Haruki and Kyouko walked side by side through the quiet flow of the mall.
The soft hum of background music, the faint chatter of passing couples, and the warm afternoon light from the skylight above made everything feel calm. Peaceful.
Kyouko reached for Haruki's arm and gently wrapped hands around it, pulling him just a little closer.
She smiled up at him.
Haruki, still chatting softly—pointing toward a small bookstore, then a café—didn't even hesitate. He leaned closer, whispering something teasing in her ear that made her giggle.
It was ordinary.
Simple.
But to her…
It felt like a miracle.
I'm happy…
Kyouko thought quietly, her eyes soft.
After hiding our relationship for so long…
After sneaking around, whispering in the dark, holding each other only when no one was looking…
After having sex like we were doing something shameful…
And not even daring to walk side by side like this in public…
Now…
She glanced at Haruki.
He was smiling.
Casual.
Warm.
