Her eyes lowered to her cup again, the steam long faded.
Who will Father send…?
She knew well—her father didn't enjoy attending events like this.
Not out of pride, but preference.
He never liked public showings.
Kenji?
Her little brother came to mind.
But no… Satoshi had met him before. That might draw too much attention.
Maybe… Keiko and Kazuma?
That seemed more likely.
Keiko had always been calm in public settings. Kazuma even more so.
They could attend without stirring anything.
Kyouko exhaled quietly.
Well… it doesn't really matter.
As long as she could be there.
As long as she could step into that room.
And as long as she could stay close to Haruki—
That's good enough.
She didn't need a spotlight.
She didn't need her name announced.
Just the quiet space near him.
Just his warmth beside her.
Just one night, walking freely in the same place, even if no one knew the truth.
That would be enough.
