A Love I Shouldn't Feel
Chapter 254: Awaiting Our Moment ( 254 )

Chapter 254: Awaiting Our Moment ( 254 )

The soft rhythm of the Shinkansen blended with the hum of air-conditioning and distant announcements.

Kyouko had fallen asleep against his shoulder.

Her breath was soft.

Warm.

Calm.

Haruki turned slightly, careful not to wake her.

He looked at her face—

Peaceful.

Natural.

Not a trace of makeup.

Just her.

Beautiful.

Her features were delicate, almost too youthful.

If a stranger walked by, they’d never guess she was in her forties.

Not with that soft skin.

Those gentle eyelashes.

That calm, graceful way of resting , like she belonged in an old painting.

I’m really lucky to have this girl.

She’s...

Wife material of every man’s dream.

Soft.

Serene.

Graceful.

She didn’t need anything loud to be noticed.

She didn’t need flashy clothes or painted lips to be beautiful.

Even now—just sleeping—she looked perfect.

That body too...

Curvy in all the right places.

Good-sized breasts.

Petite, but not too short.

Everything about her felt just right.

But it wasn’t just her looks.

Back when we all lived in the same house...

When she was still married to Satoshi. And I was still stuck with Satomi...

Not once did he hear her nag.

Or shout.

Or throw a tantrum.

No mood swings. No entitled complaining.

Just quiet routines.

Soft humming in the kitchen.

A perfectly arranged dinner table.

A folded blanket on the couch.

She never demanded anything.

Never made things difficult.

She took care of her body, too—never went out unnecessarily.

Always tidy.

Always composed.

Haruki smiled.

Still watching her.

Still feeling the warmth of her breath against his shoulder.

Soon, Kyouko.

Soon.

We’ll be in that house.

The one I prepared just for us.

Far from everything.

Far from the lies.

Far from the people who ever hurt her.

A quiet home.

With a courtyard—not too big.

Enough space to stretch in the mornings.

To cook together.

To laugh together.

To live.

To be happy.

He looked at her face again.

Soft.

Peaceful.

How long I’ve waited for this.

How long I’ve planned it all—just for you.

His fingers brushed lightly along the back of her hand.

You’re mine.

Mine.

No one will ever take you away.

No one will ever touch you again.

Not that man.

Not even your daughter.

You are mine.

And only mine.

A soft chime rang through the cabin, followed by the gentle voice of the conductor.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will soon arrive at Kyoto Station. Please make sure you have all your belongings."

The announcement faded into a calm melody.

Haruki opened his eyes and turned toward the woman still sleeping against him.

He smiled faintly.

"Kyouko... Kyouko..."

His voice was quiet. Gentle.

He reached up and gave her arm a light, careful shake—mindful of the passengers nearby.

This was Gran Class after all.

Kyouko stirred slowly.

Her lashes fluttered before her eyes opened, meeting his.

Still hazy with sleep.

Still breathtaking.

She looked up at him—his handsome face close, his eyes soft and warm.

A drowsy whisper escaped her lips.

"We arrive yet, darling?"

Haruki smiled, voice low.

"Soon, Kyouko."

She closed her eyes again for a moment.

Then leaned once more on his shoulder, relaxed, content.

The Shinkansen slowed to a smooth stop.

A soft announcement echoed, and the doors slid open with a faint hiss.

Haruki stepped out first, turning slightly to watch Kyouko follow.

She stepped onto the platform quietly, her movements light—

Then paused and lifted her arms, stretching just a little.

Her back arched slightly.

Her arms above her head.

Her fingers curled.

Just a simple stretch after a long ride.

But to Haruki, it was another piece of her—

A part he hadn’t seen before.

Even her stretch was graceful.

Quiet. Feminine. Soft.

And without thinking, he smiled.

Still holding their single travel bag.

Kyouko lowered her arms slowly, blinking toward the bright Kyoto station signs.

The air here felt different.

She turned to him, eyes gentle, and without hesitation, wrapped one arm lightly around his.

"So~ where are we going now, Haruki?"

Haruki shifted the bag on his shoulder and looked down at her with that same soft smile.

"I already booked the place we’re staying at."

He tilted his head slightly, nodding toward the direction signs.

"We should head to the taxi area."

"Mm~" Kyouko hummed, content.

They settled into the back seat of the taxi.

The driver adjusted his mirror, confirmed the location, and quietly pulled away from Kyoto Station.

Outside the window, the city passed by slowly—old machiya houses, soft green trees, paper lanterns swaying gently under the late afternoon sun.

Inside, it was quiet.

Haruki sat beside her.

Kyouko leaned closer, her voice low.

"Haruki?"

"Hmm?" he turned slightly, his tone warm.

"Where are we staying?"

He glanced at her. Then smiled softly.

"Ryotei Rangetsu."

Kyouko blinked, lips parting in surprise.

She knew the name.

A quiet, luxurious inn nestled near the Katsura River.

Private. Elegant. Hidden away from crowds.

Known for its intimate rooms, beautiful inner gardens, and the softest of futons.

Her smile returned, small and touched.

Of course Haruki would choose that place.

Kyouko leaned closer.

"I know why you chose that place~"

A subtle smile touched her lips.

"You naughty boy~"

Haruki didn’t look at her directly.

But his smirk gave him away.

He leaned toward her ear, whispering low.

"Mm... I can’t wait."

"We’re going to the private open-air hot bath..."

Kyouko flushed faintly.

Her eyes lowered, shy.

"Naughty~"

Haruki leaned back slightly, still watching the scenery.

"Not only that."

"The bamboo grove nearby. A few quiet walking paths. And a lot of places to visit, just the two of us."

Kyouko turned to him again.

"Oh?" she smiled. Her voice was quieter now.

"Why choose a place like that?"

Haruki’s eyes didn’t leave the road ahead.

But his voice dropped slightly, teasing.

"So I can eat something... special."

Kyouko blinked.

Her cheeks turned pink.

I don’t mind...

I was looking forward to it.

She lowered her gaze slightly, hiding the small, knowing smile on her lips.

Her thoughts wandered—

Back to that night.

The first time they crossed the line.

On that couch...

In the Harusawa residence.

When everything still felt forbidden.

She remembered how he kissed her.

How his hands touched her like she was something fragile and sacred.

How he couldn’t stop.

And the next morning.

She’d woken up not with guilt...

But with expectation.

I knew then...

He wouldn’t stop.

And neither would I.

And she was right.

Since then, their daily life had changed.

Sex.

And then more sex.

Morning. Night. Whenever they were alone.

But it wasn’t crude.

It wasn’t vulgar.

It was... addictive.

Beautiful.

A private world made just for them.

The only difference was.

The place.

The way.

And...

The way she was waiting for it.

Like it was breaking me.

Wearing me down gently.

And worst of all...

I was waiting for it.

Wanting it.

Even though she never told him directly.

Even though her lips stayed silent.

Her body always told the truth.

And now...

A private open-air bath?

Her breath caught slightly.

How can I pretend I’m not excited...

( End Of Chapter )