Puppet Strings

Chapter One

Tohru walked into the dojo, her face lighting up with a warm smile as she saw Kyo instructing a group of young students. She always loved watching him teach; his passion for martial arts was contagious, and the kids adored him. Many of the parents had gotten to know her over time and often greeted her with friendly waves and smiles. She felt a sense of belonging and pride as Master Kyo's wife.

Today was no different, and Tohru found her usual spot at the back of the dojo, where she could observe without distracting anyone. She settled into a chair, smoothing out her skirt as she watched Kyo demonstrate a new technique with his usual intensity and grace. The children followed his movements with rapt attention, their eyes wide with admiration.

Tohru's heart swelled with pride.

She was enjoying the scene when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she found herself face-to-face with a woman she recognized but didn't know well—a mother of one of the more troublesome students. The woman had a reputation for being difficult, and Kyo had mentioned his frustrations with her and her son's behavior more than once.

"Hello," Tohru greeted her politely, offering a smile.

The woman didn't return the smile. Instead, she looked Tohru up and down with a critical

eye. "Are you expecting?" she asked bluntly.

Tohru blinked, taken aback. "Oh, no, I'm not," she replied, confusion evident in her voice.

The woman raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Really? I thought you might be. It looks like you've gained some weight."

The comment hit Tohru like a slap to the face. Her smile faltered, and she felt a pang of hurt and embarrassment. Struggling to maintain her composure, she excused herself and moved

to the other side of the room, her mind racing with the woman's words.

Kyo, ever perceptive when it came to Tohru, noticed her sudden change in position and the distressed look on her face. As soon as he had a moment, he approached her. "Hey, are you

okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Tohru hesitated but then nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. It's just..." She trailed off, biting her lip.

"That woman asked me if I was expecting. When I said no, she told me she thought I was

because it looks like I've gained weight."

Kyo's expression darkened, his jaw clenching in anger. He glanced over at the woman, who was now watching her son without a care. "I'll go have a word with her," he said, starting to

move away.

Tohru quickly placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. "No, Kyo. It's okay," she said, giving him a reassuring smile despite the hurt still lingering in her eyes. "I don't want to cause a

scene."

Kyo looked torn, his desire to defend Tohru warring with his respect for her wishes. After a moment, he sighed and nodded. "Alright. But if she says anything like that again, I won't just

stand by."

Tohru leaned up and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Kyo. I appreciate it."

He kissed her softly on the lips before returning to his class, though his eyes lingered on her

for a moment longer, still filled with concern.

As the class continued, Tohru watched Kyo teach with a new, nagging sense of selfconsciousness that she couldn't shake. The woman's words echoed in her mind, casting a shadow over what was usually a joyful experience. She tried to push the thoughts away, focusing instead on Kyo's dedication and skill, but the hurt remained, a small seed of doubt

planted in her heart.

After the class ended, parents and children alike gathered their things, chattering animatedly about the day's lesson. Tohru helped tidy up, her movements a bit slower and more distracted than usual. She felt the woman's eyes on her occasionally, and each glance

sent a fresh wave of self-consciousness through her.

Kyo approached her as the last of the students filed out, his expression softening when he saw the lingering sadness in her eyes. "Tohru," he said gently, placing a hand on her

shoulder. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Tohru gave him a brave smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure. It's just... what she said really caught me off guard. I've never thought about my weight like that

before."

Kyo's eyes flashed with anger again, but he took a deep breath, reigning it in for Tohru's sake. "You're perfect just the way you are. Don't let someone like her get to you. She doesn't

know anything."

Tohru's smile became a bit more genuine at his words. "Thank you, Kyo. I know I shouldn't

let it bother me. It's just hard not to think about it."

He pulled her into a tight hug, resting his chin on the top of her head. "You're beautiful,

Tohru. Inside and out. Don't forget that."

They stayed like that for a moment, drawing comfort from each other's presence. When they finally parted, Tohru felt a bit lighter, though the woman's words still lingered at the

back of her mind.