Special Chapter – A New Beginning

The gentle evening breeze floated lazily in through the open window, bringing the fragrance of flowers in bloom into the snug living room. The golden light of the sun setting bathed the room in a warm orange glow.

Haruto sat comfortably on the couch, his usual calm demeanor slightly softened by the years. His black hair, now a little shorter and more refined, framed his face as he watched his son curiously fidget beside him. His daughter, younger by a few years, was already curled up on Nasaki's lap, fast asleep.

"Ahhh… Papa, explain to me how you and Mama met!" his son begged, his big eyes brimming with curiosity. His small hands pulled at Haruto's sleeve, not letting go.

Nasaki, who was sitting beside her, tensed lightly. Her cheeks flushed the palest red as memories of their school days flashed through her mind. She stroked her daughter's soft hair gently, making sure Haruto would not catch her eyes.

Haruto looked at Nasaki, noticing her blush. A faint, knowing smile played at the corner of his mouth.

"Hmm…" Haruto reclined, folding his arms with a considerate look. "That's a long story," he finished, feigning to be in deep contemplation.

"Come on, Dad!" His son pouted, his eagerness barely suppressed. "Please! I wanna know!"

Haruto emitted a brief laughter. He looked at Nasaki once more, whose blush had intensified. Her eyes silently begged him not to say anything else.

"Maybe… I'll tell you later," Haruto said at last, his voice soft but resolute. "You're already late for bed, and see?" He nodded toward his daughter, who now breathed softly, her small face nestled quietly against Nasaki. "Your sister's already asleep."

"Awwww…" The little boy pouted, blowing out his cheeks in annoyance. "But I'm not sleepy yet!"

"Even so," Haruto replied, tousling his son's hair, "you must sleep. Big boys such as yourself require their rest as well."

"But I wanna hear the story…" His voice faded away, but his eyes were gradually beginning to close.

Nasaki, her cheeks still flushed, finally whispered, "We'll tell you when the time is right… okay?"

"Promise?" The boy's voice was little more than a whisper now, his eyelids becoming heavier.

Haruto shared a soft glance with Nasaki before responding, "Promise."

As their son finally drifted off to sleep, Haruto gently scooped him up and took him to his bedroom. Nasaki trailed behind, cradling their sleeping daughter in her arms.

Having tucked them both into bed, Haruto and Nasaki stood at the door, observing their sleeping children.

"Do they think they'll believe how clumsy we were at that time?" Nasaki whispered, her voice laced with soft laughter.

Haruto smiled gently, taking her hand in his. "Perhaps," he whispered. "But I'll omit where I was too stupid to know how much you enjoyed me."

Nasaki playfully nudged him, her blush returning. "And I'll omit where I was too shy to say so."

They lingered there for another moment, guarding the precious life they had constructed together.

"Guess our tale isn't done yet," Haruto whispered softly, squeezing her hand.

"No," Nasaki whispered with a smile. "It's just starting."

The End… and a New Beginning.