Once they reached the cozy café just around the corner, Haruki and Kyouko stepped inside. Kyouko looked around and spotted a seat near the windows, walking gracefully toward it.
She sat on the cushion and glanced around.
This is the perfect spot, somewhat hidden, yet I can still enjoy the city view.
She adjusted her mask and glanced through the menu.
Haruki glanced at her. "Just order anything you want. I'll tell the counter that I'm paying for it."
"Mm... okay."
"I'm heading to my office now. I won't be too long."
"Okay, darling~" Kyouko whispered with a smile.
Haruki smiled and shook his head, then headed to the counter, speaking to the cashier while handing over his card.
Kyouko placed an order for coffee and an assortment of sliced cakes.
Darling, huh?
She never thought she'd say that to anyone, not even her husband.
The waiter brought over the coffee and a lovely plate of cakes, placing them gently on her table. Kyouko offered a polite nod, then slowly pulled down her mask, folding it neatly and slipping it into her bag.
She lifted the cup, inhaling the rich aroma, and took a slow sip.
She glanced around.
This café looks expensive. What company does Haruki work for?
She gazed out the glass windows at the view.
Just as she was about to taste the first slice of cake, a voice interrupted her peace.
"Excuse me, beautiful~ Are you alone?"
Kyouko glanced up. A young man, probably around Haruki's age, stood in front of her table with a confident smile, dressed in an expensive suit.
She offered a calm smile and nodded. "I'm with someone."
"Oh? You're alone here, though. How about I keep you company?" He pulled out the chair across from her, leaning in a bit too close.
Kyouko smiled politely. "I'm sorry, but I'm waiting for someone important."
"Aw, don't be like that," the man laughed softly, brushing his fingers through his styled hair. "We could have fun, just the two of us. I'll take care of you, don't worry."
Kyouko exhaled softly and glanced away.
Oh dear... his breath stinks. What an arrogant, persistent creep. Can't he see I'm not interested?
"We can have a very good time~ just the two of us."
Kyouko smiled politely. "I'm sorry? But which part of 'I'm waiting for someone important' you don't understand? Hmm? I clearly told you I'm waiting for someone."
"Where is he, then? Sounds like an excuse."
Kyouko leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"I'm waiting for someone named Nakagawa Haruki. You might not know him, but I believe he works in this building. I don't know his position or rank, but let me be clear. I'm not interested in you."
"So if you please... find another cheap woman to flirt with."
The smile on the man's face faded. He stood up and walked away from her table.
Kyouko exhaled softly. After the man was gone, she picked up her fork and took a bite of the cake.
This cake tastes really good, but that man ruined the mood, and the flavor.
She picked up her phone and scrolled aimlessly as the café grew livelier. The sounds of clinking utensils, dragging chairs, and casual chatter filled the room.
Kyouko glanced around and sipped her coffee.
Mmm… probably near lunchtime.
Just then, she caught a glimpse through the large café window.
Haruki.
He was walking through the plaza outside, documents in one hand and the other casually tucked in his pocket.
And around him… three girls.
Young girls.
They were laughing and chatting, clearly trying to keep up with him. One lightly touched his shoulder, while another leaned in a little too close.
Kyouko froze.
That look on their faces, those smiles.
She knew it well, the playful, flirty expression of women hoping to catch a man's interest.
And now… she was watching it unfold right in front of her.
A strange feeling swirled in her chest.
A tightness. A twinge.
A slow but steady little fire.
Why did it bother her?
Wasn't she the one who had told him not to touch her in public?
Wasn't she the one who worried about what people would think if they acted too close?
But seeing those girls casually touch him and laugh beside him felt different.
Her chest rose with a quiet breath.
She looked away and took another sip of her coffee.
The warmth did nothing to settle the stir inside her.
He's not mine… but I don't want to share him either.
Kyouko stood gracefully, slid her handbag strap over her shoulder, and walked slowly toward Haruki. Once she arrived, she stopped in front of him outside the café and smiled, then glanced at the girls.
"Hello~" she said sweetly.
Haruki looked at Kyouko with a smile, while the three girls turned to stare at the beautiful woman standing before them.
The girl looked like she had just stepped out of a luxury magazine. Beautiful, young, sexy, stylish.
"W-who is she?" one of the girls whispered to Haruki.
Haruki opened his mouth. "This is Kyouko…"
But before he could continue,
"His girlfriend," Kyouko interjected with a graceful smile.
"Girlfriend?!" the girl who had been flirting the most scoffed. "But… you're married, Haruki!"
"Yeah!" another chimed in.
Haruki's lips parted as he tried to form an excuse, but nothing came out.
Kyouko tilted her head and stepped a little closer to Haruki, placing her hand gently on his arm.
"Don't worry, girls," she said sweetly. "His wife knows about us already. She even gave me permission to accompany him today. We're quite open with each other."
The girls were speechless, staring at Kyouko in amazement and confusion.
Kyouko smiled gently. "Now, if you'll excuse us, my boyfriend and I have a full day ahead of us."
She turned to Haruki. "Shall we, darling?"
Haruki, caught between awe and admiration, nodded with a small, amused smile.
"Sure… honey."
He watched as she walked away gracefully, then followed after a moment, leaving the stunned girls behind.
( End Of Chapter )