Chapter 4: Lingering Glances ( 4 )

Chapter 4 - Lingering Glances ( 4 ) Haruki stopped in front of the tall iron gates, gripping the strap of his bag as he exhaled slowly. It felt strange standing there. The house beyond the gates was massive—elegant and imposing. It was a far cry from the cramped apartment he and Satomi once called home. He had never really thought of this place as his. No matter how many times Satomi insisted otherwise, it still felt like he was stepping into someone else's world. He pressed the doorbell. Ting tong~ A faint crackle came from the intercom, then a voice said, "Who is it?" Haruki cleared his throat. "Ah... it's me. Haruki." A brief pause followed. Then— "Oh! Wait a moment—I'll open the gate for you." A soft click echoed through the quiet evening. With a low mechanical hum, the gates groaned as they slowly swung open. Haruki adjusted his grip on his bag and stepped inside. "Thanks," he murmured, though he wasn't sure if anyone on the other side could hear him. He walked toward the entrance, his steps slow as he took in the house. It was massive, almost intimidating, yet the carefully maintained lawn softened its grandeur. Flowers lined the pathway, their vibrant colors swaying gently in the breeze. When he reached the door, it swung open before he could knock. "Come in." A soft, feminine voice welcomed him. Haruki hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. "Ojama shimasu," Then he saw her. He stopped mid-step, his breath catching for a brief second. Standing before him was a girl. Not just any girl—a beautiful one. Young. Not too small, not too tall. Delicate features, soft curves, and eyes that held a quiet confidence. Haruki blinked, his mind racing. I didn't know Satomi had a little sister. "Come in, Haruki-kun." His thoughts came to a screeching halt. "Kun?" Huh? Haruki's thoughts stumbled. Wait... is she older? He cleared his throat. "Um... excuse me, are you Satomi's little sister?" The girl blinked, then let out a soft, almost amused chuckle. "Hmm? Ah... no, sorry." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, tilting her head slightly. "I'm her mother. Don't you remember me?" Haruki felt his chest tighten. His mother-in-law? His mind went blank for a second. He had seen her once before—briefly—on their wedding day. Dressed in an elegant kimono, a face mask covering most of her features, barely speaking a word. But now? Standing before him, looking like this? Haruki swallowed hard. "You're... Satomi's mother?" "Ah... um, it's not good to keep you standing there." She gave a small, almost nervous smile before gesturing toward the living room. "Why don't you sit on the couch? I'll prepare some coffee for you. You drink coffee, right?" Haruki, still dazed, managed only a nod. His mind refused to process it. Satomi's mother? For real? But... how? His eyes followed her as she disappeared into the kitchen. She looked younger than Satomi. And if he was being honest... even more beautiful. Haruki sank into the couch, the cushions soft beneath him. His gaze wandered around the room. Everything was neat and spotless, the air fresh with a faint, pleasant scent—maybe lavender? Still... something felt off. A house this big, yet eerily quiet. Is she... alone here? Before he could dwell on the thought, soft footsteps approached. Kyouko appeared, holding a cup of steaming coffee. "Here, Haruki-kun. Careful, it's hot." He quickly sat up straighter, accepting the cup with both hands. "Ah... thank you. Um... mother?" She chuckled softly. "If that feels awkward, just call me Kyouko." Haruki hesitated. "O-Okay... K-Kyouko-san." As Kyouko settled onto the couch across from him, Haruki found himself unable to look away. She was stunning. Her face—flawless and smooth, untouched by makeup yet radiating an effortless beauty. Full lips—the kind that made a man wonder how they'd feel against his skin. And then... her body. Curves that seemed almost impossible for a woman who already had a grown daughter. His eyes trailed lower. Her breast... round and full, rising gently with every slow breath. The way her blouse stretched against them—God... And her thighs—soft and shapely, the kind that could drive a man crazy if he let himself think too much. Haruki swallowed hard. Wow... she's so hot. Still staring, he felt his gaze slowly drift downward—lingering where it shouldn't. His fingers tightened around the coffee cup. Damn it... Kyouko shifted slightly in her seat, tilting her head as she studied him. Inside her mind, a small worry surfaced. Am I making him uncomfortable? "Umm... sorry, Haruki-kun, if I..." She hesitated, her voice soft. "If I'm making you uncomfortable..." Haruki's eyes snapped up. "Ah—no, Kyouko-san! It's me who should apologize!" he blurted out, a little too quickly. He forced a smile, hoping she wouldn't see through him—hoping she wouldn't realize that his heart was racing for all the wrong reasons. Kyouko simply smiled, completely unaware of the thoughts swirling inside his head. Kyouko hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice soft and a little shy. "It's just... you know... kind of surprising when my husband suddenly told me that you and Satomi would be living here." Haruki looked up, sensing a hint of nervousness in her tone. "Ah... sorry, Kyouko-san. If I'm intruding, I can start looking for another place—" he began, already shifting to stand. "No, no—!" Kyouko's eyes widened, a brief flash of panic crossing her face. Before she even thought about it, she leaned forward, reaching out as if to stop him. "That's not what I meant at all!" she rushed to explain. Her sudden movement caught Haruki off guard, and for a brief second, the space between them felt too close—her warmth, her scent... Flustered, Kyouko quickly pulled back, pressing a hand to her chest. "I just... didn't expect it, that's all," she said softly, looking away, clearly embarrassed. Haruki sat back down, watching her. Her reaction was too cute. Kyouko tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flickering toward Haruki's empty cup. "Umm... if you're done with your drink, I can show you Satomi's room upstairs. You can use it if you'd like." Haruki hesitated, then nodded. "O-Okay, Kyouko-san... and, um... sorry again for the trouble." Kyouko's lips parted slightly, as if wanting to say something, then she let out a small, almost awkward chuckle. "Ah... no need to keep apologizing," she murmured, glancing away. Then, almost shyly, she added, "I'm sure Satomi's the one who forced you into this... right?" Haruki scratched the back of his head, offering a small, guilty smile. "U-Umm... kinda." Kyouko let out a soft sigh, shaking her head with an amused look. "That girl..." she muttered under her breath before standing up. "Come on, I'll show you the room." Haruki followed, still very aware of how graceful she looked, even with such casual movements. ( End of Chapter )