Perfect Sex Sequel - Chapter 20

The next day.

I took the bus from Keisei Makuhari Station and headed to my parents’ house. I had already called ahead to let them know I was going to meet Sanae. I had bought a variety of dolls and stuffed animals, and I was holding two large paper bags.

The memory of Sanae’s smile and the sweet childlike scent of her when she hugs me flooded my mind. It’s been almost a month since I last saw her.

I wondered if Sanae would remember me. She wasn’t even three years old yet. A month might be long enough for her to have forgotten about her father.

A sudden wave of anxiety passed through my mind.

After about 40 minutes, the bus arrived at Katsutadai, where my parents’ house was. I still had the apartment I lived in when I was single. When I got married to Saori, I had thought about selling it for a while, but it was still there.

While heading to my parents’ house in a taxi, the scenery of my hometown flowed outside the window, something I hadn’t seen in a while.

Sanae is being alternately taken care of by my parents and Saori’s parents, with about a 10-day interval. Both sets of parents love her so much that they spoil her without hesitation.

Hahaha….

Thinking about that, a smile spread across my face.

“Sanae! Sanae!

As soon as I opened the door to my parents’ house, I called out Sanae’s name loudly. In the entryway, there were Sanae’s little red shoes.

“Papa, Papa!”

From inside the house, I heard Sanae’s voice, followed by the sound of her running. Then, the living room door flew open and Sanae came bursting out.

“Papa, Papa!”

With a beaming smile, Sanae threw herself into my arms.

“Sanae, Sanae!”

I embraced Sanae, and the nostalgic smell of her came rushing back.

“Sanae, I’ve missed you so much! I really wanted to see you! I love you, Sanae!”

I hugged Sanae and kissed her all over her face and lips. I kissed her soft cheeks while rubbing my own cheek against hers, and my tears streamed down my face.

She is the treasure of Saori and me.

“Oh, you arrived.”

My dad came out, narrowing his eyes as he looked at Sanae and me. My mom had a smile on her face.

I didn’t leave Sanae’s side for a second. She clung to me, playing with the toys and stuffed animals I brought on my lap.

After only a month without seeing her, Sanae had grown a lot. It seemed like she had gained some weight. Her expressions, at times, were starting to resemble her mother Saori’s more and more.

My cheeks were always in a smile.

“It seems like you’ve gotten a bit better…”

I exchanged drinks with my father while kissing Sanae, who was sitting on my lap.

“Yeah… it’s been a little long, but… I’ll be back at work starting next month. I have a mountain of work waiting.”

I said to my father while staring at Sanae.

“However, I’ll still be looking after Sanae. Until your work calms down… Saori’s parents are really enjoying their time with her as well.”

Saying that, my father poured me another drink.

“Yeah. I was planning to ask the same thing… I can’t take care of every little detail with Sanae, but once things settle down, I’ll live with her again. That’s my only wish. I’ll come see her on the weekend.”

I poured my father a drink.

“Find a new housekeeper as soon as you can. It’s not likely you’ll find someone like Hayasaki-san though…”

Saying that, my father gazed at Sanae, who was sitting on my lap.

“You know… why not consider remarriage for Sanae’s sake? Saori’s parents agree. Sanae needs a mother. Without one, a father alone can’t provide the emotional balance she needs.”

I remained silent after hearing my father’s words.

“The first anniversary has passed. Saori wouldn’t be angry if you remarried. In fact, she’d probably want that for you and Sanae.”

Saying that, my father drank from his glass. My mother nodded several times in agreement with his words.

“I’ll think about it…”

I replied.

　　☆…　☆…　☆…

I reunited with the adorable Sanae after a month, reaffirmed our love, and returned the next day. When I arrived around 9 PM, the apartment was eerily quiet with no one around.

“I’m home, Saori…”

I lit a candle and incense at Saori’s altar.

“Sanae was doing well. She even remembered my face… It was hard to leave, and I almost cried… I’ll see her again next weekend. This time, it’ll be at your parents’ place.”

I gave Saori a detailed report about everything that happened at my parents’ house.

In the empty room, only my voice, speaking to Saori, echoed.

　　☆…　☆…　☆…

The next day.

At 7 in the morning, Hayasaka came over and started preparing breakfast in the kitchen.

“That’s good to hear. Sanae-chan must have been really happy to be able to be pampered by her daddy after such a long time.”

Hayasaka quickly arranged the breakfast on the table while listening to me with a smile.

In the evening, I have plans to eat out with Hayasaka. It’s a meal to celebrate both my return to the company and Hayasaka’s new beginning.

Hayasaka will finish her duties as a housekeeper today and tomorrow, and after that, she’ll be leaving for her new role at the Suzukaze Resort.

“Let’s eat.”

I joined my hands together and said, looking at the breakfast laid out on the table.

“Please, enjoy.”

