The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the curtains, wrapping the room in a golden glow. Chiaki lay curled beneath the blanket, her back rising gently with each breath, completely at peace. Hayato was already awake, resting on one elbow as he gazed at her with quiet affection. She looked so beautiful like this—serene and softly lit by the morning light. Unable to resist, he reached out and let his fingers trace lightly along her shoulder, then leaned in to kiss her cheek, breathing in the familiar scent of her hair.
The gentle kiss made Chiaki stir. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, and when she saw Hayato so close, watching her with that tender smile, her cheeks turned a rosy pink. Flustered, she pulled the blanket up to her nose, only her wide eyes peeking out. Hayato chuckled softly at her reaction and kissed her lips—just a light, loving brush that made her heart flutter.
"Good morning, Chiaki," he whispered, his voice low and full of warmth. And in that moment, "G-Good morning, Hayato," Chiaki whispered, her voice quiet and unsure as she tried to calm her racing heart. Her eyes flicked away, and her fingers nervously played with the edge of the blanket. Hayato's chest warmed at the sight—she was so shy, so lovely, and all his. Gently, he reached out and ran his fingers through her messy hair, smoothing it as he looked at her with quiet affection.
Without a word, Hayato pulled her close, his arms locking around her as he buried his face in the curve of her neck. She smelled like sleep and warmth, like something deeply hers, and he inhaled deeply, pressing a slow, open-mouthed kiss to her pulse.
Chiaki's breath hitched as his hands slid down her back, fingers splaying possessively over her bare hips. His touch was different now—less tentative, more assured, as if the night before had burned away any hesitation.
"Hayato…?" Her voice was still thick with sleep, but the way her body arched into his told him everything he needed to know.
He didn't answer with words. Instead, his mouth found hers in a deep, languid kiss, his tongue sliding against hers in a rhythm that made her toes curl. One hand tangled in her hair, tilting her head back, while the other traced down her stomach, lower, until his fingers slipped between her thighs.
She was already wet, already aching for him, and a rough groan escaped his throat at the discovery. "Fuck, you're ready for me," he murmured against her lips, his fingers circling her clit with just enough pressure to make her gasp.
Chiaki's nails dug into his shoulders as he teased her, her hips rolling against his hand, seeking more. "Please—"
He didn't make her beg for long. In one smooth motion, he flipped her onto her back, settling between her thighs. The first thrust was slow, deliberate, letting her feel every inch of him as he filled her.
"God, you're tight," he gritted out, his forehead dropping to hers as he fought for control.
But Chiaki wasn't having it. Her legs hooked around his waist, pulling him deeper, and with a growl, Hayato lost the battle. His hips snapped forward, setting a relentless pace that had her crying out, her back arching off the bed.
The morning sun warmed their skin as they moved in sync, breaths quick and bodies close, soft moans and murmured words of need exchanged between kisses.
When her climax hit, it tore through her like lightning, her body clamping around him in waves. Hayato followed her over the edge with a groan, his thrusts turning erratic as he spilled inside her, his mouth sealing over hers to swallow her moans.
*****
After getting ready, Chiaki stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders. She glanced around, about to ask Hayato where her clothes were, when he gently took her hand and led her to the wardrobe. When he slid it open, she was stunned to see a section filled with women's clothes—pretty dresses, soft sweaters, delicate blouses—all neatly arranged.
Her eyes widened in surprise, memories rushing back to the rooftop conversation with Karina. Slowly, she turned to him. "These clothes…" she began, her voice trailing off.
Hayato's gaze was warm, his tone quiet but sincere. "When I was in the U.S., Karina often took me shopping. And whenever I saw something that reminded me of you, I bought it. It was the only way I knew how to hold on to you."
Chiaki's breath caught. Her chest tightened at the weight of his words. "Karina said…" she murmured, her voice shaking, "she knew she could never replace me in your heart."
Hayato gently cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing across her skin with a touch that was both soft and full of feeling. "When you turned me down that night, it hurt," he said quietly, emotion thick in his voice. "But I knew it wasn't easy for you either."
Chiaki lowered her gaze, her chest tightening with guilt. "I thought I was doing the right thing," she whispered. "But the truth is, I was just scared. I was running away." She stepped closer, resting her forehead against his chest, clutching her towel as tears welled in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Hayato."
