[138] Hesitant

Kaoru returned home with mixed emotions swirling within him. Throughout the drive, his thoughts churned over the monumental decision he now faced—whether to stay in this world or keep searching for a way back to the one he left behind. In the fantasy world where he once served as a hero, the desire to return home had been his only true motivation to endure the endless trials and tribulations that fate had thrown his way. For years, that goal had been his guiding star, the one dream keeping him grounded: to make it back to his family.

He missed them deeply, especially his father. His father had been everything to him—a figure of strength, warmth, and compassion, gentle in his ways. To Kaoru, he was not just a role model, but someone who always understood him, with an unspoken calm. His bond with his father was far deeper than anything he had ever had with his mother.

With his mother, things had been… complicated. Cold and distant, she was a mystery Kaoru had only begun to unravel during his teenage years. There were secrets from her past, particularly involving her family's influence, that she had never shared with anyone. At one point during high school, Kaoru learned the bitter truth: his mother had fallen under her family's pressure, manufacturing a false accusation that his father had been unfaithful—an accusation crafted to tarnish his father's honor. Although the evidence was never conclusive, the mere suggestion had been enough to shatter his parents' marriage.

His parents' divorce had left a lasting scar, yet over time, Kaoru had come to terms with it, setting aside the pain. He kept that bitter truth buried, unwilling to share it with anyone, as it was too personal, too painful to relive.

When Kaoru arrived at his penthouse, he opened the door to an unexpected sight. In the living room, Reika sat calmly on the sofa. Across from her was Asuka Koukawa, arms crossed with a piercing gaze—she looked every bit the image of a wife who had just discovered an "uninvited guest" in her partner's home.

Sensing the tension in the air, Kaoru entered with a slightly awkward expression, greeting them in a calm tone. "Ah, Asuka… Reika… So, you've met already?"

Asuka turned her gaze toward him, her eyebrow raised in an inquisitive look. "You didn't tell me you had a new butler around here?" Her tone was even, but Kaoru could sense a hint of mild protest.

Scratching the back of his head, he tried to explain quickly, hoping to ease the tension. "I was just about to call you, love. This arrangement came up rather suddenly."

"Arrangement?" Asuka's curiosity sharpened.

"Uh, well… long story short, Towako asked me to temporarily exchange attendants. So, Reika will be helping out here for a while, while Hippo takes care of things at her mansion. It's… complicated," he explained calmly.

Asuka studied Reika for a moment before turning her gaze back to Kaoru, a touch of jealousy lingering in her eyes. "But why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Kaoru gave her a gentle smile, hoping to ease her concerns while making sure Reika wouldn't feel uncomfortable either. With a tender motion, he pulled Asuka close by the waist and murmured, "Honey… don't worry. It's only temporary, and I didn't want to burden you with sudden news."

Asuka paused, her expression softening as she looked at Kaoru, his soothing words melting away her worry. Finally, she sighed, releasing a faint smile. "Fine… but promise you'll tell me about things like this earlier next time, okay?"

Kaoru nodded, relieved. "Of course. I promise."

Reika, who had been observing their interaction with a touch of unease, gave a polite bow. "Apologies if my presence here has been disruptive… I'll ensure I don't inconvenience either of you."

Asuka turned to Reika and gave a brief, slightly softened smile as her jealousy gradually faded. "Welcome, Reika-san. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything, all right?"

Reika smiled politely, visibly relieved by the more relaxed atmosphere. Meanwhile, Kaoru stood between them, grateful for the peaceful outcome and for the wonderful people who surrounded him.

---

Watching Reika closely, Asuka found herself reflecting on Kaoru's natural charm—a magnetic quality that seemed to draw in the attention of many women. In her heart, she knew that, in the future, there would likely be more women like Shiranui entering "their circle." As the first woman by Kaoru's side, Asuka felt a certain duty to be watchful over any women who came close to him.

Her jealousy wasn't mere possessiveness; for Asuka, it was about ensuring Kaoru's feelings were treated sincerely—not out of superficial attraction or fleeting interest. With her striking presence, strong personality, and unwavering loyalty, Asuka felt it was essential to protect Kaoru from those whose intentions might be less genuine.

She glanced at Reika, who stood gracefully in the room. This woman possessed a natural beauty, her elegant features and posture similar to Asuka's own, both in physique and allure. As someone deeply protective of Kaoru, Asuka knew she needed to be vigilant. She didn't want anyone approaching him purely for shallow pleasures or temporary gain.

In her heart, Asuka knew that true love was what kept her by Kaoru's side, and that was what she wished for in anyone who might come close to him. Her goal was to ensure that only genuine, heartfelt intentions would accompany Kaoru, no matter the circumstances, and she was ready to shield his heart from any unworthy intentions.

---

After a refreshing shower, Kaoru emerged wearing only his boxers, a towel draped over his head as he absently dried his hair while scrolling through his phone. With his tall frame, broad shoulders, piercing red gaze, and striking white hair, he exuded a magnetic charm. Asuka often called him a natural "people magnet"—but today, that allure even made her heart race as she watched him from the doorway.

Asuka gazed at him, feeling an overwhelming rush of emotion. To her, Kaoru's appeal lay not just in his physical presence but in the qualities that made her fall in love: his strength, his resolve, his gentleness, and his constant regard for her. Kaoru had a rare, thoughtful side that was seldom visible, and that only deepened Asuka's affection. And there was no denying that he also knew how to make her feel cherished, both in tenderness and passion, treating her with a mixture of softness and intensity that always left her feeling adored.

Asuka quietly approached him, her footsteps light though she knew he likely sensed her presence. Kaoru pretended not to notice, still focused on his phone as he sat down on the edge of the sofa. When she was close enough, she wrapped her arms around him from behind, embracing him tightly. Gently, she rested her head against his back, savoring the warmth and fresh scent that lingered on his skin from his shower.