The husband and wife stood near the door, still deeply enthralled in their hug. Ren ran his wide palm on her wife's back, gently rubbing her while silently offering comfort. Tsubaki breathed in his scent as she leaned her head against his chest, her mind had slowly turned clear from her daze as seconds passed by.
"When did you come back?" Tsubaki asked after she calmed herself. She pulled away from him, just enough to see his smiling face.
"Maybe a few minutes before you came in?" Ren raised one of his brows upward.
"Oh."
Tsubaki just realized he was still in the outfit he wore to the company this morning. He wore his usual black trousers but today she picked a pastel yellow shirt for him. It reminded her of the sunshine of summer. The long sleeves of the shirt had been rolled properly until they reached his elbows.
Even after being away for hours, he still looked immaculate.
"Let's sit first," Ren's deep voice broke her trance. "You looked tired, sweetheart."
"En... Okay."
Tsubaki changed her heels into her home slippers. She walked side by side with her husband, heading to the living room. Once she was got to the couch, she slumped on the comfy cushion. Ren chuckled softly. He left for the kitchen to get her some cold water. It didn't take him long to return to her side.
"Drink first," Ren handed the glass to Tsubaki who was leaning her body against the couch. Tsubaki gratefully accepted the drink.
Ren sat on the coffee table opposite her. He bent down slightly, his long arms reaching for his wife's legs. His movements were so gentle as he placed her small feet on his lap. His slender fingers started to massage the sole of her feet.
Tsubaki smiled in contentment. She felt so relax and her aching feet due to wearing heels were no longer in pain. Her eyes landed on her husband's face. There was a faint smile on the corners of his thin lips as he was concentrating on massaging her feet.
"Did Kaede tell you something?" Tsubaki opened her lips to ask. She brought the empty glass on her lap, separating only by a throw pillow.
"She texted me, saying you looked awful," Ren replied in honesty. "I'm already on my way home so I asked her to drive slower. At least, I could welcome you home first instead of you coming back to an empty home."
"Hubby, you're so nice to me," Tsubaki laughed as tears prickling the corners of her eyes.
Ren raised his gaze, a crooked smile curled up on his lips. "Is your heart fluttered because of me again?"
Tsubaki giggled, she leaned over slightly. Her elbows propped on the throw pillow as she rested her chin on her hands. "My heart flutters even at the smallest action of yours, my darling. Even when you are reading a book silently on a couch, my heart would flutter seeing the gorgeous scenery."
Ren stifled a laugh. He exerted light pressure at the center of the sole of her right foot. Tsubaki swore she could just sleep here if he continued massaging her feet. This was so relaxing.
"I met Kanako today."
Ren smiled. He started massaging her right calf. "I know."
Tsubaki pursed her lips. She was a bit hesitant to tell him about what Kanako had said upon seeing the photo since nothing was confirmed yet but she understood it wasn't wise if she hid it from him.
"Kanako said... She might know who is Fujioka Masami."
Ren's fingers stiffened when he heard her. His eyes narrowed, doubt flashed past his eyes. He returned moving his fingers, his mouth parted as he asked, "What did she say?"
"I was looking at the photo when she suddenly surprised me from behind..."
Tsubaki began to recount what happened and what Kanako had told her. Ren carefully listened to her as he took in the details in his mind. His brows knitted together after Tsubaki finished telling him.
"Dear, do you think Kanako really know the woman?" Tsubaki asked after a period of silence.
"I'll ask Akashi to check," Ren held her feet and placed them to the floor. He helped her putting back the furry slippers on her feet. "Let's go upstairs. I think you need a relaxing bath right now. I'd draw a bath for you. Just take your time, I'll prepare our dinner in the meantime."
"No," Tsubaki quickly refused. She stood up from the couch, her hands pulling him to raise from the coffee table. "Let me cook tonight. Why don't you take the bath first? What do you want to eat?"
Ren chuckled helplessly as he rubbed one side of her head. "Why don't we cook together and have a bath after dinner? Our flight is at 8 AM tomorrow so we should go to bed early tonight. What do you say?"
