Kyouko pushed the trolley slowly, scanning the shelves as she moved along.
She checked all the things she needed and spotted Haruki coming from the other aisle.
"Haruki?"
"Yes, Kyouko-san?" He turned toward her.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" Kyouko tilted her head and glanced at him with a smile.
"Ah, yes." Haruki swallowed hard, struck by how natural Kyouko seemed.
She held up a small bottle of sauce, turning it to check the label before putting it on the trolley.
"You don't have anything else you want to get?"
"Not really. I'm good," Haruki replied.
Kyouko glanced at the trolley and let out a soft laugh.
It was nearly full. If I were alone, I don't think I'd fill it like this.
"Anyway… since we're both done here, let's head to the counter."
Haruki gave a small nod and began pushing the cart as they walked side by side.
Just as they turned the corner toward the checkout area…
"Ah, Kyouko-chan?" a voice called out.
Kyouko looked up, slightly startled. "Mrs. Minami..."
An older woman approached them, holding a small basket. She glanced at Haruki, then back at Kyouko.
"Oh my, who's this young man? Kyouko~" she teased. "Kyouko~, you didn't..."
Kyouko flustered, trying her best to mask her panic. "Ah! No, no! This is my son-in-law," she said quickly, waving her hands.
Minami raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Your son-in-law, huh? I see, I see. For a moment, I thought he was your~"
"Ah, Mrs. Minami," Kyouko interrupted, forcing a polite but slightly strained smile. "We really need to get going. We still have a few errands after this."
She instinctively reached for Haruki's arm, her hand wrapping gently around it as she steered him away. Haruki blinked in surprise but didn't resist, offering only a small, respectful bow toward Mrs. Minami.
Mrs. Minami grinned knowingly. "Well, take care, Kyouko-chan. And don't let that one get away," she said with a teasing wink at Haruki.
Kyouko's blush deepened as she nodded quickly and hurried along, still holding onto Haruki's arm until they were out of sight.
Once they neared the counter, Kyouko slowly let go of Haruki's arm and glanced up at him with a smile. "Sorry about that... She talks a lot."
Haruki smiled faintly. "No problem. She seems... lively."
Kyouko exhaled softly, rubbing her cheek. "That's one way to put it."
The cashier began scanning their items.
As the last one passed under the scanner, Haruki casually took out his card and tapped it against the terminal while Kyouko was still trying to take out her wallet.
Beep.
"Haruki! You didn't have to pay for that," Kyouko said, startled, looking at the items already paid for and packed.
Haruki gave her a small smile while taking the bags. "Hmm? Don't worry about it, Kyouko-san. Besides... it's for everyone in the house and their daily food expenses."
She looked at him for a moment, her eyes softening behind her facemask, and nodded gracefully.
"Thank you, Haruki-kun."
"No problem, Kyouko-san."
They stepped out of the supermarket, Haruki holding all the bags as they walked side by side. Kyouko smiled, walking slowly beside him.
"Not heavy?" Kyouko asked, glancing sideways at him.
Haruki smiled. "Not really, Kyouko-san. Don't worry about it."
"Okay…" she replied, feeling a bit guilty.
They reached the car, and Kyouko unlocked it, popping the trunk. Haruki carefully loaded everything inside.
Once done, Kyouko opened the driver's door and climbed inside, removing her facemask and setting it aside.
Haruki settled into the passenger seat next to her.
Kyouko adjusted the rearview mirror before glancing at him. "Do you have anywhere you want to go?"
"I don't know…" Haruki rubbed the back of his neck.
"Maybe we should go eat?"
Kyouko blinked. "Eat?"
"Yeah. I mean… it's already lunchtime, right?" He scratched his cheek, slightly nervous. "I thought… maybe we could just grab a quick bite somewhere? If you're okay with it."
Kyouko put one finger to her lips as she considered Haruki's suggestion.
"Hmm… I guess it has been a while since I ate out."
Kyouko smile, looking at Haruki and started the car.
"Alright then. Let's find a place to eat."
Kyouko drove steadily, her hands relaxed on the wheel. The soft hum of the engine filled the quiet space between them.
"What do you want to eat?" she asked, eyes fixed on the road.
Haruki glanced at her and smiled. "I don't mind. I'll leave it up to you."
Kyouko smiled and focused on her driving. "Well, there's a restaurant around here I used to love."
She made a slow turn at the next junction, scanning for the familiar spot. A few minutes later, they reached a small, cozy-looking restaurant, but the parking lot was nearly full.
"Looks like parking's a bit busy today," Kyouko mumbled, squinting ahead.
Haruki leaned forward slightly, peering around. "Ah, Kyouko-san, there's a space over there, right at the corner."
Kyouko turned her head, spotted it, and nodded with a soft smile.
She turned the wheel and eased the car back into the spot.
Once parked, she pulled the handbrake and turned off the engine.
Haruki stepped out first, walking around to the driver's side just as Kyouko opened her door. She smiled, casually brushing her hair back from her face as the breeze caught it.
"Shall we?" she asked.
"Yeah," Haruki replied, returning her smile.
They fell into step side by side, heading toward the restaurant entrance together.
Once inside, the warm scent of grilled food and spices greeted them.
A server guided them to a booth by the window. They slid into opposite sides, and moments later, a waiter appeared with a small notepad.
"I'll take Set A," Kyouko said, "and juice for my drink."
Haruki scanned the menu briefly. "Hmm... I'll go with this set." He pointed. "And coffee. Hot, please."
While they waited, they both pulled out their phones. Around them, gentle background music mixed with the low murmur of other customers, creating a peaceful hum that filled the air without intruding.
"Haruki, look at this trendy video," Kyouko said softly, tilting her phone to show him the screen.
"Oh? Which one?" Haruki leaned slightly forward, squinting at the thumbnail.
"This one," Kyouko replied casually, then glanced at the open space beside her on the cushioned seat. "You can sit next to me if you want. It'll be easier to watch."
"Okay," he said softly, standing and sliding in beside her.
Their shoulders brushed lightly as they leaned toward the screen.
Haruki caught a faint trace of her scent, sweet and natural.
Unaware of it, Kyouko played the video and held it up for him to see.
( End Of Chapter )