"A…Ah!! Father!! Mother!!"
Kyouko's voice cracked slightly, her heart skipping a beat. Her whole body tensed.
Across the room stood Kitayama and Hanako, smiling gently as they approached the table.
"Ah, Haruki-kun. You're dining here too?" Kitayama asked with mild curiosity.
Haruki quickly stood and bowed politely. His voice was steady, warm, and completely unshaken.
"Yes. Kyouko-san said she wanted to treat me to dinner tonight."
He turned to Kyouko with a relaxed smile, playing his role perfectly—the respectful son-in-law enjoying a rare outing with his wife's mother.
Kyouko exhaled quietly, catching his calm and following suit.
She smiled calmly and gently, as if nothing had ever shaken her. "I've been feeling a bit tired lately… so I thought it'd be nice to eat out and treat Haruki-kun for once. Just some fresh air and good food."
"Oh my, how thoughtful," Hanako replied kindly, her smile soft. Then she looked at her husband. "Shall we join them?"