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly like he never wanted to let go. "Just promise me you won't leave again," he murmured, his voice gentle but firm. Chiaki nodded, a small, tearful smile on her lips. "I won't."
Hayato leaned back slightly and tilted her chin up, locking eyes with her before leaning in and kissing her softly. The warmth of his lips made her heart flutter. Chiaki kissed him back, her hands resting on his chest, the moment tender and full of all the love they had carried for years.
Hayato opened a drawer and took out a small jewelry box, polished and elegant. Inside was a delicate necklace with a floral pendant, its design intricate and familiar. Chiaki's eyes widened as she gasped softly. "This… isn't this the necklace we saw when we were shopping for Mom's birthday years ago?" she asked, her voice full of surprise.
Hayato chuckled, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "I was hoping you'd remember," he said. Stepping behind her, he gently fastened the necklace around her neck, his fingers brushing her skin and sending a quiet shiver down her spine. "I never forgot the way your eyes lit up when you saw it."
Chiaki touched the pendant, her fingers trembling as tears welled in her eyes. "Thank you, Hayato," she whispered, turning to hug him tightly. The necklace wasn't just a gift—it was a piece of their past, a quiet reminder that he had always held her close in his heart. Hayato wrapped his arms around her, holding her like he never wanted to let go.
Chiaki wrapped both arms around Hayato's neck, pulling him into a deep kiss. As their lips met with renewed hunger, the towel around her slipped away unnoticed, pooling at their feet. Hayato's hands roamed down her bare back, the feel of her warm skin against his palms sending fresh desire coursing through him. She gasped into his mouth as she felt his growing arousal press against her thigh.
Without breaking the kiss, Hayato guided them backward into the walk-in closet, their breathing ragged in the confined space. The full-length mirror caught their reflection - her flushed skin against his toned body, their limbs entangled in desperate need.
"Look at us," Hayato growled in her ear as he spun her to face the mirror. Chiaki's eyes widened at their intimate reflection - his muscular frame pressed against her back, his hands possessively gripping her hips. She blushed furiously at the raw desire evident in both their expressions.
Hayato trailed hot kisses down her neck as he positioned himself behind her. "Watch how beautiful you are when you come for me," he murmured. Chiaki whimpered as she felt him push inside, her eyes locked on the mirror where she could see every movement, every expression of pleasure crossing his face.
Their rhythm built in intensity, the sound of skin against skin echoing in the closet. Chiaki's fingers pressed against the mirror for support as Hayato's thrusts grew deeper. "Hayato...I..." Her words dissolved into moans as she watched in the mirror how his hands moved to cup her breasts, how her body responded to his every touch.
The pendant he'd given her swung between them with each movement, catching the light - a physical reminder of their connection even in this most intimate moment. Tears of overwhelming emotion mixed with pleasure welled in Chiaki's eyes as she reached her climax, her body trembling in his arms. Hayato followed moments later, his groan muffled against her shoulder as he held her tightly through their shared release.
Hayato's arms remained wrapped around her, his lips brushing lazy kisses along her bare shoulder. The warmth of their bodies pressed together made it tempting to stay like this forever—lost in each other, with no thought of time or duty.
But reality crept in.
A glance at the clock on the dresser made her sigh. "Hayato…" She turned in his arms, her palms resting against his chest. "We should get ready. If we don't leave soon, we'll be late."
He groaned, nuzzling into the curve of her neck. "Five more minutes," he murmured, his hands sliding down to her waist, pulling her flush against him. The evidence of his lingering desire pressed against her thigh, and she bit back a smile.
"We have to stop," she teased, though her resolve weakened when his mouth found that sensitive spot beneath her ear. A shiver ran through her, but she forced herself to step back, though her fingers lingered on his wrists. "We cannot be late for work."
Hayato exhaled dramatically but relented, catching her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "Fine. But tonight, we're picking up where we left off." His smirk was downright sinful.
Chiaki rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her blush as she scooped up her discarded clothes.
"Hurry up, then," she called over her shoulder, slipping into the bathroom.Hayato watched her go, his gaze lingering before he finally turned to grab his own attire.