Due to work, I had to go on a months-long business trip to the region where my older brother lives, so I ended up staying at his place. His wife, Hitomi, was kind and gentle, and I had always harbored feelings for her. We only met a few times a year, and I was always too nervous around her. But because of our conflicting work shifts, our schedules were completely reversed—mine at night, hers during the day—so I naturally ended up spending more time with her. Not being much of a talker, I mostly just listened as she opened up about her daily life, neighborhood gossip, complaints about my brother, and even details about their marriage. Gradually, I began to sense the deeper emotions hidden within her heart. One night, returning home late after my night shift, I stumbled upon Hitomi in the dark living room, doing something I shouldn’t have seen. I told myself to look away and rushed toward my room, but she spotted me, and an awkward tension filled the air. Later, she came to my room. “I won’t tell anyone,” she said. Panicking, I blurted out, “I love you,” and pulled her into an embrace. Seemingly conflicted herself, she whispered, “You can do whatever you want with me… as long as it’s a secret,” then closed her eyes. I slowly kissed her lips, and all the restraint I’d held back for so long shattered. I kept making love to her until morning.