As they stood close, Kyouko glanced over at the large box resting near the living room table.
"By the way, Haruki... there was a delivery for you earlier," she said casually, but with a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes.
Haruki looked over, then smiled and turned back to her.
"Oh... thank you, Kyouko."
Kyouko hesitated briefly, then spoke again.
Haruki tilted his head.
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, glancing away.
"Oh... you wanna see?"
"If you don't mind..."
Haruki laughed softly and moved to the living room table, setting the box down carefully.
He retrieved a small cutter from his pocket and sliced along the taped.
Kyouko stayed beside him, hands folded politely.
Haruki slowly peeled back the flaps.
Inside the plain cardboard was another box. Beautifully wrapped, tied with a rich fabric bow embossed with an expensive brand.
Haruki turned to her with a gentle smile.
"Hmm?" she answered, eyes wide with curiosity.
He picked up the wrapped box and gently offered it to her.
Her eyes widened, surprised.
"Huh? What is it?" she asked softly, voice trembling with disbelief.
Haruki chuckled lightly, his hand still offering.
Kyouko hesitated, lightly brushing her fingers over the ribbon before untying it carefully.
The lid lifted with a whisper.
Beautiful and elegant, softly shimmering.
Not something you'd find in a regular store.
The fabric looked almost alive in the light, delicate and luxurious.
Kyouko stared at it, her fingers lightly touching the fabric.
She quickly shook her head, looking up at him with uncertainty.
"I... I can't accept this," she whispered softly.
"Better to give it to Satomi instead."
Haruki tilted his head slightly, blinking with innocent curiosity.
"Hmm? No," he said casually. "I ordered it because you were checking it on your phone earlier."
Kyouko froze, her cheeks flushing deep red.
"H-how do you know...?" she stammered.
Haruki offered a gentle, unreserved smile, warm, genuine, without teasing or grin.
"Hmm? You were lying on my lap earlier, remember?" he replied easily.
"Of course I saw it."
Kyouko covered her mouth with her hand.
She'd completely forgotten.
Lowering her gaze, she whispered hurriedly,
"But Haruki! This dress is expensive! That's why I only looked at it... I never meant to buy it..."
Haruki simply shrugged, calm as ever.
"Already bought it," he said, casually adjusting the strap of his briefcase.
"And... can't return it."
With that, he started heading upstairs.
He cast her a soft, genuine smile before disappearing.
Kyouko stood there, clutching the beautiful dress to her chest.
"Haruki!!" she called, rushing after him, still holding it tightly.
She caught up to him just outside his room.
"This is expensive!" she pouted, cheeks flushed.
"No, no... return it! Please!"
Haruki turned slightly, resting one hand casually against the wall, looking down at her.
"Hmm? Why?" he asked, tilting his head, genuinely curious.
Clutching the dress tighter, her voice came out in a flustered whisper.
"I... I can't wear something ," she said.
"If I wanted a dress, I could just ask my husband..."
Haruki's smile deepened with something steadier, warmer, certain.
Leaned down, his breath warm against her ear, he whispered:
Haruki's voice grew lower, playful but heavy with meaning.
"You can wear it... when we're doing it."
Her whole face turned crimson, fingers clutching the fabric tightly.
She opened her mouth to protest, but no words came out.
Haruki chuckled softly, lightly brushing his knuckles against her cheek before slipping inside his room, leaving her standing there.
Blushing. Trembling. Speechless.
Kyouko finally found her voice, small and breathless.
"Naughty boy~," she whispered, cheeks still burning.
Haruki chuckled quietly from inside his room, glancing back over his shoulder.
"I mean it," he said softly.
"Just take it, Kyouko. Maybe you'll wear it someday."
She hugged the dress tighter, her heart pounding fiercely.
She bit her lip, hesitant.
"But... this dress is... only suitable for big dinners," she mumbled shyly, looking down at the fabric.
Haruki leaned casually against the doorway, smiling at her.
"Yeah. I know," he replied simply.
Kyouko shifted the dress in her arms, leaning in slightly, her voice dropping into a teasing whisper.
"Are you expecting a 'reward'~?" she said with a glint in her eye.
Kyouko covered her mouth, giggling behind her hand.
Then she leaned closer, whispering with a mischievous smile.
He blinked, surprised.
"I just got my period today," she added softly.
Haruki's smile froze for a moment.
Then, with a dramatic sigh, he dropped his head back against the doorframe.
"Ugh..." he groaned softly.
Kyouko giggled behind her hand, watching him sulk like a disappointed boy.
Still holding the dress tightly, she whispered softly.
"Anyway... thank you for the dress."
She looked up at him shyly, her voice genuine.
Haruki's smile softened, less playful, more sincere.
"Don't mention it," he said quietly, his eyes never leaving hers.
He tilted his head slightly, watching her with that gentle, boyish gaze.
She gave a small nod toward the stairs.
"Come down for lunch."
Haruki grinned and straightened from the doorway.
Before she could turn away, he leaned down and placed a quick, gentle kiss on her lips.
Kyouko widened her eyes, momentarily flustered, but quickly masked it with a subtle, composed smile.
She poked his chest softly with one finger.
"Be a good boy for now, okay?"
Haruki chuckled softly, casually sliding his hands into his pockets.