Haruki focused on the road, trying to keep his attention on driving, yet his thoughts kept drifting to Kyouko beside him. She was speaking softly, making light conversation, but every so often, her laughter or a subtle glance his way made it harder for him to concentrate. A tension built in him—not the uncomfortable kind, but something else, something he was almost afraid to define.

Kyouko played it perfectly, keeping things light and helping him feel at ease. She knew Haruki was wrestling with his thoughts, but that was what she wanted. She wanted him to feel comfortable with her, while also leaving a hint of that tension between them. She had been careful not to cross any lines, not yet, but she could sense the subtle unease beneath his attempts to stay composed.

When they arrived at the supermarket, Haruki grabbed a cart, pushing it in front of him as Kyouko walked beside him. She stayed close, brushing against his arm now and then, making her presence impossible to ignore. He tried his best to focus on the task at hand—selecting groceries, choosing between brands—but Kyouko's closeness made everything more complicated.

Kyouko, on the other hand, knew exactly what she was doing. Her tone remained light, casual, ensuring Haruki wouldn’t feel too awkward. But she was curious to see just how far she could push this. She could feel his nervous energy, the way his eyes flicked toward her whenever she moved a little closer, or the way he tensed slightly when her hand brushed his.

As they moved through the aisles, she noticed his attention was divided—half on the groceries, half on her. She smiled to herself; this was exactly what she intended. She picked up a few items, asking his opinion, but what she really wanted was for him to watch her—the way her cleavage showed as she bent to reach a lower shelf, or the way her lips pursed as she studied a label.

Haruki tried not to stare, but it was impossible not to notice. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep up the pretense of being unfazed. Every time Kyouko moved, he became more aware of her presence, her body, and the unspoken tension growing between them.

For Kyouko, this was just another step in her game. She wasn’t sure how much further it would go, but she could see Haruki was struggling to hold it together. And for now, that was enough to keep her satisfied.

Casually, Kyouko asked, “Do you need anything?”

Haruki, remembering something, nodded. “I’ll just check something,” he said, excusing himself.

Kyouko watched him walk away, feeling an unexpected sense of comfort in his presence. For so long, she had felt lonely in the house. Her husband was always busy, coming home late and often drunk. Sayaka, too, was often gone with work, leaving the house empty most of the time. But since Haruki had moved in, things had changed. She no longer felt that cold emptiness. She had someone to cook for, to talk to, someone to see every day. It gave her a renewed sense of purpose, making her feel needed, alive. She was grateful for him.

While Kyouko was checking items in one aisle, a man in his mid-20s approached her. He smiled, his tone confident. “Hey girl, are you here alone?”

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Kyouko smiled politely, feeling slightly uneasy. Though she appreciated the attention, which reminded her she was still attractive, something about this man seemed off. He was clearly looking for a quick thrill, a tool for pleasure, not seeing her as someone worthy of respect.

Politely, she replied, “I’m with someone, sorry.”

The man didn’t seem to believe her. He chuckled, leaning in persistently. “Oh, come on, you don’t have to lie. I’m sure you could use some company. Why not have some fun?”

Kyouko’s smile faded as frustration built. She didn’t want to cause a scene, but this man didn’t understand boundaries. Just as she was about to respond more firmly, Haruki appeared at the end of the aisle.

He immediately noticed the situation, his eyes glared at the man as he walked toward them. Kyouko, relieved to see him, quickly wrapped her arm around Haruki and leaned close, looking at the man. With a soft, calm smile, she said, "This is my boyfriend."

The man blinked in surprise, glancing at Haruki, who returned his look with an intense glare. Haruki didn’t say a word, but his presence alone made the man rethink his approach. After an awkward pause, the man muttered “damn ikemen” under his breath before walking away, visibly annoyed.

Kyouko felt a surge of satisfaction, and something more—an unexpected thrill. She wasn’t sure if it was the adrenaline or the way Haruki had stepped in, but she felt even more connected to him. As the man disappeared, she squeezed Haruki’s arm, leaning closer.

“Thank you,” she whispered softly, still holding his arm. Inside, she felt a warmth that mixed relief with something deeper—a satisfaction that Haruki had stood up for her.

Haruki quickly realized that whenever he left Kyouko alone, even briefly, men seemed to gather around her, eager for her attention. He didn’t like it—at all. Watching strangers approach her as if she were some easy target stirred something protective in him. Deciding to stay close for the rest of the trip, Haruki couldn’t stand the thought of those men looking at her.

Kyouko, meanwhile, felt a growing irritation. This wasn’t the first time this had happened; each time she went shopping, some man would intrude on her space, always pushy, overly confident, even sleazy at times. She could handle herself, of course, but it was exhausting.

As they continued through the aisles, Kyouko glanced at Haruki. “Do you mind if I hold onto your arm? It might keep those men from approaching me.”

Haruki’s heart quickened at the suggestion. “I don’t mind. If it helps keep them away.” He offered his arm, feeling warmth spread as she gently took it.

Kyouko smiled at his response, wrapping her hand around his arm. She leaned in just enough for it to feel natural, knowing full well the effect it would have on the men around them. This wasn’t just about fending off attention—she relished the closeness to Haruki.

Haruki, on the other hand, felt his heart race again. The way her hand rested on his arm was soft, but there was something undeniably intimate about it. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride, walking beside her like this. His mind briefly wandered back to earlier moments when he had noticed Kyouko beauty, but he quickly pushed those thoughts away, trying to focus on the present.

They continued shopping, with Kyouko holding onto his arm, making the occasional small talk as they filled the cart. Haruki couldn't shake the feeling of how comfortable—and right—it felt to have her by his side. Even though she was his mother-in-law, it was as though something between them was shifting. Every glance, every smile, seemed to carry a meaning that neither of them fully acknowledged but both understood.

And with each step, Kyouko noticed how much more attentive Haruki became, his gaze drifting to her every now and then. She felt a growing satisfaction. This was the kind of attention she craved—the kind she no longer received from her husband. Having Haruki there, close and protective, filled her with a sense of excitement and power she hadn't felt in years.

( End of chapter )