A Love I Shouldn't Feel-Chapter 120: Soft Dawn, Strong Love ( )

"Okay," Kyouko said with a smirk, slipping out of his arms. "That’s enough. Let’s continue jogging."

Haruki exhaled, still smiling. "Okay~"

They picked up pace side by side, feet tapping lightly against the quiet path, their rhythm in sync.

For a while, it was just the breeze, the soft chirp of morning birds, and the easy, comfortable silence between them.

Until Kyouko glanced at him from the corner of her eye.

And slowly swayed her hips with each step.

A little more than before.

Haruki noticed instantly.

His eyes narrowed, amused.

Then her breast bounced a bit more as she picked up speed, the tight fabric of her top clinging just right.

"Are you teasing me right now?" he muttered with a grin.

Kyouko looked straight ahead, lips curved in the most innocent smile.

"I’m just jogging."

"Yeah... right."

They kept moving, but now Haruki couldn’t stop watching.

The soft sway.

The bounce.

The lightness in her expression.

Everything about her, right now—was glowing.

And he was completely caught in it.

They slowed as they reached a small wooden bench beneath the shade of a broad tree overlooking the coastline. The morning breeze carried the scent of salt and sun-warmed grass.

Kyouko sat first, brushing her hair off her shoulder, her breath soft but steady.

Haruki followed, dropping beside her with a stretch and sigh.

"It’s nice," Kyouko said softly, looking out at the sea. "Jogging together like this."

Haruki leaned back, arm resting on the bench behind her. "Yeah... but honestly? I still prefer when we exercise at home."

Kyouko turned her head with a slow, knowing glance.

"That’s not exercise, Haruki. You’re just groping my breasts, my butt, and taking advantage during stretches."

Haruki grinned shamelessly. "Mmm~ motivation, you know."

Kyouko rolled her eyes with a quiet laugh, turning her face forward again.

They sat together for a while longer, catching their breath, trading soft conversation and laughter, comfort of being close.

Kyouko’s cheeks were lightly flushed from the jog, her hair sticking just slightly to her temple, but her eyes shone—bright, relaxed.

Haruki leaned in occasionally, teasing her gently, and she would nudge him with her elbow or shoot him a mock glare.

But the smiles never stopped.

Then, Kyouko looked up at the soft blue sky, the clouds drifting lazily overhead.

"...Perhaps it’s time for us to go back home," she said quietly.

"Yeah," Haruki nodded.

They both stood.

Haruki reached for her hand instinctively.

Then he leaned in.

Kyouko blinked and glanced around quickly.

No one.

No one in sight.

Without a word, she turned toward him and kissed him.

Slowly.

Passionately.

Her hand slid gently up his chest.

His lips moved in perfect rhythm with hers.

No one watching.

Just them.

Just this.

The warmth of their bodies.

The morning breeze.

And a kiss that said everything they couldn’t say aloud.

As their lips moved slowly in the warmth of the morning sun, Haruki’s hand slid upward, resting lightly over her chest.

Kyouko didn’t stop him.

Her breath hitched slightly, but her lips stayed on his, soft, giving, warm.

His palm cupped her breast gently through the fabric of her tight top.He fondled her slowly, feeling the soft weight, the shape he already knew so well—yet still obsessed over.

Their kiss deepened , their breaths mingling.

And when they finally pulled apart...

Kyouko smiled.

Pure.

Gentle.

Haruki stood still, his hand slowly falling away.

Stunned.

By that face.

That expression.

That smile.

So beautiful.

He leaned in again, and kissed her once more.

Softly.

Tenderly.

Because in that moment, she wasn’t just a woman.

She was everything.

"Kyouko..."

"Mm?" she turned to him, her eyes still glowing, her smile gentle.

Haruki looked at her, heart full, voice low but clear.

"...I love you."

Kyouko didn’t blink.

She didn’t hesitate.

And she smiled—soft, warm, sincere.

"I love you too, Haruki..."

They stood there for a while longer, arms wrapped around each other.

No words.

Just the warmth of their bodies pressed together, the soft rise and fall of breath, the comfort of being held by the one who truly saw them.

Kyouko leaned her cheek against his shoulder, closing her eyes for a brief second.

It felt safe.

It felt like home.

But then—she caught movement in the distance.

Someone.

Jogging.

Still far, but coming along the same path.

Kyouko opened her eyes gently.

"Haruki?"

"Mm?"

"I think we should let go of each other... for now~" she said softly, her voice calm and sweet.

"Mm... okay~"

He stepped back slowly.

"Haruki?"

"Yeah?"

"Let’s jog back home."

He smiled. "Okay~"

And just like that, they turned toward the path.

Side by side again.

Jogging quietly, hearts full.

Meanwhile, in the Kitayama residence...

The kitchen was already filled with the soft clatter of pans and the gentle aroma of miso broth and grilled fish.

Hanako moved gracefully between the stove and the counter, tying her apron as she placed pickled vegetables onto small plates.

Footsteps shuffled behind her.

Then.

A pair of strong arms slipped gently around her waist.

"Morning~" Kitayama murmured against her ear.

Hanako blinked and let out a quiet sigh.

Slap!

She lightly smacked his arm with the back of her hand.

"Don’t show it in front of our children," she said without turning, though a small smile was already tugging at her lips.

Kitayama chuckled, not letting go. "What children? They’re all grown. It’s just me and my wife now."

"Still," she muttered, though her tone had softened. "You’re too old to act like a newlywed."

"And you’re still too beautiful to ignore," he teased.

Hanako finally turned slightly and looked up at him with one brow raised.

Without a word, she leaned forward and gave him a light kiss on the lips.

"There," she said softly. "Now go wash your face, dear."

Kitayama let out a satisfied grunt and grinned. "Mm..."

He turned and walked off slowly, the robe around his waist swaying slightly.

Just before he left the kitchen.

Smack.

He gave her butt a playful slap.

Hanako gasped and glanced over her shoulder, pretending to glare.

"Dear~"

Kitayama laughed from down the hall.

Hanako shook her head, smiling as she returned to slicing scallions.

Love, after all, didn’t always fade.

Sometimes, it just grew quieter.

And stayed.

( End Of Chapter )