Ito Yoshito glanced at the other sheets of paper and realized they were recent entries in Tsukishima Matsuo's diary.
Just as he was about to delve into them, he heard the sound of Kyoko's footsteps approaching from a distance.
He hurriedly shoved the notes into the notebook and placed it back on the shelf.
Kyoko stood outside the study, taking a deep breath that made her form-fitting knitted dress ripple slightly.
"Ha—"
After a moment to collect herself, she reassured, 'I was just encouraging Ito to study harder…'
Gently pushing open the door, Kyoko entered and spotted the boy who had embarrassed her earlier standing by the bookshelf.
His violet eyes lingered on her for a moment before she softly called out.
"Ito, what are you doing?"
Ito Yoshito turned to face the slightly flustered Kyoko. She still wore the tight-knit dress, but the marks around the hem hinted at her earlier emotional turmoil.
Moreover, she had removed the thick black stockings that had clung to her voluptuous legs, now revealing the pale skin that shimmered under the dim light, as if a subtle glow lingered on her thighs.
"I was just looking to see what books are on the shelf," she replied, casting her gaze away from Ito's.
"Ito, it's getting late. You should head home."
After a pause, she added, "Tomorrow… please be at the apartment by eight."
Ito observed the slightly bashful Kyoko and couldn't help but smile quietly.
'Tsukishima Kyoko hides such a charming side beneath her cool facade!'
Redirecting his gaze, he thanked her, feeling a kinship forming.
"Alright, thank you, Tsukishima-san, for today's guidance, and… thanks for the hospitality!"
As the heat of her earlier gaze receded, Kyoko let out a sigh of relief, only to feel a blush creeping up her cheeks again when Ito teasingly spoke.
"Don't be disrespectful to Tsukishima-san~"
Noticing her tone had turned a bit playful, Kyoko cleared her throat twice. "Ahem, ahem…"
"In any case, Ito, you should head back. Make sure to review today's material.
I will quiz you on it tomorrow."
"Understood, Tsukishima-san!"
After their light-hearted exchange, Ito felt more at ease around Kyoko, behaving in a more relaxed manner.
"Pfft…"
Kyoko couldn't help but giggle at Ito's antics, feeling her attitude towards him soften.
"Ahem, alright, let's go home," she said, glancing at him as they exited the study together, her thoughts drifting back to the earlier more vulnerable moment.
As they reached the living room, Kyoko suddenly remembered and instinctively covered her ample chest with both hands, turning to face Ito directly.
Her violet eyes glimmered with an alluring light in the dimly lit space, creating an atmosphere that felt almost intoxicating.
"Tsukishima-san, I'll be leaving now."
Ito deftly maneuvered around Kyoko, his gaze dropping slightly beneath her intense stare as he made his way to the entrance.
Yet, curiosity proved too tempting, and he turned back for one last look at the enchanting sight, only to be caught in the act.
"Ito, stop!"
Kyoko's face hardened slightly as she observed his guilty expression, resulting in a silent huff inwardly.
'Trying to catch me again, huh…'
"Ito, if Tsukishima-san doesn't punish you, and you keep being mischievous, I'll take away your reward for tomorrow!"
"Ah—no, please!" Ito exclaimed, frozen in place.
A loud click accompanied his wailing...
Someone was opening the door.
"Hmm? What reward?" A steady voice rang out as the front door opened, revealing a stern-looking man in a suit.
The perfectly tailored suit clung to his frame, every detail immaculate, exuding an air of composure and authority.
His hair was meticulously styled, each strand seemingly artfully arranged and gleaming faintly, the scent of hair product wafting in.
This was undoubtedly the man Ito had briefly encountered earlier at the apartment.
"Matsuo, you're back," Kyoko said, stepping over to take Matsuo's coat, her demeanor shifting back to a more composed spouse.
"Yeah," Matsuo acknowledged, glancing at Ito with curiosity and nodding at Kyoko. "Who is he?"
"I'm Tsukishima," Ito introduced himself, extending a hand, "I'm Ito Yoshito; I hope I'm not causing too much trouble for Tsukishima-san today."
"Hmm, nice to meet you." Matsuo grasped the offered hand, returning the polite gesture.
"Tsukishima-san, Matsuo, I'll take my leave now," Ito said, glancing at the couple, his curiosity piqued further by the cool yet familiar aura emanating from them.
The silvery moonlight seeped through the thin clouds, casting a gentle glow on the elegant apartment.
Standing at the door, Ito waved goodbye to the couple as they maintained their usual demeanor.
"Be careful on your way home," Kyoko said softly, giving a slight wave.
He watched until Ito disappeared down the staircase, after which the couple stepped back into their home, resuming their more private lives.
Settling onto the sofa, Matsuo eyed his wife with mild surprise. "You seem more lively today than usual."
"Is that so?" Kyoko touched her fair cheek, reflecting on her mood. Her spirits truly felt lifted, as if the heaviness in her heart had dissipated.
She picked up a small mirror nearby, admiring her complexion, which radiated with a vibrant glow, appearing fresh and lively.
"Indeed!" Matsuo confirmed.
"Did something good happen?"
"Perhaps it was just a rewarding experience teaching Ito!"
Mentioning Ito made her blush slightly, and the earlier embarrassment felt vividly present in her body.
Especially before her husband, an indescribable thrill seemed to fill the void of loneliness she had carried for the past year.
"Hmm, I'll head to the study first," Matsuo noted, observing her oddly cheerful demeanor.
Though curious, he brushed it off, deciding not to dwell on it too much.
In the study, he began to tidy up the scattered items on the desk.
'Why is Kyoko a bit careless today? This isn't like her…'
After organizing the mess, he approached the bookshelf, bending down to place an item on a lower shelf for easy access.
As he stood back up, he caught sight of a familiar notebook slightly askew on the upper shelf.
"This is… my diary!"