A Love I Shouldn't Feel
Chapter 265: Blessings of the Heart ( 265 )

Chapter 265: Blessings of the Heart ( 265 )

The taxi slowly rolled to a stop in front of the Kitayama residence.

Kyouko stepped out first, her summer dress fluttering in the gentle breeze. Her wide-brimmed hat shaded her eyes, but not the soft smile blooming on her lips. Standing at the entrance, Hanako was already waiting, hands calmly folded, dressed in a modest light-blue kimono.

"Mother... I’m home," Kyouko said gently, walking forward with graceful steps before opening her arms.

Hanako smiled warmly and welcomed her daughter into an embrace.

"Welcome back, Kyouko," she said, her voice full of motherly calm. "You look radiant."

Behind them, the taxi trunk shut with a soft thud as Haruki pulled out the luggage. He gave a polite nod to the driver and turned around just in time to see the familiar voice calling out.

"Oho~ Neesan!" Kenji’s voice rang with cheerful energy. He stood a few steps away, grinning as he waved.

Beside him, his wife Hitomi bowed lightly, already smiling at Kyouko and then glancing toward the man behind her.

"Where’s Haruki?"

Kyouko tilted her head with a small smile. "He’s there."

"Oh! Haruki-kun!!" Kenji grinned wider and raised a hand. "Come, come!"

Haruki gave a polite bow and smiled. "Good to see you again, Kenji-san."

"Oi, drop the -san! We’re family now, right?" Kenji walked over and gave him a friendly slap on the back. "You’re officially one of us, whether the old man says it or not!"

Haruki chuckled. "Then I’ll remember that."

From the porch, Hitomi approached Kyouko, greeting her with a soft hug.

"It’s good to see you again, Kyouko-san," she said warmly.

"And you too, Hitomi-chan." Kyouko returned the smile, then turned slightly to glance at Haruki, who was now casually chatting with her younger brother.

Her heart felt light.

Once inside the familiar wooden corridor, Kyouko removed her hat and placed it gently on the entry table. She turned toward her mother.

"Mother, where’s father?"

"Hm? Oh, him?" Before she could finish, her gaze shifted toward Haruki.

"Alright, Haruki-kun. He’s already waiting in his private room. Go and meet him," she said, her tone calm, yet hinting at quiet expectation.

"But Mother..." Kyouko whispered in a mild protest, worried Haruki might feel too pressured.

Hanako simply placed a hand on her daughter’s arm and gave her a gentle smile.

"He asked for him," she said quietly. "Let him go."

Haruki, having overheard, gave a reassuring nod.

"It’s alright, Mrs. Hanako. I’ll go," he said politely.

Kenji stepped in beside him with a cheeky grin and gave Haruki a light slap on the back. "Just don’t be too nervous, alright? The old man may look scary, but he doesn’t bite."

Haruki chuckled. "I’ll keep that in mind."

He made his way down the corridor, each step steady and respectful. In front of the sliding door, he paused, adjusted the front of his shirt, and took a breath.

Then knocked twice.

From inside, a calm yet deep voice answered.

"Come in."

Haruki gently slid the door open and stepped inside.

The room was bright from the afternoon light filtering through the paper shoji windows. Sitting cross-legged at the low table was Kitayama Kiyotaka, his expression firm, posture upright, and presence commanding as always.

He didn’t speak at first. Just studied Haruki in silence.

Haruki bowed low, formal and proper.

"Good afternoon, Mr Kitayama. Thank you for allowing me to visit again."

There was a pause.

Kitayama set down his cup of tea.

"...Sit."

Haruki did as told, folding his legs and settling on the tatami, his back straight.

For a moment, neither said a word.

"So," Kitayama began, his voice low and unreadable. "I heard... you finally made your decision."

Haruki met his gaze calmly. "Yes, sir. I’ve asked for her hand."

Kitayama stared at him, unmoving.

"...Took you long enough."

A flicker of a smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

Before Haruki could say anything, Kitayama spoke.

"So you already proposed to her, huh?"

Haruki nodded. "Yes, Mr. Kitayama."

Kitayama narrowed his eyes slightly. "Good. Are you sure, though? She’s older than you. Twice your age, even."

Haruki didn’t hesitate. "Yes, Mr. Kitayama. I don’t mind about the age. I want her to be my wife. And I’m here to ask for your blessing."

There was a pause. Kitayama tapped his finger lightly on the table, observing Haruki’s expression.

"Heh~ You came here before as her son-in-law... and now you’re coming here to make her your wife." His voice was calm but carried a trace of irony.

"Yes, Mr. Kitayama. I remember clearly, back then, you said if she were single, and I were single, you’d make me marry her." Haruki looked him straight in the eye, sincere. "And I want that to happen."

Kitayama let out a deep exhale through his nose. His gaze lingered, sharp, but something in his expression softened slightly.

"You still remember I said that, huh."

"Yes. Every word."

"...She’s been through a lot, that girl."

"I know."

"And I don’t want her getting hurt again."

"She won’t," Haruki said quietly, firmly. "I promise."

Kitayama leaned back, the silence settling again.

Then he reached for his tea.

"...Hmph. You better keep that promise, boy."

"I will," Haruki said.

Kitayama took a sip and nodded once.

"Good. Then I give you my blessing. Make her happy."

Haruki bowed deeply. "Thank you, sir."

From behind the door, Kyouko stood quietly, her hand on her chest. She’d been listening. And smiling.

Kitayama set his cup down with a sharp clink.

"Now where is that daughter of mine, huh?" he grumbled, glancing at the door. "How dare she throw you under the bus alone while she wait outside?"

Then he raised his voice.

"KYOUKO!!"

A startled gasp was heard just outside.

"Y-yes, father!?"

"Come inside!!"

"Y-yes!!!"

The sliding door opened in a rush. Kyouko appeared, flustered, hands tucked politely in front of her, like a little girl caught sneaking sweets.

Kitayama gave her a sharp look.

"You just let him come in here and face me alone?"

"I-I thought it’s better that way..." Kyouko said softly, eyes lowered.

"Hmph. You hiding behind the door like a mouse."

"I wasn’t hiding, I just—"

"Enough." He waved his hand. "Come sit beside your man."

Kyouko moved quickly, her face slightly red, and sat beside Haruki.

Kitayama looked between the two of them. His gaze was firm, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Well, now that the two of you are here," he said, leaning back with a sigh. "I guess it’s real now."

Kyouko’s eyes softened. Haruki glanced at her with a smile.

"Yes, father," she said.

Kitayama looked at her for a moment, then spoke again.

"He already told me everything. And I gave him my blessing."

Kyouko’s eyes widened, surprised.

"Make no mistake," Kitayama continued. "He better treat you right. And you—" he pointed at Kyouko "better not run away when things get hard."

"I won’t," Kyouko said softly.

( End Of Chapter )