The Red String Between Us Part II: Frayed Threads

第32章 Soft Return

     The hum of the private jet was comforting, almost like a lullaby, as Kenji and I settled into our plush leather seats. The sun had begun to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of rose and gold, the last glow of our birthday escapade clinging to the edges of the clouds. Kenji glanced at me from across the aisle, his smile soft and knowing. "Ready to go home?"

I nodded, feeling the thrill of anticipation and a bittersweet tinge of the trip ending. "Home," I echoed, letting the word linger.

Hours later, we touched down in Hokkaido. The familiar chill of the air was a sharp contrast to the tropical warmth we had left behind, but it was comforting in its own way—a reminder that our lives, while extraordinary, still had routines, responsibilities, and real-world edges. Kenji's car awaited us at the private terminal, and we drove through the winding roads back to his mansion.

Stepping inside, the grandeur of his estate enveloped me. Polished floors reflected the soft light from crystal chandeliers, and every corner seemed curated yet welcoming. Kenji caught my gaze with a small grin. "Make yourself at home," he said, gesturing expansively. "Explore, relax... see everything. I hope its apart of your world now."

I wandered through the rooms, each more stunning than the last—an art-filled study, a library lined with leather-bound volumes, a home theater with plush seating, and sun-drenched terraces overlooking snow-capped mountains. Along the way, I met members of his staff—chefs, housekeepers, and personal assistants—each offering polite smiles and gentle bows, their familiarity with Kenji evident in the ease of their service.

That evening I decided to run a long bath infused with fragrant oils. Kenji lingered nearby, attentive, his hands occasionally brushing mine, offering quiet smiles and soft words, but eventually, he excused himself. "I have to catch up on some work" he said, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

Left alone in the comfort of his mansion, I sank into the tub, and checked my phone. A missed call and a message from Harum, wishing me a happy birthday, and telling me he couldn't wait to see me again. My fingers hovered over the reply, hesitant, before I typed back a quick, polite message, the faintest pang of guilt pressing against the edges of my amusement and excitement.

 The house was quiet except for the gentle hum of air circulation and distant sounds of the staff tidying up. I closed my eyes, letting the luxury and love of the day settle into me, my body and mind ready for sleep.

Once I climbed out the tub, i went straight to Kenjis room—wrapped in comfort, cared for, and entirely present in Kenji's world.