Kyouko noticed his lingering gaze and the faint shadow in his expression.
She smiled gently, reaching up and brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead.
"What's with that look?"
Then, standing on her toes just slightly, she leaned in and kissed him—soft, slow, and full of unspoken warmth.
Haruki closed his eyes for a moment, letting the kiss settle into him.
When they parted, he smiled—but didn't say anything.
Kyouko reached up and cupped his cheek, still smiling.
"Don't overthink it."
Her voice was quiet, but firm.
"We both still have spouses."
"And for now… I'm happy with our relationship just the way it is."
She leaned her head briefly against his shoulder, her voice dropping.
"Don't make Satomi sad, okay? She's still my daughter~"
Haruki stayed silent, arms tightening just slightly around her waist.
He understood.
Kyouko wasn't rejecting him.
She was protecting what they had.
Haruki's gaze lingered on her—soft, steady, almost vulnerable.
