A Love I Shouldn't Feel-Chapter 21 : Simple Moments, Hidden Feelings

"So the movie's around 2:00 PM, right?" Haruki asked, glancing at the wall clock.

"Yes," Kyouko replied, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "I think we still have time."

She paused, her eyes softening as she looked at him—shirtless and slightly sweaty from their workout. "My husband already gave us permission... and Satomi too. So..."

"Yeah..." Haruki nodded, his voice trailing off, unsure of what else to say.

"Okay, let's get ready then," Kyouko said with a warm smile.

Without thinking much, she reached out and casually wrapped her hand around Haruki's arm, her fingers grazing the firm lines of his bicep. Her touch was light but lingering, as if it wasn't the first time she'd done this. And maybe it wouldn't be the last.

She gently tugged him towards the hallway, not forcefully—just naturally—like it was the most ordinary thing in the world to pull a shirtless young man by the arm.

Haruki glanced at her hand and then at her face. "Kyouko-san..."

"Hmm?" She looked back, her tone playful.

He chuckled. "Nothing."

But inside, his heart raced a little faster. She was smiling, close, warm, and that casual touch made it hard not to think of her as more than just family.

After her shower, Kyouko stood in front of the full-length mirror, wrapped only in a towel. Steam still clung to her skin from the warm shower, making her body glisten softly under the light.

She ran her fingers slowly through her hair, applying leave-in conditioner with practiced care. Her long, black, glossy hair slid between her fingers like silk.

Setting the bottle down, she reached for body lotion. The moment it touched her skin, a soft sigh escaped her lips. Cool and smooth, she started with her shoulders, working down to her arms—firm yet feminine. Her hands moved lower, gliding across the gentle swell of her breasts.

Still full, round, and firm. Even after giving birth and years of marriage, her breasts hadn't lost their shape. Sometimes, she wondered if that was part of the problem—her husband never really touched her anymore. It had been years since he'd looked at her like a woman.

She moved lower, rubbing the cream into her waist and hips. Her stomach was flat, with the right curve, and her hips had widened slightly over the years, making her body even more desirable. She traced the outline of her toned, smooth thighs and bent slightly, watching her reflection. Her skin still held that youthful glow, the soft elasticity that younger women would envy.

She wasn't trying to impress anyone, but she couldn't deny she noticed Haruki's eyes lately—the way he glanced at her, the way he smiled.

A tiny, guilty smile curled on her lips.

She stepped to the closet, her bare feet silent on the floor. She slid through the hangers until her fingers stopped on a dress she hadn't worn in a long time. It hugged her figure, sleeveless and modest, but with just enough cut to show the soft valley between her breasts, and a slit that teased her legs when she walked.

Kyouko held it up in front of her and tilted her head.

"...Maybe this one should do."

She wasn't dressing for a date.

But she still wanted to be seen.

Once Kyouko stepped out of her room, she paused when she saw Haruki waiting at the end of the hallway.

"Oh, Haruki—sorry I'm late."

Haruki turned, blinking for a moment as he took her in. "No problem, Kyouko-san. That dress really looks nice on you."

Kyouko smiled softly and tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Only the dress? Hmm~?"

Haruki scratched his cheek, flustered but smiling. "Well... you are beautiful."

Her smile deepened, her heart skipping a beat at how genuine he sounded. Without hesitation, she walked up to him and wrapped her hand around his arm, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Let's go then, shall we?" she said softly, leaning her head slightly closer to his shoulder.

"Y-yeah," Haruki replied, not moving away. Her touch, her scent, the softness of her presence—it all felt strangely comforting.

They walked down the hallway together, side by side.

Kyouko gently raised her hand. "What do you think of this gold bracelet?" she asked, glancing at Haruki with a casual smile.

Haruki looked over. "It looks good on you."

"Hey, don't be so stiff," she teased softly. "You don't have to feel awkward around me, you know. Here—look."

She extended her arm a little more, and Haruki chuckled. "Alright, alright."

He reached out, his fingers lightly brushing her arm as he took her wrist gently to examine the bracelet, his thumb lingering a little longer than necessary, caressing her skin.

"Kyouko-san?"

"Hmm?"

"How do you maintain this smooth skin?" he asked, almost a murmur as he ran his fingers gently along her arm.

Kyouko didn't pull away. Instead, her lips curved into a pleased smile. "Oh... I'll show you the skincare I use later."

Their eyes met for a brief second.

The moment felt simple but warm.

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"You know, Kyouko-san..."

"Hmm?"

"You're really beautiful."

Kyouko playfully slapped his arm. "Haruki~ don't tease an older woman like that."

Haruki let out a soft laugh. Their shoulders brushed as they walked, neither of them stepping away. The space between them felt nonexistent now.

"I really mean it," he said, his voice a little softer.

Kyouko glanced at him from the corner of her eye, trying not to smile too much. "Yeah? Really? Or are you just saying that 'cause I treated you to lunch or something?"

Haruki laughed again, pretending to think. "Well... the free food was nice, but no—I'd say it even if you made me pay."

She gave a little hum, pleased. "Then I'll believe it. Just this once."

Once the house was locked, they both headed toward the parking lot.

Kyouko unlocked the car and got into the driver's seat.

Haruki opened the door.

"Hurry up and get in!" Kyouko called with a playful smile from the driver's seat.

"Okay, okay!" Haruki chuckled, closing the door behind him as he slid into the passenger seat.

"Let's go~" she sang cheerfully, shifting into gear.

( End of Chapter )