"Okay~" Tsubaki agreed.
The couple went upstairs to change their clothes into comfortable home outfits. Since none of them wanted a heavy meal, Tsubaki suggested making soba noodle salad. It was her favorite dinner whenever she craved for something light.
"I just need to slice the green onions and chop the cilantro?"
Ren looked at Tsubaki who was preparing the honey-soy dressing beside her. She had already mixed all the ingredients together in a bowl. The soba was boiled on the stove. She would heat the sauce for a few minutes before mixing the sauce with the noodle.
"Yes, darling," Tsubaki gave him a small smile. "I just need to toss the onions and cilantro together with the soba."
"Alright."
Ren began to work. His hand skillfully slicing the green onions before he moved to chop the cilantro into tiny pieces. In just a moment, he had already placed them in a small white bowl.
"Dear, could you please drain the noodle?" Tsubaki peered inside the boiling pot as she brought the saucepan to the stove. Countless bubbles of hot air popped on the surface of the water. "Please run the cold water over them too."
"Okay, sweetheart."
Ren left the kitchen island and went to the stove. Tsubaki was stirring the sauce under low heat. Ren took the pot and bring them to the sink. He drained the water using the metal colander while rinsing the noodle under the cold water. Their dinner was prepared in less than 20 minutes.
"Let's eat in the sunroom?" Tsubaki suggested as she was done mixing the noodles with the dressing. She had even sprinkled some sesame seeds over them.
"The sun is setting soon, we could still watch the sunset." Ren looked at the clock hung on the wall.
During summer, the sun rose even before 5 AM and set at 7 PM. It was a quarter to 7 so the sun was still hanging low over the horizon. The golden rays of bold colors spread across the horizon, tinted everything red. It was a sight to behold especially when one was looking from the higher ground. Both of them sat on the carpet, looking at the beautiful scenery before them.
"I bet the sunset at the beach must be more beautiful," Tsubaki commented before taking a sip of her iced flower tea. She had just eaten a few bites of the noodle.
"Yes, I've been at the beach a few times already," Ren said, referring to the beach at Summer City Hotel. "The view is majestic. It'd be a perfect place for a short vacation in summer."
Tsubaki smiled. She would be giddy with excitement every time Ren mentioned the beach. The waiting was torture. She couldn't wait for the vacation to come sooner.
The couple silently ate their meal. By the time they finished their dinner, the sun had completely dipped below the horizon. It was time for the moon to grace the night sky. Ren pushed a button on the controller. In a second, the lights filled the room.
"Darling?"
Ren tilted his head to see Tsubaki's side profile. Her eyes were trained on the night view outside. The look in her eyes was peaceful, making him felt serene too by her side. His thin lips curved up into a smile. "Yes, love?"
Tsubaki averted her gaze from the sky, landing it on his smiling face. He was always smiling whenever he looked at her and she loved the smile of his the most. It made her felt being loved by him. For someone who grew up without a shower of love since her adopted parents died early, her husband's continuous affection and warmth toward her made Tsubaki fell so much in love with him.
"Could I get a hug?"
A soft chuckle escaped Ren's lips. He stretched out one hand, pulling her into his embrace. In a second, both of his arms enveloped her petite frame in a warm hug. Tsubaki smiled as she returned the hug.
"You don't have to ask," Ren's voice was so alluring over her head as he rubbed the small of her back. "I'm your cuddle bear, okay?"
Tsubaki giggled as she found his words funny. "Yes. You're my sweet and cuddly handsome bear."
Ren laughed heartily. He peppered her head with light kisses.
When the dark thoughts tried to invade her mind again, Tsubaki found it easy to chase them if she could feel his warmth. She realized she had been too clingy as of late but since her husband had welcomed the change she didn't try to revert to her old self.
Her trip to her hometown might uncover some hideous secrets but Tsubaki didn't have a plan to crumble. Even when she had to face what Kanako would find, she would keep her heart strong. There would be times when she fell victim under those dark thoughts but she knew, he would always welcome her home.
Tsubaki rubbed her head against her husband's chest. A contented smile bloomed on her face. She felt peace.