Hara's footsteps echoed through the house as she wandered, her mind searching for something to occupy her time. Upon waking up earlier that day, she had found the space beside her empty, a telltale sign that Yuto had already left for work. With a sigh, she had resigned herself to a day of potential boredom.
However, as she roamed aimlessly, a sudden realization struck her like a bolt of inspiration. Her eyes widened, and she stopped in her tracks, a grin forming on her face. She recalled that after their wedding, they had collected and stored all the gifts they received in one of the guest rooms.
'Why didn't I think of that!' she thought, feeling a surge of excitement. It was as if a treasure trove of surprises awaited her, and her boredom was instantly replaced with anticipation.
Making her way to the designated guest room, Hara pushed open the door and stepped inside. The room was filled with an array of colorful packages and gift bags, a vivid reminder of the celebration they had enjoyed. As she scanned the room, she spotted various tokens of well-wishes and congratulations.
Eagerly, she began to explore the gifts one by one. Some were beautifully wrapped, while others held a more casual charm. Each package held a piece of the love and happiness that their friends and family had shared on their special day.
As she unwrapped each gift, Hara couldn't help but smile. Some contained practical items for their new life together, while others were more sentimental. She found herself reminiscing about the wedding, each gift triggering a memory of the person who had given it.
Suddenly, a knock echoed through the room, drawing Hara's attention away from the gifts. Her curiosity piqued, she quickly made her way to the door and opened it, revealing a familiar face. It was Clara, her former personal maid.
"Clara!" Hara exclaimed with genuine joy, her eyes lighting up as she took in the sight of her former friend and confidante.
"Hello, Hara," Clara greeted warmly, a smile gracing her lips. "I hope I'm not intruding. I know you're alone again, and I couldn't resist coming to see you."
Hara shook her head, her smile unwavering. "Not at all! I'm so glad to see you."
Clara stepped inside, and Hara immediately went to help her with the things she had brought. Their interaction was seamless, a reflection of the camaraderie that had developed during their time together.
"Did you already eat?" Clara inquired, her tone indicating both concern and excitement.
Hara's eyes widened in surprise. "You already bought the ingredients for my favorite food?"
Clara grinned mischievously. "Of course! I remember how much you love that dish. And besides, I thought it would be a nice surprise."
Hara playfully pouted, her lips forming a mock frown. "You know I can cook myself, you don't have to come all the way here."
Clara chuckled, the familiarity of their banter lighting up the room. "Well, I wanted to make sure it's made to perfection."
Their laughter echoed as they made their way to the kitchen. Hara appreciated the effort Clara had put into making her favorite dish, even though she was fully capable of preparing it herself.
In the cozy kitchen, sunlight streams through the curtained windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden countertops and the neatly arranged rows of gleaming stainless steel pots and pans hanging from a wall rack. The enticing sound of sizzling food filled the air, creating a symphony of crackling and hissing that tickled the ears. The irresistible aroma wafted through the surroundings, a tantalizing blend of fragrances that promised a delightful feast for the senses.
As they cooked together, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Hara seized the opportunity to catch up on her father's well-being, knowing that Clara was still working for him.
"How's Dad?" she asked, a genuine curiosity in her tone.
Clara's expression softened. "He's doing well, still as busy as ever. But he's been asking about you. He's been hoping for you to visit soon."
"He is? Maybe I should visit soon," Hara smiled, a mixture of warmth and nostalgia washing over her. Despite the changes that had occurred in her life, her father's presence remained a constant, a pillar of support and love.
Their cooking filled the kitchen with delicious aromas, and their shared conversation brought a sense of comfort.
"By the way," Clara asked, her tone curious yet considerate. "Don't you feel lonely, constantly being alone in this house?"
Hara looked at Clara, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. The question struck a chord within her, and she contemplated its significance. While her current situation was unique, the solitude she often experienced had indeed left her feeling a sense of emptiness at times.
"Why don't you get a job or something?" Clara continued, her suggestion laced with well-meaning intentions. "Maybe it can help with your burden."
Hara paused, her gaze momentarily fixed on the vegetables she was picking. She had considered the idea of finding a job, of engaging in activities that would fill her time and bring a sense of purpose. But there was a persistent feeling within her, a nagging sensation that she couldn't shake off.
It was the feeling that she might not be in this world for long, that her presence here was temporary. She didn't fully understand the reason behind this feeling, but it had been there since the moment she had transmigrated into the novel she had read.
With a small smile, Hara looked up at Clara. "Well, I don't know," she answered honestly. "I guess I've been taking things day by day. But your suggestion does make sense."
Clara nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Just remember that there are opportunities out there. And sometimes, embracing change can lead to unexpected joys."
"Alright," Hara replied, her thoughts momentarily interrupted by a sudden call that echoed through the kitchen.
Her attention shifted to her phone, where an unknown number was displayed on the screen. A sense of confusion crept over her as she hesitantly answered the call.
"Hello?" Hara's voice carried her bewilderment, wondering who might be calling her from an unfamiliar number.
The other end of the line remained silent, and before she could say anything further, the call abruptly ended. Hara looked at her phone in confusion, her brow furrowing. The abruptness of the interaction left her perplexed, and she considered the possibility that it might have been a wrong number or a random call.
Shrugging off the odd occurrence, Hara turned her attention back to Clara. "It must have been a wrong number," she said, her voice tinged with a hint of amusement. "Anyway, where were we?"
After all the cooking and enjoying their meal, the time had come for Clara to bid her farewell. Hara walked her to the door, a sense of contentment lingering in the air.
"Thank you for coming, Clara," Hara said with genuine gratitude, a smile tugging at her lips.
Clara smiled back, her eyes reflecting warmth. "It was my pleasure, Hara. I'm glad I could spend some time with you."
