A Love I Shouldn't Feel-Chapter 119: Sunrise and Secrets ( )

The next morning...

The sky had only just begun to brighten with soft gold when Kyouko stirred from her futon.

She sat up in silence, careful not to wake anyone, and gathered her exercise outfit from her small travel bag.

She made her way to the bathroom, washed her face with cool water, brushed her teeth, and changed from her pale pajamas into a fitted, clean athletic set. The soft fabric hugged her toned frame, outlining every curve she had so delicately maintained through the years.

Not for vanity.

But to preserve herself.

To calm her mind.

To stay... beautiful.

Stepping barefoot onto the tatami, she slid open the back door and stepped into the open backyard, wide, green, and still glistening with morning dew.

The sea breeze carried faintly across the land, brushing strands of her hair across her cheek.

She stretched slowly, arms overhead, legs pulling back in smooth repetition. Then she began a light jog along the stone path circling the trees. Her body moved with practiced grace, each motion fluid, silent, and refined.

More than thirty minutes passed like that.

Just her.

Her breathing.

Her focus.

Her silence.

The door behind her creaked softly.

Hanako had woken.

She stepped outside, tying her robe around her waist, and glanced toward the yard.

There, bathed in the early sun was her eldest daughter, exercise quietly beneath the trees.

So poised.

So graceful.

"Morning... you’re early today," Hanako said softly.

Kyouko slowed her pace, turning her head with a warm, sweat-glistened smile. "Yes, Mom~ Wanna join me?"

Hanako chuckled, shaking her head. "Ah, no... I’ll leave the beauty to you."

Kyouko let out a soft laugh and resumed her jog, her ponytail swaying gently behind her.

Hanako leaned gently against the doorframe, arms folded with a knowing smile.

"By the way, Kyouko~"

"Hmm?" Kyouko glanced over her shoulder, still catching her breath.

"Your son-in-law also headed outside just now."

Kyouko blinked. "Huh? He’s leaving?"

Hanako shook her head. "Ah, no. He’s wearing short pants and casual clothes, looked like he was going jogging too. No wonder his body’s so fit. Those legs... that muscle..."

Kyouko let out a soft, polite "Oh."

She bent forward, reaching toward her toes in a slow stretch.

Hanako grinned. "You didn’t hear it from me~"

Kyouko gave a small smile.

But inside.

Her breath caught just a little.

He’s jogging... now?

Kyouko wiped her face with a small towel, letting the morning breeze cool her flushed skin. Then she turned, walking back toward the house.

She stepped quietly inside, made her way to the front entrance, and knelt to slip on her sneakers.

"Mom, I’m heading out~" she called gently as she tied the laces.

Hanako peeked out from the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron. "Oh? You’re going to jog with him?"

Kyouko paused, then gave a soft smile without turning.

"Ah... if he’s around. I just..." she stood slowly, brushing her ponytail back. "I feel... you know. Safer. Jogging alone... I get nervous sometimes."

Hanako tilted her head, amused. "Ohh~ I see. Well, okay then. Be back before breakfast."

"I will," Kyouko said, opening the door.

Kyouko began a steady jog down the quiet road that ran beside the house, her breathing calm, her footsteps soft.

And just ahead.

She saw him.

Haruki stood near the corner, one leg propped up on a low stone wall as he leaned into a deep stretch. His short-sleeved shirt clung to his toned back, and his calf muscles flexed with every motion.

She slowed as she neared.

"Haruki~"

He looked up instantly. "Kyouko~"

She came to a stop beside him, catching her breath. Her chest rose and fell beneath her fitted top, and as she bent forward to rest her hands on her knees—

Her cleavage showed.

Haruki, still holding his stretch, raised a brow.

"...Oh. Nice sight in the morning."

Kyouko blinked up, then gave him a soft glare, but her lips curled into a faint smile.

"Pervert," she whispered breathlessly, still catching her breath.

Kyouko straightened and without hesitation, reached for Haruki’s hand.

"Come on," she said gently, fingers curling around his.

"Hey? I’m not even finished warming up yet," he protested, half-smiling.

"Just shut up and follow~"

Haruki laughed. "So bossy in the morning—"

Smack.

Her hand gave his arm a light slap.

"Ouch!!"

"Let’s go~"

"Okay, okay~" Haruki grinned and jogged after her.

His eyes trailed lower.

Watching the smooth sway of her hips in those tight exercise leggings... the subtle bounce, the gentle rhythm of her steps.

"...Nice ass~" he muttered under his breath.

Kyouko’s head turned sharply, eyes wide. "Haruki!!"

He just laughed again, picking up pace to match her.

"Kyouko~"

"Hmm?" she replied, not slowing down, her breath light and even.

Haruki’s voice dipped just enough for her to hear over their footsteps.

"Nice jiggle~"

Kyouko let out a quiet, teasing laugh.

"You like it?"

Haruki grinned. "Mmm... nice sight. Love it."

Without missing a beat, Kyouko turned her head just slightly, eyes playful.

"Then keep up if you want to see~"

She picked up her pace, just enough to make him chase a little.

Her hips swayed more, the bounce of her breast just visible beneath her snug top.

"Kyouko..."

"Hmm?" she answered, still jogging ahead, not even turning her head.

"Let’s have breakfast outside?" Haruki asked, his voice casual—almost hopeful.

She slowed slightly, just enough to glance back at him.

"...In this outfit?"

Haruki blinked. "Err..."

Kyouko raised a brow, the corners of her lips twitching into a knowing smile.

"I thought you didn’t want me showing off."

Haruki opened his mouth, then closed it again.

Kyouko slowed to a walk, her breath soft as she looked ahead.

"I need to change first," she added.

Then, without looking back, she teased with a light toss of her ponytail.

"Unless you want the whole town to see what’s yours..."

"Oh..." Haruki grinned as they slowed to a stop beneath the shade of a tree lining the quiet roadside.

Without warning, he stepped closer and wrapped his arms gently around her from behind, his chest warm against her back, his breath brushing her ear.

Kyouko gasped softly.

"Hey~ what if someone sees us?"

Haruki nuzzled closer, kissing the side of her neck. "It’s still early," he murmured.

Kyouko wriggled slightly, her smile widening. "No~ don’t~"

But she didn’t pull away.

Her voice said no.

But her body leaned softly into his arms.

And in that quiet moment...

Under the morning sun, with only the sound of leaves swaying.

They were just two people.

( End Of Chapter )