Chapter 54: A Moment of Tension ( 54 )

Chapter 54 - A Moment of Tension ( 54 ) A week later. Ding dong~ Kyouko walked to the front door, her slippers making soft sounds on the wooden floor. She checked the intercom screen, her brow slightly furrowed. "Who is it?" The grainy image cleared. "Ah, it's me. Mrs. Minami's charming son." Kyouko's expression instantly hardened. "Go away." "Aww~ come on, Miss Kyouko. Just a quick chat, right? Only five minutes. I promise I'll behave." "I'm sorry. Please leave now." Without waiting for another word, she pressed the button to turn off the intercom and silenced the doorbell, cutting off his voice completely. She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath through her nose, clearly irritated. Men like that... she'd seen them all her life. Smooth talkers, always lurking around when they thought a woman might be vulnerable. The kind who never knew love,only opportunity,and how quickly they could get someone into bed. Trash, in her eyes. They didn't love. They didn't care. They only wanted one thing. Sex. They thought women were playthings. Bodies to enjoy and discard afterward. Haruki was nothing like that. He never pushed, begged, or boasted. His feelings came with kindness and respect. And that made all the difference. Kyouko smiled softly as she sank into the couch, relaxing against the cushions. Her fingers absentmindedly brushed the fabric of her skirt as her thoughts wandered. Haruki... She remembered the way he held her. Firm, yet gentle. How he moved with a mix of control and desire. Passion. Love. Lust. Desire. A kind man... and yet, when the moment called for it, a beast who made her forget the world. Her smile grew wider. She never imagined herself craving someone like this,especially after everything that happened with her and Haruki. And yet here she was, daydreaming like a girl in love. Kyouko, control yourself, she reminded herself. Haruki was your son-in-law, not your husband. But Kyouko smiled. Well... after what happened. After Haruki and she crossed the line. There was no way they were just in-laws. She smiled again, softly. Her period had just ended. She knew Haruki would sense it. He always seemed to know, without her telling him. He wouldn't ask outright. He never did. But tonight... she was sure. She pictured it clearly: The soft sound of the front door closing. His footsteps. Then.. Arms slipping around her waist. A kiss. Not gentle, not soft. Passionate. Possessive. Hungry. His lips devouring hers as if he'd been starving all week. And she wouldn't stop him. Kyouko exhaled slowly, her cheeks warming. Was she... waiting for it? Maybe. Maybe she wanted to feel it again. To be with Haruki. She reached for her smartphone, hesitating a moment before unlocking the screen. She had Haruki's number now. She got it last week after she finally asked. She smiled at the memory. "You want my number? Oh... how bold, lady~" "How about a passionate kiss as a thank-you?" He said it with that playful look in his eyes, already leaning closer, claiming her lips before she could reply. Her fingers touched her lips, recalling the kiss. Maybe she should message him. Or maybe... just wait. He'd be home soon anyway. And tonight, tonight, she wouldn't stop him. If Haruki asked for sex, she knew she wouldn't be able to resist. How could she? Kyouko sat on the couch, feeling bored. Her eyes drifted to the clock. It was already past 2 p.m. That's unusual. Haruki was never this late without letting her know. She reached for her phone and called him. Meanwhile, inside the glass-walled meeting room, Haruki sat at the head of the table. About a dozen eyes turned toward him mid-discussion, spreadsheets open, charts projected on the screen. His phone buzzed. Kyouko. He raised his hand, signaling everyone to pause. He answered the call with a relaxed tone. "Hello, honey?" "Ah, darling~" Kyouko's voice purred sweetly through the speaker. "Oh? What's up?" Haruki replied casually, while those in the room exchanged awkward glances, thinking his wife was calling. "Nothing... I'm just bored~," she said with a playful sigh. "Hmm? Do you miss me?" "I don't know~ maybe," she answered with a soft smile . "I'll be done here soon. If you're that bored, why don't you come over? You remember where I work, right?" "Really? You want me to come?" she teased. "What if your wife finds out?" Haruki smirked. "She already knows, doesn't she?" Kyouko let out a small laugh. "I think I'll just rest for today." "Alright. I won't be long. I'll finish up quickly. Want me to bring you anything on the way back?" "No... just come home safely, okay?" "I will," he said, his voice low and warm. After Haruki ended the call, one of the men sitting nearby, an older executive leaned in slightly. "Was that your wife, Mister Haruki?" he asked with a polite smile. Haruki nodded slightly. "Ah... yeah. My wife," he answered smoothly, hiding the truth behind casual words. "Good to see a man keeping his home in order," the man chuckled. Then, the company's president, seated at the far end of the table, looked up from his documents. "Haruki." "Yes, sir?" "I hope you're preparing yourself. Next month, we're opening a new branch in Okinawa. The house and car will be ready for you then. I want you to be stationed there for two or three months, to oversee everything and make sure the local team is settled before the new branch manager takes over." Haruki paused for a moment. "Oh... I see." "You'd better inform your wife," the president added firmly, then went back to his papers. Haruki nodded slowly. "Understood... I'll talk to her about it." But inside, his thoughts drifted, to a quiet house, a gentle smile, and the woman who wasn't supposed to be his. I wonder how I should tell Kyouko about this... Haruki thought as he leaned back slightly in his seat, his eyes drifting momentarily toward the meeting room window. Two or three months in Okinawa... away from her... "Ah, by the way, Haruki-kun," the company president spoke up again, pulling him from his thoughts. "Yes, sir?" "Thanks to your consistent performance, always delivering every project ahead of schedule and without error, the bonus payment for those will be transferred to your account later this week." Haruki bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, sir." The president gave a rare smile. "You've been an asset to this company. I truly hope you'll stay with us long-term. If any of my rivals try to poach you, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll make sure you're treated right." "I understand, sir." "And don't worry about your work schedule," he added. "You'll still keep your flexible hours, just like before. It's only this particular branch... I haven't found anyone else who can take the lead with the same level of trust. I hope you understand." Haruki offered a respectful smile. "I do, sir. I'll handle it." But as the conversation continued around the table, Haruki's mind wandered again. How should I even begin to tell Kyouko? ( End Of Chapter )