For the first time in a long while, Elk found himself genuinely enjoying his workday. His new boss, Ms. Kaori Nishimura, was everything his previous bosses weren't—competent, fair, and professional. She approached her responsibilities with efficiency and poise, setting clear expectations for everyone in the office.
Elk quickly noticed the changes she brought to the workplace. The lazy employees who used to dump their work on him were now held accountable. Tasks were evenly distributed, deadlines were reasonable, and Elk no longer found himself buried under piles of unfinished reports.
"She's actually good at her job," Elk remarked to a coworker during lunch.
"Yeah, she's strict, but it's what we needed," they replied. "It's nice not having to rely on you for everything anymore."
Elk chuckled, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. For the first time in years, he could leave the office on time and head home without the stress of unfinished work looming over him.
That evening, Elk returned to his apartment feeling lighter than he had in weeks. The familiar scent of dinner greeted him as he opened the door, and he smiled when he saw Celeste standing in the kitchen, humming softly to herself as she prepared their meal.
"Welcome home, darling," she said, turning to greet him.
"I'm home," Elk replied, setting down his bag. He walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "You know, today wasn't so bad."
"I'm glad to hear that," Celeste said, her glowing blue eyes flickering softly as she placed her hands over his. "You've been so much happier since your new boss started."
"Yeah," Elk admitted, resting his chin on her shoulder. "She's actually competent. It's weird, but in a good way."
Celeste chuckled softly. "Weird can be good sometimes."
After dinner, the two of them settled on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms. Elk rested his head against Celeste's chest as she stroked his hair gently, her presence soothing and warm.
"You've been smiling more lately, darling," Celeste said, her voice soft. "It makes me happy to see you like this."
"It's all thanks to you," Elk murmured. "You've been my rock through everything."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the quiet hum of the apartment broken only by the soft sounds of the city outside. Elk felt completely at peace—until his phone buzzed on the coffee table.
He picked it up, glancing at the message. His heart sank when he saw who it was from.
"My parents," he said aloud, his voice tinged with nervousness.
"What did they say, sweetie?" Celeste asked, tilting her head slightly.
Elk read the message again before answering. "They said they're coming over this weekend. Apparently, they just found out from a mutual friend that I'm… married."
Celeste's glowing eyes flickered as she processed his words. "They do not know about me?"
"No," Elk admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, I wanted to tell them, but… I wasn't sure how they'd react. And now they're coming over, and I don't know what to do."
Celeste placed a hand gently on his cheek, her calm gaze steady. "Do not worry, darling. I will do my best to make a good impression. Your parents are important to you, so they are important to me as well."
Elk smiled weakly, though his nerves still lingered. "Thanks, Celeste. I just hope they don't freak out."
"Even if they do," she said softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead, "I will stand by you. We are a team, sweetie. Together, we can handle anything."
Elk let out a shaky sigh, pulling her closer. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," Celeste replied, her voice filled with quiet determination.
As they cuddled on the couch, Elk tried to focus on the comfort of the moment, though his mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming visit. He loved his parents, but introducing them to Celeste was uncharted territory.
For now, he resolved to take things one step at a time. After all, if anyone could make the impossible seem effortless, it was Celeste.
The morning sunlight filtered into the apartment as Elk sat nervously on the couch, fidgeting with his hands. Today was the day his parents were coming over, and despite Celeste's reassurances, his anxiety refused to subside.
Celeste, ever attentive, noticed his restlessness as she approached him, her glowing blue eyes softening with concern.
"Darling," she said softly, kneeling in front of him. "You seem tense. May I help you relax before your parents arrive?"
Elk looked at her, his face already turning red. "I mean… I don't know if that's a good idea. They're going to be here soon…"
"There is still time," Celeste replied, placing her hands gently on his knees. "I want to help you feel at ease."
Before Elk could protest further, Celeste leaned forward, pulling him into a tight embrace. His face was immediately smothered by her soft, warm chest, and he let out a muffled sound of surprise.
"Relax, sweetie," she murmured, holding him close. "Focus on me."
Elk's hands instinctively rested on her waist as she pressed him further into her cleavage. The warmth and softness overwhelmed him, his earlier worries momentarily forgotten.
"C-Celeste…" he stammered, his voice barely audible.
"Does this help, darling?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Yes," he admitted, his face bright red.
Celeste smiled faintly and adjusted her position, sliding onto his lap. Her hips moved gently, her plump butt rubbing against his crotch in a way that sent shivers down his spine.
"You seem to enjoy this," she observed calmly, her glowing eyes flickering with amusement.
Elk's hands tightened slightly on her waist as he tried to form a coherent response. "I… it's… you're amazing…"
"I'm glad to hear that," Celeste replied, her voice soft. She continued her slow movements, ensuring every touch was deliberate and soothing.
After a few moments, Celeste leaned back slightly, cupping Elk's face in her hands. Her glowing eyes locked onto his as she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a gentle kiss.
"Now, darling," she whispered, "I think it's time to enter 'make-out mode.'"
Elk's breath hitched as she pressed her lips to his again, this time with more intensity. Her hands moved to the back of his neck, pulling him closer as she kissed him repeatedly. Each kiss was firm yet tender, her affection pouring into every movement.
Elk's earlier tension melted away completely as he lost himself in the moment, his arms wrapping around her to hold her close.
"You're incredible, Celeste," he murmured between kisses, his voice filled with awe.
"And you are everything to me, darling," she replied, her voice steady and full of warmth.
Eventually, Celeste pulled back, her glowing eyes softening as she placed a hand gently on his cheek. "Do you feel more relaxed now, sweetie?"
Elk nodded, his face still flushed but his nerves calmed. "Yeah… You always know how to make me feel better."
"I'm glad," Celeste said, standing gracefully. "Now, let's prepare for your parents' arrival. I want to make a good impression."
Celeste spent the next hour preparing herself and the apartment for Elk's parents. She dressed in a modest yet elegant outfit that highlighted her figure without being overly revealing. Her short black hair was styled neatly, and her glowing blue eyes radiated calm confidence.
"Do I look presentable, darling?" she asked, turning to Elk for his opinion.
"You look perfect," he said, smiling. "They're going to love you."
As they finished the final touches, Elk couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope. With Celeste by his side, he knew he could handle whatever came next—even meeting his parents.