Chapter 10: The Fluttering Butterfly Wings (Part Two).

Ayata Aina had no idea that the small promise—born from her deep panic and unease—would send subtle ripples, quietly tugging fate’s threads one hundred days later.

While waiting for Hoshiya Kaoru to shower, she picked up her phone. The screen’s cold glow lit her weary face.

Fingers swiped to the tumor-like app in the corner: yellow background, simple white clock icon—now mocking and eerie.

No hesitation. Long-press, icon wobbled, then she tapped “delete” decisively, as if erasing the unpleasant memory with it.

[Whether that blonde is behind it or not, I have to trust Kaoru.]

After venting on his perfect body, Ayata Aina regained reason.

Freaking out over a dubious, likely fake video—wrecking trust—might be exactly what the hidden puppetmaster wanted.

She couldn’t fall apart.

But she sounded her own alarm: spend more time on Kaoru, no neglecting him.

[He can’t work at Kawasaki’s anymore. That blonde is highly suspicious—not a good person…]

Hoshiya Kaoru returned, carrying sweet body wash scent, in silky pale-blue pajamas.

The thin fabric clung to his steam-flushed, pink-tinged skin—irresistibly tempting.

Ayata Aina reached out eagerly, pulling the fragrant, warm, damp softness into her arms.

Feeling his docile lean, nose filled with his hair’s clean scent, she hesitated, then carefully voiced her thoughts:

“Kaoru… let’s stop the izakaya job, okay?”

“Why…”

Hoshiya Kaoru pulled from her embrace, sat up straight, face full of confusion.

They’d argued before about him working to ease finances—several fights.

She’d conceded in the end. Hearing her renege now stirred faint displeasure and grievance.

But he held it in, hoping for a convincing reason.

“Aina, did something happen? Why suddenly no?”

Her evasive, reasonless demeanor dimmed his eyes. Disappointment spread like ink in water.

He worked partly for self-worth, mostly to share their home’s burden, lighten her load.

He understood her worries—treating him like fragile glass, fearing outside dangers, or deeper: her pride stung by needing his income.

But he didn’t fully agree.

He was an adult, capable and willing to face the world. Soon-to-be-married partners should support each other through storms, right?

“Aina,”

His voice soft, laced with subtle loss and probe,

“You’re acting strange today. From showing up at the shop to now… really nothing happened?”

As intimate lovers, he sensed her hiding something.

“N-no…”

Her eyes dodged his earnest gaze.

“Really?”

He repeated softly, faint sigh pricking her like a needle.

He didn’t press, just lay back down, facing away, curling into a distant, hurt ball.

Ayata Aina knew he was truly upset.

Panic hit. She pressed against his back, arms wrapping his slim, soft waist tight.

Cheek to his damp back, feeling his stiffness, she leaned to his cute jade-carved ear, blowing warm breath, tone almost coquettish:

“Nothing really, Kaoru. Maybe… just work stress, overthinking. Don’t be mad…”

“So ticklish… stop!”

He wriggled, voice a sulky, glutinous whine, but tension eased slightly.

Hearing that familiar pouty hum lifted her heart.

Emboldened, a naughty hand slipped under his pajama hem, touching silky waist skin.

“Hey! No fair…”

He squeaked, body shivering sensitively.

They tumbled into playful wrestling on the soft bed, earlier unpleasantness fading in intimacy.

Soon, cheeks flushed charmingly, breath uneven, Hoshiya Kaoru stopped sulking. He buried his hot face in her warm, reassuring chest, nuzzling gently.

“Kaoru, I love you.”

Ayata Aina hugged her warm treasure tight, chin rubbing his soft hair, savoring peace and joy, whispering deeply.

“Mmm…”

He hummed dependently in her arms, arms circling her waist.

“Love you too… mmm…”

A long goodnight kiss—filled with shared breath and endless affection—ended. The deeply loving pair, limbs entwined like clinging vines, sank into sleep…