When they arrived, Haruki parked the car just outside the small, modern house.
Kyouko stepped out and took in the view.
A single-story home. Neighbors nearby but not too close. And just beyond the trees.
The glimmer of the ocean, calm and endless.
"Wow…" Kyouko whispered, adjusting her purse strap. "This house is big. You live here?"
"Hm? Oh..yeah. The company provides it."
"And the car?"
"Also company-provided," Haruki said with a small shrug.
Kyouko nodded slowly, eyes still on the ocean breeze, then turned toward him.
"Wanna go inside?" Haruki asked, tilting his head with a grin.
Kyouko looked at him for a second.
Then smiled faintly.
"Why do you think I followed you here?"
Haruki unlocked the door and stepped inside, the soft creak of the hinges echoing faintly in the quiet house.
Kyouko followed behind him, her steps light.
The door clicked shut.
And the silence between them shifted.
Haruki turned.