Hayasaka smiled and said to me as I picked up my chopsticks.

“The restaurant we’ll be going to is ‘Amour’ at the Toyo Hotel near Funabashi Station, starting at 6. I’ve been given a good salary, so I went all out!”

After finishing the meal, Hayasaka said while cleaning up, her face glowing with a happy smile.

“Are you sure? Normally, I should be the one treating you…”

I said to Hayasaka, who was washing the dishes in her apron. I had to thank her for all the help she gave me with Sanae, but I had been too distracted by Saori, Sanae, and Kanae, and the issue of Hayasaka’s contract ending.

“Ahaha… Please don’t worry about it. I wanted to do this myself… Thanks to you and Sanae-chan, I had a very happy year. Also, it was because I was taken care of here that I was able to find a new life…”

Hayasaka said this and turned to face me. Her expression was bright, as if she had made up her mind to go to Suzukaze Resort and was reminding herself of it.

“Well then, sir. I’m looking forward to having dinner with you… I’ll excuse myself for today.”

After she finished cleaning up, Hayasaka lowered her head while folding her apron.

“I’m looking forward to it as well. Let’s meet at 6.”

I also bowed my head to Hayasaka.

　　☆…　☆…　☆…

The Toyo Hotel is considered the top-grade hotel in this town. Thinking I shouldn’t show up in casual clothes, I wore a collared shirt with a tie and a light blazer as I left the apartment.

I got to the Toyo Hotel by taxi at 5:40 PM. At the very least, I should arrive before Hayasaka as a matter of courtesy.

I waited for Hayasaka in the hotel lobby. About 10 minutes later, she appeared, wearing a beige dress and a navy cardigan.

Wow…

I stared at Hayasaka and couldn’t help but sigh.

Hayasaka, who’s always wearing an apron while cleaning or preparing meals, looked like a completely different woman.

I had only ever seen Hayasaka with her hair tied back in a white cloth, wearing slacks and an apron, so this was the first time I saw her dressed up in a coordinated outfit. She was naturally beautiful with a great figure, and now she exuded a graceful yet radiant aura. The fact that she wore clip-on earrings instead of piercings felt very much in line with her former housewife persona.

“Sorry to keep you waiting… Did you wait long?”

Hayasaka approached me with a beautiful smile.

“No, I just got here too…”

I said this and bowed my head.

“Hayasaka-san… You look amazing. You’re so beautiful…”

I said this and gazed at Hayasaka. It wasn’t flattery; she truly didn’t look like someone nearing 40. She looked at least five years younger.

“Oh… thank you. You look great as well, sir.”

Hayasaka looked at me with a smile.

“Hahaha… This is a nice fun meal. Please don’t call me sir.”

After I said that, Hayasaka laughed, covering her mouth.

“Then, just for today, is it okay if I call you Kureha-san?”

Hayasaka said, smiling.

I escorted Hayasaka onto the elevator. The restaurant, Amour, was on the 12th floor. I confirmed the elevator stopped on the 12th floor and gently placed my hand on Hayasaka’s back to escort her. I made sure to follow the lady-first rule.

Once we entered Amour, a hostess led us to our reserved seat under Hayasaka’s name. It was by the window. I moved behind her and helped her take off her cardigan. Hayasaka smiled and said, “Thank you.” I gently pushed the chair to help her sit.

“Kureha-san, you’re so kind… this is the first time I’ve been escorted like this.”

Hayasaka squinted her eyes and said this as she looked at me from across the table.

“It’s because you’re so beautiful, Hayasaka-san. I’m truly lucky to be having dinner with such a beautiful woman.”

I said this while looking at Hayasaka.

“My, you’re good at this… Did you always treat Saori like this as well?”

“I did, yes… I always treated Saori this way.”

I replied and scratched my head.

“Hehehe… I’m saying ‘thank you for the meal’ even before the meal starts. Too bad it’s not just for me.”

Hayasaka’s smile was full of warmth. It was a different kind of beautiful smile than the one I usually saw at the apartment. With this beauty and smile, she would surely become well-known quickly at the Suzukaze Resort.

“Let’s make a toast. To the health and smile of the beautiful Hayasaka-san… and to her success in the new place.”

I lifted the glass of beer that had been brought to me.

“I’ll toast to your happiness, Kureha-san, and to the health of little Sanae.”

“Cheers…”

“Cheers…”

Hayasaka and I, smiling, brought our glasses together in a cheerful toast.

・・・・・

For about an hour and a half, we talked about memories from the past year and about Sanae. Hayasaka smiled especially when the topic turned to Sanae, she told me many stories about her daily life that I didn’t know about. I was often surprised with wide eyes, and sometimes I even laughed out loud.

“It’s finally time to say goodbye to Sanae-chan… It feels like my heart is being torn apart. Looking back, I wonder if I should’ve turned down the offer from the Suzukaze Resort.”

