Chapter 35: Behind the Smile ( 35 )

Chapter 35 - Behind the Smile ( 35 ) Once they reached the cozy café just around the corner, Haruki opened the door for her like a gentleman. The scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries enveloped them the moment they stepped inside. Kyouko picked a corner seat near the window, the perfect spot to enjoy the city view while staying somewhat hidden. She adjusted her mask and glanced through the menu before placing an order—nothing too heavy, just something to pass the time. Haruki turned to her. "Kyouko-san, I'm going to my office now. You can wait for me here, alright?" She leaned back in her seat, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she replied in a soft, teasing tone, "Okay~ darling~" Haruki paused, blinked, and then smirked. "You're really going to call me that in public?" Kyouko tilted her head slightly, a sly smile forming under her mask. "Only when no one can hear." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, clearly flustered but enjoying every moment. "I'll be back as soon as I can." "I'll be waiting," she said sweetly, her eyes lingering on him as he turned and walked out. Kyouko watched his figure disappear through the door. Then she sighed softly, her fingers wrapping around her cup. Darling, huh? She never thought she'd say that to anyone but her husband. And yet... it had slipped out so naturally. The waiter brought over the coffee and a lovely plate of cakes, placing them gently on her table. Kyouko offered a polite nod, then slowly pulled down her mask, folding it neatly and slipping it into her bag. She lifted the cup, inhaling the rich aroma, and took a slow sip. Just as she set the cup down, a voice interrupted her peace. "Excuse me, beautiful~ Are you alone?" Kyouko glanced up. A young man, probably around Haruki's age, stood beside her table with a confident smile that she had seen too many times before. She offered a calm smile and shook her head. "I'm with someone." "Oh? You're alone here though. How about I accompany you?" He pulled the chair across from her slightly, leaning in a bit too close. Kyouko sighed inwardly, then looked up with a polite, practiced smile. "I'm sorry, but I'm waiting for my boyfriend." "Aw, don't be like that," the man laughed softly, brushing his fingers through his styled hair. "We could have fun, just the two of us. I'll take care of you, don't worry." She tilted her head, her voice calm but cool. "My boyfriend will be here any minute." "Boyfriend? Where is he then? Sounds like an excuse." Kyouko leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You might not know him. But my Haruki also has money. He's not some random guy with flashy words." The man blinked. "Haruki?" "Yes. Nakagawa Haruki. I believe he works in this building." The smile on the man's face faded. He stepped back slightly, clearly recognizing the name. Kyouko picked up her fork and casually took a bite of the cake, as if the interruption had been nothing more than a passing breeze. "So if you please... find another woman to flirt with." Her voice remained polite but firm—leaving no room for misinterpretation. The man glanced at his watch. "Right... I have a meeting anyway. I'll see you around, gorgeous." And just like that, he turned and walked away. Kyouko didn't say anything more. She simply picked up her coffee again, sipped it gently, and watched the man exit the café through the glass window. She sighed softly, setting the cup down with a faint clink. "What would Haruki say if he saw that?" The thought lingered longer than she expected. Would he be annoyed? Jealous? Knowing Haruki, he'd probably smile at first—then casually wrap an arm around her waist, letting the other man see who she really belonged to. Kyouko smirked to herself at the idea. But then, a more serious thought crossed her mind. He's not even officially mine. But the way I said "my Haruki"... it just slipped out. So naturally. So... honestly. She ran her fingers along the rim of her coffee cup, her gaze distant. It was strange—this feeling, this sense of belonging that wasn't supposed to exist. She'd been a good wife. For over twenty years, she had been faithful, patient, understanding... and yet... Here she was, waiting for her handsome son-in-law in a café—not for her husband. Kyouko chuckled to herself. Boyfriend? Haruki... my son-in-law. My daughter's husband. But then again... boy and friend. The label wasn't entirely wrong. She lifted her cup, hiding a small smile behind the rim as she took another sip. "Boyfriend, huh...?" she mused in her head, a teasing glint in her eyes. The warmth from the coffee wasn't just from the drink—it radiated from the memory of Haruki's lips, the way his hand rested on her waist that morning, the way he looked at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world. She shook her head lightly and placed the cup back down. Dangerous thoughts, Kyouko... She picked up her phone, scrolling aimlessly as the café began to grow livelier. The sounds of clinking utensils, dragging chairs, and casual chatter filled the room. Lunch hour. More customers were trickling in. Just then, she caught a glimpse through the large café window. Haruki. He was walking confidently through the plaza outside, documents in one hand and the other casually tucked in his pocket. And around him... two—no, three girls. They were laughing, chatting, clearly trying to keep up with him. One of them lightly touched his shoulder, while another leaned in a little too close. Kyouko froze. That look—she knew it well. The playful, flirty look of women hoping to catch a man's interest. She had seen it countless times when she was younger. And now... she was watching it unfold right in front of her. A strange feeling swirled in her chest. Not quite anger. Not jealousy either... but something close. A tightness. A twinge. A slow but steady little fire. Why did it bother her? Wasn't she the one who had told him not to touch her in public? Wasn't she the one who worried about what people would think if they acted too closely? But seeing those girls casually touch him and laugh beside him felt different. Her chest rose with a quiet breath. She looked away and took another sip of her coffee. The warmth did nothing to settle the stir inside her. He's not mine... but I don't want to share him either. Not like this. Kyouko stood with quiet grace, She adjusted her posture, ran her hand lightly along her wrist, and began walking—slow, confident steps—toward Haruki and the girls. "Hello~" she said sweetly, her voice soft but as clear as crystal. Haruki turned, surprised. The three girls turned too—and one of them froze instantly. The gitl standing before them looked like she had just stepped out of a luxury magazine—young, sexy, stylish... and far too stunning to be ignored. "W-who is she?" one of the girls whispered to Haruki. Haruki opened his mouth, unsure. "This is Kyouko—" "His girlfriend," Kyouko interjected with a bright smile, her tone innocent and almost teasing. "Girlfriend?!" the girl who had been flirting the most scoffed. "But... you're married, Haruki!" Another girl chimed in, "Yeah! To that woman—what's her name again? Satomi?" Haruki's lips parted, trying to form an excuse, but nothing came out. Kyouko tilted her head and stepped a little closer to Haruki, placing her hand gently on his arm. "Don't worry, girls," she said sweetly. "Satomi knows about us already. She even gave me permission to accompany him today. We're quite open with each other." The girls were speechless, their expressions a mix of confusion and disappointment. With a final, graceful smile, Kyouko added, "Now, if you'll excuse us, my boyfriend and I have a full day ahead of us." She turned to Haruki. "Shall we, darling?" Haruki, caught between awe and admiration, nodded with a small, amused smile. "Sure... darling." He watched as she gracefully walked away, and after a moment, he followed, leaving the stunned girls behind them. ( End Of Chapter )