The evening sky dimmed as the house settled into its usual quiet rhythm.
Aya had just finished washing the dishes while Rikuto was relaxing in the living room. The scent of her hair still lingered in the air, gentle and comforting. Her soft voice called out from the kitchen.
"Rikuto, Mom might stop by tonight."
He raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"
Aya dried her hands with a towel and sighed. "Rina's been acting… bold lately. Mom got upset with her today—something about how she dresses and the way she teases you."
That drew a small smirk from Rikuto.
Aya continued, "They argued. She said she needed a break from Rina and might come here to cool her head. I offered her the guest room."
"Sounds reasonable," he replied. "She's always welcome."
Aya smiled, unaware of the subtle glint in Rikuto's eyes.
About an hour later, the doorbell rang. Aya greeted Reina at the door.
She stepped in with elegance, wearing a formal black blouse and pencil skirt. Even without trying, Reina Hoshino radiated an aura of mature sensuality. Her expression was unreadable—stoic, yet there was a strange flicker in her gaze as she locked eyes with Rikuto.
"Thank you for letting me stay, Aya," Reina said, removing her heels.
"You know you don't need to thank me," Aya replied, hugging her mother gently.
Rikuto stood, bowing slightly. "Good evening, Mother-in-law."
Reina's eyes lingered on him again—just a second longer than polite.
"Evening, Rikuto."
They exchanged no more words that night. After dinner, everyone turned in. The house grew silent, the tension beneath the roof hidden behind closed doors.
---
Hours later.
Moonlight spilled into the darkened hallway. Rikuto stepped out of the bedroom, bare-chested and in loose pajama pants. A towel hung lazily over his shoulder as he padded silently to the kitchen.
As he turned the corner—
She was there.
Reina Hoshino stood in the kitchen, holding a half-filled wine glass, wearing a long silk nightgown. The fabric clung to her curves like moonlight wrapping itself around her body. Her hair, once pinned up, now flowed freely past her shoulders.
She hadn't noticed him yet.
Or perhaps… she had.
He leaned casually against the doorframe. "Couldn't sleep?"
She turned, slowly, and sipped her wine before answering. "Not really. I tend to think too much at night."
"Thoughts keeping you awake?" he asked, stepping inside.
She eyed him cautiously, then glanced away—briefly taking in his bare torso. "Among other things."
He poured himself a glass of water and took a long sip, intentionally letting silence fill the space. It was comfortable... and laced with tension.
"You've changed," she said suddenly.
"How so?" he asked, without turning.
"You used to avoid me," Reina murmured. "Now you talk like… you know who you are."
He chuckled lightly. "Maybe I do."
> [System Notification: Target "Reina Hoshino" – Tension Detected]
Emotional state: Conflicted
Status: Curiosity → Suppressed Attraction
Her voice dropped lower. "You walk around like that in front of other women too?"
He stepped closer, just enough to let her feel his presence.
"I only walk like this in my own house. But if you want me to put on a shirt…" he trailed off, letting the suggestion hang in the air.
She turned away sharply. "You should go back to your wife."
He tilted his head slightly. "You didn't say you want me to."
Her breath caught.
> [System Alert: Triggered Mini-Quest – "Stir the Widow's Night"]
Objective: Cause Reina to experience her first subconscious dream about you.
Reward: Unlock Passive Skill – "Dream Echo" (Seeds of Seduction deepen through dreams.)
Reina quickly placed her glass in the sink. "I'll go back to the guest room."
She stepped past him. For just a second, her arm brushed against his bare skin.
She froze, barely noticeable… then walked away without another word.
But her heartbeat—he could hear it. The door clicked softly behind her.
Rikuto grinned, eyes gleaming under the soft kitchen light.
> Progress: Reina Hoshino – Desire Level 19%
The widow had taken her first step into dangerous territory.
And she didn't even realize it yet.