Step-By-Step Life

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"Hurry back inside to rest. I'll prepare some medicine for you later," Ryuji murmured gently.

"Mm," Kamado Kie whispered, her voice faint yet obedient.

Before returning to her room, Kie hesitated, turning slightly. She bit her lip, resting her hands over her abdomen, and with a bowed head, she spoke softly, "Ryuji, if I make mistakes in the future, please… don't be angry. Scold me if you must, but don't hold it in."

She continued, her voice wavering, "If I ever upset you, it's alright to express it. Just… please, don't stay upset with me."

Ryuji raised an eyebrow, confusion flickering in his gaze. He couldn't quite grasp her meaning. His eyes lingered on her, and despite her modest attire, he found himself momentarily distracted by her presence.

Kie's cheeks warmed under his gaze. Even in her conservative clothing, she could sense his eyes on her, making her feel self-conscious. She turned hastily, retreating to her room.

Once inside, Kie leaned against the wall, her heart racing from the intensity of Ryuji's gaze. It felt as though it still lingered on her, making her breath uneven.

---

Ryuji shook his head slightly, looking at the closed door. Sighing, he headed to the kitchen to prepare a herbal remedy for Kie. Her health had already been fragile before, but the weight of Tanjuro's passing had only deepened her exhaustion. If she didn't rest soon, her condition might worsen.

---

Soon, he returned with a bowl of steaming herbal medicine.

"Kie, I brought you some medicine," he called gently from outside her door.

Silence. After a moment, he knocked again. "I'm coming in," he said, easing the door open.

Inside, Kie struggled to sit up in bed, her face even paler than before.

"Don't move," Ryuji said, hurrying to her side. "You're too weak. Let me help."

Kie shook her head, attempting to sit up anyway. "You've already done so much... I can't let you feed me, too…"

Her voice trailed off, and she bit her lip, lowering her gaze in embarrassment. She was a widow, and the thought of being fed by a man might stir rumors. She didn't care what others said about her, but she couldn't bear the thought of Ryuji's reputation being questioned because of her.

Before she could protest, she felt a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder as Ryuji sat beside her. His tone was calm, yet resolute. "You need to rest, and I'll see to it that you do. If you don't let me help, I will get upset."

Kie looked up, meeting his serious expression. The resolve in his eyes left her speechless, and she found herself unable to argue.

"But… if anyone knows… they might misunderstand and speak poorly of you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Don't worry about that. Just focus on getting better." His tone was soft but unwavering.

In his voice, she found something that made her feel unexpectedly safe. She silently hoped he'd always speak to her like this—firm yet caring.

---

The room fell quiet, with only the soft clink of the spoon against the bowl breaking the silence.

Kie lay still, her body tense as she sipped the medicine that Ryuji had carefully prepared. It was bitter, the taste lingering on her tongue, but at that moment, she didn't mind at all.

Her eyes drifted to him, half-hidden beneath her lashes. He didn't seem bothered, cooling each spoonful before gently offering it to her.

Every movement spoke of tenderness.

Kie had never been cared for like this. At her weakest, with her future so uncertain, Ryuji's gentle presence warmed her heart, as if melting some long-frozen part of her.

She couldn't explain it, but she felt something stirring—a warmth unfamiliar yet welcome. It made her chest feel light, and she wondered if, perhaps, her heart was being stolen away.

---

Kie reclined slightly, watching as Ryuji patiently fed her the medicinal soup. His careful movements, his focused expression—everything about him held her gaze.

The sunlight streaming through the window cast a gentle glow over his face, making him appear almost otherworldly. Kie's heart raced, her breath shallow, warmth creeping over her cheeks.

Ryuji's eyes met hers, and he offered a slight smile. "Why is Mrs. Kie watching me so intently?" he teased.

Her heart leapt, her fingers curling into the bedsheets as she tried to stammer a reply.

"I… I wasn't… I didn't mean to…" she murmured, faltering under his steady gaze. Her mind went blank, leaving her flustered and at a loss.

Ryuji leaned closer, his voice soft yet teasing. "Are you certain, Mrs. Kie?"

Kie's breath hitched as she struggled to meet his gaze. His presence, so near, made her entire body tense. She felt his warm breath brush against her face.

For a fleeting moment, she dared to hope for something more—something she couldn't even name. Her eyes drifted closed, anticipating... something. When nothing happened, a strange emptiness settled within her chest.

Why did I hope for something? Kie wondered, guilt shadowing her thoughts. Tanjuro had only just passed, and here she was, feeling these… improper things.

When she opened her eyes, Ryuji was still gazing at her, amusement in his expression, as if he had seen right through her. His playful look deepened her blush.

"What were you thinking, Mrs. Kie?" he asked softly, his voice a mix of warmth and mischief, especially when he lingered on Mrs.

Kie's face grew hotter. How could she look at him now? She was a widow, her husband, Tanjuro, recently gone, and yet…

Before her thoughts could spiral further, Ryuji's hand rested gently on her forehead, brushing a few strands of hair aside. His touch was soft, comforting. "You're still feverish," he murmured. "You must take better care of yourself."

His closeness, his gentle words—it all sent a rush of warmth through her, making her ears tingle with heat.

"Kie, focus on your recovery," Ryuji said, running his hand lightly through her hair. "Rest now, and don't dwell on things."

"Alright…" Kie whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ryuji smiled gently, playfully pinching her cheek. "Get some rest, I don't want to see you fall ill."

Her heart pounded, cheeks flushed. She had never felt this tenderness before. For a brief moment, she felt like a young girl again, filled with excitement and daydreams.

But in reality, Kie's life had always been shaped by expectations. Her marriage to Tanjuro had been arranged, her roles as wife and mother defined by tradition. There had been no room for her own dreams.

And yet, with Ryuji's gentle touch and kind words, Kie felt a spark of something she hadn't known for so long.

A feeling of youthful hope, a hint of passion, that she thought was lost forever.

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