Chapter 255: Chapter 255

The taxi came to a smooth stop in front of the entrance.

Haruki stepped out first, walking around to Kyouko’s side.

He thanked the driver politely and handed over the fare.

His voice was calm, low as always.

The taxi drove away, and the quiet settled in.

Kyouko stood a few steps ahead.

Looking up at the entrance of Ryotei Rangetsu.

Soft lanterns swaying gently under the roof.

A carved stone path leading to the shoji doors.

It felt like something from a different world.

Still. Beautiful. Intimate.

Haruki came beside her, holding their single bag.

But Kyouko didn’t move.

She simply stood there, her gaze soft.

This is... my first time.

Not just in a place .

Not just at a ryokan.

But... this kind of moment.

During all her years of marriage—

She’d never gone anywhere.

Just the grocery store.

The neighborhood market.

And back home to cook, clean, and sleep beside a man who didn’t love her.

Never wore yukata for festivals.

Never stayed in a place where someone else folded the bedding and placed fresh tea by the window.

This was her first time.

Really her first time.

And it wasn’t with her husband.

The man who had seen every part of her.

She turned slightly, just enough to look at him.

Haruki was calm. Holding the bag. Watching her with a gentle expression.

Like he already knew.

The sliding door closed softly behind them.

A small alcove with a fresh seasonal flower.

Beyond the paper doors, a private open-air bath, tucked behind a bamboo fence.

Their bags were already placed beside the wall.

The staff gave a small bow before retreating.

Haruki gently wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

Kyouko leaned into him.

"Do you want to rest first..."

"...or shall we go enjoy the summer festival?"

"Maybe visit a shrine? Or anywhere else you want to go?"

Kyouko tilted her head slightly.

Her hand touched his gently where it rested near her waist.

Inside, her heart flutter.

He always gave her choices.

Always made her feel like she mattered.

In her marriage, no one ever asked what she wanted.

But now... here he was.

Asking her not just what she wanted to do.

But offering her a life.

"Let’s shower and wear our yukata first."

Kyouko smiled gently, her voice as calm as the breeze slipping in through the open shoji.

"Alright. I’ll wash first."

He took one of the fresh towels provided by the ryokan and made his way toward the bath area.

Kyouko watched him go.

Calm. Handsome in that quiet way she loved.

When he disappeared behind the sliding door, she turned toward their shared travel bag.

Carefully, she opened it.

The clean scent of fabric and cedar greeted her.

She took out the yukata he had bought—

She ran her fingers along the soft fabric of Haruki’s.

Then lifted her own—light-colored with soft floral patterns. Understated, elegant.

The last time she wore something ...

She wore a formal kimono that day—

For her father’s birthday.

And, in some way... for him.

That day... I wore it because I had to.

Because I was still a daughter. Still someone’s wife.

I didn’t even know he would be there.

I thought... he was far away.

And then—he appeared.

She wore that kimono for the family.

But when Haruki saw her...

It felt like I was wearing it for him.

Kyouko gently unfolded the yukata meant for herself.

She would wear it for no one else.

Not even for her parents.

Kyouko heard the quiet creak of the sliding door.

Steam trailing faintly behind him, towel draped loosely over one shoulder.

His body, still damp, caught the light.

Firm muscles shaped by quiet strength.

Broad chest. Flat stomach. Those arms that always held her after.

Kyouko smiled. Softly.

That body... the one always on top of me.

The one that holds me. Cares for me. Fills me.

She reached out and handed him the folded yukata.

He nodded, accepting it with smile.

Still graceful, still quiet.

And slowly—began unbuttoning her blouse.

She slid the fabric from her shoulders, exposing her bare back to him.

But she glanced over her shoulder.

Waiting for that moment.

The one where he would step forward, pull her close, kiss her neck, touch her.

Haruki stepped closer...

And kissed her cheek.

Then he turned back to the mirror. Calmly.

Wearing his yukata without rush.

And then he smiled at her.

"You shower first and get ready," he said.

"I’ll go arrange a car or taxi for us."

Chest rising slightly with breath.

No kisses down her back.

No hands wrapping around her waist.

A flicker of something.

Did he... lose interest?

Is my body no longer exciting to him?

Is he... bored of me?

She shook the thought away as quickly as it came.

He must be tired. Or focused.

He’s always thoughtful. Maybe.

Kyouko quietly walked into the bathroom.

She slid the door closed behind her.

Then the sound of running water.

Haruki stood still for a moment, breathing out slowly.

Then he turned and stepped outside their room into the quiet corridor, pretending to head toward the reception.

I wanted to attack her right there.

Grab those soft hips.

Press her into the tatami until she couldn’t even think straight.

He swallowed hard, the image still fresh in his mind.

That round, perfect ass swaying as she undressed.

Those full, firm breasts—bouncing when she slid her blouse off.

If it wasn’t for my plan tonight...

If it wasn’t for what I prepared.

But he could already feel it.

The tight ache building under his yukata.

His penis, already hard.

You know my weakness.

That body. That elegance. That softness.

That way she looked at him.

Even the way she acted like she didn’t know what she was doing.

It only made him crazier.

His fingers twitched.

Once you accept it—once you say "yes".

I’m not going to stop.

Until you beg for mercy.

Until your voice is hoarse from moaning.

Until that graceful body can’t even stand.

He smirked to himself, pushing his hair back.

And once I give you that ring...

I’ll make sure you understand—

You’re never escaping me again.