Evening sunlight slipped through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the hospital room.
Haruki slowly opened his eyes... and froze.
His head was resting against her chest. His hand was holding her delicate one.
Haruki started to panic.
How did this happen? And how did I end up using Kyouko's breast as my pillow?
Not to mention my other hand over her stomach, our fingers intertwined.
Crap!
What if Kyouko wakes up and sees this?
She'll feel even more awkward and think I'm a total weirdo.
But... her hand is so small, her fingers delicate, her skin smooth and soft.
No... I shouldn't be enjoying this.
He slowly loosened his fingers from hers, ever so gently.
Don't wake up... please...
After Haruki pulled his hand away, he glanced at the clock on the wall.
6:49 p.m.
Time passed that fast?
He looked at Kyouko, still peacefully asleep.
She probably hasn't eaten anything all day... and I'm starving too.
Haruki was about to stand when the door opened. A doctor stepped in, clipboard in hand.
"Your wife's condition is good now. Just a fever. Her vitals are stable. You can take her home after this," the doctor said casually.
Wife...? He glanced at Kyouko, remembering how they'd been when she fell asleep, his head on her chest, their hands intertwined.
Haruki let out a breath of relief and bowed slightly. "Thank you."
Kyouko stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she heard soft voices nearby.
"...Hmm? Haruki?"
He cleared his throat and smiled gently. "Y-Yes, Kyouko?"
Before she could respond, the doctor looked at Kyouko. "Since your condition is stable now, you may go home."
"Thank you, Doctor," Kyouko said softly.
After the doctor left, a nurse came in a few minutes later. "We've finished your discharge paperwork. You're free to go once you're ready," she said, placing a clipboard on the table near Kyouko's bed before walking out.
After a while...
Haruki picked up Kyouko's purse and turned to her with a soft smile. "Ready to go?"
Kyouko nodded, her movements slow and careful as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed, her balance wavering slightly.
Haruki watched her closely. "Need a hand?" he asked softly.
"No... don't worry... I can..." But just as Kyouko started to stand, her leg wobbled.
Haruki steadied her shoulder. "Let me help."
Kyouko's eyes widened as his hand slid to her waist, holding her steady so she could walk properly.
"Slowly... slowly..." he murmured.
"I'm... I'm good now, Haruki. I don't want to trouble you."
"Don't worry about it, Kyouko-san."
"If... if you say so," Kyouko murmured, walking slowly with his hand on her waist and her head resting on his shoulder.
Her heart raced.
Why does this feel so natural with him? He's my son-in-law, not my husband. And yet, when his hand is on my waist, I don't feel weird, just surprised.
They walked slowly until they reached the payment counter. Haruki gently guided her to the waiting bench and helped her sit.
"Wait here. I'll take care of the bill."
She watched as he stepped up to the counter and handled the hospital bill, pulling out his bank card without a second thought.
Kyouko's eyes softened as she looked at him.
Why does this feel so… safe? He didn't complain or hesitate. He just took care of me. He's always there for me.
She glanced at Haruki, who was waiting for the transaction to process. When their eyes met, he gave her a pure, warm smile.
After the payment was complete, they walked slowly toward the parking lot. Haruki supported her with a gentle hand on her waist, her head resting on his shoulder, her fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt.
They reached the car. He opened the door and extended his hand to her.
"Careful," he murmured softly.
Kyouko took his hand and eased into the seat as he helped her settle in.
Haruki closed the door gently, walked around the car, and slid into the driver's seat. Just as he reached for the ignition, he noticed something.
"You haven't buckled your seatbelt," he said, glancing over.
"Oh," Kyouko blinked, startled. "Right…"
Before she could move, Haruki leaned across to reach for it. Kyouko's breath caught as he drew close, his face mere inches from hers, his shoulder brushing lightly against her breast.
Her body tensed for a moment, but she didn't pull away. She didn't want to make things awkward. She simply sat still, watching quietly as he clicked the belt into place.
"Thank you, Haruki," she whispered, smiling softly.
"No problem, Kyouko-san."
As the car glided onto the road, the soft hum of the engine filled the silence.
"Haruki?" Her voice was quiet.
"Yes, Kyouko-san?"
"Don't tell them about me being admitted to the hospital."
He glanced at her, eyebrows slightly raised. "Hmm? Why?"
"I just... don't want them to worry," she said with a small smile, leaning back and closing her eyes.
"You sure?" Haruki said, his eyes fixed on the road.
"Mm... So if you can, please don't tell them."
"Okay, Kyouko-san." Haruki smiled and kept driving.
Kyouko leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes.
Inside her mind.
I wasn't afraid of their worry. I was afraid of disappointment. I knew my husband well enough to guess his reaction—annoyance, maybe even anger. Not because I'd been ill, but because I'd "made a fuss" over something like a fever. And if Satoshi knew I'd been admitted to the hospital because of a fever, he'd be mad.
Once they arrived home, Haruki carefully parked the car in the driveway and noticed Kyouko was still asleep.
He stepped out, walked around to the passenger side, and opened the door gently.
"Kyouko-san," he said softly, tapping her arm. "We're home."
Her eyes fluttered open. "Oh… we've arrived?"
"Yes."
She tried to rise, but her body was still weak. Her hands gripped the seat for support.
"Don't push yourself," Haruki said gently as he slid one arm under her knees and the other behind her back, lifting her into a princess carry.
"W-wait—Haruki…" she gasped, flustered and embarrassed.
"Don't worry about it, Kyouko-san. Besides, you're still recovering," Haruki said with a reassuring smile as he walked toward the front door.
Still flustered, Kyouko gently wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her cheek lightly against his shoulder.
She closed her eyes again, pretending not to notice how good it felt to be held like this, even though she was already too embarrassed to admit it.
( End Of Chapter )