A Love I Shouldn't Feel
Chapter 135: Between Business and Heartbeats ( 135 )

Chapter 135: Between Business and Heartbeats ( 135 )

Haruki slung his bag over his shoulder and walked toward the entrance.

The house was quiet.

Only the gentle hum of the air conditioner and the faint sounds of the ocean breeze outside.

He knelt to wear his shoes.

When he rose,Kyouko was already there.

Waiting for him by the door.

Her hands folded gently in front of her.

That quiet, graceful smile on her lips.

The kind of smile that made a man want to come home early.

Haruki stepped closer, setting his palm on her waist, his fingers resting lightly against the soft fabric of her blouse.

She didn’t pull back.

Didn’t speak.

Just looked up at him, eyes calm and loving.

He leaned down slowly.

She rose onto her toes, meeting him halfway.

And their lips touched.

Warm.

Slow.

Lingering.

A kiss without words.

One that said everything—thank you, I’ll miss you, I’m yours.

When they finally pulled apart, Kyouko was still smiling.

"Have a safe day," she whispered softly.

Haruki nodded. "I’ll be back soon."

And just before stepping out the door, he looked back once more.

That smile.

He could go through hell today at work.

And he’d still rush home—

To that smile.

Haruki walked to the scooter parked just outside the house. The morning sun cast a soft golden light over the quiet street, and the ocean breeze carried the faint scent of salt and rain.

He put on his helmet, adjusting the strap under his chin.

When he looked back.

Kyouko was still standing at the doorway.

Barefoot, framed by the gentle shadow of the house, her nightgown fluttering slightly from the breeze. Her hair glowed softly in the morning light.

"Be careful on the road," she said, her voice warm and pure, like morning light itself.

Haruki smiled, heart full. "I will."

He slowly reversed the scooter, steady and deliberate. The engine purred quietly as he prepared to leave.

Kyouko raised her hand and waved.

Haruki waved back.

And then he saw it.

She didn’t speak.

But her lips moved gently—silent, slow.

"I love you."

She formed the words with only her lips, delicate and full of feeling.

She blew a soft kiss.

Not with her hand, but with her lips alone—playful, intimate.

Haruki’s heart tightened in his chest. He returned her smile with one of his own, deep and full of emotion.

Then he rode off into the sunlit road, the wind brushing past his helmet.

And the image of her.

Standing in the doorway, smiling, saying I love you without a sound.

Stayed with him all morning.

Once Haruki reached the office building, he parked his scooter in the reserved space at the side and took a deep breath, adjusting his collar.

The building stood tall and modern, framed by glass and sunlight. The company’s Okinawa branch was smaller than Tokyo’s headquarters.

He stepped through the main doors.

"Good morning, Mister Nakagawa," one of the front desk staff greeted him with a respectful bow.

"Good morning," Haruki replied with a polite nod and a faint smile.

As he walked further inside, security guards and employees along the hallway greeted him one by one.

"Morning, sir."

"Welcome, Mr. Nakagawa."

"Good to see you again, sir."

He gave each of them a short nod, calm and composed.

Though he wasn’t flashy or loud, everyone could sense it. His presence carried weight. Not just because he was from the Tokyo headquarters, but because of the way he carried himself.

Focused.

Confident.

Reliable.

Even without a single arrogant word, people knew—he was someone high up.

Someone important.

Haruki made his way toward the elevator, stepping in quietly, his reflection shining faintly in the mirrored walls.

As the elevator rose, he thought briefly of the woman who saw him off that morning.

Her lips.

Her soft voice.

That smile.

He exhaled softly, almost like a man in love trying to hide it in a professional world.

Focus, Haruki. Just until evening.

The elevator doors slid open, and Haruki stepped out onto the top floor.

Waiting for him near the entrance to his office was Branch Chief Kajima.

"Good day, Mister Nakagawa~" Kajima greeted with an eager tone, walking beside him.

Haruki nodded politely. "Good morning."

Kajima chuckled as they walked. "Good thing you attended my uncle’s birthday party, right? He seemed very pleased."

Haruki offered a calm smile. "Yes. Mr. Kitayama is a very good person."

"Ah, yes, yes..." Kajima rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually, if I may... there’s something I wanted to ask."

Haruki slowed his steps slightly, glancing sideways. "Hmm? Yes?"

Kajima leaned in a little, voice lowering just slightly. "Well, some of the female staff... ahem... they were wondering. You know. About the woman who was with you that day."

Haruki’s brow lifted faintly. "Who?"

"You know... my second cousin. Mr. Kitayama’s eldest daughter."

Haruki paused for a heartbeat. Then answered, calm and clear.

"Oh. Kyouko-san."

Kajima nodded quickly. "Yes, yes—that’s her."

Haruki looked ahead as they continued walking.

"She’s my mother-in-law,"

"For... for real?" Kajima blinked, clearly surprised.

"Yes," Haruki replied with a calm nod. "She’s my wife’s mother."

Kajima’s eyes widened slightly. "Ah, so that means... you’re also connected to Mr. Kitayama?"

Haruki gave a brief smile. "Through marriage, yes."

"I-I see... that’s quite something..." Kajima muttered under his breath, visibly re-evaluating Haruki with a new level of respect.

Haruki stepped into his office, closed the door behind him, and placed his bag neatly on the desk.

The morning sun poured in through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the minimalist space. He sat down, adjusted his chair, and began reviewing project reports and staff updates with his usual speed and precision.

Efficient.

Focused.

His mind was clear. His mood calm.

Maybe it was her smile.

Just as he reached for his next file, the phone rang.

He picked it up without delay.

"This is Nakagawa speaking."

A pause, then—

"Ah, Mr. Yamashita. Good morning."

Kajima, passing outside the door, heard the name and slowed his steps slightly.

Inside, Haruki’s tone was steady and casual.

"Yes, so far everything’s been going well."

"...A new project? Sure. I can handle it."

"...Alright, I’ll check the email right after this."

He leaned back slightly in his chair, relaxed.

"The house? Yes, it’s good. Comfortable, quiet."

"...The car? Hmm, I actually prefer the scooter—it’s easier around here."

There was a soft chuckle.

"No, don’t worry about that. I’m good even if you want to extend my stay here."

Another pause.

"Oh? Understood. I will. Yes, I know... Alright."

"...Yes, thank you. You too, sir."

Haruki ended the call and gently set the receiver back in place.

Outside, Kajima stood frozen.

That was the owner of Yamashita Corporation.

And Nakagawa Haruki had spoken to him like he was an old friend.

( End Of Chapter )

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