A Love I Shouldn't Feel
Chapter 136: Soft Words, Strong Heart ( 136 )

Chapter 136: Soft Words, Strong Heart ( 136 )

A few of the female staff from the general office floor had gathered near the breakroom hallway, glancing toward the executive office.

Specifically... the desk of their tall, handsome superior.

"Look," one of them whispered, nudging her friend with her elbow. "There’s a bento box on his desk."

Another leaned in. "Eh? Is that a homemade one? It looks so neatly packed."

"It’s not store-bought, I’m sure," the third whispered. "Just look at the wrapping. That’s cloth—furoshiki. Folded beautifully."

"...A love bento," someone sighed. "I bet she even shaped the rice into hearts or something."

"I thought his wife was in Tokyo," one of the younger girls said, biting her lip.

"She is... isn’t she?"

"Then who made that?"

A moment of silence passed. Then another girl sighed.

"If his wife is here, we don’t have a chance..."

They all groaned softly, exchanging quiet giggles and whispers of disappointment.

"Still... that’s so sweet. He must be really loved."

One of them smiled wistfully.

And behind the tinted glass of his office, Haruki glanced at the bento Kyouko prepared.

Not knowing that outside, more than a few hearts were quietly breaking.

Haruki leaned back slightly in his chair, stretching his arms after finishing one of the project file.

His eyes glanced at the screen.

The deadline’s still far off.

He exhaled with a faint smile.

"This won’t take more than three days," he muttered.

Efficient as always.

That was the perk of being trusted with flexible hours. No constant check-ins, no pressure from above. His results spoke for themselves. And with his performance, the company made sure his earnings matched.

But now.

Growl.

His stomach rumbled.

Haruki checked the time.

11:12 AM.

Still early for lunch. But...

He looked at the wrapped bento on the side of his desk. The soft fabric tied with care. A neat, beautiful knot. He reached over and untied it slowly, revealing a black lacquered bento box.

The lid came off with a faint sound.

And there it was.

Neatly arranged portions of grilled meat, vegetables seasoned just right, fluffy white rice topped with sesame, a small slice of rolled omelette, and a few sweet cherry tomatoes for balance.

Everything he liked.

Everything perfectly portioned.

Haruki blinked.

"...How did she know?" he murmured softly.

He’d never told her.

Not his preferences. Not what he usually avoided. Not even that he disliked too much mayo.

Yet here it was. Not just a bento.

His bento.

With a quiet smile, Haruki picked up the chopsticks and took a bite.

The meat was tender. The seasoning perfect. The rice had just the right warmth and stickiness, even after sitting since morning.

It was delicious.

But more than that—it was made by her.

Kyouko.

His chest felt oddly warm.

You really are... amazing.

He kept eating, slowly, savoring every bite.

After finishing the last bite, Haruki carefully wiped the chopsticks, closed the bento box, and wrapped it neatly in the same cloth.

He placed it aside, then reached for his phone.

A soft smile tugged at his lips as he tapped the screen and dialed her number.

Tut... tut...

On the other end.

"Hello, darling~" Kyouko’s soft voice answered, warm and sweet.

Haruki leaned back in his chair.

"Hello, honey... What are you doing?"

"Hmm? I just finished showering," she said casually. "I did my morning exercise earlier."

"Oh? That’s good to hear,"

"Why call so early?" Kyouko asked with a knowing smile in her voice. "You missed me already?"

"Nothing," Haruki replied gently. "Just... missed your voice."

"Naughty~" she giggled.

Haruki chuckled. "You want me to video call you?"

"No~" she replied quickly, teasing. "You’re still in the office, right?"

"Yeah."

"Then no. My cousin’s there, remember?" she whispered playfully. "Uncle Ichiro’s son, Kajima..."

Haruki smirked. "He’s not even near this floor."

"But if he saw you call me," she murmured, "and told his father... and his father told my father... then what am I going to say, hmm~?"

Haruki laughed softly, covering his mouth as he glanced toward the door. "That we’re just... mother-in-law and son-in-law keeping in touch?"

Kyouko giggled again. "Haruki~ stop teasing~"

He smiled, eyes softening. "I’ll call again later... once I’m off work."

"I’ll be waiting."

"Love you," he whispered.

"Love you too, darling~" she said, voice light and happy.

Haruki glanced at the clock on his desk.

12:06 PM.

He stretched his arms once, exhaled softly, then muttered to himself with a smile, "I’ll be home by 1..."

He pressed the intercom button.

"Yes, Mr. Nakagawa?" came the receptionist’s voice.

"Please ask Mr. Kajima to come to my office."

"Right away, sir."

Haruki leaned back and waited, adjusting the files neatly into a folder.

A soft knock came at the door a minute later.

"Come in."

Kajima entered, slightly nervous but trying to keep his posture straight. "You called for me, Mr. Nakagawa?"

Haruki looked up as Kajima entered and closed the door behind him.

"Ah, Chief Kajima," Haruki said calmly. "I’ll be heading out at 1 PM today."

Kajima straightened. "Understood, sir."

Haruki continued, his tone as composed as ever. "Mr. Yamashita has assigned me a new project. I’ll be handling it remotely, so while I’m not here at the office, you’ll be in charge."

Kajima nodded quickly. "Yes, Mr. Nakagawa. I’ll manage everything on-site."

Haruki handed him a slim folder. "These are the immediate points that may need your attention. I’ve already submitted my report to HQ. Let me know if anything urgent comes up."

Kajima took the folder with both hands and bowed slightly. "Thank you, sir. I’ll handle things accordingly."

Haruki nodded, already turning slightly back toward his desk. "Good. I’ll return tomorrow morning, but you can reach me anytime."

"Yes, sir."

Kajima turned to leave, and Haruki glanced again at the clock with a small, satisfied smile.

Haruki slowly rose from his seat, his movements composed as always. He adjusted the edge of his desk, straightened a few papers, then slid his sleek side bag over his shoulder. With one hand, he picked up the neatly wrapped bento Kyouko had prepared.

Everything was set.

He stepped out of his office, the quiet click of the door barely audible behind him.

"Mr. Nakagawa~"

One of the female staff, standing near the copier, bowed slightly as he passed.

Haruki offered a polite bow back and smiled—charming, soft, completely unintentional.

"Oh, hello. Do you need something?"

The woman’s cheeks flushed faintly. She shook her head quickly. "N-no! Thank you!" Then she turned, half-hurrying away with quiet embarrassment.

Haruki blinked once, then let out a small laugh through his nose, shaking his head lightly.

He walked toward the elevator.

As he passed each corridor, more heads turned.

Soft greetings. Shy glances. Smiles half-hidden behind hands or documents.

They watched quietly—their handsome, tall boss with an effortless grace, kindness in his voice, and a subtle confidence that never felt arrogant.

And that smile...

They knew it wasn’t directed at any one of them. But even catching a glimpse of it made their hearts flutter.

The elevator door opened.

Haruki stepped in, turned, and as the doors began to close, he caught a glimpse of the small crowd still sneaking glances at him from the hallway.

He smiled again.

( End Of Chapter )