Chapter 89: Silent Affection ( 89 )

Chapter 89: Silent Affection ( 89 ) "Haruki~" Kyouko whispered softly, kneeling in front of his futon. "Wake up~" Her voice was warm. Gentle. Haruki stirred, blinking slowly as he sat up. And just as he rose, Kyouko leaned in. Carefully guiding his face forward until it rested softly against her chest. He froze. Then. Her arms wrapped around him. "Haruki..." she whispered again, her voice trembling with quiet emotion. Haruki let his hands find her waist, holding her close, pulling her in. And he inhaled deeply. That scent. That warmth. That softness. His arms tightened as he buried his face deeper into her, eyes closed, as if afraid she’d disappear. Kyouko smiled. Pure and gentle, the real her shining through in that moment. "I missed you," she whispered into his ear. "...I missed you too," Haruki replied, voice low and thick with feeling. Kyouko pulled back slightly and gently stroked his cheek. "Now," she whispered, "wake up and shower." But Haruki didn’t move. He kept holding her, head still pressed close. "...I don’t want to let go." Kyouko let out a soft giggle. "Hey~ we’re at my parents’ house, remember?" She leaned in close again, her lips just beside his ear. "Now, naughty boy~ here’s your reward..." She slowly tugged at the neckline of her dress— And pulled it down just enough to reveal her soft, perfect cleavage. Framed in the morning light. Smooth. Warm. A glimpse meant for him alone. Haruki’s breath caught. Kyouko smiled again. "Do you want a kiss?" Kyouko whispered. Haruki leaned forward, lips parting slightly,drawn in by her voice, by her scent, by her. But just as he moved in, Kyouko leaned back with a quiet giggle, eyes sparkling. "No~ no~" she whispered playfully. "Go shower first." Haruki let out a low, disappointed hum. "...Mm... okay..." Kyouko reached for his hand and gently pulled him up. Her touch was light, delicate, but steady. As Haruki stood, still half-drowsy, he leaned in again and kissed her. A deep, longing kiss that made Kyouko’s breath hitch. Her eyes fluttered closed, her body softening into his for just a moment. She felt his hand slide along her side. Then dip gently into her cleavage. She didn’t stop him. Didn’t flinch. She simply let him. Because she knew. Haruki was a man of need. She touched his cheek with her fingertips and smiled softly against his lips. "...Now," she whispered, pulling back with grace, "go shower, okay?" "Kyouko!!" Hanako’s voice echoed from the kitchen. Kyouko let out a soft sigh and smiled. "Alright... go on. My mother’s calling." Haruki turned to head toward the bathroom but paused at the doorway. "Kyouko..." "Hmm?" she looked back at him, hand resting lightly on her hip. He gave a faint smile, eyes soft. "No wonder you’re beautiful... You inherited it from your mother." Kyouko blinked, then let out a gentle, teasing laugh. "What now? You want to go for my mother too?" She tilted her head playfully. "You already have Satomi... then me... and now my mother? What a naughty boy~" Haruki stepped back slightly, gaze steady. "No..." he said quietly. "I just want you." The teasing faded from Kyouko’s smile. She lowered her eyes for a second, lips softly curved. "...Then hurry up," she whispered. Kyouko stepped out from the guest room and made her way toward the kitchen. Hanako was already busy preparing ingredients, her sleeves tied back. "Your son-in-law already awake?" she asked without turning. "Yes, Mother," Kyouko replied softly. "I already woke him. He might be in the shower right now." "Good," Hanako said. "Now come help me cook. There’s a lot of people today." "The whole family’s here," she added, motioning toward a large tray. "Bring this to the living room." "Okay, Mother." As Kyouko picked up the tray, Hanako glanced at one of the side dishes with a small frown. "I don’t know if this suits your son-in-law’s taste." Kyouko smiled gently. "Ah, don’t worry about it. He’s not a picky eater." Hanako raised an eyebrow, curious. "Hmm? And how would you know that?" "Ah..." Kyouko paused for half a second, then replied calmly, "He lives with me." Hanako turned, surprised. "With you?" Kyouko nodded, her expression serene. "Along with Satomi and Satoshi. In Tokyo." "Oh..." Hanako nodded slowly. "So you cook for everyone." "Yes," Kyouko said, her voice warm. "Every day." Hanako set down another tray of food and pointed toward the door with a grin. "Now go on, big city girl! Bring this to the living room. And while you’re at it, wake Keiko and Hitomi." Kyouko smiled softly. "Umm... Hitomi’s already awake, Mother." "Hmm? Oh... Hitomi!" Hanako called out without missing a beat. "Yes, Mother?" Hitomi replied, stepping lightly into the kitchen, already dressed and freshened up. "Help Kyouko bring this to the living room." "Yes, Mother," Hitomi replied with a small bow. She gave Kyouko a gentle smile, and together they began gathering the trays. Everyone was gathered now in the living room. Laughter, clinking cups, the aroma of breakfast filling the air. Just then, Kyouko noticed Haruki walking quietly toward the front door. "Where are you going?" she asked, her tone calm but laced with subtle concern. Haruki turned halfway, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah... my clothes are dirty, so I was thinking of heading home." Before he could say more, Kitayama overheard and called out, voice booming. "Don’t worry about that! At least have breakfast with us first!" Kenji chimed in, grinning. "Yeah, no need to be shy like that, Haruki!" All eyes were cheerful and welcoming. All... except one. Kyouko stood near the dining trays, her smile warm, composed. But her eyes locked onto Haruki’s. Only he saw it. That silent glare. Her lips moved slowly, subtly. "Eat first." Her teeth clenched just slightly behind the smile. Haruki straightened. "...Umm. Okay." He returned to the table. Because when Kyouko said something, even silently, he knew better than to argue. What Haruki didn’t know... Kyouko had already hidden his scooter key. Silently. Carefully. Right before breakfast. Now, she sat beside him with a gentle smile, her posture elegant as always. Everyone clapped their hands lightly together. "Itadakimasu!" The meal began. Laughter and chatter filled the room as the family enjoyed the dishes Hanako and Kyouko had prepared. Haruki, seated near the edge, picked up his chopsticks—but only took a small bite of rice and a sliver of grilled fish. Kitayama, ever observant despite the cheerful haze of morning, narrowed his eyes. "Oi, Kyouko!" "Yes, Father?" she answered softly. "Why’s your son-in-law only nibbling like that? Give him more food!" "Yes, Father," Kyouko replied, her voice sweet and composed. She picked up the serving tray and carefully placed more food onto Haruki’s plate. As she leaned slightly toward him, she didn’t look at him directly. But she did glance sideways, just enough for him to see. A soft side-glare. Sharp. Beautiful. Silent. Haruki straightened a little. And picked up another bite without a word. ( End Of Chapter )