Chapter 98: Closer Than Words ( 98 )

Chapter 98: Closer Than Words ( 98 ) Kyouko carefully prepared the bowls, scooping rice and placing it in front of Haruki at the small dinner table. She made sure everything was arranged—soup, side dishes, chopsticks, and cold barley tea. The meat dish was set in the center, steaming lightly. "Now eat," she said softly, her tone gentle but firm. Haruki looked up at her, his chopsticks hovering over his bowl. "You not eating with me?" he asked, glancing at her. Kyouko shook her head. "No... If I eat now, my family will wonder why I’m not hungry later." Haruki didn’t argue. Instead, he began digging into the food, taking slow, deliberate bites. It was clear how much he was enjoying it—his focus was entirely on the meal. Kyouko sat next to him, her eyes following his every movement. "Thank you for cooking," he said sincerely, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "No problem~" Kyouko smiled softly, watching him continue to enjoy the food. "I love the taste," Haruki added, his voice full of appreciation. "Good to know~" Kyouko replied, her heart warming as she watched him savor every bite. She was genuinely happy—happy that someone enjoyed her cooking. Eating it without wasting a single piece, savoring every flavor she had worked so hard to prepare. But as she sat there, watching him, a small thought lingered at the back of her mind. If only... Haruki was my husband... Kyouko rested her chin in her palm, her elbow propped gently on the table. Her soft eyes followed Haruki closely as he ate, a quiet smile playing on her lips. There was no need for words. Just watching him enjoy her food—bite after bite—was enough. Haruki looked up mid-chew and caught her gaze. He grinned. Then, suddenly, he leaned forward and playfully shielded his bowl and the main dish with his arms. "Hey! This is my food!" he said with a mock glare. He pointed his chopsticks at her with exaggerated seriousness. "This was cooked by my girl. If you want to eat... cook your own." Kyouko blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "My girl, huh?" she repeated softly. Haruki didn’t answer right away. Just smiled. A real one. And kept eating. "Haruki?" He looked up, still chewing. "Hmm?" Kyouko smiled gently and shook her head. "Nothing~" Haruki gave her a curious glance, then went back to his meal. Kyouko continued to rest her chin in her palm, watching him with quiet affection. Inside her heart, words whispered that her lips never spoke. I love you. Truly... deeply... I love you, Haruki. She watched the way he ate, how his eyes softened when their gazes met, how he always looked happiest when she was near. If only this moment could last just a little longer. If only... We were official. Not hiding. Not pretending. Just the two of us... living openly. Loving freely. Enjoying our days together—like this. Sharing meals. Laughing at nothing. Holding hands without fear. Smiling like this... Seeing you smile every day. Waking up beside you, cooking for you, listening to your tired voice when you come home. Kyouko watched Haruki as he quietly polished off the last bite, his face content, his expression full of warmth. If only I could stay like this. If only you were really mine. "Kyouko?" Haruki said softly, reaching across the table and gently taking her hand in his. Their fingers intertwined naturally, like they’d always belonged that way. "Hmm?" she looked up, eyes calm and glowing. "Why are you smiling like that?" he asked, studying her face. "Is there something on my face?" She paused, gaze playful. "Yes~" Haruki blinked. "Where?" "Here~" Kyouko leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek, her lips lingering for a second longer than necessary. Haruki’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard—but then he smiled. "Kyouko~" "What?" she replied with a soft, teasing glare, her serene smile never fading. "One round?" Haruki asked, his voice low, hopeful. She gave him a look—playful, firm. "You already got two rounds today. So no~" But Haruki leaned in, his lips brushing the side of her neck, arms gently pulling her into his chest. He kissed her skin softly. Then again. And again. Kyouko let out a breath, half a sigh, half a laugh. "No~ no~" she whispered. "Tomorrow, okay?" "Promise?" "I can’t promise~" she replied with a smile. "But... I’ll try." "Mm... okay." They looked at each other for a moment. And then their lips met. A deep, slow kiss. Kyouko let him hold her. Let him touch her. His hand gently cupped her breast, his thumb brushing just enough to make her breath catch. She didn’t stop him. Not this time. Just closed her eyes... And kissed him back. "You know, Haruki?" Kyouko whispered softly, her breath brushing against his ear as he kissed along her neck, his hand gently fondling her breast . "Hmm?" he murmured, still lost in her scent, her warmth. "You’re handsome," she said quietly. "You could easily seduce any younger woman out there... probably sleep with as many as you wanted." Haruki paused for a moment, then lifted his head and met her gaze. "Yes..." he said honestly. Then leaned in and kissed her lips. "But are they the same as you?" Kyouko blinked, heart skipping. "You look younger than them... more beautiful than any of them," he said, his voice deep, raw with honesty. "Your skin... smooth. Glowing." His hand caressed her side. "I’ve seen your body, Kyouko... all of it. Your curves, your lines. Even your butt—flawless, not a single mark." Her breath trembled slightly at his words. "And down there..." He whispered close. "Not shaved. naturally smooth. Tight. Perfect." He pulled her closer, gently pressing his forehead against hers. "Do you really think anyone else could compare to that?" "And Kyouko..." Haruki whispered, his voice low, hot against her skin. "Hmm?" she responded, breath soft as his lips trailed down her neck. "Your body..." he murmured. "Your lips... your breasts..." He kissed along her collarbone, slowly moving toward the soft curve of her cleavage. "...your whole body..." His fingers traced the line of her waist. "...is mine." Kyouko gasped softly, her hands resting on his chest as he pressed closer. "I don’t want you to sleep with any other man," Haruki said, voice rough with feeling. "And know this—" he lowered his mouth, gently grazing her breast with his lips. "—Mine." He began kissing her slowly there, leaving small, warm marks—love bites. "There might be a lot of beautiful women out there," he continued. "But none of them... are you." "So don’t even think that I’m going to have sex with someone else." He looked up at her, eyes dark and unwavering. "Because I can’t." "It’s been nearly two weeks since I came here... and all I can think about..." "...is you." Inside Haruki’s mind: Sure, maybe there are hot, sexy women out there. Maybe I could make them climax easily—just like I do with Kyouko. But would they react like her? Would I see that face... That face when she surrenders—completely lost in the moment? That honest, uncontrolled expression... only she shows me? No... Only Kyouko. ( End Of Chapter )