That Night.
After Dinner.
Kyouko sat in the living room alone, waiting for Satoshi.
She glanced at the clock.
10:37 PM
Kyouko exhaled softly.
I wonder what makes Satoshi always so busy.
From the day Haruki was born and his company reached mid-tier, he rarely comes home early. And when he is home, he always grumbles, tired, tired, tired. Even on weekends, he never stays home for a full day.
Golf with clients, business dinners, weekend meetings, "team-building" trips. Always something. Always somewhere else.
Despite being the owner of the company, he acts like he has no control over his own schedule.
Kyouko put down her book and exhaled softly.
Not to mention stingy. He gives me money just enough for groceries and bills. When I ask for things like a new dress or my skincare products, he always says "later, later, later."
I have to adjust the expenses, making sure it's enough for everything, and I can at least save a little bit of money for emergencies. I buy my skincare products only when I've saved enough from the grocery budget, using coupons and waiting for sales, making sure each bottle lasts until I can save up for the next one.
She looked at her hands, still smooth and youthful thanks to that careful, frugal skincare routine. All while Satoshi wears expensive watches, drives a new luxury car every two years, and buys custom-fitted golf clubs that cost more than entire monthly expense.
I skip buying new clothes for myself so I can put aside a little extra for Haruki, in case he needs something.
Haruki never asks for anything, though. He's always been like that. Even when he was little, he'd say "I don't need it" if something was too expensive.
She smiled faintly, remembering how he'd pretend not to want the latest video game or anything that trendy, even though she could see the longing in his eyes.
Kyouko's eyes drifted to the family photo on the wall: Haruki as a child, Satomi standing next to him, Satoshi with his serious, distant expression, and herself smiling faintly.
That was taken just before Satomi got pregnant during high school. After that, everything changed. Satoshi became even more distant, buried himself in work, and I... I just kept smiling, kept the house running, kept waiting.
Kyouko smiled softly, her eyes lingering on the photo.
Now Haruki is already an adult, and still... he's the same thoughtful boy he's always been. Never demanding, never selfish, always putting others first.
He never asks for anything, even when he gets perfect grades or achieves something remarkable. I remember when he won that regional math competition in high school, and I asked if he needed anything, he just smiled and said, "Seeing you happy is enough, Mom."
If it were any other kid, they would have demanded expensive gifts, a new phone, a gaming console, a trip somewhere special.
But Haruki is different. He's always been content with what he has. Even when his friends got the latest gadgets or went on fancy vacations, he never complained. He'd just smile and say, "I already have everything I need right here."
That's why I want him to be happy. To find a girl who appreciates him, who sees how wonderful he is. Someone who will cherish him the way he deserves to be cherished.
Kyouko's smile softened, her eyes warm with maternal pride.
My Haruki... he's going to make some girl very happy one day.
Kyouko heard a car sound from outside and headed to the front door, pressed the gate button on the wall, and opened it.
The usual Satoshi. Always grumbling... and I'm sure he'll say he's tired.
Kyouko exhaled and smiled faintly.
"Welcome home, dear."
"Mm..." Satoshi grumbled, removing his necktie and handing his briefcase to her without looking, then kicking off his expensive leather shoes carelessly, leaving them scattered in the doorway.
"Dear..." Kyouko exhaled again when seeing Satoshi just leave the shoes like that and walk toward the living room, collapsing onto the couch.
Kyouko noticed a faint smell of new perfume as she put down his briefcase on the side table.
Hmm? This is...
Oh, right... Satoshi mentioned the new business venture before.
"Dear... your company launched a new perfume already?"
Satoshi's eyes widened slightly before he composed himself, turning his face away as he loosened his collar.
"Y... yeah... why?"
"Why didn't you bring one for me?" Kyouko moved toward the couch and sat across from him, her tone light but her eyes sharp.
"I'm busy." Satoshi just removed his coat, and Kyouko reached for it, taking the hanger she'd brought with her to hang it upstairs later.
"Mou! At least bring one for me next time!"
"Yeah, yeah... if I remember." Satoshi slowly stood and moved toward the stairs.
"Dear?"
Satoshi paused, his shoulders tensing slightly as he glanced over his shoulder, trying to appear casual despite his nervousness. "Y...yes?"
Kyouko narrowed her eyes and tilted her head, glancing up at Satoshi who was already two steps up the stairs.
Hmm? Wonder why Satoshi suddenly seems nervous?
"What is it, Kyouko?" Satoshi averted his eyes, rubbing his temples and pretending to be exhausted. "It's been a long day. Can't this wait until morning?"
"You know, since Haruki is home for summer break, I was hoping we could go somewhere as a family. Haruki always gets perfect grades but we never celebrate his achievements properly... I was hoping we could take a short trip together. Maybe to the hot springs in Hakone, or just a day out somewhere nice. It's been years since we did anything as a family."
Satoshi sighed heavily, his hand gripping the banister. "Kyouko, you know how busy I am with the new project. I don't have time for vacations right now."
"But it's just for a day or two! Haruki will be going back to college soon, and—"
"I said no! Why can't you understand?" Satoshi's tone was final as he continued up the stairs. "If you want to do something with him, take him yourself. Use the money I gave you."
Kyouko stood alone in the quiet living room, watching him disappear up the stairs. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
The money he gives me barely covers necessities, let alone a trip to Hakone. He knows that. He just doesn't care.
A short, bitter smile touched her lips, slowly turn away then turned off the living room lights.
( End Of Chapter )