her Satomi's partner. He should have been the last person on her mind when it came to romantic thoughts. And yet... here she was. Watching him drive—so at ease, so confident. Kyouko swallowed hard. She was scared—scared of how easy it would be to fall further. Because if they kept going... if this didn't stop... sooner or later, they would reach a point of no return. A line that shouldn't be crossed. A line that could never be uncrossed. And once they did... once they broke that boundary... She turned her face to the window again, exhaling quietly. There were no tears, just the dry heat of anxiety. It would change everything. She knew that. Once they arrived, Haruki pulled into the parking lot of a tall glass building surrounded by open space and neatly parked cars. Morning light reflected off the building's surface, and a few people in business attire walked briskly toward the entrance. "Kyouko-san?" Haruki glanced at her, his hand resting on the key. "Hmm?" "Want to come in with me?" Kyouko looked around, her fingers brushing her lap. "Ah... you're not running late, right?" "About thirty minutes... maybe a bit more. I'll be fine." "Is there a café around here?" "Yeah. Let me show you. You can wait for me there—it's quiet." "Okay~" Kyouko smiled and reached into her handbag, pulling out a face mask and slipping it on over her mouth. The moment she adjusted it, Haruki quickly stepped out of the car and opened her door for her like a true gentleman. Kyouko stepped out gracefully, and as she turned to thank him, Haruki's hand instinctively reached out to take hers. But before their fingers could meet, Kyouko gently pulled hers back and leaned in, whispering behind her mask with a teasing smile in her eyes, "Most of your coworkers know Satomi, right?" Haruki blinked. "Some... why?" "Then we shouldn't hold hands here," she whispered, her voice light but firm. Haruki scratched the back of his head, suddenly self-aware. "Oh... crap. I forgot." Kyouko giggled softly and then turned her gaze toward the building entrance. "Let's go, big boy. Show me this café of yours." Haruki and Kyouko walked together, her arm brushing against his occasionally in a way that felt almost too natural. As they strolled side by side through the polished lobby, their steps naturally matched each other's pace. The way they talked—soft laughter, teasing remarks, subtle glances—it was obvious to anyone watching: they looked like a couple completely in sync. Haruki leaned slightly closer as he spoke about one of his coworkers, and Kyouko chuckled, brushing imaginary lint off his sleeve. But just as they approached the elevator, Kyouko leaned in, her voice a soft whisper behind her mask. "We shouldn't be too intimate in public," she murmured. "I don't want to cause any trouble for you... if someone recognizes me or puts things together." Haruki suddenly grew quiet. Noticing his silence, Kyouko glanced up at him with a small sigh. She reached out and gently placed her hand on his arm, her fingers brushing against his skin through the fabric. "We can still be romantic at home, okay?" she said warmly. "No need to sulk like that." She leaned in a little closer, her voice turning playful. "Or maybe... we should stop kissing at home and instead hold hands in public? Hmm~?" Haruki looked down at her, a smile tugging at his lips. "That's evil, Kyouko-san." She giggled behind her mask. "I know. But I have to keep you in line somehow." ( End Of Chapter )