The office door slowly opened, revealing a young woman with long, flowing blonde hair. Her warm caramel-colored eyes gazed gently at Yukito, a sweet smile adorning her face.
The beautiful girl was wearing the Shuchiin Academy uniform, a handbag in her hand. Her name was Shiina Mahiru, and she was Yukito's fiancée.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting, Yukito-kun," she said softly.
Yukito stood up from his chair and walked toward Mahiru. "It's alright, Mahiru."
Mahiru stepped closer with graceful movements, her footsteps nearly silent against the polished marble floor. She stopped right in front of Yukito and looked up at him warmly.
"Sebastian is waiting outside. I think we should head home now," Mahiru said gently as she touched Yukito's arm.
Yukito nodded slightly. "Alright. Today was quite exhausting."
He took his black coat from the back of the chair and put it on. Mahiru carefully adjusted his collar, then smiled softly.
"As a reward for your hard work today…" she whispered, almost inaudible.
Without hesitation, she stood on her tiptoes and softly kissed Yukito's left cheek. The touch was warm and brief, yet enough to make his heart race.
Yukito paused for a moment, then smiled faintly. "That… is a very pleasant reward. Thank you, Mahiru."
Mahiru nodded gently, her sweet smile still lingering. She reached for Yukito's hand and held it tightly, filled with warmth and sincerity.
"Let's go home," she said softly, her voice like a calming evening breeze.
Yukito returned her grip, feeling the softness of her touch. Without another word, they walked out of the office together, their hands still entwined as if unwilling to let go.
When they reached the lobby, golden sunset light streamed through the tall glass windows, creating a beautiful silhouette of the two of them. Sebastian, who was waiting beside an elegant black car, immediately opened the rear door as they approached.
"Good afternoon, Yukito-sama," he greeted with a respectful bow.
Yukito nodded in response. The two of them stepped into the car and sat side by side. The door closed softly, and Sebastian began driving through the streets of Tokyo, now bathed in the glow and shadows of dusk.
Inside the slowly moving car, Mahiru leaned against Yukito's shoulder, enjoying the warmth of their closeness. Yet her mind was filled with worries she could not ignore.
"Yukito-kun…" Mahiru whispered quietly, her voice nearly drowned out by the sound of the engine.
"Hm?" Yukito turned slightly, noticing the serious look on her face.
"When will you be leaving for Georgia to attend the fundraising event for the war victims?" she asked.
Yukito let out a quiet sigh before answering. "About six days from now."
Mahiru nodded slowly, but her eyes reflected deep concern. "I know this is an important event, but I'm worried. Urzikstan, the country bordering Georgia, is currently in conflict. I'm afraid terrorists might disrupt the event."
"I understand, Mahiru… your concerns are completely valid," Yukito said gently, squeezing her hand. "But I can't ignore this invitation. Many people need help, and if my presence can encourage more donations for the war victims, then I have to go."
Mahiru bit her lower lip, holding back her fear and anxiety. "But what if something happens? I won't be able to rest easy knowing you're there…"
"I'll be protected by embassy security and my private team. Everything has been carefully planned. I promise I'll be careful, and I'll come back as soon as the event is over," Yukito said with a gentle smile.
He then wrapped Mahiru in a soft embrace. Her petite body felt fragile in his arms, and he could feel her heart beating slightly faster than usual.
"I'm sorry too, Mahiru…" Yukito whispered near her ear. "Because I won't be able to spend the summer vacation with you next week. I know you already prepared everything—the lodging, the places we planned to visit, the time meant just for the two of us…"
Mahiru didn't respond, instead burying her face into Yukito's chest. However, her grip on his coat tightened, as if she was afraid to let him go.
"I truly want to be by your side, spending time together like a normal couple. But… the world I stand in now sometimes demands that responsibility comes before personal desires," Yukito continued, his voice filled with regret.
Mahiru took a deep breath and returned his embrace more tightly. "I understand, Yukito-kun… I'm just… afraid of losing you. Every time you go somewhere dangerous, it feels like you're taking a piece of my heart with you."
Yukito gently kissed the top of her head. "You won't lose me. I will come back, Mahiru. And when I do, we'll make up for that vacation… with even more beautiful days. I promise."
Mahiru nodded against his chest, and for a moment, they fell silent—allowing the quiet to shield them from the unspoken fears lingering in their hearts.
The elegant black car slowed as it approached the stone-paved road leading to the main Kambe residence. In the distance, the grand and graceful mansion stood peacefully, illuminated by warm lights from its large windows. Reflections from the garden pond created a tranquil atmosphere, as if welcoming its residents home.
The car stopped at the base of the marble steps leading to the main entrance. Sebastian exited first and promptly opened the rear door.
"Welcome home, Yukito-sama, Mahiru-sama," he said calmly, bowing slightly.
Yukito stepped out first, then extended his hand to help Mahiru. Once her feet touched the steps gracefully, Yukito turned to Sebastian and said, "Thank you for today, Sebastian. As always, you've done an excellent job."
Sebastian responded with a subtle yet sincere smile. "It is an honor to serve you, Yukito-sama."
Mahiru also bowed slightly. "Thank you, Sebastian-san. I felt very comfortable during the ride."
"I'm glad to hear that, Mahiru-sama," Sebastian replied politely, then walked toward the garage to park the car.
Yukito and Mahiru entered the house, passing through a wide corridor adorned with classic paintings and illuminated by elegant European-style chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The soft scent of lavender filled the air, enhancing the calm atmosphere they desperately needed after a long day.
Upon reaching the main room, Mahiru removed her shoes and turned to Yukito with a small smile. "You must be hungry, Yukito-kun," she said gently. "What would you like for dinner? I'll prepare it for you."
Yukito, who was hanging his coat on the rack near the door, turned back and smiled. "Kare katsu. I want your kare katsu. That one… has always been my favorite."
Mahiru let out a small laugh, her eyes sparkling. "Kare katsu, huh? Alright then. Wait in the dining room. I'll have it ready soon."
Yukito nodded and walked into the dining room. He sat in a chair facing a large window, gazing at the garden now wrapped in twilight. A gentle evening breeze drifted in through the slightly open window, carrying the scent of flowers and creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Mahiru began preparing the ingredients with practiced skill. The clinking of cooking utensils blended with the savory aroma of fried onions, creating a warm, homely ambiance. Her well-trained hands moved swiftly—slicing the meat, frying the katsu to a golden crisp, and stirring the thick, fragrant curry sauce.
Before long, Mahiru entered the dining room carrying a tray with two servings of kare katsu, complete with warm rice, pickles, and green tea. Yukito turned and smiled as she approached.
"Dinner is ready," Mahiru said as she placed the plate in front of Yukito. She then sat across from him, looking at him tenderly.
"Thank you, Mahiru," Yukito said as he picked up his chopsticks. "It looks like tonight will be a wonderful night."
They began eating dinner in a comfortable silence. No words were needed—because simply being together was enough to fill the room with warmth.
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