The next morning.
Haruki woke to the faint sound of movement in the room.
He opened his eyes slowly and saw Satomi already dressed, adjusting her blouse collar in front of the mirror.
"You're going to work?" Haruki asked, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Yeah." Satomi turned and gave him a small smile before planting a quick kiss on his cheek. "Get up already. It's late."
Haruki blinked at the clock: 6:30 AM.
"Isn't it a bit early?" he asked, stretching under the blanket.
"Hmm? Father's already downstairs. Probably drinking coffee." She walked over to the dresser and grabbed her bag. "Wash your face, and let's eat breakfast with him."
"Alright, alright…" Haruki sat up with a yawn. "Jeez… getting scolded this early in the morning."
Satomi shot him a quick glance and shook her head before heading out.
He pushed himself off the bed and made his way to the bathroom.
As usual, huh? Satomi rushing off to work, leaving me alone in this house with Kyouko again.
Haruki smiled.
Well… it's not that bad. At least I can admire Kyouko's beauty.
He washed his face, brushed his teeth properly, and wiped dry. Then he changed from his shorts into long pants and put on a shirt.
Guess it's just like any other morning.
He headed out of his room and descended the stairs.
Once downstairs, he went straight to the kitchen and spotted Satomi by the counter, preparing breakfast. His father-in-law was already seated at the dining table, eyes glued to his tablet.
"G-Good morning," Haruki greeted.
"Oh, Haruki? Morning," Satoshi replied without looking up from the screen.
Haruki quietly took his seat, glancing at Satomi as she finished plating a simple breakfast, fried frankfurters and eggs, with a pot of fresh coffee nearby.
He didn't see Kyouko anywhere.
Is she still upstairs?
Kokomi placed the plates on the table and poured coffee for the three of them.
Haruki nodded in thanks before sipping the coffee.
Umm... it's too sweet and has no coffee flavor at all.
But I can't complain much. It's rare for Satomi to prepare breakfast like this.
They started eating.
The quiet morning air quickly filled with work talk. His father-in-law went on about project deadlines and design changes while Satomi nodded along, offering her input between bites.
Wow... they're already talking about work this early?
Haruki just listened, chewing slowly, feeling like an outsider at his own table. He tuned in and out as Satomi and her father traded updates, project revisions, and new client expectations.
Haruki stole a glance at the project file Satomi had put on the table.
Hmm... I want to point out several flaws in their project, and a few things that are wrong with it... but I don't want them to give me that look.
Better to stay silent then.
Satomi glanced at the clock, her eyes widening.
"Ahhh! We're late, Father!"
Her father stood up immediately, pushing his chair back in a rush.
"That's not good. We still have a lot to finalize with the new company. Satomi, make sure everything goes smoothly today."
"Don't worry, I will," Satomi said confidently, already grabbing her bag.
Haruki glanced at the clock.
7:04 AM.
Late? For real?
He saw Satomi about to clear the dishes.
"Ah, just leave it. I'll take care of these," Haruki said, standing up.
His father-in-law paused for a moment, then gave a small nod.
"You don't have work today?"
"Ah... my schedule's flexible," Haruki replied with a polite smile.
"Oh," Satoshi said casually, heading toward the front door.
Satomi followed right behind but paused near the doorway.
"By the way, Haruki. Mother's not feeling well today. Probably a fever. Father mentioned it earlier."
Haruki blinked, surprised.
"Oh," he said in a low voice.
Satoshi glanced toward Haruki while putting on his shoes.
"She's still resting. If it gets worse, can you call a doctor? We're both tied up today, so make sure she's alright."
"Got it," Haruki replied calmly. "I'll look after her."
"Thanks!" Satomi smiled briefly, then hurried after her father.
Haruki waited by the front door, watching Satomi wave from inside the car. Her father gave a short nod before pulling out of the driveway. Haruki stood there until they disappeared from view.
He stepped inside, pressed the gate button on the wall, and closed the door the moment the gate fully shut.
He gathered the plates from the dining table and began cleaning up the dishes.
Kyouko's sick...
Is it because of the rain yesterday?
Haruki finished wiping the dishes and put them on the racks.
Maybe I should check on her.
He made his way upstairs and stopped in front of Kyouko's room, hesitating before knocking lightly.
"Kyouko-san…?"
No response.
He gently pushed the door open and tried again. Still nothing.
Is she…?
A faint panic stirred in his chest. He slowly turned the doorknob and stepped inside.
"Kyouko-san…?"
There, on the bed, Kyouko lay pale-faced, her usual bright expression gone. Even her breathing seemed faint and tired.
When she noticed him, she tried to sit up and managed a weak smile.
"Ah… Haruki-kun…"
Haruki smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "I'm sorry to come into your room like this, but father-in-law and Satomi said I should check on you."
Kyouko shook her head and smiled faintly. "Mm… don't worry about it."
"They said you have a fever, so I just wanted to check on you."
"Don't worry, Haruki-kun… I'm okay," she said softly, sitting up.
"Kyouko-san, you should rest," Haruki replied, standing beside her bed.
"Satomi and my husband… they already went to work?"
"Yes."
"They already ate? You… already ate?"
Haruki smiled faintly. "Yes… Satomi cooked fried eggs and some frankfurters."
"That's not a good breakfast… If you can wait, I'll cook something for you." Kyouko slipped off the bed, her movements sluggish.
"No, you don't need to do that, Kyouko-san." Haruki tried to stop her, but she just smiled and took a few slow steps away from the bed.
"Don't worry ab—"
Haruki noticed she was about to faint.
"Kyouko-san!"
He lunged forward and caught her just before she hit the floor.
Her body felt warm... no, it was hot.
"Kyouko-san?" Haruki shook her gently.
Her eyes fluttered, but she didn't respond. Her breathing was shallow and uneven.
His heart pounded as he gently lifted her into his arms.
( End Of Chapter )