CHAPTER 134: CHAPTER 134 – “BEFORE THE SUNSET TELLS”

The afternoon passed slowly, like a golden film unrolling across the quiet countryside. The sun drifted lower, casting long shadows over the freshly trimmed lawn and the blooming garden Ren had quietly started tending to since returning home.

Ren sat on the porch steps, his shirt open slightly where the healing reactor scar still tingled beneath his skin. Beside him, Hikari lay stretched on the wooden steps, her tiny fingers sketching lazy shapes in the air.

"Papa?" she asked suddenly.

"Hm?"

"When I grow up... will I be like Mama?"

He blinked, smiled faintly, and turned to look at Aoi through the open kitchen window—her silhouette moving gracefully as she hummed while making dinner. Her long hair was tied in a loose braid, swaying slightly with each movement. The golden light framed her like a memory you’d never want to forget.

"You’ll be exactly like her," Ren said softly. "Strong, smart, stubborn... and very scary when you get mad."

Hikari giggled and poked his side. "Like now?"

Ren faked a wince. "Exactly like now."

Inside the house, Aoi stood still for a moment, spoon in hand, her expression thoughtful. The past few days had been peaceful. Almost too peaceful. She touched her abdomen gently, feeling that soft, delicate awareness again. Her heart raced at the thought.

She hadn’t told him. Not yet.

Not because she was afraid—but because she wanted the moment to be perfect. And maybe, just maybe... because this time, she wanted to savor it longer. The quiet beginning. The secret heartbeat.

She stepped out onto the porch just as the sun began to dip.

"Dinner’s ready," she called softly.

Hikari scrambled to her feet. "Mama, can we eat outside again? Like a picnic?"

Aoi smiled. "Only if Papa can carry the blanket."

Ren groaned playfully. "I’m a patient in recovery."

"You’re also the strongest man in the world, aren’t you?" Aoi teased, arms crossed.

He narrowed his eyes in mock-defeat. "That’s cheating."

They set up dinner in the yard under the fading sky. Fireflies began to flicker in the hedges, and a soft breeze drifted by with the scent of wildflowers. As they ate, laughed, and told stories, Ren leaned his back against the tree trunk and pulled Aoi into his arms.

"Y’know," he said, resting his hand on her shoulder, "this... is the life I’ve always wanted."

Aoi looked up at him, eyes shining.

"There’s something I want to tell you," she whispered, voice barely audible over the chirping crickets.

He glanced down at her, brow lifting in curiosity. "What is it?"

But she hesitated.

"After dinner," she said with a mysterious smile. "I want to watch the stars with you first."

And so they did.

Wrapped in a soft blanket, Aoi nestled into Ren’s chest as Hikari fell asleep between them. The night sky stretched above like a promise yet to be fulfilled.

Tomorrow, she would tell him.

Tonight, she’d just feel it—that their story, though long and scarred, was far from over.