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The office door slowly opened, revealing a young woman with long, flowing blonde hair. Her warm caramel eyes gazed gently at Yukito, and a sweet smile graced her face.
The beautiful girl wore the Shuchiin Academy uniform, carrying a bag in her hand. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Yukito-kun," she said in a soft voice.
Yukito smiled, stood up from his chair, and walked toward Mahiru. "It's alright, Mahiru."
Mahiru stepped closer gracefully, her footsteps barely making a sound on 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 go home now," Mahiru said as she lightly touched Yukito's arm.
Yukito nodded gently. "Alright. Today has been quite exhausting."
He took his black coat from the back of the chair and put it on. Mahiru carefully adjusted the collar of his coat, then smiled softly.
"As a reward for working so hard today…" she whispered almost inaudibly.
Without hesitation, she rose slightly on her toes and kissed Yukito's left cheek gently. The touch was warm and brief, but enough to make his heartbeat skip slightly.
Yukito paused for a moment, then smiled faintly. "That… was a very pleasant gift. Thank you, Mahiru."
Mahiru nodded slightly, her sweet smile still on her face. 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 tenderness in her touch. Without saying another word, they walked out of the office together, their hands still intertwined as if they never wanted to let go.
As they reached the lobby, the golden light of the setting sun shone through the tall glass windows, creating a beautiful silhouette of the two. Sebastian, already waiting beside an elegant black car, quickly opened the rear door as they approached.
"Good evening, Yukito-sama, Mahiru-sama," he said with a polite bow.
Mahiru responded with a friendly smile, while Yukito gave a small nod. They both stepped into the car and sat side by side. The door was gently closed, and Sebastian began driving through the city streets of Tokyo now bathed in lights and evening shadows.
Inside the slowly moving car, Mahiru leaned against Yukito's shoulder, enjoying the warmth of their togetherness. Yet, her mind was filled with a worry she couldn't ignore.
"Yukito-kun…" Mahiru said softly, 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 leave for Georgia to attend the fundraiser for the war victims?" she asked.
Yukito sighed before replying, "In about a week."
Mahiru nodded slowly, but her eyes reflected deep concern. "I know it's an important event, but I'm worried. Urzikstan, the country bordering Georgia, is in conflict. I'm afraid terrorists might disrupt the event."
"I understand, Mahiru… Your concern isn't unfounded," he said gently, squeezing her hand. "But I can't ignore this invitation. Many people need help, and if my presence can inspire more donations for the war victims, then I must 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 thinking about you being there…"
"I'll be protected by embassy security and my personal team. Everything has been planned thoroughly. I promise I'll be careful, and I'll return as soon as the event ends," Yukito said with a soft smile.
He then pulled Mahiru into a tender embrace. Her small frame felt fragile in his arms, and he could feel her heart beating a bit faster than usual.
"I'm sorry too, Mahiru…" Yukito whispered near her ear. "For not being able to spend the summer vacation with you next week. I know you've prepared everything—the lodging, the places we'd visit, the time meant just for the two of us…"
Mahiru didn't respond, only burying her face in his chest. But her grip on his coat tightened, as if unwilling to let go.
"I truly want to be by your side, spending time together like any couple would. But… the world I stand in now sometimes asks me to put responsibility above personal desire," Yukito continued, his voice filled with regret.
Mahiru took a deep breath and returned his hug more warmly. "I understand, Yukito-kun… I just… I'm afraid of losing you. Every time you go to a dangerous place, it feels like you take a piece of my heart with you."
Yukito gently kissed the top of her head. "You won't lose me. I'll come back, Mahiru. And when I do, we'll make up for that vacation… with days even more beautiful. I promise."
Mahiru nodded against his chest, and for a moment, they remained silent—letting the quietness protect them from the unspoken fears still lingering in their hearts.
The elegant black car slowed as it approached the cobbled road leading to the Kambe family's main residence. In the distance, the grand and graceful mansion stood quietly, lit warmly from its large windows. The reflection of lights on the garden pond created a peaceful atmosphere, as if welcoming its residents home.
The car stopped at the base of the marble steps leading to the main entrance. Sebastian stepped out first, promptly opening the rear door.
"Welcome home, Yukito-sama, Mahiru-sama," he said calmly, bowing his head slightly.
Yukito stepped out first, then offered his hand to help Mahiru. Once her feet touched the steps with grace, Yukito turned to Sebastian and said, "Thank you for today, Sebastian. As always, you've done an excellent job."
Sebastian responded with a faint but sincere smile. "It's my 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 classical paintings and lit by elegant European-style chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. The soft scent of lavender from the air freshener welcomed them, adding to the serene atmosphere much needed after a long day.
Upon reaching the main room, Mahiru took off 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 by the door, turned and smiled. "Kare katsu. I want your kare katsu. That one… has always been my favorite."
Mahiru let out a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling. "Kare katsu, huh? Alright, wait in the dining room. I'll have it ready in a bit."
Yukito nodded, then walked to the dining room. He sat at a chair facing the large window, gazing at the garden now shrouded in twilight. The evening breeze drifted in through the slightly open window, carrying the scent of flowers from the garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Mahiru began preparing the ingredients skillfully. The clinking of utensils blended with the savory aroma of sautéed onions, creating the warm, comforting ambiance of home. Her trained hands moved quickly—slicing meat, frying the katsu to a golden crisp, and stirring the thick, fragrant curry sauce.
A little while later, 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 set the plate before Yukito. She then sat across from him, looking at him with a soft expression.
"Thank you, Mahiru," Yukito said, picking up his chopsticks. "Looks like tonight will be a lovely evening."
They began eating their dinner in a comfortable silence. There was no need for more words in that moment—for with just each other's presence, warmth already filled the room.
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