A Love I Shouldn't Feel

Kyouko slipped the straps of her dress from her shoulders, letting the fabric fall in a soft whisper around her feet. Her underwear followed, folded neatly onto the stool beside the sink.

She adjusted the taps until the water ran warm, then lifted the shower head into her hand. Steam curled around her body as the first stream flowed down.

She began at her feet, as always. The warm water kissed her skin, running over her ankles and heels, tracing upward across her calves. She took her time, lifting the spray slowly to her thighs. Her skin gleamed under the running water, every curve and line glistening.

Kyouko closed her eyes briefly. This was her moment of peace.

A ritual she had never abandoned.

The spray moved higher, gliding over her hips, the soft swell of her ass. She lingered there, tilting the nozzle so the warmth flowed across the roundness. She knew well how Haruki's hands always found her there, how much he loved the feel of her curves. A faint smile curved her lips.

Raising the shower head further, she let the water trail over her belly, then her breasts. The warmth cascaded over her chest, gliding down her soft skin. She cupped one breast lightly as she rinsed, supporting its gentle weight, then the other, her touch slow, delicate.

Finally, she lifted the spray to her shoulders, her neck, and at last her hair, soaking the strands until they clung smoothly down her back. The water traced her collarbone, slipped beneath the arch of her arms, and down her sides.

She let the stream fall over her face a moment, before setting the shower head aside. Her body gleamed, damp and flushed with heat.

She reached for the familiar bottles lined neatly on the small shelf.

The same products she had trusted for years. Shampoo, shower cream, body wash, each carrying the fragrance that had become part of her. She had never once changed them, even as their price crept higher. Some things were irreplaceable.

The shampoo foamed lightly between her fingers as she worked it into her hair, the strands turning silky beneath her touch. Lather slid down her nape, over her shoulders, tracing the smooth line of her back before falling along the curve of her hips. She closed her eyes, tilting her head back, letting the warm spray rinse it away until her hair clung wet against her skin like black silk.

Next, she poured a measure of shower cream into her palm, its rich fragrance blooming softly in the steam. She began at her shoulders, spreading it slowly across her chest. Her fingers moved in gentle circles, gliding over the swell of her breasts, down the slope of her ribs, leaving a faint shimmer of foam in their wake. Her skin glistened under the water, pale and radiant, smooth as porcelain.

She drew the lather down over her belly, then lower, sweeping it across her thighs and calves with long, patient strokes. Turning slightly, she smoothed the cream across the curve of her ass, the lines of her hips. The motion was unhurried, graceful, every movement as if she were sculpting herself anew.

Raising her arm, she traced the foam along the delicate hollow of her underarm, the skin there soft and pale. She rinsed slowly, watching the rivulets of water trail down her side, gathering at her waist before slipping away.

The bathroom filled with the quiet music of falling water, steam curling like a veil around her. Her body glowed faintly in the heat, curves luminous, elegant.

Stepping away from the shower, Kyouko reached for a soft towel and patted her body gently, never rushing. Each touch absorbed the droplets clinging to her glowing skin, leaving it smooth and faintly flushed.

When she lifted her gaze, the wide mirror on the bathroom wall greeted her. For a moment, she simply stood there, wrapped in steam and silence, studying her reflection.

Her skin still gleamed with moisture, luminous as if kissed by light. Smooth. Young. Almost unchanged from the girl she once was.

Yet, her eyes drifted downward. Her belly.

Just the faintest softness there, a gentle sag left behind by childbirth. She touched it lightly with her fingers, stroking as though reassuring herself.

Looks like I need to keep exercising more.

Turning slightly, she glanced over her shoulder, letting her eyes roam across her back, down to the curve of her ass reflected in the mirror. She shifted her stance, tilting her hip just so, examining the shape.

A small smile curved her lips.

Yes… this part here is still perfect. Still like before.

Her hand glided over the smooth line of her hip, tracing down to her thigh. The curve remained elegant, tight, untouched by age. She breathed slowly, shoulders relaxing, pride and serenity mingling in her eyes.

Even after two children, she still carried the beauty and body of a woman in her prime.

Once her skin was fully dry, Kyouko reached for the first of her skincare bottles, the familiar glass vial of face serum. She uncapped it carefully, pressing a few drops onto her fingertips.

Her touch was delicate as she smoothed it across her cheeks, her forehead, her chin. Slow upward strokes, never pulling, always lifting. The serum melted into her skin, leaving behind a faint glow. She massaged gently along her jawline, then traced the line of her slender neck with the same graceful rhythm.

Next came the lotion. She poured a generous measure into her palm, the faint fragrance blooming in the warm air. Starting at her shoulders, she spread it across her collarbone, gliding down the smooth plane of her chest.

She took her time, stroking over her arms, her belly, her hips, until every inch was nourished. Her hands lingered briefly at the soft swell of her breasts, but with practiced care she avoided her nipples. She knew well.

There was a baby who nursed, and a "big boy" who loved her body in his own hungry way.

Her fingers continued lower, massaging lotion into her thighs, her calves, her feet. Then she bent slightly, one hand gliding across the curve of her ass, smoothing the cream in slow circles until her skin shone faintly under the light.

By the time she was done, her whole body was radiant, gleaming softly like porcelain warmed by touch. She stood there for a moment, bare and graceful in the mirror, her skin glowing as if she carried her own light.

Stepping quietly from the bathroom, Kyouko leaned over the crib for a moment. Little Hinano was still fast asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. Kyouko's lips softened into a tender smile.

She turned away and crossed to the wardrobe, sliding the polished doors open. Inside, rows of dresses greeted her.

Light casual wear, soft home clothes, elegant formal gowns, even the expensive brands Haruki had insisted on buying for her.

Her fingers trailed along the fabric as she studied them.

A faint smile touched her lips.

All of these were chosen, gifted, or encouraged by Haruki. Every piece she wore was, in some way, tied to him.

When she stepped outside, she always chose modest, graceful dresses. Soft colors, flowing fabric, never revealing. Not because she was ashamed, but because her body was not for other men to admire.

Her body, her curves, her beauty… these belonged only to Haruki.

For him to see.

For him to touch.

For him alone.

She clasped the edge of a pale-blue dress and drew it from its hanger, holding it against herself for a moment in front of the mirror. Simple, modest, yet elegant. Exactly the kind of thing Haruki liked to see her in when she was home.

Beautiful without flaunting, graceful without effort.

Kyouko smiled softly to herself. Dressing, caring for her body, even the smallest details

All of it was for him.

( End Of Chapter )