That night, after returning home, showering, and helping her usual drunken husband to his room, Kyouko sat in the living room. She felt tired but incredibly happy. The day had been everything she’d hoped for, especially when Haruki had dared to wrap his arm around her waist. That small gesture had sent waves of excitement through her, making her feel alive in a way she hadn't in years.

Kyouko glanced at the picture she had taken with Haruki outside the cinema, where they had posed together like a couple. A smile crept across her face as she remembered how natural and easy their connection felt. She finally put her phone down, leaned back against the sofa, and slowly drifted off to sleep, the warmth of the day wrapping around her like a cozy blanket.

Meanwhile, Haruki headed downstairs, feeling thirsty. He poured himself a glass of water in the kitchen and casually checked the living room. His heart lifted when he saw Kyouko there, but it quickly sank as he realized she was asleep on the sofa. She looked peaceful, her long hair cascading around her shoulders, and for a moment, he simply admired her.

Unable to help himself, Haruki approached her, his eyes drawn to her lips. He hesitated, battling with the urge to kiss her. The thrill of the day came rushing back, and he leaned in, finally giving in to his desire. He pressed his lips against hers gently, savoring the sweet taste. The kiss lingered longer than he intended, filled with an electric tension that made his heart race.

When he finally pulled away, he gazed at her, captivated by how beautiful she looked even in her sleep. He couldn’t believe what he had just done, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within him. What would this mean for them? What if she woke up and felt uncomfortable? But for now, he let the moment linger, the connection between them deepening in the quiet of the night.Haruki couldn’t help but wish for it to last forever.

Haruki gently lifted Kyouko from the sofa and carried her to her room. As he entered, he saw her husband asleep, sprawled on the bed. The sight made Haruki feel an unexpected surge of irritation. He couldn’t explain it fully, but something about seeing Kyouko beside her drunken, neglectful husband sparked a mix of protectiveness and jealousy.

Without a second thought, Haruki decided Kyouko deserved better than to lie next to the man who had taken her for granted for so long. He quietly laid out a futon far from the bed, ensuring it was a comfortable distance from her husband. Once the futon was ready, Haruki carefully lifted Kyouko once more, gently placing her on the futon. He made sure to tuck her in, covering her with a blanket to keep her warm.

For a moment, Haruki stood there, watching her sleep peacefully. Her serene expression, her soft breathing—it all made her look even more beautiful. His heart raced as his gaze drifted to her lips again. He couldn’t resist the pull he felt toward her, an overwhelming desire that had been growing throughout the day.

Leaning down, he kissed her again, this time lingering longer. The softness of her lips, the sweetness from before, made him want more, but he restrained himself, not wanting to wake her or push too far. When he finally pulled back, he gazed at her one last time, his mind filled with thoughts he couldn’t yet fully grasp.

Ensuring she was comfortable, Haruki took one last look at her before turning to leave. Quietly, he made his way back to his room upstairs, his mind swirling with feelings he could no longer ignore. He wanted Kyouko, and that realization left him both excited and unsettled.

As Haruki lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind raced with conflicting emotions. The kiss he had stolen from Kyouko while she slept had ignited a fire within him, one that was hard to control. He could still feel the softness of her lips, the faint sweetness lingering in his memory, and it stirred a desire he hadn’t anticipated. He wanted more—he wanted her. The thought of Kyouko kissing him back, passionately, sent a wave of heat through him. What would it be like if she returned his affection? If they let go of all restraint?

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But as much as he wanted Kyouko, his heart was still tied to Sayaka. He loved her deeply. Sayaka was kind, caring, and the reason he had found stability and happiness in this house. How could he even think about betraying her? Yet the pull he felt toward Kyouko was undeniable, an intense, burning lust that grew stronger every time he saw her. He wanted her, craved her attention and affection, but at the same time, he knew that acting on these feelings could destroy everything.

Haruki felt trapped between his love for Sayaka and his overwhelming desire for Kyouko. He didn’t want to hurt Sayaka—he couldn’t imagine his life without her. Yet, in the quiet of the night, with only his thoughts for company, he couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have Kyouko for himself. To share secret moments, stolen touches, and even more stolen kisses.

Conflicted and restless, Haruki turned onto his side, trying to push the thoughts away. But no matter how hard he tried, the memory of Kyouko lips, her warmth, and the way she had stirred something deep inside him wouldn’t leave him.

Haruki's thoughts drifted deeper into his own desires as he considered a path he hadn’t thought of before. Why should he have to choose between Sayaka and Kyouko? He loved Sayaka, and their bond was important to him, but his feelings for Kyouko had grown into something undeniable. Why not have both? In his mind, it started to make sense—he could love and care for them both, without giving up one or the other.

Sayaka could continue to be his wife, the one who shared his life openly. They had a strong relationship built on trust and companionship. But Kyouko—Kyouko could be his secret passion, the woman who fulfilled the desires he felt so strongly. The idea of having both women, of being connected to them in different but equally important ways, felt like the perfect solution.

He began to rationalize it to himself: they were family, living together under the same roof. If Kyouko ever accepted him, their connection wouldn’t take anything away from what he had with Sayaka. They could all coexist without any problems—he just had to keep things discreet. Sayaka didn’t need to know, and Kyouko wouldn’t have to feel guilty if they approached it carefully.

Haruki felt a wave of excitement at the possibility. He could have it all. He wouldn't have to give up the stability and love he had with Sayaka, and at the same time, he could indulge in the passion and desire he felt for Kyouko. It seemed like the perfect balance. All he had to do was wait for the right moment to make his move with Kyouko, to show her that they could share something special—something that didn’t have to interfere with the life they already had.

He smiled to himself in the dark, feeling confident in his plan. If he played it right, he wouldn’t have to lose either of them. He could have them both.

Haruki couldn't understand why his father-in-law didn't seem to appreciate Kyouko. She was beautiful, attractive, and attentive—everything any man could want. Yet her husband ignored her, treating her as if she was invisible. Haruki had seen it countless times: Kyouko would prepare meals, take care of the house, and look after her husband, but all she got in return was indifference. Her husband never looked at her the way Haruki did.

It baffled him. How could someone be so blind to Kyouko charm? Haruki had noticed how unhappy she was, the way she sighed when her husband passed out drunk or how she went through her day with a quiet sadness behind her smile. It was as if her beauty and warmth were being wasted on a man who didn't care. Haruki, on the other hand, couldn't take his eyes off her.

The more Haruki thought about it, the more he convinced himself that Kyouko deserved better. She deserved to be loved, to be cherished, to be seen for the amazing woman she was. And Haruki wanted to be the one to give her that. His father-in-law didn’t appreciate her, but he did. He could be the man to make Kyouko feel wanted again, while still maintaining his life with Sayaka.

Haruki wasn’t going to let her slip through his fingers. He wouldn’t lose either of them, because he knew he could offer them both something they needed. With Sayaka, it was stability and love; with Kyouko, it was passion and a sense of being desired. Haruki felt more determined than ever to make sure he didn’t lose either woman, believing that he could balance both relationships without disrupting the family dynamic.

In his mind, it was only a matter of time before Kyouko would see that, too. She deserved more than her husband gave her, and Haruki was ready to fill that void.

( end of chapter )