Once inside, Haruki sat down on the couch in the living room.
The space was big — almost too big — with shiny wooden floors, high ceilings, and furniture that looked like it belonged in a magazine.
Elegant. Clean. Quiet.
He felt like he shouldn't lean back too far.
"Umm... Haruki-kun?" Kyouko's soft voice came from the side.
"A-Ah, yes, Kyouko-san?"
"Would you like some tea?"
"Err... sorry, but... could I maybe have... umm... coffee?"
She nodded without hesitation.
"Okay. Just wait here."
Then, there was a small pause.
"If you want... you can turn on the TV."
"O-Okay."
Kyouko gave a small bow before walking toward the kitchen, her quiet steps almost silent on the wooden floor.
Haruki sat there, fidgeting a little, unsure if he should really touch anything.
Kyouko still felt a little stiff.
Her husband had already told her that Haruki and Satomi would be coming today, and he also mentioned he'd pick up Satomi himself.
Dinner was already prepared — or at least everything was ready to cook.
Now, with the coffee ready, she carried the cup carefully into the living room.
"Umm... Haruki-kun... here. Coffee."
"Ah, thank you, Kyouko-san."
"Be careful... it's hot."
"Okay."
Haruki nodded politely and took the cup with both hands.
Kyouko turned without saying anything and went back to the kitchen.
On the counter sat the dessert box Haruki had brought.
She opened it quietly — and paused.
Her eyes widened a little.
Inside were cakes she personally liked.
The ones she hadn't tasted in a long time.
She blinked, then looked to the side — at the single white rose resting beside the box.
Kyouko slowly reached for it, lifted it to her face, and smelled it gently.
Her gaze softened.
But she didn't say anything.
Haruki felt nervous.
Who wouldn't be?
He was sitting inside his in-laws' house — a place that felt more like a fancy gallery than a home — and his mother-in-law was still quietly moving around in the kitchen, wearing a face mask.
Did I do something wrong? he wondered.
The silence made him restless.
Haruki took out his phone and dialed Satomi's number.
Tuuut... tuuut...
Then — the line cut off.
She hung up.
Haruki stared at the screen, surprised for a second.
He gripped the coffee cup with both hands, trying to calm himself, but the warmth didn't help much.
He didn't know how long he'd been sitting on the couch.
Time felt slow in the quiet house.
Finally, he stood up and, hesitantly, went toward the kitchen.
"Umm... Kyouko-san?"
"Kyaa!!"
"What—!?"
Kyouko spun around, nearly dropping the knife she was holding.
"A-Ah... s-sorry, Haruki-kun... I didn't realize someone was behind me. You startled me."
"Ah... sorry! I didn't mean to—umm... I just wanted to ask... where's the bathroom?"
Kyouko blinked, then pointed down the hall with her free hand.
"At the end of the hall, on the left."
"Thank you... and really, sorry."
She gave a small, awkward nod.
Haruki bowed slightly and then slipped away toward the hallway.
Kyouko wasn't used to having anyone else in the house besides her husband — and even he was only around in the early morning or late at night.
The silence had become a normal part of her daily life.
Maybe I made him feel awkward, she thought, remembering Haruki's nervous voice.
She shook the thought away gently and focused on the food in front of her, carefully slicing the meat with practiced hands.
She glanced at the clock.
It was already past 6 p.m.
She turned to the dishes she had prepared. The smell filled the kitchen softly — warm, nostalgic.
Kyouko smiled softly to herself.
It had been so long since Satomi last came home. And now, her son-in-law was here too.
She wondered quietly...
Will he like the taste?
Haruki finished up in the bathroom and slowly walked back toward the living room.
"Um... Haruki?"
"Y-Yeah?" he replied, stopping mid-step.
"You hungry?"
"Umm..."
Growl~
His stomach answered for him.
"Ah..." Haruki looked down, a little embarrassed.
Kyouko let out a soft laugh behind her face mask — her eyes crinkling slightly.
She turned back toward the kitchen counter and started preparing something small.
After a moment, she placed a small dish on the dining table.
"Umm... you can eat this while you wait for them."
"O-Okay... Thank you, Kyouko-san."
Haruki started eating slowly.
Kyouko stood nearby, quietly watching — not because she felt pressure, but with gentle curiosity.
She wanted to see if the taste was good, if it suited him.
He took the first bite.
...Delicious.
I can't believe her cooking is this good.
Satomi and her father must have been lucky to eat like this every day.
Kyouko tilted her head slightly.
"Umm... how's the taste?"
Haruki looked up, surprised for a moment, then nodded honestly.
"It's delicious, Kyouko-san."
"Really?" she asked, her tone light but hopeful.
"Yes. This is... my first time eating something like this."
Her eyes softened behind her mask — a small, grateful smile formed.
"Glad you like it," Kyouko said softly.
( Image - Click here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> )
Haruki nodded, then hesitated.
He looked at his plate, then back at her.
"Umm... sorry... but... can I... umm..."
"Hmm?" she tilted her head a little.
"Err... can I ask for more?"
There was a brief silence.
Then, Kyouko let out a soft, light, surprised laugh — warm and gentle.
"Of course," she said, already walking toward the kitchen counter.
"I'll bring you some more."
"Here," Kyouko said, placing the second plate of food in front of him.
"Thanks... Kyouko-san."
She simply nodded and sat down nearby, keeping a comfortable distance.
Her eyes drifted toward Haruki — not out of admiration or curiosity, just quietly watching.
It had been a long time since someone ate her cooking like this.
And seeing him enjoy it… made her feel a small, unexpected warmth.
"Umm... anyway," she said softly, "thanks for the rose... Haruki-kun."
"Ah... umm... okay."
Haruki scratched his cheek, unsure how to reply.
After finishing his second plate, Haruki sat quietly, fidgeting a little.
He felt nervous again.
Part of him wanted to ask for more... but he hesitated.
"Umm... Kyouko-san?"
"Hmm?" she turned from the kitchen.
"Ah... nothing."
"I see..." she said softly.
Kyouko didn't press him. She kept preparing the side dishes with calm, practiced motions.
She glanced at the clock above the stove.
7:38 p.m.
They're late...
Her eyes looked over at the dining table — the dishes were already set and neatly arranged, but untouched.
What's keeping them?
Haruki stood awkwardly by the kitchen door.
"Umm... I'll go to the living room for now."
"Okay," she responded softly without looking at him.
Haruki silently went back to the living room, leaving Kyouko alone in the kitchen once again.
( End Of Chapter )