Hayasaka, while sipping her beer, looked at me with a sad expression.

“I told you before, didn’t I? I want to see you take a great leap forward…This is your destiny, and I believe the job at Suzukaze Resort will be your calling. I’m sure your late husband is supporting you too. Don’t be timid, go forward proudly. Take that first step into a new world. As for me, I’ll also take a step forward with Sanae, so that I can stand tall and not be ashamed. Let’s both do our best.”

I said that and extended my right hand.

“Yes, thank you.”

Hayasaka extended her hand, and I grasped it tightly, shaking it.

・・・・・

“For dessert, let’s enjoy cocktails while watching the night view.”

Hayasaka said, raising her hand to signal a nearby male waiter.

“Please.”

In response to Hayasaka’s words, the young man in the white bow tie nodded and said, “Certainly,” bowing his head. He then led us to a three-seat sofa by the window. I took Hayasaka’s slender white hand and, with my hand on her back, helped her sit down.

I sat down beside Hayasaka on her right.

This seemed to be the designated spot for viewing the night view, with a slightly narrow counter along the window.

Soon after, a beautiful orange cocktail, a brandy on the rocks, and some cheeses were brought to the table.

“Madam, the cocktail is a Caribbean sunset.”

The waiter explained the names of the cocktail and cheese. I wondered if Hayasaka had been listed as my “wife” for the reservation. If she was this beautiful, it would be an honor to be called her “husband.”

“What a beautiful color…”

Hayasaka smiled softly as she gazed at the cocktail.

Then, heavy curtains slowly descended from the ceiling, surrounding our seats, and the lighting from behind was blocked out where Hayasaka and I were sitting. The night view, which had been hard to see due to the reflections in the glass, became clearly visible.

“If you need anything, please press this bell. Enjoy your time…”

The staff member placed the wireless call button and disappeared outside the curtain.

“Let’s have another toast.”

Hayasaka smiled and lifted her cocktail glass.

“To the beautiful cocktail and night view. And to the even more beautiful Hayasaka-san, cheers…”

I lifted my glass of whiskey, gazing at Hayasaka’s smile.

“I have a favor to ask you, Kureha-san…”

As I was slowly drinking, Hayasaka spoke to me.

“What is it?”

After taking a sip of my water, I looked at Hayasaka’s side profile. It was a beautiful sight.

Hayasaka was looking down. Her profile had a sorrowful expression, as if she wanted to say something.

“With me…”

Hayasaka raised her head and looked outside the window.

“Until tomorrow night… Please, stay with me… as a woman…”

Hayasaka said that and stared at me. Then, she took off her wedding ring from her ring finger and placed it in her bag.

Dear….

In her heart, Hayasaka Mizuki pictured the face of her late husband. It was the face of her husband in his smiling portrait.

Her job as a housekeeper at the Kureha residence is ending. Starting next month, she will be hired at Tadokoro Shizue’s Suzukaze Resort, and her training as the next proprietress will begin.

I am also a woman. Since my husband passed away, I had never dated any man.

As a housekeeper on a one-year contract, I spent my time with Kureha Kosuke and his daughter, Sanae, cleaning the altar of Kureha Saori every day. I cleaned the altar of Kureha Kosuke’s dearly beloved wife, replaced the water, and offered fruits that Kureha Saori supposedly liked.

She is not someone I can compete with. No matter how hard I try, I cannot match someone who has passed away. In the end, I cannot compete with the beautiful memories that live on in the heart.

Kureha Kosuke may not have noticed, but Tadokoro Kanae, the young proprietress of Suzukaze Resort, visited for Kureha Saori’s memorial alter. Unlike in photos, the actual delicate beauty of Tadokoro Kanae was breathtaking. Tadokoro Kanae was deeply infatuated Kureha Kosuke, so much so that her heart yearns for him.

And I, as well…

At one point, I found myself attracted to a man named Kureha Kosuke.

Just once, I wanted to be held as the woman I still am, not yet having wilted. And I also wanted to embrace Kureha Kosuke and make love to every part of him.

It would be nothing more than a memory of a single night.

I will carry that memory with me even into the grave. Even when I am in the grave, I will never speak of it to God or Buddha.

If Kureha Kosuke makes my wish come true, it will be a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.

And I will live, praying for Kureha Kosuke and Tadokoro Kanae to be united as soon as possible.

But before that, I will present myself as a woman before Kureha Kosuke. That will be my severance pay and my reward to myself.

Mizuki stared intently at the eyes of Kureha Kosuke, who was looking at her.

I feel the growing ache of my sexual longing as a woman deep within my heart and body. The lower part of my abdomen, the symbol of womanhood, was pulsing as if it were numbed by a deep ache.

Dear… Let me be a woman again, just until tomorrow night.

Mizuki put her hands together in her heart, offering a prayer to her husband.

Chapter length 6883 characters.