Capítulo 13: ( 13 )
At the checkout, Haruki insisted on covering the groceries. "I've got this," he said, pulling out his wallet. Kyouko placed a gentle hand on his arm, trying to protest. "Haruki, there's no need. I can—"
But Haruki's expression was both kind and committed. "Please, Kyouko-san. I want to do this. Let me."
Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Kyouko gave a soft smile, lowering her hand. "Alright, if you insist." The gesture unexpectedly warmed her; she hadn't felt cared for like this in a long time. It was such a small thing, yet it touched her.
After he paid, Haruki hoisted all the bags without a second thought. "You shouldn't have to carry these, Kyouko."
She watched him with a quiet admiration. "Thank you, Haruki," she replied warmly, her heart fluttering slightly at his thoughtfulness. There was a certain charm in how he took charge, which deepened her appreciation for him.
They walked toward the car side by side, close enough to feel the quiet connection lingering between them. There was something undeniably comforting in their shared silence, an unspoken closeness that made these small, everyday moments feel meaningful.
Once they finished loading the groceries, Haruki climbed into the driver's seat, while Kyouko settled beside him, buckling her seatbelt. As he turned on the engine, he glanced her way. "So, where to next?" he asked with a friendly smile.
Kyouko casually mentioned, "I was thinking of stopping by the mall. There's something I want to check out."
Without hesitation, Haruki nodded. "Sure, I don't mind." His tone was relaxed, making the moment feel easy, natural.
As they drove, Kyouko stole a few glances at him, feeling grateful for his company. Today had been nice—surprisingly nice. Spending time with him felt peaceful, without the usual awkwardness or tension. Haruki kept his eyes on the road, but he was just as aware of her presence. Despite the complicated feelings that lingered, this moment felt normal—almost like family, though with an undeniable undercurrent.
When they reached the mall, Haruki parked smoothly in the underground lot. As they stepped out, Kyouko instinctively wrapped her hand around his arm. Haruki didn't mind—it felt natural by now. Together, they walked into the cool, bustling mall.
They stopped at a drink corner, ordered something refreshing, and continued their stroll. Amid the lively atmosphere, Kyouko felt a surprising sense of calm. With her arm linked to his, she felt safe and appreciated—a feeling she hadn't experienced in years. For the first time in a long time, she felt genuinely happy.
As they passed shop windows, Kyouko spotted a boutique displaying elegant dresses and chic outfits. "Let's stop by here," she suggested, glancing at Haruki, who smiled but hesitated.
"I'll wait outside," he said, offering her his card.
She paused, looking at the card in his hand. Trying to decline politely, she insisted she could buy her own things, but Haruki remained firm.
"Please, Kyouko-san. Let me treat you," he said with quiet conviction. "It's the least I can do after everything you've done for me."
Reluctantly, Kyouko took the card, her fingers lightly brushing his. She looked at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes, his quiet appreciation. This wasn't just about money—he genuinely wanted to make her feel special.
"Thank you, Haruki," she said softly, warmth blossoming in her chest as she entered the boutique.
Haruki watched her go, taking a seat outside. As Kyouko disappeared inside, he admired the grace in her movements, appreciating her in a way he hadn't expected.
Inside, Kyouko browsed with a mixture of excitement and gratitude, her emotions stirred by Haruki's thoughtfulness. As she held a particularly beautiful dress against her body, she wondered what he might think if he saw her in it. The dress was perfect—elegant, sleek—but when she glanced at the price tag, her heart sank. It was too expensive.
Sighing, she put the dress back. "It's too much," she murmured, trying to convince herself as she walked away. She didn't notice Haruki, who had quietly stepped in behind her.
"That dress looks beautiful," he said, his smile warm.
She shook her head, brushing off her desire for it. "I was just looking. Let's move on," she said with a casual shrug.
Haruki's smile lingered as he watched her. As she turned to another rack, he slipped over to the staff member assisting her. "Could you show me the things she looked at?" he asked in a low voice.
The staff discreetly pointed out a few items—a couple of dresses, a purse, and heels Kyouko had admired. Haruki nodded, passing over his card and some cash. "I'll take those. Could you wrap them, please?"
A few minutes later, Kyouko approached the register with a simple, affordable dress she'd chosen, feeling content. But as she reached the counter, the staff set several bags on the counter—more than she'd chosen.
"Excuse me, but… what's all this?" she asked, confused.
The staff member smiled politely. "The gentleman over there already paid for these."
Kyouko's eyes widened. She turned and saw Haruki waiting nearby, a soft, knowing smile on his face.
"Haruki…" she murmured, surprised.
He shrugged casually. "I wanted to get you something special. You deserve it, Kyouko-san."
Her face flushed as warmth spread through her. No one had ever treated her like this—not even her husband. It wasn't just the gifts; it was the thoughtfulness behind them. Haruki had noticed her preferences without her saying a word.
"Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. She wanted to say more, to tell him how deeply touched she was, but instead, she just smiled—a real, heartfelt smile that she hadn't shown in a long time.
As they left the boutique, her arm slipped around his again, a natural gesture as they walked together. This felt like more than just a shopping trip. Something between them had shifted, though she wasn't entirely sure how she felt about it. But the flutter in her chest told her she didn't mind at all.
(End of Chapter)
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JakkuSen
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