The taxi came to a smooth stop in front of the entrance.
Haruki stepped out first, walking around to Kyouko's side.
He thanked the driver politely and handed over the fare.
"Thank you."
His voice was calm, low as always.
The taxi drove away, and the quiet settled in.
Kyouko stood a few steps ahead.
Looking up at the entrance of Ryotei Rangetsu.
Wooden beams.
Soft lanterns swaying gently under the roof.
A carved stone path leading to the shoji doors.
It felt like something from a different world.
Still. Beautiful. Intimate.
Haruki came beside her, holding their single bag.
But Kyouko didn't move.
She simply stood there, her gaze soft.
This is… my first time.
Not just in a place like this.
Not just at a ryokan.
But… this kind of moment.
During all her years of marriage—
She'd never gone anywhere.
Just the grocery store.
The dry cleaner.
The neighborhood market.
And back home to cook, clean, and sleep beside a man who didn't love her.
She never traveled.
