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Chapter 18 - Chapter 18 — Morning Kisses and Parental Shock

18.1 — Morning Arrival

The sunlight filtered through the windows of the Tachibana household, and the smell of toast and eggs lingered in the air.

Aki Tachibana sipped her tea, humming a tune while watching the clock.

Ryo flipped the newspaper lazily, eyes half-focused.

> "She's late today," Aki mused, tapping her fingers.

> "She's never late," Ryo replied. "She's probably walking slow to build anticipation."

They didn't have to wonder much longer.

Ding-dong.

Minato, still fixing the strap on his bag, ran down the stairs barefoot.

> "Got it!"

He opened the door.

Chiharu stood there in her pristine school uniform, hair shining in the morning sun. Her calm expression softened the moment she saw him.

> "Morning, Minato."

> "Morning, Chii-chan."

She stepped aside as he put on his shoes and prepared to follow.

Then she said—

> "Wait."

He paused.

> "Hmm?"

Chiharu looked him right in the eye, cheeks faintly flushed but tone unwavering.

> "Give me a morning kiss… and a meeting kiss. You owe me two."

Minato blinked.

From the kitchen, both parents froze mid-sip.

> Did she just say—?!

Minato, however, blinked once… then smiled.

> "Yeah. That's fair."

---

18.2 — The Kisses

He stepped toward her gently.

Without hesitation, he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips.

Not rushed. Not awkward. Just gentle and sweet.

She closed her eyes, holding the front of his blazer loosely, like it grounded her.

When they pulled apart, she whispered:

> "That was the morning one."

He chuckled. "So this one's the 'meeting'?"

And kissed her again.

This time—deeper.

A quiet gasp escaped her lips as his arms slid around her waist, her fingers clutching his shirt.

There was no one else in the world for a few heartbeats.

Only warmth. Only breath. Only each other.

---

18.3 — POV: The Parents (Shocked Spectators)

In the kitchen, Aki and Ryo stood frozen behind the wall, having peeked around the corner like guilty teenagers.

Ryo's toast dangled from his mouth like a forgotten relic.

Aki was gripping her teacup with white knuckles.

> "Did they just—kiss—twice?"

> "I counted three seconds. The second one was deep. Really deep."

> "My son… is in a relationship."

> "Your son is practically engaged."

They peeked again—Minato and Chiharu were now walking toward school, hand in hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Ryo slumped into a chair. "He didn't even tell us."

Aki leaned against the wall dramatically. "They grow up… so boldly."

---

18.4 — Later That Morning: Casual

As they walked, Chiharu kept her fingers entwined with his.

> "Thanks."

> "For the kisses?"

> "For not hesitating."

He smiled sideways at her. "Didn't want to keep you waiting."

She looked at him, smiling softly.

> "Good. Because I'm never letting you go again."

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