A soft knock broke the quiet. The door opened, and a doctor stepped in holding a clipboard. Haruki stood immediately and gave a polite bow.
The doctor offered a faint smile. "Good afternoon. I'm here to check on the patient."
Haruki stepped aside without a word, letting the doctor pass. As the doctor approached Kyouko's bedside, Haruki gave her one last glance before quietly stepping out.
Out in the hallway, he leaned against the wall and exhaled.
I forgot to bring my phone when I was rushing out before. Perhaps I should head back home and get it so I can inform Satomi about what happened.
But if I do that, Kyouko will be alone here. I don't want that.
Haruki sighed and looked through the door again. The doctor stepped out with a polite nod. Haruki bowed politely and walked back toward the chair next to Kyouko's bed.
She was still asleep. Seeing her like this, beautiful even in sleep, made him smile.
Well... I think the phone can wait.
He looked around and grabbed a magazine from the nearby rack, flipping through it while his eyes occasionally glanced at her.
Even in sleep, she remained this graceful. Her hair soft and silky, her full lips slightly parted as she breathed softly.
Father-in-law is really lucky to have her as his wife.
He leaned back slightly in the chair, holding the magazine loosely while keeping his eyes on her face.
Hours passed. Haruki flipped through every page without really reading it. The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of machines and distant sounds from the hospital hallway.
He let out a small yawn and stretched a bit in the chair.
His gaze returned to Kyouko.
Her breathing was calm, her expression peaceful.
Those lips... I wonder how they would taste if I could kiss them.
He rested his elbow on the armrest, propping his cheek against his palm as he kept watching her. His body relaxed, his eyelids growing heavier with each passing moment.
I feel sleepy. Last night, I worked on the project until past midnight, waiting in the living room for Satomi to come home with Kyouko.
Well... I don't have anything to do that time, and I don't know why I want to be near Kyouko.
Haruki smiled, pulled his chair closer to the bed, rested his elbow on the edge, and propped his chin on his palm while gazing at the sleeping Kyouko.
The warmth of the room, the rhythmic drip of the IV, and her presence lulled him into a drowsy haze.
His eyes grew heavier; he slouched forward without realizing it. His head came to rest gently on her arm, cheek cradled against her breast.
Kyouko stirred, blinking slowly as she woke from sleep. Her body felt strangely heavy on one side.
She shifted her gaze and paused.
Haruki's head was resting gently against her chest, his face calm and peaceful as he slept.
Her eyes widened in surprise. A quiet gasp escaped her lips.
He's... he's sleeping on my breast.
Should I wake him up?
Kyouko glanced at his sleeping face.
He was so handsome. So quiet. Like a boy who had finally found peace after a long day.
Kyouko smiled softly, her hand moving on its own to caress his hair.
I don't know what happened. I should be the one who's flustered since Haruki is my son-in-law, and his head is on my breast. But seeing him like this... I don't think I can wake him.
He's staying to look after me, even caring for me. He brought me to the hospital and stayed by my side.
And I don't know why I feel so comfortable with him.
She closed her eyes again, her body still tired, but her heart felt warm.
After so long living in silence and distance, today she wasn't alone.
Someone was here.
Someone who cared.
Kyouko slowly extended her hand, her fingers reaching for Haruki's cheek.
She caressed it gently, trying not to wake him.
He stirred slightly, not fully awake, and instinctively moved closer. His arm slid over her waist, and his head nestled deeper against her chest.
Kyouko's eyes widened, and her heart raced in panic.
Before she could react, the door opened.
A nurse stepped in, quietly checking the equipment and chart. She glanced over and smiled warmly.
"Your husband really cares for you," she said softly.
"Um… umm…" Kyouko's face flushed.
The nurse chuckled gently, giving a knowing smile. "You know how he brought you here in such a panic."
"R-really?"
"Yes~ You're so lucky to have such a caring and handsome husband like him." The nurse said, slowly heading out of the room.
After the door closed, Kyouko let out a small breath.
She looked down at Haruki's sleeping face.
Kyouko felt awkward. Haruki was still asleep, his head resting on her chest, his arm wrapped lightly around her waist.
Part of her wanted to wake him, to gently push him away before he realized what he was doing.
But another part of her didn't.
It had been so long anyone had held her like this, since her husband had never embraced her in sleep.
Her heart raced a little faster.
She felt excited, nervous. And most of all... she felt something she hadn't felt in years.
Kyouko closed her eyes, pretending to rest, though her heart beat steadily in her chest.
Slowly, her hand moved toward Haruki's.
Just a little more...
She opened one eye and glanced sideways.
Her fingertips brushed against his, slowly she laced her hand with his.
Warm. Firm. Comforting.
She felt nervous, terrified he might notice, terrified he might open his eyes and see how foolish she was being.
What would he think? That she was lonely? Desperate?
Or worse, that she desired something she had no right to feel?
She swallowed, her cheeks warming.
And yet... she didn't let go.
( End Of Chapter )