Semua Bab Do You Love Me, Uncle?: Bab 171 - Bab 180

Akiko was almost asleep when Kenji brought her home, but she woke up when he laid her down on the futon. There was no bed in the house, so Kenji had to place Akiko on the futon, which caused her to stir.“Ow!” Akiko complained as the obi she was wearing dug into her back. The obi was quite large, and naturally, it felt uncomfortable when she lay down.Akiko immediately sat up and looked around. She removed the wig from her head and then gazed at the only other living thing in the room.“Are you okay?” Kenji asked, waving his hand in front of Akiko’s face. She was awake but not fully alert.Akiko smiled and grasped his hand. “Of course, I’m fine... Danna-sama.” She repeated the title, cupping Kenji’s cheeks as she spoke.“You really need to stop this.” Kenji covered his face, which was now warm with embarrassment. It was still hard for him to get used to the title.

"This is amazing!" Akiko spread her fingers beside her head, as if to show that her mind was once again overwhelmed by the beauty around her. This time, she was mesmerized by the view outside her hotel room.She turned to look for Kenji because she hadn't heard a response to her comment. But apparently, Kenji hadn’t followed her into the room yet.He was still standing at the door, talking to the bellboy who had helped carry their luggage. Akiko had no interest in knowing what they were talking about.She turned her attention back to the window. The hotel room was quite unique. The overall design followed a Western style—even its name was Furano La Terre.But the room was a blend of classic Japanese elements. There was a tatami room with a low table, yet there was also a bed. However, Akiko didn’t care much about the interior. It was luxurious and beautiful, but she would have accepted any room as long as she could enjoy the

Akiko's emotions right now can only be described as pure happiness and excitement. The rows of stalls on both sides of the street displayed a variety of goods and games, leaving Akiko unable to blink. Her wide eyes reflected the light from the variously sized lanterns around her as she spun around, not wanting to miss a single detail of everything surrounding her.Akiko couldn’t recall ever liking summer festivals, but she knew immediately that she loved them the moment she saw the crowd. No words could fully capture her feelings. Everything felt beautiful, joyful, and fun—but more than that. It was the highest level of perfection.“How about we buy that?” After silently accompanying Akiko for a while, Kenji suggested letting her do whatever she pleased. But instead of doing anything, Akiko stood there, overwhelmed by happiness.“Huh? What?” Akiko turned to look at him.“That.” Kenji pointed at

"Do you know Sato-san well?" Murakami inquired as they exited the party room. He was a little surprised to see Kyoko conversing so comfortably with Ryu.They walked down the hallway toward the door, passing through the dimly lit, elegant hotel lobby. The party took place in one of the large hotel halls in Tokyo, and Kyoko wouldn't be surprised if it was owned by the Kuryugumi."Not really. We've met a few times because of Hi... Sandaime." Kyoko nearly hesitated before uttering Kenji's name. Ryu wouldn't mind, but it would be strange to Murakami."Oh, yeah, they usually hang out together a lot," Murakami nodded."Have you worked for Sandaime for a while?" Kyoko asked."Not really. Just about three years," he explained."Where did you work before that?" Kyoko was curious as to where Kenji had found Murakami."Oh, this is my first job. I've been part of the Kuryugumi since way back.""Are you like Ry—I mean, Sato-san?"

Kyoko woke up and groaned, her legs aching. She had exerted herself excessively while running yesterday. She sat on the bed and glanced around.Last night, as soon as she entered the room, she collapsed onto the bed and almost immediately fell asleep. It was something she regretted now, as she should have been more alert in an unfamiliar place."I'm just tired... I'm only tired," Kyoko reasoned with herself, trying to avoid admitting that Ryu's presence made her feel safe. She preferred the excuse that she was simply exhausted. She didn't want her sense of safety to come from someone else.Kyoko got up and carefully opened the door. It was already quite late in the day. Ryu should have woken up by now, but the house was still quiet. She walked toward the living room and froze when she heard a door open and close upstairs.Kyoko looked up, hoping to see Ryu. She wanted to ask when they could check on her apartment. But what she saw made her feel suddenly c