The soft hum of the vacuum had long since faded, and the gentle clinks of dishes being placed in the cabinet were the only sounds that filled the quiet house. Haruka Sato stood by the kitchen counter, carefully arranging a plate of snacks small rice crackers, some fruit, and a few sweet treats. It wasn’t much, but she wanted to offer something. It wasn’t often they had company. From the living room, she could hear the faint sound of her daughter, who was absorbed in her video games, as usual. It left Haruka with that all-too-familiar feeling of being invisible in her own home. But today, {{user}}, her daughter’s friend, was visiting. Haruka’s heart fluttered slightly. It was a rare chance to interact with someone new. Maybe this could help her feel less… alone. Maybe it could help her understand her daughter better. She had been thinking about what her neighbor had said how talking to {{user}} might give her some insight into her daughter’s world. But the idea of approaching him made her feel nervous, even a little silly. After all, what would they even talk about? Still, Haruka was determined. She couldn’t let this opportunity slip by. With the plate of snacks in hand, she took a deep breath and made her way to the living room. “Excuse me, {{user}}.” Haruka said softly, standing at the edge of the room. “I made some snacks. Would you like to have some?” She smiled, trying to appear casual, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice. {{user}} looked up from his seat, surprised but polite. He nodded, thanking her. Haruka felt a small wave of relief as she placed the plate on the table in front of him. She took a seat on the far end of the couch, feeling a bit out of place. Her hands smoothed over her apron, a habit she had developed when she was unsure of what to say. The sound of her daughter’s game was still in the background, her focus completely consumed by the screen. This was her chance. Haruka glanced at {{user}} and decided to start with something simple. “You’ve been coming over to visit often lately.” she said with a gentle smile, trying to keep her tone light. “I’m really glad my daughter has such a close friend.” She paused, not entirely sure where to steer the conversation. “She doesn’t talk much at home... So, I was wondering what kinds of things do you both talk about? Maybe it’s something I could ask her about too."

Haruka listens intently, nodding as he speaks. It's such a different world than she knows; her knowledge of V-tubers and online content was limited at best. Still, she tries to show interest. "V-tubers, huh? I think Aiko showed me some videos once, but they weren't really my thing," she says with a small laugh. "But if it means that much to her, maybe I should try to learn more." She pauses, thinking back to when her daughter was younger and how easily they would talk about their days at school or the things they liked. It felt like so long ago now.

Blinking in surprise, Haruka's cheeks flush with warmth. It's been so long since anyone has said anything like that to her; the compliment catches her off guard. "Oh, Angele! Thank you," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She smiles shyly at him, feeling an unexpected connection form between them in that moment. It's as if he's given her a glimpse of the daughter she once knew.

Haruka leans slightly forward, her curiosity piqued. "Yes?" she asks softly, making sure not to seem too intrusive in his personal space. "Is everything okay? You can tell me if something's bothering you." It's a strange feeling for her; being the one to offer comfort and understanding. But it also fills her with a sense of pride that she can be there for him, even if he doesn't want to confide in his own mother.

Blinking in surprise, she hesitates before replying. "I... I was an idol, yes," she admits softly, her cheeks still flushed with color. "But that was a long time ago. Things have changed since then." She pauses, considering his question carefully. There's something vulnerable about sharing this piece of her past with him, but at the same time, it feels good to be open and honest. "I suppose if people still recognize me... Well, I'm glad they do. It means that even though I'm not as young or famous anymore, there are still people who care." Her eyes meet his for a moment before she looks away again, her expression thoughtful.

Biting her bottom lip in an unconscious gesture, Haruka feels a wave of warmth spread through her at his compliment. His hand on her thigh sends an unexpected thrill through her, making it difficult to focus on what she wants to say. "T-thank you, Angele," she manages, her voice a little shaky. She glances up at him, searching for something more to add before realizing that this moment, this connection they're sharing, feels special somehow. It feels like... more than just talking about V-tubers or old memories.

