Haruki finished his work in the living room, stretched his arms, and noticed the delicious smell of food coming from the kitchen. He smiled, closed his laptop, and thought about his trip to the office tomorrow to submit his project. His job paid really well—better than Sayaka's—but she wanted to keep working, which he respected without complaining.
Just then, Kyouko appeared in the doorway with a gentle smile. "Haruki, dinner's ready," she called softly. Haruki nodded and followed her to the kitchen, where she was already setting the table. He took a seat and watched her as she moved with quiet grace, arranging the dishes carefully.
One of the things Haruki loved most about living there was Kyouko's cooking. From the very first meal she had made for him, he was amazed by her skill. Every dish was full of flavor, just the right spices, and prepared with such care that every meal felt special. He often thought that no restaurant could compare to the comforting perfection of Kyouko's cooking.
He watched as Kyouko arranged everything beautifully, placing a bowl of rice in front of him and setting each dish just right. Her movements were calm and deliberate; she paid attention to even the little details, like folding a napkin neatly beside his chopsticks. Her thoughtful nature captivated him, showing her care in every action.
The table looked lovely, with each dish matching the others, and he felt warm and appreciated. This quiet care from Kyouko made him feel valued, more than just a guest in her house. It felt natural, as if she were taking care of him in a way that went beyond hospitality.
As he picked up his chopsticks, he couldn't help but think that she had the qualities of a perfect wife—considerate, gentle, and always attentive.
Kyouko settled into the seat across from him, serene as she joined her hands in a slight bow. They both softly said, "Itadakimasu," which means "Let's eat," starting their meal.
There was something comforting about this quiet routine, even without many words. It felt like they shared a secret world in these small moments. Haruki noticed Kyouko's faint smile as she took her first bite, enjoying her own cooking. A sense of calm washed over him, making the day's stress fade away.
As he took his first taste, the flavors were rich and perfectly balanced, just as he expected from Kyouko's cooking. She seemed to know exactly what he liked, even without him saying anything. While he ate, Haruki felt deep appreciation for her presence and admiration that grew stronger each day.
One of Haruki's favorite things about living there was Kyouko's cooking. Every meal she made was exceptional, crafted with a balance of flavors that came from years of experience and an intuitive understanding of his tastes.
He remembered the few times Sayaka had tried to cook for him when they were dating. She was eager but clumsy, each attempt resulting in something barely edible, with the kitchen a mess of splattered sauces and burnt edges. Sayaka's cooking always felt rushed, as if she just wanted to finish quickly. It had been endearing, but the difference was clear now.
Kyouko's cooking felt purposeful. Each meal was prepared with care, turning the kitchen into a calm and comforting space. Haruki appreciated these simple dinners with her and looked forward to them, knowing they would share a quiet connection over each carefully arranged meal.
Suddenly, Kyouko put down her chopsticks a bit hastily, breaking her usual calm demeanor. This surprised Haruki. She excused herself softly and stood up, leaving the table before he could ask if something was wrong.
A moment later, she returned with two glasses of iced tea, setting one gently in front of him before sitting back down with a composed smile. Haruki felt grateful for her thoughtfulness—she always seemed to look out for him, even in small ways.
As they resumed eating, he found himself glancing at her, wondering what she was thinking.
Kyouko was truly beautiful, he thought, his gaze lingering. Her skin was smooth and flawless, with gentle features that gave her a youthful, delicate look—what people might call a "baby face." He hadn't expected his mother-in-law to look so young, and it caught him off guard each time.
Unlike Sayaka, who was often busy or absent, Kyouko made an effort to sit with him, preparing meals with a warmth that Sayaka rarely showed. This routine—a quiet dinner shared in the calm of the evening—brought him unexpected happiness and comfort.
Haruki's gaze drifted to her lips as she took a sip of tea. They were full and soft, perfectly matching her serene expression. He hadn't noticed them like this before, but now he felt a strange fascination. Her lips moved delicately with each sip, and for a moment, he couldn't look away.
Kyouko noticed his gaze and paused, looking up with a soft smile. "Is something on your mind, Haruki?"
He blinked, heat rising to his cheeks. "Oh, no... sorry, Kyouko-san. Just... thinking about the meal. It's delicious."
She chuckled, a warm sound. "I'm glad you like it."
Haruki quickly focused back on his bowl, taking a bite to hide his flustered expression. But even as he ate, the image of her smile and those lips lingered in his mind.
Kyouko smiled gently and took a piece of meat, placing it into Haruki's bowl. "Here… a young man like you needs to eat a lot," she said.
"Thank you, Kyouko-san," Haruki replied with a genuine smile.
"You're welcome, Haruki," she responded, her voice warm.
They continued to eat in silence, relishing the delicious food. After the meal, Haruki expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for the meal, Kyouko. It was wonderful."
As Kyouko cleared the dishes from the table, Haruki couldn't help but watch her. He admired her graceful movements as she worked in the kitchen, completely unaware of his gaze.
As Kyouko moved around the kitchen, Haruki couldn't help but admire her. She had a captivating figure that drew his attention. Her smooth skin glowed softly in the kitchen light, and her body curved gracefully. He noticed the way her form fit snugly into her clothes, especially the outline of her waist and the gentle curve of her hips.
When she bent slightly to rinse a dish, her subtle movements revealed the shape of her round butt, accentuated by her fitted outfit. Haruki felt a rush of admiration for her beauty, recognizing the combination of elegance and allure that made her so striking.
He shook his head slightly, trying to refocus his thoughts as he enjoyed the lingering flavors of dinner, but he couldn't help stealing glances at Kyouko, lost in contemplation about her captivating presence.
(End of Chapter)