A Love I Shouldn't Feel
Chapter 152: Power Behind Closed Doors ( 152 )

Chapter 152: Power Behind Closed Doors ( 152 )

Okinawa.

Inside the seaside house, the gentle sound of waves lapping against the open windows filled the air. The late morning sun cast a warm, golden glow across the wooden floors.

Haruki sat relaxed on the couch in the living room, a laptop open before him, a wireless earpiece in his ear.

His voice was calm, focused—yet with a natural ease.

"Yes, Mister Yamashita."

"Mm. Understood."

He clicked through files on the screen.

"Don’t worry, I’ve got it under control."

Pause. Then a quiet chuckle.

"The new project file? Ah, I actually finished it yesterday."

"Yes—I’ll send it to you now."

"Hmm? No, no... I just had a lot of time, so I moved ahead a bit."

Just then, Kyouko stepped softly into the room, her presence as serene as the sea outside. She carried a freshly brewed cup of coffee on a small tray, the steam curling gently in the air.

She set it carefully on the table beside him.

Haruki looked up, smiling—and without a word, reached out and gently took her wrist.

He pulled her down into his lap, wrapping an arm around her waist, and kissed her softly on the lips.

Kyouko’s cheeks warmed, but she didn’t resist. She leaned into him, her fingers lightly brushing through his hair.

Still on the call, Haruki spoke again, smiling.

"Ah—yes. I’m with my wife right now."

A light laugh came from the other end of the line.

"Hahaha—yes, Mister Yamashita. I’ll email you the file in five minutes."

Haruki smiled as his eyes stayed fixed on the screen, one hand still holding Kyouko close in his lap. Her head now rested softly on his shoulder, relaxed but intimate.

"Yes, Mister Yamashita."

A quiet pause.

"Don’t worry—I won’t be accepting offers from any other companies."

He chuckled softly, tone light and easy.

"I really appreciate the flexibility you’ve given me lately. Thanks to that... I get to spend more time with the one I love."

Kyouko’s eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing—only smiled softly, her fingers curling gently against his chest.

Haruki leaned down just a little, his voice dropping into something more relaxed, almost confidential.

"Yes... she’s right here with me."

He looked at Kyouko, locking eyes with her for a moment, a quiet shared understanding.

"Mhm. I’m hugging her."

Kyouko lowered her gaze, lips curving into a gentle, warm smile. Her heart pounded softly in her chest.

Haruki leaned back against the cushion, still holding Kyouko tenderly in his lap. The call with Mister Yamashita continued, outwardly casual but loaded with layered meaning beneath the surface.

"Oh? The executive party for the Fujiwara dinner event?"

He blinked, tone light but with a flicker of genuine surprise.

"Eh? You want me to be the representative for Yamashita Corporation?"

A brief pause, eyes darting sideways, cautious.

"But Mister Yamashita... I mean—"

His voice softened with hesitation.

"Are you sure? "

He exhaled, collecting himself.

"Yes. Yes, I understand. Okay."

Kyouko stood slowly and slid from his lap, smoothing her blouse and quietly walking toward the kitchen. She didn’t interrupt, only offered a soft, composed smile.

As soon as she disappeared around the corner, Haruki’s tone shifted. It became lower, firmer—almost another person behind his facade.

He brought the phone closer, whispering:

"Yes, Mister Yamashita. I understand."

He glanced briefly toward the kitchen entrance, making sure Kyouko couldn’t overhear.

Then calmly added—

"As a shareholder... I know the importance of this event."

There was a brief, deliberate pause on the line.

"Don’t worry," Haruki continued.

Haruki let out a quiet breath, leaning back slightly on the couch as he listened.

Then he chuckled softly, his tone relaxed but edged with a subtle confidence.

"But don’t blame me if I end up fighting someone at the event, okay?"

A light laugh emanated from the other end of the line.

Haruki’s smile lingered, measured and assured.

"Yes, yes—I know. I’ll behave."

He glanced at the laptop again, tapping lightly at a few keys with one hand, deliberately calm.

"I’ll prepare the outline for the Fujiwara meeting this weekend. No need to worry."

A brief exchange, then:

"Yes. I’ll keep it quiet."

"Understood, Mister Yamashita."

"Thank you."

He ended the call.

The room fell into a gentle silence once more, only the soft clinking of porcelain from the kitchen in the background.

Haruki leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees for a moment, lost in thought—yet completely composed.

Inside the Kitayama Residence, the warm scent of tea leaves mingled with the gentle afternoon light streaming through the open paper windows of the traditional-style home.

"Hanako!" Kitayama called from his seat in the main room.

"Yes, dear~," came her sing-song reply.

"Where’s my tea?"

"Here~," Hanako appeared gracefully, placing a steaming cup beside him with practiced elegance.

Kitayama grunted softly, lifting the cup to his lips and taking a sip.

"Heh... this is why I love you."

Hanako rolled her eyes gently, a soft smile curling her lips as she sat beside him.

"Yes, yes..."

The doorbell echoed softly through the house.

Kitayama raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm? Who is it?" he asked, turning his gaze toward Hanako.

She tilted her head slightly, thoughtful.

"Maybe Keiko and Kazuma?"

Kitayama nodded.

"Where’s Kenji?"

Hanako smiled knowingly.

"You sent him to the farm, remember?"

Kitayama chuckled, rubbing his chin.

"Oh, right... and Hitomi?"

Hanako shot him a look.

"You’re playing with me, right? Of course she’s at the pharmacy."

They exchanged quiet, knowing smiles.

"I’ll go see who’s at the door," Hanako said with a small sigh, rising from her cushion.

"Right, right..." Kitayama muttered, still absorbed in his newspaper, not bothering to look up.

Hanako calmly made her way through the corridor toward the entrance. Her steps were unhurried, composed.

As she reached the front door, the bell chimed once more—polite, patient.

She opened it with her usual serene smile.

"Ah... Kazuma, Keiko. You’re back."

"Mother~," Keiko greeted brightly, stepping inside and slipping off her shoes.

Kazuma bowed politely, holding a small gift bag.

"Forgive us for dropping by unannounced."

"No need for that," Hanako said warmly, already turning to lead them inside.

"Come in."

( End Of Chapter )