Chapter 0028: Eri! Eri!
Cuban chocolate, known for its unique production method using traditional Cuban techniques, is exceptionally rare and highly sought after. With its rich aroma and a hint of bitterness, it commands a high price. Kogoro Mouri had spent considerable effort before finally locating some in a small shop.
Eri Kisaki appeared to be in an excellent mood as she took out a piece of the chocolate. Her lips parted slightly, and the rich aroma of the chocolate filled the air as she savored it, closing her eyes in delight.
Kogoro Mouri, witnessing this scene, felt a surge of passion. 'We're a married couple, so what am I hesitating for?' he thought as he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. Eri's eyes widened in shock, her pupils contracting.
The chocolate's aroma seemed to burst forth between their lips, its bitterness sinking deep into their hearts. For Eri, this was her first kiss—a moment she would never forget.
Even the moon seemed startled by the lovers, retreating behind the clouds.
Kogoro intensified his actions, his hand moving upward. Eri's breathing grew rapid, and Kogoro pushed her down onto the park bench. His other hand ventured downward.
"No, not here," Eri suddenly snapped back to her senses and delivered a sharp knee strike to an unsuspecting Kogoro.
Grimacing in pain, Kogoro got up, clutching his stomach. Thankfully, it was only his abdomen that bore the brunt of her strike.
Unfazed, Kogoro cupped Eri's face in his hands. "Eri, have you forgotten the promise you made to me?"
"What promise?" Eri turned her head away, feigning ignorance.
"You promised to be my girlfriend if I won the karate championship. Eri, from today on, let's officially date, okay?" Kogoro's gaze was filled with tenderness, as though he were holding a priceless treasure.
Seeing the passionate sincerity in Kogoro's eyes, Eri's heart raced. A barely audible "Mm" escaped her lips. Kogoro's face lit up with joy, and he lifted Eri into his arms, twirling her around by the lakeside.
The ice in Eri's demeanor melted away, and her smile was dazzlingly beautiful. Under the cover of night, the couple left the park, inseparable as they wandered through shopping malls, watched movies, and strolled down streets hand in hand.
At that moment, Eri was undoubtedly happy. Strangely enough, Kogoro also felt a youthful exhilaration, his heart racing as though he were a boy experiencing first love.
Even Teitan High School's Ice Queen couldn't resist the allure of love. Caught up in Kogoro's schemes, Eri completely forgot about returning home and ended up at the Beika Grand Hotel.
Love had lowered Eri's sharp intellect. Under Kogoro's coaxing, she found herself in a suite, utterly dazed.
"Eri, I really, really like you. I can't stand being apart from you for even a moment."
"No matter how many years I've known you, I can't get enough of looking at you."
"Please, don't leave me. When you're out of my sight, I feel like I'm going to die. Listen, can you hear my heart? It's about to stop."
"Just call your mom and tell her you're staying over at Yukiko's house tonight."
Dazed, Eri complied. For the first time in her life, she lied to her mother, telling her she would spend the night at Yukiko's.
"Wow, this suite even comes with complimentary champagne. Eri, come try it; it's delicious."
"It's a little warm in here, isn't it? You're sweating. Your school uniform's too thick; let me help you take it off."
"Now it's a bit chilly. Let's talk on the bed. Don't worry, I won't do anything."
"When did I start liking you? Hmm, that's a tough question."
"Was it the summer camp when you were thirteen, and you sneaked off to bathe by the river? Hey, don't hit me! I was worried about you, not peeping on purpose. Maybe that's when I started liking you. Or maybe it was the first time I saw you in elementary school."
"What? Who's prettier, you or Yukiko? Do you even have to ask? Of course, it's you, you silly girl. How can you not see how beautiful you are?"
"Eri, it's so cold. Let me just hold you, I promise I won't do anything. Huh? I'm not sweating."
"Eri, just a kiss. I promise, nothing else…"
"I'll stay on the outside, I won't do anything…"
"Ah… so tight."
(A metaphorical narrative skips ahead.)
A symphony played out in the suite of the Beika Grand Hotel, lasting from midnight until past three in the morning, finally reaching its crescendo.
...
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a glow on Eri's skin. Her hair fell loosely as she lay in peaceful slumber, emanating a uniquely feminine charm. Clinging tightly to Kogoro, she appeared as delicate and affectionate as a small bird.
Kogoro, having overindulged the previous night, had pushed Eri to tears multiple times. Unable to bear her suffering, he used his healing technique to restore her completely.
Now fully recovered, Eri's eyelashes fluttered as she began to wake. Kogoro, seeing this, pounced on her like a hungry tiger, planting kisses.
Eri gasped, "It hurts," but quickly realized she felt perfectly fine.
Taking advantage of the moment, Kogoro turned the tables and initiated another round of morning exercises. Even when Eri answered a phone call from Yukiko mid-session, the interruptions did not halt his enthusiasm. (Another metaphorical narrative skips ahead.)