Several days had passed since that unforgettable night in Kyoto.
They were now back in Tokyo.
Their quiet apartnt was filled with soft light from the afternoon sun. Kyouko stood by the low table, carefully folding clothes and arranging their small luggage.
Haruki, freshly dressed in a clean shirt, slipped on his wristwatch while glancing at her.
"Kyouko?"
"Hmm?" she answered with a soft smile.
"I’m heading to the office. Need to hand in the final project file first."
"Mm~ okay. Be careful, darling~" she replied with her usual gentle tone, smoothing the blouse she had just folded.
"I will. And you..." Haruki walked closer, placing a hand on her waist. "Don’t force yourself. You’re pregnant now, rember?"
"Yes yes~ I know~" she chuckled, leaning into his warmth briefly.
Haruki grabbed his file bag.
"We’re eting your parents tomorrow, right?"
"Mm-hmm," Kyouko nodded, placing their toiletries pouch in the suitcase. "And you better get ready. Father’s going to drink all night just like before."
Haruki smiled.
"I’m looking forward to it. Him, Kenji, and Kazuma—drinking together again."
Kyouko turned to face him, her hair tied loosely behind, her face glowing with that serene elegance.
She placed both hands gently on his chest.
"Co ho early, alright?"
Haruki leaned down, kissed her forehead.
"I will."
Kyouko paused mid-fold, the soft rustle of fabric fading into silence as she glanced toward the entrance.
Haruki was at the doorway, adjusting his shoes.
With a serene smile, she walked over.
"Don’t drive too fast..." she whispered sweetly, brushing her fingers through his fringe, "...and no looking at other won~"
Haruki chuckled softly. "Not a chance."
Before she could step back, he leaned down and kissed her.
Kyouko let out a small breath, her eyes fluttering closed as she lted into it.
His hand cupped her breast under the fabric, fingers pressing softly, teasing the shape he knew so well. His other hand slid down, gripping her butt through the thin cotton dress.
Kyouko gasped lightly into the kiss but didn’t pull away.
When their lips finally parted, she rest her forehead against his chest and sigh with a gentle smile.
"Call if you’re going to be late, okay?"
"I will," Haruki said, still reluctant to let go of her body.
She fixed his collar one last ti, then hugged him tightly.
"Be careful on the road."
"Mm."
Haruki stepped outside, and just before closing the door, he turned back.
Kyouko stood in the doorway, smiling at him like a loving wife sending her man off into the world.
That smile, gentle, glowing, full of quiet devotion, was the kind that made a man want to co ho early every single day.
The door slid shut with a soft sound.
Yamashita Corporation – Ground Floor Lobby
The receptionist was seated neatly behind the polished marble counter, fingers gliding across her keyboard as the morning light poured in through the tall glass panels. A steady flow of employees moved in and out of the turnstiles beyond her.
"Excuse ."
The receptionist looked up.
"Yes?"
The woman before her was beautiful and well-dressed—shoulder-length hair styled professionally, subtle makeup, crisp ivory blouse paired with a grey pencil skirt.
"I’m Harusawa Satomi. From Harusawa Corporation. I have an appointnt scheduled this morning."
The receptionist gave a polite nod and began typing swiftly.
"Understood, Miss Harusawa. Just a mont while I confirm the details."
Satomi stood still, glancing casually around the lobby as the soft sound of heels echoed from passersby. Her expression was calm.
She knew Haruki worked here.
But their paths hadn’t crossed since the divorce proceedings were finalized. She didn’t co to see him—not directly. Today’s eting was with one of the project managers in another departnt regarding the Yamashita-Harusawa eco-housing proposal.
Still...
The receptionist returned her attention with a soft smile.
"Yes, Miss Harusawa. You’re scheduled to et with Manager Hoshino on the 12th floor. I’ll notify his office that you’ve arrived. Please proceed to the visitor elevator and check in at the reception upstairs."
Satomi nodded, offering a practiced smile.
"Thank you."
Yamashita Corporation – Parking Basent to Lobby
Haruki stepped out of his sleek black sedan, straightening his shirt as he grabbed his bag and the neatly organized project files. The underground parking lot was quiet, save for the distant hum of another car pulling in.
He checked his watch.
Still early.
Just as he crossed through the glass doors into the ground floor—
"Ah! Mr. Nakagawa!"
Haruki paused and turned his head. A familiar voice.
"Oh, Mr. Nusaku. Good morning."
Haruki gave a slight bow, polite as always.
"You’ve been hard to catch lately. Still working from ho most of the ti?"
"Mm. Mr. Yamashita prefers results over appearances. He lets manage my schedule freely." Haruki’s tone was modest, as usual.
Nusaku chuckled. "I envy that. Say, how about I treat you to a drink? You’ve still got ti, right?"
Haruki glanced at his wristwatch. It was still early—his appointnt to hand over the final project files wasn’t for another thirty minutes.
He gave a soft nod. "Alright. I have a little ti to spare. Let’s go."
They arrived at the café and placed their orders without much fuss.
Haruki and Mr. Nusaku took a seat at a small table by the window. The aroma of fresh brew filled the air.
Mr. Nusaku took a sip of his coffee and looked at Haruki with a relaxed smile.
"Nakagawa, how’s your life after the divorce?"
Haruki leaned back slightly, his expression calm. "Ah... it’s good now. I’m seeing soone."
"Oh? I’m sure she’s beautiful. Being a handso guy like you, I bet it’s easy to get a girl."
Haruki chuckled. "Yes, Mr. Nusaku. You could say that."
They continued chatting casually—about projects, the housing market, and so light gossip from the upper floors.
After a while, Haruki glanced at his watch and stood up smoothly.
"Ah, sorry Mr. Nusaku. I think I should get going. Thanks for the coffee."
"No problem, Mr. Nakagawa. See you around."
Haruki gave a polite nod and left the café, walking toward the elevator.
Haruki stepped into the elevator and tapped his access card against the reader. The light blinked green, and the doors slid shut with a soft chi.
As the elevator ascended, he slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out his phone. Opening LINE, he typed quickly.
"I’m at the office. I won’t be long."
Sent.
The elevator climbed smoothly as he stared at the screen, waiting.
Ping!
"mm..okay (◕‿◕✿)"
Haruki smiled faintly.
Kyouko still using this kind of chat...
He leaned against the wall, thumbs moving.
"Don’t force yourself. Is there anything you want to eat?"
Another soft ping.
"/(≧∇≦)/ nothing~ Just co back early."
Haruki chuckled softly and replied.
"Okay."
He slid the phone into his pocket, still smiling.
Inside his mind, quietly amused and touched.
I think I need to ask her to teach how to type like that...
The elevator bell chid again.
Doors opened.
Ti to get this done.
( End Of Chapter )
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