As they exchanged a final hug, Hara felt a renewed sense of connection. Clara's visit had brought a dose of companionship to her day, a reminder that even amidst solitude, meaningful interactions could be found.
"Take care," Clara said, her voice sincere as she stepped back.
"You too," Hara replied, watching as Clara made her way down the path.
With a wave, Clara disappeared from view, leaving Hara standing by the door with a sense of contentment. As she stood there, watching Clara's departing figure, a sense of contentment lingered in the air. However, the quiet moment was interrupted by the sudden ringing of Hara's phone. Her attention shifted to the device, and she felt a mixture of curiosity and confusion as she saw that the call was from the same unknown number as earlier. With a sense of anticipation, she answered the call, her voice cautious yet curious. "Hello?"
Just like before, the other end of the line remained silent for a moment, causing Hara's confusion to deepen.
"Should I block this number?" she mused aloud, considering the option. The intermittent calls from the unknown number had added an element of intrigue to her day, and she wasn't sure whether she wanted to keep that line of communication open or not.
Just then, the sound of a car engine reached her ears, and her attention shifted toward the source of the noise. It was Yuto's car, pulling up in front of the house. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized he had arrived.
With a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, Hara stepped outside to meet him. The sun had started to set, casting a warm golden hue over the surroundings. Yuto emerged from the car, and their eyes met, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them.
"Hara," Yuto greeted, his voice soft yet resolute.
"Yuto," she replied, her gaze meeting his with a mixture of emotions.
"You were waiting for me?" Yuto asked as he got out of the car, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in his voice.
Hara shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "No, I was just seeing Clara out. She came to visit."
Yuto's eyebrows lifted slightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, I see. So, it's just a coincidence."
Hara chuckled softly, her gaze meeting his. "Yeah, just a coincidence."
As the day gradually transitioned into evening, Hara felt a sense of contentment settle over her. The events of the day had brought unexpected conversations and connections, leaving her both thoughtful and hopeful. As she settled onto the sofa, she welcomed the opportunity to rest and reflect.
To her pleasant surprise, Yuto joined her, a cup of tea in his hand. His presence was reassuring, a reminder of the new chapter they were beginning together.
"Tea?" Yuto offered, his tone gentle.
Hara smiled, accepting the cup with a grateful nod. "Thank you."
They sat in companionable silence, the quietness of the moment a soothing balm to their spirits. The fading light outside cast a warm glow through the windows, filling the room with a tranquil ambiance.
"About yesterday," Yuto began, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty.
Hara turned her attention towards him, curious about what he wanted to discuss. "I-" Yuto paused, his words faltering as he seemed to wrestle with his thoughts.
Hara gave him a reassuring smile. "Take your time, Yuto. We can talk about whatever you want."
Yuto nodded, appreciating her understanding. He took a deep breath before continuing. "Do you know about the Viper Cartel?"
Hara's eyebrows furrowed. Just then, Hara realized that acting surprised about the Viper Cartel might be the best course of action. To protect Yuto's cover and avoid any suspicion, she needed to play along, even though she now knew the truth. "The Viper Cartel? It sounds familiar, but I can't say I know much about it."
Yuto leaned back on the sofa, his expression serious. "They're a powerful criminal organization that operates in the shadows. Their influence spans across various illegal activities, from smuggling to arms trafficking."
Yuto sighed, his gaze fixed on his tea. "I wasn't entirely honest with you before. My late-night activities, the times I disappeared in the middle of the night... I've been working against the Viper Cartel."
"You've been... fighting against them?"
Yuto nodded, his expression a mixture of determination and weariness. "Yes. It's a personal mission. They're responsible for my biological mother disappearance years ago."
"Biological mother?" Hara asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Yuto nodded, his gaze momentarily distant. "Yes, my biological mother was somehow connected to the Viper Cartel. She was taken from us when I was young, and that's what led me to become involved in this fight."
Hara's heart ached when she had remember the event when it was unfold in the novel. She could only imagine the pain and determination that must have driven Yuto to take such risks.
"But why didn't you tell me?" Hara asked softly.
Yuto looked at her, his eyes filled with regret. "I didn't want to involve you. It's dangerous, and I didn't want to put you at risk."
Hara reached out and placed a hand on his, offering her support. "Yuto, you don't have to shoulder this burden alone. We're in this together now."
He gave her a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Hara."
Hara looked at Yuto with a smile, a sense of appreciation and warmth filling her heart. Today had been different from the others, and she couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection with him.
"Today," Hara said, her smile softening, "you actually tried to have a deep conversation with me."
Yuto chuckled, his eyes meeting hers with a hint of playfulness. "I guess I did, didn't I?"
She nodded, her gaze never leaving his. "It's just... it's nice. To be able to talk about serious things, to share our thoughts and feelings openly."
Yuto's expression became more serious as he nodded.
Hara's smile widened as she felt the significance of their conversation. "I think we're getting better at this whole 'partner' thing."
He laughed with a warmth in his eyes. "I'd like to think so."
"Oh, right! Do you want to eat?" Hara's voice carried a note of enthusiasm as she remembered the delicious food they had prepared with Clara earlier.
Yuto's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "That sounds great, actually. I'm starving."
Hara chuckled, standing up from the sofa. "Perfect timing, then. Let me heat up the leftovers for us."
Yuto followed her into the kitchen, where the aroma of their earlier cooking still lingered in the air. He watched as she skillfully reheated the food, his gaze reflecting both hunger and anticipation. As they sat down to eat, the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable.
"This is really good," Yuto said between bites, a genuine smile on his face.
Hara beamed with pride, pleased that he was enjoying the food. "I'm glad you like it."