Haruki stood before the gate, staring at the modest two-story house beyond it.
He hesitated.
His fingers twitched at his side, unsure whether to press the intercom.
He pressed the doorbell.
Ting-tong~
A faint crackle from the intercom.
"Who is it?"
Haruki cleared his throat. "Ah… it's me. Haruki."
A brief pause followed.
"Oh! Wait a moment. I'll open the gate for you."
The gates slowly open.
Haruki adjusted his grip on his bag and stepped inside.
He walked toward the entrance, his steps slow as he took in the house. It was massive, with carefully maintained lawn softened its grandeur. Flowers lined the pathway, their vibrant colors swaying gently in the breeze.
Haruki reached the door and notice it was already open when he heard a soft gentle voice.
"Come in."
Haruki hesitated for a moment before stepping inside.
"Sorry for intruding," he murmured and step inside.
He stopped mid-step when he saw the figure in front of him.
Standing before him was a girl.
Not just any girl, but a beautiful one.
Young. Not too small, but not tall either, her height came just under his chin. She had delicate features, perfect body curves, full lips, and beautiful eyes, framed by long, flowing hair.
Haruki glanced down at her.
Satomi never told me she has a little sister.
"Come in, Haruki-kun," the girl said, glancing up at him with a smile.
Kun? Wait... Is she older than me? Kyouko's older sister? Really?
He cleared his throat. "Um… excuse me, are you Satomi's older sister?"
The girl blinked, then let out a soft laugh.
Wow... she's cute.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, tilting her head slightly. "I'm her mother. Don't you remember me?"
Wait... mother? Satomi's mother? Does that mean she was my... mother-in-law? For real?
Haruki glanced down at her again. His mind went blank for a moment.
Wait... wait... wait... I had seen her twice. Once when we first met, when I asked Satomi's father for her hand in marriage. But that time, she was wearing a kimono and her face was covered with a face mask. And once during our wedding day, same as before, face covered with a face mask.
But now?
Standing before him, looking like this?
Haruki swallowed hard.
"You're... Satomi's mother?"
"Ah... um, it's not good to keep you standing there." She gave a small smile. before gesturing toward the living room. "Why don't you sit on the couch? I'll prepare some coffee for you. You drink coffee, right?"
Haruki nodded, still dazed. "Y-Yes…"
"Please, make yourself at home," she said, motioning gracefully toward the living room before disappearing down the short hallway toward the kitchen.
Haruki sat on the couch, pull down his bag, and look around the living room. Everything was neat and spotless, the air fresh with a faint, pleasant scent.
But... something was weird.
This house was big, yet he didn't see any maids or caretakers.
Is she alone here?
Before he could dwell on the thought, soft footsteps approached.
Kyouko appeared, holding a pot of steaming coffee and two cups.
He quickly sat up straighter, extending his hand to reach for it.
"Ah…"
"I'll put it on the table. No need to reach, it's hot," she said, placing it gently in front of him.
Kyouko poured the coffee into both cups.
"Here, Haruki-kun. Careful, it's hot."
Haruki extended his hand, accepting the cup with both hands. "Ah… thank you. Um… Mother?"
She chuckled softly. "If that feels awkward, just call me Kyouko."
Haruki hesitated. "O-Okay… K-Kyouko-san."
Kyouko smiled softly and settled onto the couch across from him. She lifted her cup, taking a small, unhurried sip, graceful, elegant.
Haruki stole a glance at her.
She was stunning. He couldn't believe she was Satomi's mother. Her face was beautiful, looking even younger than Satomi's. She wasn't even wearing makeup, and those full lips were naturally pink.
Haruki glanced toward her breasts while pretending to sip his coffee.
And those boobs, they were the perfect size, round and full, firm.
Haruki swallowed hard. And those thighs... he wanted to lay his head down on them.
Don't, Haruki. Control yourself.
She's beautiful. Yes... but she's your mother-in-law.
She shifted slightly in her seat, tilting her head.
A small worry surfaced in her mind.
Am I making him uncomfortable?
"Um… sorry, Haruki-kun, if I…" She hesitated, her voice soft. "If I'm making you uncomfortable…"
Haruki's eyes widened. He nearly sputtered his drink.
"Ah! No, Kyouko-san! It's me who should apologize!" Haruki said in mild panic.
Kyouko exhaled softly and smiled.
"It's just… you know… kind of surprising when my husband suddenly told me that you and Satomi would be living here."
Haruki averted his eyes, speaking in a nervous tone. "Ah… sorry, Kyouko-san. If I'm intruding, I can start looking for another place…" He was already shifting to stand.
"No, no!"
Kyouko's eyes widened, a brief flash of panic crossing her face.
"That's not what I meant at all!"
She quickly glanced sideways to mask her fluster.
"I just… didn't expect it, that's all," she said softly, looking away, blushing.
Haruki sat back down, watching her.
Her reaction was too cute.
Kyouko tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flickering toward his empty cup.
"Um… if you're done with your drink, I can show you Satomi's room upstairs. You can use it if you'd like."
Haruki hesitated, then nodded.
"O-Okay, Kyouko-san… and, um… sorry again for the trouble."
Kyouko let out a small chuckle.
"…You really don't have to keep apologizing," she murmured, glancing away. "I'm sure Satomi's the one who forced you into this… right?"
Haruki scratched the back of his head, offering a small, guilty smile.
"U-Umm… kinda."
Kyouko let out a soft sigh and shook her head, standing up gracefully.
"Come. I'll show you the room."
( End Of Chapter )