A Love I Shouldn't Feel
Chapter 257: Blessings and Charm ( 257 )

Chapter 257: Blessings and Charm ( 257 )

The car stopped just outside the shrine district, nestled quietly on a slope overlooking part of the city.

Lanterns hung along the path, swaying softly in the warm breeze.

Children in yukata laughed nearby, holding festival masks and cotton candy.

Haruki stepped out first, then reached his hand toward the door, helping Kyouko gently out of the car.

Her floral yukata fluttered softly around her legs as she stepped onto the stone path.

Kyouko looked up.

The shrine’s red torii gate stood tall, framed by green leaves and a gentle hush that contrasted the noise of the distant festival crowd.

She held his hand loosely.

They walked side by side, slowly.

Along the way, they stopped at the charm stall.

Dozens of omamori lined the wooden shelves, each in vibrant silk pouches, labeled with tiny handwritten blessings.

Love. Safe Birth. Longevity. Marriage. Protection.

Kyouko paused.

Her fingers traced one small charm, soft pink with golden embroidery.

For a happy marriage.

Haruki watched her quietly.

She didn’t say anything.

Didn’t pick it up.

Just smiled gently and looked at another.

"This one’s for good health," she said softly, holding up a blue charm.

"Want it?"

Haruki smiled.

"Buy one for both of us."

Kyouko turned her face slightly away, hiding the small blush rising to her cheeks.

She picked out two, carefully handed them to the vendor, and received them in a small paper bag tied with red thread.

They continued walking slowly past the rows of wind chimes.

The sound was soft, delicate, like Kyouko’s voice whenever she whispered his name in bed.

Haruki glanced at her again.

She was beautiful.

The soft lantern light kissed her cheeks as she walked beside him, yukata swaying with each step.

She chatted quietly, gentle words about the scenery, the breeze, the faint music echoing from afar.

And Haruki simply listened.

Listened to the woman he loved.

To the delicate sound of her voice, light like wind chimes.

To the joy behind her every word.

She was happy.

Truly.

He could see it in the way she turned to look at everything with childlike wonder, how her eyes sparkled beneath the glow of the shrine lanterns.

They walked hand in hand.

Her hand was soft.

Her fingers, small and delicate in his palm.

Her skin, always warm.

And she was so short.

His eyes naturally fell on her.

Kyouko tilted her head slightly and glanced up at him, smiling.

Just that.

A small smile.

One meant only for him.

And Haruki’s heart fluttered.

Like the first time.

Moments like this...

Quiet.

Unrushed.

Filled only with her voice, her scent, her fingers in his hand.

Were the best.

Just this soft evening.

Her yukata brushing his arm.

Her laughter beside him.

A smile appeared on Haruki’s face.

Soft.

Genuine.

He glanced down at her again.

Kyouko, still admiring the charms hung along the shrine path, still holding his hand so naturally.

He had never felt anything like this.

Not even once.

Not with Satomi.

Not during their dating days.

Not during their marriage.

There were no moments like this.

No hand-holding at summer festivals.

No quiet walks under lantern light.

No soft voice leaning into his ear, telling him she was happy just being with him.

No fluttering heart.

Only coldness.

Distance.

A bed that stayed empty.

A house that never felt like home.

But now...

He was here.

Beside this woman.

This woman who looked like a dream but felt so real in his arms.

Why?

Why did he only meet her this late?

Why only after making all the wrong choices?

Why after enduring a marriage where he was nothing more than background?

Why after years of lying awake in silence, craving touch, warmth... love?

Why not before Satomi?

Why not before he signed his life into a hollow, sexless bond?

Before he gave up on happiness?

He looked at her again.

Kyouko had turned toward him slightly, brushing her hair behind her ear as a gentle breeze passed through.

She smiled.

Not because he said anything.

Not because she had to.

But because she was simply happy.

With him.

And in that moment.

Haruki tightened his grip on her hand just slightly.

Because now he knew the answer.

It wasn’t fate being cruel.

It was fate giving him one last, perfect chance.

"Thank you," he whispered, barely audible.

Kyouko blinked, looking up at him.

"Hmm?"

He smiled again, shaking his head gently.

"Nothing... Let’s keep walking."

Haruki smiled.

Just watching her like this made his chest feel warm.

Kyouko’s laughter rang out softly under the golden festival lights, her cheeks slightly flushed, her yukata sleeves swaying gently as she moved.

She looked so free.

So open.

So happy.

She took a bite of the yakitori, her lips carefully pulling the glazed chicken from the skewer.

"Mm~ it’s so good," she murmured.

Haruki chuckled.

"Don’t eat it all, that’s mine."

"Too late~" she said with a playful smile, eyes gleaming.

He let her steal another bite.

Then they stopped by a taiyaki stall, and Haruki handed her the fish-shaped pastry, warm, crispy at the edges, soft and sweet inside.

They took turns.

One bite each.

Haruki bit into the head, and Kyouko laughed.

"That’s my favorite part..."

"Too bad," he smirked.

"You had your turn."

She pouted softly, puffing her cheeks.

He leaned in, nudging her nose with his.

"Cute."

Her pout faded into a small laugh.

Later, they shared a box of yakisoba under a paper lantern.

Haruki twirled the noodles and suddenly brought the chopsticks toward her lips.

"Say ah."

"Eh? Haruki—"

Before she could protest, he gently nudged the bite to her mouth.

Kyouko’s eyes narrowed in mock annoyance, but she accepted it, chewing slowly while glaring at him.

Her cheeks puffed again.

That pout.

That adorable, elegant pout.

He grinned, eyes never leaving her.

This was it.

Moments like this.

Simple. Silly. Shared.

No secrets. No pretending.

Just a woman and a man who loved each other.

Haruki didn’t need anything else.

Except...

Tonight.

Just one more thing.

And he hoped she’d say yes.

They walked toward the riverbank, where the evening light dimmed and the sky turned a deeper shade of violet.

The sound of the festival buzzed behind them, but here, near the water, it was calmer. People had already gathered, laying down picnic mats, adjusting their spots, waiting for the fireworks to begin.

Haruki held a small bag of food and drinks in one hand.

His other hand still holding hers.

As they walked further, Kyouko suddenly slowed down.

She glanced discreetly toward the bushes along the edge of the river path.

Then again.

And again.

Hidden, but just barely.

Movements.

Rustling.

Pairs of shadows close together.

She leaned toward Haruki, whispering near his ear.

"Haruki~" her voice soft, teasing.

"A lot of... couples around tonight~"

Her fingers squeezed his gently.

"They’re all... doing something naughty~"

Haruki gave a small, wry smile.

He didn’t need to look.

He already knew.

It was common, especially during festivals like this, especially among young couples who chased thrill in the open dark.

He glanced sideways at Kyouko, amused.

Her expression was pure, yet mischief danced in her eyes.

"Don’t get any ideas," he said under his breath.

"Mou~ I didn’t say anything," Kyouko replied, trying to hide her grin.

Haruki shook his head and kept walking, eyes scanning for a good spot.

( End Of Chapter )