They arrived at the cinema and parked in the underground lot. The air was cool, filled with the faint hum of nearby cars and the echo of footsteps from other moviegoers.
Haruki stepped out first, circling around to open the passenger door. Kyouko stepped out gracefully, adjusting her purse strap as she smiled up at him.
He closed the door gently. "Ready?"
She nodded. "Mm."
As they began walking side by side toward the elevator, Kyouko slipped her hand lightly around his arm.
Haruki just casually walk as if nothing unusual happen.
"It's been a while since I've watched a movie in a cinema," she said, glancing up at him.
"Mm… same here."
They walked together through the lobby, the sound of distant chatter and footsteps surrounding them. When they reached the main hall, the space grew livelier, crowds of couples, families, and groups filling the area.
"There… are a lot of people here today," Kyouko murmured.
Haruki noticed Kyouko looked uneasy; her steps slowed slightly, her grip on his arm tightening.
"You okay?" he asked softly, leaning closer.
"Hm? Ah…" She smiled faintly.
Haruki smiled gently and slowly took her hand, intertwining their fingers. "Feeling better?"
Kyouko glanced down, hiding her shyness, and nodded with a smile. "Mm… I think so."
Haruki felt her small finger, her small hand, and that delicate, soft skin.
Kyouko moved a little closer, her head touching his shoulder as they walked together.
After buying a large popcorn and two drinks, Haruki and Kyouko made their way through the theater entrance, tickets in hand.
They walked side by side, the lights dimming as the previews began playing on the screen.
"Over here," Haruki whispered, spotting their seats in the front, near the large screen.
Plush, spacious VIP seats made for two, designed for couples.
Haruki sat first, placing the popcorn between them and setting the drinks in the holders.
Kyouko sat beside him, casually leaning back and crossing one leg over the other.
"These seats are nice," she whispered, glancing up at him with a soft smile.
"Yeah," Haruki replied softly, handing her one of the drinks. She took a sip, then a few pieces of popcorn, giving him a nod of thanks.
As the lights dimmed further, the theater sank into darkness. The noise from outside faded until only the sound of the film's opening music filled the room.
Kyouko shifted, then slowly leaned her head onto Haruki's shoulder. Her hand found his resting on the armrest, her fingers brushing his before quietly intertwining with them.
Haruki noticed but didn't say anything. He stayed still, pretending to focus on the screen while feeling lightness in his chest. Feeling Kyouko's soft, small hand and the way she relaxed around him made him happy.
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he glanced down at her. Her fingers tightened around his before she shifted closer, pressing softly against his side. Her face rested against his chest, her breathing steady and calm.
A sudden scream pierced the air. A flash of white lit the screen, followed by a ghost's eerie shriek echoing through the theater.
Kyouko flinched, clutching him tighter, her warm breath brushing his chest.
Haruki couldn't help but smile. The way she buried her face in him at every jump scare, the soft gasp she made, it melted something deep inside him.
Slowly, his hand slid to her waist, the motion natural and confident. His fingers traced the gentle curve of her body.
Kyouko didn't pull away. She leaned in closer, her body brushing his arm. He felt the soft press of her breast against him.
She tilted her head up, her eyes meeting his as she smiled softly.
Haruki noticed the neckline of her dress dipping just enough to reveal the gentle curve of her cleavage. He swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on her, the movie forgotten.
After the film ended and the lights slowly brightened, Haruki leaned forward to gather the empty popcorn tub and drink cups from their seats.
"I'll take care of this," he said casually, standing.
Kyouko lingered in her seat for a moment, smoothing her dress before rising to follow him out of the VIP section. Haruki tossed the trash into the bin. Once they stepped out of the area, Kyouko casually slipped her hand into his.
"That was fun," she said, glancing up at him as they walked.
"Yeah... it was. I think we should do this more often." Haruki looked down at her. Kyouko was smiling, beautiful without a trace of makeup. Seeing her like this; relaxed, cheerful, happy, filled him with a strange sense of peace.
"Yeah~" Kyouko replied, gently swinging their joined hands as they headed toward the car. "Want to go somewhere else?"
"Hmm? Let me think…" Haruki glanced skyward, pretending to think. "The beach is too far from town, so... maybe..."
His stomach let out a sudden, loud growl.
Kyouko blinked, then laughed softly.
Haruki scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "Guess we should eat first...Any place you're craving?"
"Hmm… somewhere cozy. Not too loud."
He nodded, his heart skipping at how naturally she'd said it.
"Alright. Let's find a spot."
( End Of Chapter )