Kaori Caught His Gaze

While you chatted with him, Kaori was behind you staring at the curb. You asked him about his job, his interests, and why he’d chosen the neighborhood. He kept on slipping in innocent brags wherever he could. How highly he was paid at the consulting firm. How good he was at tennis. You got the sense he might be a useful person to know for your career…if you could stomach sucking up to him.

Before you could escape the conversation, Kaori finally interjected. She just told him that it was nice to meet him, nothing substantial. Yet, he didn’t respond to it as mere courtesy. Without warning, he went low and planted a kiss on the back of her hand. The way one might have greeted a lady in olden times. He told her how charmed he was to live next to such a beauty. Your wife, ever skittish, was left apoplectic by the dramatic gesture. She was so confused, she didn’t even pull away.

When he rose, he gave an awkward laugh and plated it off as something of a joke. Kaori stuttered out a shy thank you and went silent again. The press of her body against your side was a signal you recognized as her wanting to hide.

Overall, certainly an awkward first meeting. One that started you off on the wrong foot. Part of it was just…you found him annoying. {if Female = true}He was just another overpaid misogynist.{endif} More than anything else, you didn’t like people who made Kaori uncomfortable for fun. You were her protector.