[48] A strange, but happy dream (III)

After a delightful breakfast, the family prepared for an outing. They were all dressed casually, but their appearance was undeniably runway-ready. Kaoru, in a simple yet elegant all-black outfit, looked strikingly impressive. His cool aura radiated, adding an undeniable charm as though he was the centre of attention wherever they went.

On the other hand, Lily looked enchanting with a style similar to her father's. The girl wore a black leather jacket and jeans, her long hair cascading gracefully, adding a daring and chic touch. It was clear that Lily was very much her father's child, proudly following in Kaoru's stylistic footsteps. Her confident stride beside her father showcased the strong bond they shared.

Meanwhile, Natsuki, in hiss colourful casual attire, looked adorable next to Asuka. She wore a bright blue hoodie and shorts, complementing her simple yet charming appearance. Her youthful face revealed how close she was to her mother, always reaching for Asuka's hand or walking slightly behind her, as if seeking protection. Natsuki was clearly his mother's child, and Asuka couldn't help but smile at how closely they mirrored each other in mannerisms.

Asuka herself looked graceful in a casual dress that perfectly highlighted her natural charm without any effort. Even in a dream, she could feel immense happiness, as if being part of this harmonious family was truly real. She relished every moment, even while preparing to go out, feeling the peaceful and loving atmosphere.

As they stepped out of the house and onto the city streets, no one could ignore the presence of this family. Every passerby was captivated by their flawless appearance. People around turned their heads, mesmerised by the remarkable balance of style, beauty, and the warm aura emanating from them.

"Wow, that family looks like they've stepped out of a fashion magazine," someone whispered in the crowd.

"Look how handsome their father is, and the children are so sweet!" said another, their eyes sparkling with admiration at the family's harmony.

Kaoru, Asuka, Lily, and Natsuki walked together, as if they were the most perfect family in the world. Each step seemed to symbolise an unshakable harmony, and Asuka couldn't stop smiling. Though this was merely a dream, she felt as if she was truly living in that moment, basking in the irreplaceable joy with her family.

Asuka closed her eyes for a moment while holding Natsuki's hand. "If only this weren't just a dream…" she thought to herself, but this time she didn't want to wake up. The dream was too beautiful to let go.

Asuka's thoughts were completely absorbed by the beautiful atmosphere with her family in this dream world. They spent the day visiting various places, from an aquarium where Natsuki was mesmerised by the swimming fish, to an amusement park where Lily eagerly followed her father on every thrilling ride. Kaoru calmly led their small family, occasionally throwing a gentle smile at Asuka, who was awestruck by the happiness they shared.

When they arrived at the museum, Asuka was astonished by Lily's intelligence as she interacted with the exhibits related to history and science. Meanwhile, Natsuki continued to hold Asuka's hand, still clinging sweetly to he mother as a small child wanting closeness. Every time they stopped to view something, Natsuki would hug Asuka's arm, making her unable to suppress the maternal smile she was experiencing for the first time.

After exploring various places throughout the day, Kaoru took his family to a spacious city park. The cool evening air and the setting sun created a serene and peaceful atmosphere. There, they spread out a blanket for a simple picnic. Kaoru prepared snacks he had brought from home, while Asuka helped set everything up with a gentle smile that never left her face.

"This has been a wonderful day," murmured Asuka, gazing at the reddening sky.

Kaoru turned and smiled warmly, "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Lily sat nearby, still busy munching on snacks while occasionally glancing at Natsuki, who was starting to look sleepy. The little boy was now curled up in Asuka's lap, his eyes slowly closing from exhaustion after a day of play. Asuka gazed at Natsuki's peaceful face, feeling both strange and joyful at how natural it felt to be in this family, even if only in a dream.

Kaoru, sitting beside her, also looked at Natsuki, then gently took Asuka's hand. "You've been amazing today," he said softly, causing Asuka's heart to race. "I'm very lucky."

Asuka was speechless. In the warm embrace of Natsuki and with Kaoru's tender smile, she felt that all the burdens she usually carried in the real world seemed to vanish. In that moment, she could be herself—not as a Taimanin, but as a loving mother and a happy wife.

A gentle evening breeze blew, and the sun began to set completely. With Natsuki asleep in her arms and Lily also looking tired, Asuka knew this moment would soon come to an end. Yet, she wanted to stay here, in the tranquil happiness with the people who, even if only in a dream, felt so real and loved.

"Kaoru…" she whispered, feeling her emotions overflow, but before she could continue, everything began to slowly fade.

---

Asuka woke abruptly to the loud alarm ringing throughout the room, shattering the remnants of the dream that had felt so real. She stared at the ceiling of her luxurious penthouse, starkly different from the warm and comforting room in her dream last night. She groaned softly, getting out of bed and lazily turning off the alarm that made her head throb.

"Urgh…" Asuka sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes still half-closed as she reflected on the dream she had just experienced—a dream about a family that never existed, yet felt so real and beautiful. The tender smile from Kaoru, Natsuki curled up in her arms, and Lily's cheerfulness. All of it made her heart churn with emotions that were hard to describe.

Yet that fleeting happiness was soon dispelled when another ring interrupted her thoughts—this time, her phone. Asuka reached for the phone with reluctance and saw the incoming message. As her eyes read the sender's name, the peace that had lingered from the dream vanished instantly.

Takuto.

Asuka's expression changed drastically, the brightness in her eyes fading into darkness. Her ex-boyfriend, Ishiyama Takuto, known as a troublemaker and the son of a powerful mayor, had sent a message that only made Asuka more nauseated.

"I'm waiting for you in the music room at the academy. Don't be late."

The words were clearly displayed on the screen, filled with a hidden threat only Takuto could convey. Asuka gritted her teeth, her anger that she had tried to suppress flaring up again. With explosive fury, she threw her phone onto the bed, while the alarm she had just turned off was hurled with full force against the wall. The loud crash of the alarm shattering into pieces symbolised how easily Asuka, as a Taimanin, could destroy physical objects—but not the chaotic feelings tearing her apart from within.

Asuka sat silently for a moment, curling up on the bed with a limp body and vacant eyes. She wished that, somehow, the reality she was living in was just a nightmare that would soon end. She longed to return to that dream world, where there was love, warmth, and peace she had never felt in reality.

But she knew that dream was only a fleeting illusion. And reality was where she had to confront Takuto, the man who had trapped her in a relationship filled with threats and pressure.

"Kaoru…" she murmured to herself, trying to strengthen her resolve. But this time, even her voice sounded shaky.

She knew, in the end, she had to face reality. But for just a little while longer, she wanted to stay in bed, letting the memory of that beautiful dream flow through her mind, if only for a moment.

However, her phone rang again, forcing her back into the harsh reality.