"I thought you already went to work?" Kyouko asked with a smile.
Haruki just yawned and rubbed the back of his head.
"You should at least wash your face or take a shower first." Kyouko raised an eyebrow, trying to sound casual while masking the flutter of happiness inside her.
"Mm... I was thirsty, so I wanted to drink first," he mumbled.
Kyouko reached for a glass, filled it with water, and handed it to Haruki. "Here."
"Ah, thank you, Kyouko-san."
Haruki tilted the glass back and drank slowly.
Kyouko glanced over his bare upper body. Those muscles, that arm. And that messy hair framing his face made him even more irresistible.
Kyouko chuckled softly. "You really slept like that? What if you catch a cold?"
Haruki finished his drink, lowering the glass with a smile. "I'm used to it."
He leaned against the counter, one arm resting on it.
Kyouko looked away quickly, pressing her lips together.
"Now, now, go shower~" Kyouko said with a teasing smile, giving Haruki a gentle push toward the stairs.
He groaned playfully, dragging his feet like a lazy cat.
"Ugh... so bossy in the morning," he muttered with a grin. "Are you my wife now?"
Kyouko smiled while giving Haruki a playful glare.
"Go shower first, big boy~. I'll make breakfast. You said you're heading to the office today, right?"
"Hmmm? Oh yeah..." Haruki scratched his head, pretending to remember. "Almost forgot about that."
Kyouko let out a small sigh, hands on her hips.
"What am I going to do with a big boy like you?"
Haruki turned halfway up the stairs, flashing her a cheeky smirk. "How about a morning kiss?" He puckered his lips dramatically, leaning slightly toward her.
Kyouko raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Feeling bold this early?"
"Just a friendly one," he winked.
Kyouko rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
"Fine... Go shower first, and I'll give you one later." She turned away after giving him a soft flick on the forehead.
"For real? Like... a real kiss?"
Kyouko glanced over her shoulder, her lips curved into a mysterious smile.
"Who knows~"
Haruki grinned and sprinted up the stairs.
"Oh yeah!!!"
"Don't slip!" Kyouko called out with a soft laugh, shaking her head.
What am I doing? Teasing him this early?
Kyouko tied her apron and began preparing breakfast, the soft sounds of eggs sizzling filling the quiet kitchen.
Why did I say I was going to give him a kiss later? What if he asks for it after this?
She let out a soft sigh, then shook her head.
Still... it was just a kiss, right? There's no harm in giving him one. I can tell him it doesn't mean anything.
Kyouko placed the plates on the table.
Since my husband hasn't kissed me in over twenty years, there's no harm in giving Haruki one... I think.
And Haruki's been wanting that kiss since that night, and from the exercise. Resisting endlessly wouldn't help either, his earnest persistence would wear me down eventually. Sooner or later, he'll get it too.
Turning to the stove, she prepared his favorite dish, a warm smile touching her lips.
Perhaps... just one wouldn't hurt.
Haruki headed downstairs, his hair still damp from the shower, his crisp shirt half-buttoned.
"Kyouko-san~ how do I look?" His voice was light and teasing.
Kyouko looked up, and for a moment, her breath caught.
Oh my...
She barely had time to respond before Haruki stepped closer, his hand sliding gently to her waist as he slowly leaned down.
Her lips parted.
Slowly...
Their lips met.
Soft. Tender. Unhurried.
A deep, slow kiss lingered, their breaths mingling. Kyouko felt Haruki's tongue slip past her lips to meet hers. Her hand rose instinctively to his chest, fingers clutching lightly at his shirt.
Her heart raced. He stayed there, savoring the taste of her lips.
When the kiss finally broke, their eyes met.
Her fingers reached for the back of his neck.
"Kyouko-san…?"
She didn't answer. She pulled him in.
Her lips found his again, but not like before. No hesitance. No teasing. This was deeper, hotter. Her mouth opened, and when their tongues met, a low sound escaped her throat.
Haruki exhaled against her lips, his body reacting before his mind caught up.
His hands, which had politely stayed at her waist before, now moved slowly, carefully. One slid up her back, pressing her closer, feeling the warmth of her body through the soft fabric of her blouse.
Finally... I got to kiss her... my dream girl.
The one I'd been holding out for.
The one I'd only watched from a distance, letting things unfold slowly.
The one I'd been patiently waiting for, hoping she'd melt into me like this.
Their kiss deepened, tongues brushing against each other.
After so long, she could finally taste a real kiss.
And it was special for her.
Because the one kissing her was this handsome young man.
Her son-in-law.
The one who cared for her, who was always there for her, who made her smile, who always made her happy.
When their lips finally parted, they stayed close, foreheads touching, breaths mingling.
"Kyouko..."
Her eyes stayed closed, lips glistening and parted, chest rising gently with each breath.
( End Of Chapter )