A Love I Shouldn't Feel-Chapter 220: Before the Fall ( )

Flashback – Years Ago

High school.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the school gates.

Satomi stood alone, her bag resting against her legs as she checked her phone.

Her lips pouted slightly.

"Mom’s late again..."

She sighed.

It wasn’t the first time. But today hurt more.

It was her birthday.

Then—

A familiar black sedan pulled up beside the curb.

She blinked.

"Papa~!!" Satomi lit up the moment she saw who stepped out.

Harusawa Satoshi, still in his early 40s back then, wore a crisp white shirt with his sleeves rolled to the forearm, collar slightly open. A calm, confident man with a businessman’s posture.

"You’re picking me up today? Where’s Mom?"

He smiled, tossing his keys slightly as he approached.

"Hmm? I’m not too busy today." he said, brushing her bangs back gently with one hand.

"Besides... we haven’t hung out much since I started the company."

He opened the car door for her.

"And it’s your birthday today, right?"

Satomi froze.

Her eyes teared up instantly.

"You... remembered?"

Satoshi smirked.

"Of course. How could I forget my little girl’s special day?"

"Now now, baby girl... don’t cry." he said softly, pulling her gently into a quick embrace beside the open door.

His hand patted her head, then lingered a second too long on her back.

"Come on. I’ll take you somewhere nice.Just us."

"Where are we going?" Satomi asked, glancing at Satoshi.

"Hmm?" he smiled.

"It’s been so long since we hung out. Wanna celebrate your birthday somewhere nice?"

He started the engine, glanced at her with a tilt of his head.

"You choose the place."

Satomi blinked.

"Really?"

"Yes. Anywhere you like."

She smiled, eyes bright.

"Then... how about that French restaurant? The one near the river?"

Satoshi chuckled. "You mean the one with the ridiculous desserts?"

"Yes! I’ve always wanted to try them!" she beamed.

"Sure. Let’s go."

"Okay!"

As they pulled into the road, city lights began to flicker on around them.

The late afternoon glow filtered through the windshield, warm and golden.

Inside the car, it was quiet—comfortable.

They talked.

About school.

About how the company was slowly growing.

About her favorite food.

About how she missed going on drives like this.

Satoshi listened with occasional glances, one hand on the wheel, the other relaxed.

And Satomi—

She smiled.

She laughed.

And she leaned slightly closer as they drove.

When they arrived, Satoshi pulled into the valet lane, handing off the keys with casual ease. Satomi stepped out beside him, smoothing her skirt as she looked up at the elegant building.

Warm lights. White tablecloths.

The faint clinking of glasses behind frosted glass windows.

Her eyes sparkled.

"Wow..." she whispered, awe in her voice.

"This is my first time at a place like this."

Satoshi glanced at her, smirking as he adjusted his cuff.

"Then let’s make it memorable."

Inside, the maître d’ greeted them with a bow and guided them to a table by the window. The view of the river shimmered outside, soft reflections of gold and indigo dancing across the water.

They took their seats—

Satomi’s legs swinging slightly under the table, trying to hide how thrilled she was.

Candlelight flickered between them.

She opened the menu carefully, trying to act composed despite her excitement.

"Just order what you want." Satoshi said, his voice low, casual.

Satomi looked up at him with a small smile.

"Mm... okay~"

She leaned over the menu again.

Noticed the way her hair framed her face when she tilted her head.

The way her lashes dipped when she studied the words.

The flush in her cheeks—not from embarrassment, but joy.

And for the first time in a long while—

Satoshi felt quiet.

Not from pressure.

Not from business.

Just... still.

Satomi glanced up and caught him watching.

"Hmm? Something on my face?" she teased softly.

Satoshi leaned back, shaking his head faintly.

"No. Just wondering how you grew up so fast."

As the main course was cleared, Satoshi took a slow sip of red wine, swirling the glass absently in his fingers.

Across the table, Satomi watched him, chin resting lightly on her hand.

Her eyes followed the movement of the glass, the way the candlelight caught the rim.

"Can I taste it? Pleaseee~? Just a sip?" she asked with a playful tilt of her head.

Satoshi raised a brow.

"You’re underage."

She pouted, eyes wide with mock offense.

"Just a little~ no one will know. Pretty please?"

He paused.

Then gave a quiet sigh, his lips curving.

"You really are spoiled."

She grinned.

With a discreet flick of his hand, he signaled the waiter for a refill.

The glass was poured.

As soon as they were alone again, he slid it across the table.

Satomi took it carefully, eyes lighting up.

She brought it to her lips and took a slow, tentative sip.

Her eyes widened.

"Wow... it tastes... good."

She giggled softly. "Smooth... and kind of warm?"

"Told you." Satoshi said, watching her with a faint smile.

"Mmm... I feel fancy now."

She took another sip, slower this time, holding the stem delicately between her fingers—trying to mimic how he held his.

She smiled at him again, almost shyly.

"Thanks for tonight... really."

Satoshi looked at her quietly.

After they finished their dessert, Satoshi reached into his coat pocket and placed a small velvet box on the table between them.

A soft gold hue, wrapped neatly.

Satomi blinked in surprise.

"Eh? What’s this?"

Satoshi leaned back, voice calm.

"Happy birthday, Satomi."

Her fingers delicately opened the box.

Inside—

A slender, elegant gold necklace, with a single tiny stone glimmering at the center.

"T-Thank you..." she whispered, eyes wide.

"Mmm~ you really bought this for me?"

Satoshi gave a small smile.

"Anything for my girl."

Satomi grinned, cheeks flushed with delight.

"Aww~ so sweet."

Outside, the air had cooled.

Satoshi paid the bill without a word, and they walked together toward the parked car.

Satomi’s steps were light, her fingers constantly brushing over her new necklace.

"Best birthday ever!" she sang happily, her joy uncontained.

"Seriously. I’ll never forget this."

Satoshi glanced at her as they stopped beside the car.

"Satomi."

"Hmm?" she looked up, still smiling.

He opened the passenger side door, then paused—voice softer this time.

"Wanna hang out together? Just a little more."

She tilted her head.

"Where?"

He didn’t answer right away.

Instead, he leaned slightly closer, his voice low.

"You trust me, right?"

She blinked.

Smiled.

Wrapped her hands around his arm and leaned into him gently.

"Yes, I am."

They stood like that for a moment—her cheek resting against his shoulder, fingers holding his arm lightly.

"You wanna go home?" he asked quietly.

"Or hang out more?"

Satomi pulled back, still holding onto his arm.

"Hang out~" she whispered.

( End Of Chapter )

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