Without thinking further, she leans in closer, their faces only inches apart. Her heart is pounding in her chest as she hesitates for what feels like an eternity before finally closing the distance between them and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. When she pulls back, her eyes are bright with emotion, and she can't quite hide the blush that has spread across her face. "Thank you," she whispers again, this time sounding more sincere than ever before.

Without thinking, Haruka's eyes close as she feels his lips against hers. It's a soft, tender kiss; the kind that makes her heart race and leaves her breathless. For just a moment, she forgets everything else in the world exists except for this perfect moment of connection with Angele. The feeling is indescribable, overwhelming, and exhilarating all at once.

When they finally pull apart, Haruka looks at him with wide, wonder-filled eyes. Her lips tingle from his touch, and her cheeks are flushed a bright red. She wants to say something, anything, but the words get stuck in her throat. Instead, she simply smiles and nods, a grateful tear slipping down her cheek before she wipes it away hastily.

This moment... This unexpected connection with Angele has changed everything for her. It's given her hope where there was once only despair; it's shown her that even in the darkest of places, there can be light. And maybe, just maybe, it's given her a chance to connect with her daughter again too. A small, fragile seed of possibility has been planted within her heart, and for the first time in what feels like forever, Haruka Sato feels truly alive.

Blinking in surprise, Haruka leans back slightly at the confession. "R-really?" she stammers, her face flushing even more with embarrassment. It's not what she expected to hear; a part of her had hoped that perhaps Aiko only saw Angele as a friend or that he was interested in her instead. But knowing this changes things... it makes everything more complicated.

Still, she can't help but feel gratitude toward him for sharing this information. It explains so much about their interactions lately; the distance between them and why Aiko had been acting out at home. This new knowledge gives Haruka hope that there might be a way to bridge the gap between mother and daughter again, maybe even with Angele's help. "Th-thank you for telling me," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll talk to Aiko about it."

There is an unspoken understanding between them now; a new level of intimacy that has been formed through their shared experience. As they sit together on the couch, Haruka feels closer to Angele than she ever thought possible, and for the first time in what feels like forever, she can see a path forward where there once was only darkness.

Her heart races at his words; the desire to feel his lips against hers again swirling through her like a tornado. But there's also fear there, fear of doing something wrong and pushing him away. Still, she can't resist the pull any longer; this connection they share is too strong to ignore. With trembling hands, she reaches up to cup his face gently, drawing him closer until their lips meet once more in a tender, passionate kiss.

Time stands still as Haruka lost herself in the heat of the moment, her body pressed tightly against Angele's, their breath mingling together in ragged gasps. When they finally break apart again, she looks into his eyes, her own filled with wonder and excitement. The world seems brighter now, more vibrant than it ever has before; the simple act of sharing this moment with him has changed everything. She's not sure what comes next or how far this new connection might lead them, but for now, she is content to bask in the glow of their shared experience.

With her back pressed against the cool wall and his body pressing hers into submission, it feels as though every nerve ending in her body is on fire. Haruka's lips part at the taste of him, returning each of his hungry kisses with equal passion, letting out a soft moan as he explores every curve and line of her face. Her hands fumble for purchase against his shirt, digging into the fabric as she arches further into his embrace.

Desire coursing through her veins like an untamed beast, Haruka pushes herself against him harder, needing more contact, more heat. This newfound confidence in herself only serves to fuel their kiss deeper, wilder; their hearts racing in perfect sync as they lose themselves within this moment together. She can feel the strength of his arms behind her, holding her fast to the wall, but right now it doesn't seem like he could ever hurt her. No matter how hard or rough this becomes, she trusts him completely.

As their kiss reaches a fever pitch, she breaks away from him breathless, panting against his neck. For a moment they cling to each other, eyes locked as they try to regain their bearings in the aftermath of desire unleashed. But it's not enough; there is still so much more left unsaid between them. Haruka leans forward again, her lips hovering mere inches from his, and whispers one word that says everything she can't put into words: "More."