Kyouko gave his hair one final rub before lowering the towel.
"Alright. That's enough. You'll get sick if you stay like this."
Without warning, she took his hand and gave it a gentle tug. "Come on...upstairs."
"Huh? Wait..." Haruki blinked, caught off guard as she pulled him along, Her wet clothes still clung to her body as she walked quickly ahead.
"You need to wash yourself," she said without turning around, her tone making it clear she meant business.
"Okay, okay~ Jeez~" Haruki let out a soft chuckle as he followed, amused by her sudden assertiveness.
When they reached the top of the stairs, Kyouko stopped in front of his room and handed him a dry towel she'd brought up earlier.
"Now go take a shower!" she said firmly, pointing toward the bathroom.
"Yes, ma'am!" Haruki grinned, giving a small mock salute.
Kyouko smiled, shaking her head at his playful attitude, then turned and headed to her own room.
She stepped inside, peeling off her damp dress as she walked, leaving faint droplets on the floor. She reached for another towel and slipped into the shower near her room, exhaling as the warm water poured over her chilled skin.
In the distance, she could hear the faint sound of Haruki's shower running too.
The warmth washed away the chill from the rain. She let out a soft sigh as the water streamed down her body. Running her fingers through her damp hair, she tilted her head back. It felt good, relaxing. Her thoughts drifted unintentionally to Haruki.
How he smiled at her.
How he stood outside in the rain, his body glistening.
She bit her lip.
"Stupid," she whispered, embarrassed she was even thinking this way.
She wasn't supposed to feel this kind of tension. Not for him. Not for her daughter's husband.
Shaking her head, she focused on the soap in her hands. She ran it slowly down her body, letting the steam cloud the mirror and her thoughts along with it.
Then Kyouko's thoughts drifted.
Her husband...
How long had it been since she'd felt his weight on top of her?
Since she'd kissed him?
Since she'd felt happy?
She imagined the feeling of a hug, one from behind. A day where she and her husband simply enjoyed each other's presence—just like when they first fell in love. A couple, sweet and warm.
But that warmth had long faded.
Kyouko leaned against the shower wall, eyes closed, letting the water cascade down her bare shoulders. Her fingers brushed her lips, trying to recall the last time they'd been kissed with love. Not out of routine or obligation, but love.
How long had it been since they'd had sex?
She wrapped her arms around herself, hugging her own body as the steam rose thick around her.
Was it her fault? Had she stopped trying? Or was he just too busy chasing numbers, meetings, and deals?
She used to wait for him. Dress nicely. Cook his favorite meals. Wear that perfume he liked.
But all of it...ignored.
She wasn't trying to blame him. No. She knew age came for everyone. Marriage changed over time. But deep down, she was still a woman. Still someone who wanted to feel seen... touched... loved.
Her thoughts wandered again.
Haruki...
That smile. Those eyes. The way he looked at her—not like a mother-in-law. Not even like an older woman. But as a woman.
Her heart skipped just remembering how close their faces had been earlier. How her body had accidentally pressed against him. How he hadn't pushed her away. How he'd looked stunned, not disgusted.
She turned off the water abruptly, breathing out a long sigh.
"No," she whispered to herself. "Don't think like that, Kyouko. Don't be stupid..."
Stepping out, she wrapped a towel around her body and stared into the foggy mirror.
But even as she wiped it clear, her reflection seemed... lonelier than before.
Kyouko stepped into her room, the towel still clinging to her damp skin. Lost in thought, she didn't bother to fully close the door behind her. Absentmindedly, her fingers adjusted the towel at her chest as she drifted slowly toward the vanity.
Her mind was heavy with doubt.
Does he really not find me desirable anymore?
Is that why he doesn't touch me? Doesn't look at me the way he used to?
She studied her reflection, examining every line and curve of her body. Her gaze dropped to her breasts. Have they lost their shape? Her fingers traced along her stomach and hips—parts she used to take pride in.
Do I… stink? she wondered bitterly. Not literally—she kept herself clean and fragrant. But that scent. That natural, youthful scent men seemed to crave. Had it faded?
She shook her head. "Why am I thinking like this?" she whispered, her lips barely moving.
Maybe it was the rain. Something about the sound, the atmosphere—it made people feel things they'd rather not.
Outside her room, Haruki stepped out of his, rubbing a towel through his hair. The hallway was quiet except for the soft rumble of rain. He glanced toward Kyouko's door and noticed it wasn't fully closed.
"Kyouko-san?" he called gently.
No response.
He took a step closer, unsure if she'd heard him. But when he reached the door, he froze.
She was standing in front of her full-length mirror.
The towel that had wrapped around her was gone.
His breath hitched.
Her back faced him, her posture relaxed, completely unaware. The curve of her waist flowed into the soft roundness of her hips, her toned thighs set slightly apart. Then his eyes caught on her ass—smooth, round, perfectly shaped. Not too big, not too small. Just right.
But what really made his pulse race was the mirror. From where he stood, he could see her reflection in the glass.
Her breasts were soft and full, her nipples a delicate pink and slightly peaked from the cool air. His lips parted. It wasn't just arousing—it was unreal.
He had never expected to see her like this.
Never imagined her beauty could stir him this way.
She wasn't trying to look sexy.
That made it even worse.
Her skin glistened faintly under the light, her hair draped softly over one shoulder. She brushed it aside with her hand.
She touched her breast—not in a teasing way, just self-consciously, inspecting herself. Her fingers lingered near her stomach, tracing over imperfections only she believed existed.
And that subtle look on her face…
Not seduction. Not vanity.
Insecurity.
Haruki's heart twisted.
She didn't know how beautiful she was.
Didn't realize how painfully attractive she looked just by being herself.
He should've looked away.
But he didn't.
He stood there for a few moments, caught in something he had no right to witness. Then, realizing how wrong this was, he finally pulled away from the doorway, retreating back against the wall with a racing heart.
His breath came shaky.
His mind spun.
Inside the room, Kyouko sighed faintly and turned to grab her clothes, still deep in thought, completely unaware of the eyes that had just witnessed her quiet, vulnerable moment.
( End of Chapter )