"Here, Haruki," Kyouko said softly as she put a hot cup of coffee on the table next to him. Haruki was in the living room, working on his laptop for his job.
Haruki looked up and saw Kyouko smiling at him. "Thank you, Kyouko-san."
"No problem," she replied with a warm smile before going back to the kitchen, walking lightly.
Haruki felt calm as he picked up the cup. When he took a sip, he noticed the coffee was strong and a little bitter, but just sweet enough with honey—exactly how he liked it. He hadn't told Kyouko how he liked his coffee, but she knew just how to make it.
He leaned back and enjoyed her kindness, feeling thankful and a bit surprised. Kyouko, his mother-in-law, was very thoughtful. Simple things like this made him feel loved and warmed his ordinary morning.
As he took another sip, he felt a nice warmth inside—not just from the coffee, but from the care that came with it.
Haruki had been living with Kyouko and her husband for over a year. After he married Sayaka, Kyouko's daughter, Sayaka suggested they move in with her parents. She was their only child and worried about her mother.
"She's always so caring. I'm afraid she'll feel lonely with just my dad at home. Plus, it's practical. We can save money, and I'll feel better knowing she's not alone all day,".
"Are you sure, honey? I don't want to be troublesome to your parents," Haruki replied, feeling uneasy.
"Please, Haruki. I worry about Mom," Sayaka said, her voice soft but firm. "Mom loves having family around. It will bring us all closer together.."
Haruki hesitated, thinking about their quiet life. "I just don't want to make things difficult."
"I promise it will be fine. You'll see. We can help each other and make it feel like home for everyone," Sayaka encouraged him with a bright smile.
He sighed, weighing his options. "Okay, if you really think so, I'll give it a try."
At first, Haruki was unsure. He didn't want to bother her parents or disturb their quiet life. But Sayaka gently encouraged him until he agreed, feeling better knowing they would have enough space.
When Sayaka told her parents about the idea, they were happy. Kyouko was excited, and Sayaka's father, who usually showed little emotion, nodded in agreement. They all saw that the big house was too big for just two people, so they quickly agreed.
The first few weeks felt strange for Haruki. He was careful with everything he did in the house. Kyouko's home was warm and tidy, with little details like a small flower vase by the door, clean linens, and a light lavender scent in the hallways. It felt cozy, but he still felt a bit like a guest.
In the evenings, Kyouko cooked dinner with great care, setting the table to make him feel welcome. Her cooking was amazing, unlike anything he had ever tasted. He could see the love and effort she put into each meal, making him feel comfortable in his new life.
Even though Haruki felt at ease with his family, he was careful not to disturb Kyouko as she went about her daily tasks. He admired the thoughtful way she did things and wanted to respect her routines. But over time, he started to feel more at home, slowly getting used to the rhythm of their household.
As the months passed, Sayaka often worked long hours at the hospital, and her father was busy from morning until late at night. This meant that Haruki and Kyouko usually spent quiet time together in the house. Kyouko's gentle presence made even simple moments feel special, and Haruki began to appreciate the calm atmosphere more each day.
Kyouko was gentle, calm, and graceful. But there was something else about her that caught Haruki's eye. She was beautiful in a way that was both striking and subtle. Her skin was smooth, her features delicate, and she had a youthful glow that made her look younger than she was. When Haruki first met her, he thought Kyouko might be Sayaka's sister instead of her mother.
That impression stayed with him even after he learned more about her. Kyouko had a timeless beauty that seemed to exist outside of time. He noticed it in little things: the graceful way she moved around the house, her gentle smile when they talked, and the faint laugh lines that showed her warmth.
Being around her made him feel a mix of admiration and sometimes a nervousness he couldn't explain. As time went on, he became more aware of her beauty, kindness, and quiet charm.
Haruki had to admit that Kyouko seemed more beautiful and looked younger than Sayaka in many ways. Sayaka had a lively, energetic charm and a casual style, while Kyouko represented elegance. There was a refined femininity about her, a soft grace in the way she moved, and a maturity that made her even more attractive.
Kyouko's presence was warm and comforting. She carried herself with a quiet confidence, unlike Sayaka's lively and spontaneous nature. While Sayaka was vibrant and impulsive, Kyouko was gentle, poised, and observant. She spoke softly, and her laughter was a quiet melody that made the house feel fuller. Her nurturing nature created a calm atmosphere, and over time, Haruki found himself looking forward to her quiet companionship.
This surprised him. He hadn't expected to feel this way, but he realized that Kyouko had a kind of beauty that left a lasting impression—a beauty that grew more captivating the more time he spent with her.
After living with Sayaka's family for over a year, Haruki began to notice things he hadn't seen before. Sayaka's job kept her away late most nights, leaving him alone with kyouko more often. Kyouko's husband, Haruki's father-in-law, left early each day and usually came home late, often drunk and barely able to speak.
Haruki started to understand why Sayaka wanted to move in. Maybe she didn't want her mother to be alone in that big, quiet house. He wondered how Kyouko managed every day. She always seemed calm and graceful, as if she quietly carried the weight of the family.
He also noticed that Kyouko rarely left the house except for grocery shopping, and even then, she only went out when she had to. Most of the time, she preferred to order groceries online, avoiding the outside world as much as possible. It seemed she had created her own little world inside those walls, finding ways to keep busy but also remaining isolated.
Haruki kept watching Kyouko. She was really beautiful, and he couldn't help but admire her. Even though he pretended to focus on his work, his eyes kept drifting to her. She moved gracefully around the kitchen, humming softly to herself as she prepared food.
As he tried to concentrate on his work again, he couldn't shake the feeling of admiration. He thought about how lucky he was to share a home with someone so graceful and kind. Even in silence, Kyouko's presence filled the room with warmth, making it a cozy place to be.
Haruki wondered if Kyouko ever felt lonely, too. He wanted to know more about her life, her dreams, and what made her happy. But for now, he contented himself with these quiet moments, stealing glances at Kyouko while he worked.
He hoped he could find a way to connect with her—perhaps they could share more than just silence.
(End of Chapter)