Chapter 40: Scent of a New Love

When they arrived at her home, Haruki took her helmet off, his fingers brushing against her hair softly. Tsukiko forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. 

She turned to leave, but before she could walk away, Haruki's hand gently cupped her face.

Without thinking, he wiped away the last tear from her cheek. His gaze locked onto hers—intense, filled with something raw.

"Whoever that idiot was," he said, his voice low, his tone filled with a mix of anger and tenderness, "he's a fool for letting you go."

Tsukiko blinked, taken aback by his words. She laughed softly, despite the tear-streaked smile on her face. "What was that?" she asked, half-shocked by his confession.

Haruki's hand lingered on her cheek, his touch gentle as he gazed at her with a vulnerability she had never seen before.

"About earlier," he murmured, his voice soft yet steady. "I meant it, Tsukiko. But take your time. Don't feel pressured."

Her heart skipped a beat. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the quiet longing he didn't try to hide. But was she ready for this?

"Haruki…"

The way she said his name—soft, hesitant—sent a pang through his chest.

Then, she gave him a small, bittersweet smile.

"What should I do?" she said quietly, 

Haruki braced himself for rejection.

"I think I've fallen hard for you too," the words catching in her throat.

Haruki froze.

His heart pounded, a rush of emotions flooding him, and before he could think twice, he pulled her toward him,

and kissed her.

As soon as their lips met, there was an undeniable spark, a connection that neither of them could have anticipated, yet both had been craving. 

It started soft, almost hesitant, as if they were testing the waters, unsure of what to expect.

Haruki's hand, still holding her face gently, seemed to pull her in closer, and Tsukiko responded without thinking, her arms instinctively wrapping around him. 

She could feel his heart pounding, just as hers was, and the heat between them intensified with every second. 

His lips were warm, firm, yet tender, as if he was savoring the moment, not wanting to rush it, but at the same time, unable to hold back. 

Tsukiko felt the weight of the world lift off her shoulders. 

For once, there was no past haunting her, no fears clouding her thoughts—just the sensation of Haruki's lips moving against hers, the subtle pressure of his kiss speaking volumes of everything he had been holding back. 

Her breath caught in her throat as the kiss deepened, a quiet sigh escaping her lips as she melted into him.

It was as if time stood still—everything around them faded away. 

The only thing that mattered was the soft, steady rhythm of their kiss, a silent conversation between them, filled with longing, relief, and something neither of them could name but both understood instinctively.

When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless, their faces flushed, eyes wide in the aftermath of something both new and familiar.

They both looked at each other, unable to suppress their laughter. 

It was awkward, but it felt right, as if the kiss had peeled away a layer of tension between them.

"You're not so smooth, huh?" Tsukiko teased, her voice still soft from the kiss.

Haruki chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'm not exactly a pro at this."

Tsukiko smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in a long time. "Me neither." She wiped a tear from her eye, laughing at how absurdly sweet and awkward the whole situation was.

After the awkward silence, Haruki finally broke it, his voice filled with anticipation. "You free this Saturday?"

Tsukiko, her eyes sparkling with mischief, teasingly replied, "Hmm, I need to check my schedule first."

Before she could pull away, Haruki wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, his tone mischievous. "Can't you spare some time for your pitiful boyfriend here, Dr. Takamura?"

Tsukiko laughed softly at his sudden clinginess. "I didn't know you were the clingy type of boyfriend."

Haruki raised an eyebrow, pulling her closer. "You don't like it?"

Tsukiko chuckled, feeling warmth spread through her chest. "Not that I said that."

As she began to step back, she sighed, "I'm going inside."

Haruki, not wanting to let go, grinned playfully. "Can I come in too?"

Tsukiko's response was firm. "Don't even think about it." With a playful yet gentle wave, she turned and headed for her door.

Haruki stood there, watching her retreat into her house, his thoughts still spinning from the night's turn of events. Staring blankly at her door, he felt like his heart had been racing nonstop. 

"Damn…" he said.

Tsukiko, from the window, peeked through the curtains just enough to see him. Watching him start up his motorbike, she felt the pang of something unfamiliar twist in her chest, a feeling that had been slowly growing. 

Haruki's figure shrank in the distance as he sped away, the sound of his bike roaring into the night. 

Tsukiko's heart gave a flutter, torn between gratitude for his patience and an overwhelming sense of fear about the vulnerability she had just allowed herself to show. She couldn't quite name the feeling that lingered, but she knew it was something she hadn't felt in a long time.