Kyouko slipped the green dress over her body, smoothing it down across her hips with a quiet sigh. It still fit... maybe even better than it used to. The fabric clung gently to her figure, soft and flattering, catching the light in a way that made her hesitate in front of the mirror.
A quick touch-up to her hair, a gentle pat along her cheeks, and she stepped out of her room.
Haruki was no longer in the hallway.
Already downstairs, she thought with a small smile.
She made her way toward the front door—but as she pulled it open and stepped outside, the sight that greeted her froze her in place.
Standing at the gate were not one, not two—but a whole cluster of neighborhood ladies, chatting among themselves with practiced ease. Dresses, wide-brimmed sun hats, and heavy makeup. At the center of them, as usual, was Mrs. Minami—waving as if they were best friends.
Ugh... here come the gossip ladies...
Kyouko's smile was polite but strained.
She had never been good with group talk. Too many voices, too many questions. Her shyness wasn't overwhelming, but it kept her on the edges—especially with women who loved to chat for hours about their husbands, their daughters, and their neighbors.
"Oho~ Kyouko-chan! Long time no see!"
"Ah... Mrs. Minami," Kyouko said, bowing slightly. "Is... is there anything I can help you with?"
"Oh, nothing in particular," Minami waved her hand casually. She was around Kyouko's age—maybe a few years older—but her makeup was heavier, and her laugh louder. "We were just thinking... we should hang out sometime. Like the old days."
"And you're not gonna invite us in?" another woman chimed in. "Come on, Kyouko-chan~ Your house is huge! That courtyard of yours is perfect for tea."
The others nodded eagerly, clearly not planning to leave any time soon.
"Umm..." Kyouko hesitated, glancing back over her shoulder. She couldn't exactly say no. They'd just keep pressing.
"Okay... wait here. I'll... unlock the gate."
"Don't make us wait too long, Kyouko-chan~" one of them called playfully.
She hurried back inside.
As she entered the living room, she saw Haruki lounging on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, relaxed and clearly enjoying his peaceful morning.
"Haruki, go upstairs." Her voice was hushed but firm.
He blinked. "Huh? Why?"
"Just go. Don't come down until I say."
He tilted his head, curious. "What's going on?"
"Haruki, please..." she stepped closer, tugging at his arm gently.
Haruki grinned and stood up. "Alright, alright..."
But before heading upstairs, he leaned in and kissed her, soft and slow.
Kyouko's breath caught slightly, but she kissed him back without hesitation, letting it linger just a little too long. Then she gently pushed him toward the stairs, her hand resting against his chest.
Haruki smirked, walking backward a few steps. "You're lucky I love your voice when you're bossy."
Kyouko rolled her eyes and gave him one last push. "Just go!"
Kyouko pressed the gate button, and the iron gate slid open with a quiet hum.
Before she could step aside, the entire group of women rushed in like a wave, bright chatter and excited laughter filling the air.
"it's been forever since we came here!"
"Oh, look at that courtyard—so clean! So spacious!"
"Kyouko-chan's house really is this big?"
"Waa, just look at that living room—it's like a hotel!"
Kyouko could barely get a word in. They moved fast, as if they had rehearsed this every weekend.
Shoes off. Slippers on. And within seconds, they were inside her home—sprawled across the living room couches, chatting like they owned the place.
Kyouko stood awkwardly near the doorway, her hands gently fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
"Kyouko-chan?" Minami's voice rang out as she settled into the softest corner seat. "No tea? No snacks?"
Another woman laughed. "Aww, come on~ You always make the best dorayaki. We missed your cooking, you know?"
Kyouko blinked, caught completely off guard.
"Umm... okay," she replied softly, bowing her head with a small smile. "Please wait a moment..."
She turned and walked calmly toward the kitchen, her face composed, but inside, her thoughts were racing.
I knew this would happen... Why did I open the gate again?
In the kitchen, Kyouko moved quietly. Boiling water, setting up the teapot, and a large thermal jug filled with coffee, unsure which one the ladies would prefer.
As she was about to take out the biscuit tin, she caught a flicker of movement near the stairwell.
Kyouko turned her head slightly—and there he was.
Peeking out from the staircase, making sure none of the guests noticed him. His head barely visible, his expression curious but cautious.
Her eyes widened immediately.
She puffed her cheeks and shot him a warning look. Then, with a subtle motion, she puckered her lips and bit the bottom one lightly, a silent message.
Haruki blinked, then gave her a tiny nod. Without a sound, he backed away and disappeared up the stairs again.
Kyouko let out a small, helpless sigh through her nose and turned back to the tray in front of her.
He's probably hungry... She bit the inside of her cheek. Well... I guess I was his breakfast this morning.
Her face flushed slightly at the thought, and she shook her head quickly to clear it.
She arranged the cups on a tray, set the hot coffee jug and teapot side by side, then filled a large plate with assorted Japanese tea snacks—senbei, manju, a generous stack of crispy biscuits, and even a few sweet warabi mochi.
By the time she stepped into the living room, balancing it all carefully, the group was already buzzing with chatter—half-laughs, half-whispers, the sound of longtime friendships laced with curiosity.
"Ahh~ finally!" one of the women exclaimed as Kyouko set the tray on the table.
"Ooh~ you brought both tea and coffee? That's so thoughtful~"
Kyouko gave a small, polite smile, bowing slightly. "Please... help yourselves."
As they eagerly reached for the snacks and drinks, Kyouko sat quietly on the edge of the couch, hands resting in her lap—smiling gently, listening to the noise around her, and silently praying none of them would ask to use the bathroom upstairs.