113 "Sweet Dreams (Hayasaka Goes for a Run)"

Kaguya opened her eyes and sat up in bed, her lips curling into a soft, contented smile.

Her hand instinctively moved to her lower back, where she could still feel the traces of last night's "exercise."

Seven years… It had been seven years since she and the President got together.

People often talked about the "seven-year itch," that point in a relationship where love supposedly starts to wane. But for them, it felt like every day was filled with more love than the last. Their bond overflowed with affection.

And every night was just as fulfilling.

"Tonight's dinner should include leeks and oysters again… maybe with something else," Kaguya murmured to herself, already imagining the next "pre-bedtime activity" as she sat on the edge of her bed.

Hayasaka had been right all along—winning a man's heart starts with winning his stomach. Ever since that fateful day when Kaguya's cooking had captured the President's taste buds, their relationship had grown rapidly. They'd started dating, graduated high school, and walked down the aisle together.

Not only that, but the President's exceptional abilities had won over the Shinomiya family, securing his place as her rightful husband and soulmate.

What a perfect future. It felt like a dream come true.

"No, no, I can't let myself get carried away," Kaguya muttered, shaking her head to dispel the giddy thoughts. "I need to get up. I can't be lazy, or the President will think less of me."

Determined, she got out of bed and began her morning routine of dressing and freshening up.

Since their marriage, they had moved into this cozy home together. To fully enjoy their private world, Kaguya had insisted on learning how to manage the household herself, turning down maids and caretakers to embrace her role as a proper housewife.

Her days revolved around chores and eagerly waiting for her beloved's return from work. It was a simple routine, but she loved every moment of it.

"Still… it gets a little boring without him here…"

Even the comedy show playing on the TV failed to hold her interest. Her mind wandered, wondering what the President might be doing at that very moment.

"Maybe I should call him? He might be thinking about me too…"

But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, Kaguya shook her head. It was work hours—what if he was delivering an important presentation? She didn't want to disrupt him or come off as a clingy wife who couldn't respect her husband's responsibilities.

"Then I'll call Hayasaka. It's been a while since we last talked. I wonder how she's doing these days…"

Without hesitation, Kaguya grabbed her matching couple's phone and sent a video call request to Hayasaka, whom she'd saved in her contacts as "Single Hayasaka."

The call was rejected immediately.

"…"

How rude!

Sure, Kaguya had teased her a bit about spending Valentine's Day in wedded bliss with the President, but was that enough to justify rejecting her call so coldly? How could Hayasaka, her dear sister-in-arms, treat her this way?!

Before Kaguya could stew for too long, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Hayasaka. Her mood immediately brightened, though she made sure to sound nonchalant, even annoyed.

"What is it? Regretting that you hung up? Then why didn't you just pick up in the first place?"

Hayasaka had left the Shinomiya household after high school, no longer needing to serve as Kaguya's personal maid. Still, their bond had remained strong, and they kept in touch as sisters. Kaguya trusted her completely and often confided in her about matters she couldn't even discuss with the President.

While their relationship was close, Kaguya couldn't resist occasionally rubbing her marital bliss in Hayasaka's face. Hayasaka, perpetually single and full of complaints, would always chastise her for it, but that didn't stop Kaguya from doing it again. After all, if she didn't flaunt her happiness, was it really happiness?

"Hayasaka, listen to this: last night, the President did that again. I told him no, but he just kept going! He doesn't know how to be gentle at all…"

"…"

"And the other day on Valentine's Day—such a special occasion—he didn't plan anything romantic! We just stayed in bed all day. He's so unrefined!"

"…"

"Even on our anniversary, he brought home a ridiculous amount of perfume! I told him it wasn't necessary, but he was so worried I wouldn't like it that he bought every single scent. Can you believe it?"

"…"

"Hayasaka, are you even listening?" Kaguya paused, confused. Usually, by now, Hayasaka would have unleashed a barrage of complaints. But today, she was unusually quiet, letting Kaguya ramble on.

"I… I'm here… The President really is… an animal…" Hayasaka's voice came through, sounding breathy and strained.

"Huh? What's with your voice? It sounds weird."

"N-Nothing… just… running… out of breath…"

"Oh, you're exercising! That explains why you didn't take my video call," Kaguya said, nodding in understanding. It made sense; Hayasaka was always conscious of her image and probably didn't want anyone seeing her disheveled while sweating.

"But I'm your best friend! I wouldn't judge you. Next time, just answer, okay?"

Kaguya made a mental note: if she could catch Hayasaka mid-workout on video, she'd save the footage for "future use."

"Ah… oof!"

"What happened now?"

"Tri… tripped… branch… got poked… a bit startled…"

"Oh no! It's my fault for distracting you!" Kaguya exclaimed, guilt-ridden. "Are you okay? Should I come check on you?"

Definitely not because she wanted to gloat in person. She was just a caring friend, really!

"N-No… don't… come…" Hayasaka's voice became increasingly fragmented, almost gasping.

"Are you sure? You sound really strange…"

The call abruptly disconnected.

"…How odd," Kaguya muttered, hugging her pillow as a faint sense of dissatisfaction lingered. There goes my chance to tease her in person.

Resigned, she decided to throw herself into her chores, ensuring everything was perfect for the President's return.

"Hehe, I really am the luckiest woman in the world…" she whispered to herself, her heart brimming with joy as she prepared for another perfect evening with her beloved.