a happy life kiyotaka x arusi

Part 1

A Morning Like No Other

The first rays of dawn filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of a luxurious apartment in the heart of Tokyo. The soft light played across the minimalist decor—sleek furniture, white walls adorned with sparse but tasteful artwork, and a few green plants that added life to the serene space. On the king-sized bed, Kiyotaka Ayanokoji lay awake, staring up at the ceiling with his usual calm expression, but something was different this morning. Something warm and comforting, something he still wasn't entirely used to, rested against his chest.

Arisu Sakayanagi, his wife, was curled up against him, her platinum blonde hair spilling over his chest like a silken waterfall. She was still deep in sleep, her delicate face relaxed, a small, contented smile playing on her lips. Kiyotaka, with his mind always so focused and sharp, found himself unable to think of anything except how peaceful she looked. It was a sight he never thought he'd treasure so much.

After everything they'd gone through—surviving the treacherous waters of their elite high school, outmaneuvering each other and everyone else—they had found something unexpected: a life together. Even more unexpected was the approval from his father, Professor Ayanokoji, who had always been a looming shadow over Kiyotaka's life. But the old man had shocked him by not only giving his blessing for their marriage but also handing over a sizable fortune, enough to ensure they never had to worry about money. More surprising still was his retirement, leaving Kiyotaka free to live his life on his own terms.

Kiyotaka glanced down at Arisu, her peaceful breathing steady against his chest. He knew she was the only person who had ever truly understood him, and now, she was his wife. It was a thought that still took some getting used to. Slowly, he began to stroke her hair, the silky strands slipping through his fingers.

"Arisu," he whispered softly.

She stirred, her eyelids fluttering as she slowly woke up. Her violet eyes, still hazy with sleep, met his golden ones, and her smile widened as she realized where she was.

"Good morning, Kiyotaka," she murmured, her voice a soft, musical lilt.

"Morning," he replied, his voice as even and calm as ever, though the hint of warmth in his eyes was unmistakable. "Did you sleep well?"

"Better than ever," she said, snuggling closer to him for a brief moment before reluctantly pulling away. "Though I'm not sure I ever want to leave this bed."

Kiyotaka chuckled softly—a rare sound, but one that Arisu had grown accustomed to. He gently slipped his arms around her, lifting her with ease as he stood up from the bed.

"Who said you had to?" he teased, carrying her effortlessly across the room. She laughed, a light, carefree sound that echoed through the apartment.

"You know, you're spoiling me," she said as he set her down on the plush sofa in the living room. The sunlight was brighter now, casting a warm glow over everything.

"Maybe," he admitted, bending down to place a soft kiss on her forehead. "But I don't mind."

She watched him as he turned and walked towards the kitchen, his movements graceful and efficient, as always. Even after all this time, she found herself captivated by the calm confidence he exuded. It was what had drawn her to him in the first place, back when they were rivals at the Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing School. She had always known he was special—someone who could stand on equal footing with her. And now, he was her husband.

Kiyotaka busied himself in the kitchen, gathering ingredients for their breakfast. He had become quite skilled at cooking over the years, though it was more out of necessity than passion. Still, he found a certain satisfaction in preparing meals for Arisu. There was something soothing about the routine, the simplicity of it, in contrast to the complex strategies and mind games that had once defined their lives.