Chapter 52: Another Day, Another Smile ( 52 )

Chapter 52 - Another Day, Another Smile ( 52 ) Kyouko wiped her hands on a towel, finishing up the last of the lunch preparations. She glanced at the clock hanging above the kitchen door. Haruki's probably still at his office... or maybe already on his way back. She smiled faintly at the thought. But then she paused. Come to think of it... I still don't have his phone number. She tapped a finger against her lip, thinking. Well... I'll ask for it later. Ding dong~ The doorbell rang, cutting into the quiet afternoon. "Coming!" Kyouko called out, slipping off her apron and heading to the front hallway. Checking the intercom screen, she saw a postman standing outside the gate, holding a large box in his arms. "Delivery!" the voice came through the speaker. "Okay, I'll open the gate!" Kyouko quickly grabbed a facemask from the entry shelf and slipped it on before stepping outside. She pressed the gate button, and the metal gate buzzed open. The postman approached, shifting the box in his hands. "Umm... for who?" Kyouko asked politely, taking a closer look. The postman glanced at the delivery slip. "Nakagawa Haruki, miss." Kyouko blinked, surprised. "Oh..." She accepted the box carefully, feeling its weight. What did Haruki order...? As Kyouko carefully turned, balancing the box against her hip while reaching for the gate control, she heard a casual voice call out from the street. "Oh, hello~ Miss Kyouko." She looked up sharply. It was Hiroshi. Mrs. Minami's son. Leaning lazily against the fence, hands in his pockets, he wore a lazy grin on his face. Kyouko stiffened slightly. "Oh... h-hello," she replied politely, bowing her head just a little and keeping her distance. Hiroshi's eyes trailed openly over her, lingering far too long. "You look beautiful today," he said, his tone thick with obvious suggestion. Kyouko's fingers tightened slightly on the box. "I'm sorry, Mister," she said softly but firmly. "I need to close the gate now. If you please..." She turned, trying to end the conversation politely. But Hiroshi chuckled and stepped a little closer, hands still casually stuffed in his pockets. "Aw~ come on, beautiful," he drawled. "How about inviting me in for coffee? Just a cup. I don't bite." She smiled tightly and bowed slightly again. "I'm sorry. I'm busy right now." Without waiting for a response, she pressed the gate button firmly. The metal gate began sliding shut between them. Hiroshi's smile faded into a cocky smirk. He watched her retreat through the bars, his eyes gleaming. Feisty... but soon enough, you'll open the door for me, beautiful. Kyouko carried the box inside carefully, setting it down on the low table in the living room. She looked at it for a moment, tilting her head slightly. Hmm... I wonder what Haruki ordered... Curious, she gave it a gentle shake. It wasn't heavy, but she could definitely feel something shifting inside. Not fragile, but solid. Her fingers brushed along the sealed edge, tempted—just a little—to peel it open and peek. She smiled to herself. I really want to know... But I shouldn't. She sighed lightly and sat back on her heels. "Let's ask Haruki when he gets back." Kyouko gave the box one last look, then stood up and returned to the kitchen, preparing to set the table for lunch. Kyouko heard the soft hum of a car engine approaching. She wiped her hands on her apron and walked to the front door to peek outside. Her heart lifted slightly. Ah... it's Haruki. Driving her car, pulling slowly toward the house. Kyouko pressed the gate button, the metal sliding open with a smooth whir. She stepped outside casually, calm and composed, not rushing or eager. Just standing there as if it were nothing special, the way any polite housewife might. The car rolled into the driveway and parked neatly in its usual spot. Kyouko waited until he switched off the engine, the gate already starting to close behind him as she pressed the button once more. She stood at the front door, not too close, not smiling too brightly,just waiting casually, as she would for her husband or daughter. No one watching would suspect a thing. Haruki stepped out of the car, coat slung over one arm, a small box and a cold drink carefully balanced in his hands. As soon as he spotted her by the door, he smiled warmly. "Kyouko~" he called softly, his voice light and affectionate. Kyouko's eyes widened immediately. She shook her head slightly, giving him a sharp, quick look. A silent warning. Not here. Not in public. Haruki caught the message instantly. He raised his free hand in a small, apologetic wave and mouthed, "Sorry." Kyouko sighed inwardly but smiled faintly, watching as he walked toward her, trying to act casual again. In his hands, the small box looked cute, neatly wrapped. Almost like a gift. And the drink, still sweating from the cold, seemed meant for her. Once they stepped inside the house and the door clicked shut behind them, Haruki suddenly pushed her gently against the wall, trapping her softly between his arms as he set the drink and box down on the nearby table. "Haruki!" Kyouko squealed, her voice a breathy mix of shock and laughter. She playfully slapped his chest,not hard, just enough to scold him. "You're so naughty!" she whispered, her cheeks flushed as she glanced nervously toward the closed door, as if worried someone might see. Haruki just grinned, leaning down close enough for their noses to almost touch. "We're inside now. It's safe," he said in a low, teasing voice. Kyouko puffed her cheeks slightly in mock frustration, but she couldn't hide the small smile curling at her lips. "This is for you, Kyouko." He opened the small box carefully, inside were a few beautifully decorated cakes, delicate and colorful, each looking almost too pretty to eat. Beside it, he held up the chilled drink, still beading with condensation. Kyouko blinked, then smiled, a soft warmth blooming in her chest. Before she could say anything, Haruki leaned in, one arm lightly wrapping around her waist. He pressed a gentle, lingering kiss to her lips. Slow, tender, full of the affection he couldn't quite put into words. Kyouko closed her eyes, returning the kiss softly, her hands lightly gripping his shirt as she melted into the moment. When they finally parted, Haruki rested his forehead lightly against hers. "Thought you might need something sweet, too," he murmured. Kyouko's cheeks flushed faintly. She lowered her gaze shyly and whispered, "Thank you, Haruki..." ( End Of Chapter )