A Love I Shouldn't Feel-Chapter 41: Faded Innocence, Steady Desire ( )

"Haruki!" Kyouko let out a sharp breath as she slapped his arm lightly, water still dripping from both their bodies. Her cheeks were flushed—not just from the heat of the shower, but from everything he'd just done.

"This is why I said... you'd do something naughty the moment I let you in." Her voice was half-scolding, half-laughing—sweet and breathy, curling through the mist.

Haruki grinned, running a hand through his soaked hair, shamelessly proud. "You knew what would happen," he teased, stepping back just enough to give her breathing space.

"You always know."

Kyouko sighed, shaking her head as she reached for the tub. She didn't look back at him, but her words were quiet and amused.

"And even when I told you to stop..."

Haruki raised a brow. "You didn't really mean it."

That made her laugh—a soft, breathless chuckle that betrayed how much she was still feeling the afterglow. "You're terrible."

"Now, finish your shower. And no more naughty, naughty things, okay~?" Her tone was teasing, her expression soft, but the warmth in her eyes lingered. freёweɓnovel.com

Haruki chuckled. "Alright, alright...."

She gave him one last look before stepping out into the hallway.

Haruki followed her out of the bathroom, towel hanging loosely around his waist.

Kyouko was already ahead of him, her towel wrapped snugly around her soft figure, walking gracefully toward her room.

Unable to resist, Haruki reached out—just a teasing touch, fingertips brushing her butt.

Kyouko let out a small yelp, spun around with wide eyes, and swatted his hand away.

"No, no, no~" she giggled, backing up playfully. "You're not getting round two this early!"

Then, with a mischievous smile, she turned and darted into her room.

"Go to your own room, you naughty boy!" she called, sticking her tongue out at him just before the door shut with a soft click.

Haruki stood there for a second, laughing under his breath. His heart felt light and full—this kind of morning, this kind of teasing warmth, was something he never imagined he'd share with Kyouko.

As he turned to head into his own room—just across the hall—he heard the quiet creak of her door opening again.

He glanced back.

Kyouko peeked out, her hair still damp, eyes soft and affectionate.

"Haruki?"

He paused, hand on his door. "Yes, Kyouko?"

She smiled, small and warm. "Once you're done, head downstairs for breakfast, okay?"

Haruki gave a quiet nod. "Okay, Kyouko."

Inside her room, Kyouko sat in front of her vanity, towel still wrapped around her body, the mirror catching the delicate curve of her bare shoulders.

With gentle fingers, she dabbed a skin serum across her cheeks, massaging it into her skin with practiced grace. It had been part of her morning ritual for years—cleanse, tone, moisturize. Not out of vanity, but because it was one of the few things she did purely for herself.

She moved slowly and tenderly, each stroke of her hand reminded her she was still here. Still a woman. Still allowed to feel beautiful.

Next came the serum for her skin, followed by light oil for her arms and thighs. Her skin glowed beneath her touch—soft, warm, and radiant from within. As she brushed her hair back, applying a fragrant serum to the ends, her eyes caught her own reflection.

She paused.

Leaning closer to the mirror, she let her fingertips gently graze her cheek.

This face... wasn't so different from the one she remembered in her twenties. The skin around her eyes had softened a little, but the brightness remained. Her lips still held color, her lashes were still long, and her hair was still thick and dark.

She had never thought much of her appearance, but lately... someone had been looking at her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world.

She smiled at herself and let out a small breath.

"Enough, Kyouko."

She stood and opened her wardrobe.

Inside were clothes from years ago—dresses, blouses, skirts—styles she hadn't worn in ages. Some still smelled faintly of the sachets she'd tucked into the corners. She ran her fingers along a soft ivory blouse and a flowing light-blue skirt. These were from a time when she was much younger.

And though she still looked youthful, she had long since stopped dressing like a woman trying to be seen.

But now... maybe just once...

Knock, knock.

Kyouko flinched slightly, still holding two dresses in each hand—one floral and airy, the other more modest and long-sleeved. She glanced at the door, then at the mirror, and let out an frustrated sigh.

She stared at the wardrobe again, trying to decide—something soft? Something fitted? Her fingers hesitated.

"Wait!" she suddenly called out, her voice rising. "Don't come in!"

There was a pause from the other side.

"Umm... Kyouko...?" Haruki's voice came, muffled but hesitant.

Kyouko groaned internally, throwing one dress over the edge of the bed as she pressed her palm to her forehead.

"Ugh! Just because he's handsome... just because I let him..." She lowered her voice to a mutter. "He really thinks I'm that easy? That that's all I'm good for...?"

"What is it?" she called out louder. "I'm changing!"

A short pause, then his voice again—soft, careful.

"Umm... someone from the neighborhood came by. Said she wanted to see you."

Kyouko froze, then blinked at the door.

"Okay! Wait—just give me a minute," she called, her voice a little softer now.

She looked down at the dress still in her hands... and made her choice.

Then she glanced toward the door.

"Haruki?" she called gently, almost unsure if he was still there.

A pause, then his voice came, slightly surprised: "Uh... yes?"

She hesitated for just a moment, her eyes flicking back to the dresses. "What color do you like?" she asked, her voice calm but a bit playful.

From the other side of the door, there was silence.

"Umm... green?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of Kyouko's lips.

"Okay~" she sang softly, reaching down to pick up the green dress.

It was her favorite color.

( End Of Chapter )