This Side of Paradise - Tsukishima Kei x OC

Chapter 21: Once Upon a Time

Chapter 21:

"Ready to go?" Kei murmured as they parked their car.

"Mhm." Mizuki nodded.

Currently, the two were in the parking lot of the cemetery to visit Mizuki's late father, Toma Hisashi. They, along with her brother Jun and her mother, wanted to introduce their newest member of the family to him. It was a strange, somber feeling - although Mizuki was very happy, part of her was troubled at the fact that her daughter would never get to truly meet her grandfather.

Jun stretched his legs as he exited the car and yawned.

"Man, it's way too early..." He complained.

"It's literally noon..." Mizuki rolled her eyes.

"Like I said, way too early..." He sighed.

Kei exited the driver's seat and opened the passenger door where Hana was snug in her car seat. He smiled as he unbuckled her seatbelt.

"Come here," He gently lifted her up and kissed her forehead, "How's my baby?"

Hana made a faint, adorable noise and his heart twinged with affection. He was careful to wrap her in a warm, fuzzy blanket even though she was already wearing a maroon jacket gifted to her by Yamaguchi.

"Baby, are we taking the stroller?" Mizuki asked curiously.

"We don't have to," He answered instantly, "I can carry her."

"Are you sure?"

"Mhm."

Kei joined Mizuki, her mother, and Jun and they began making their way to the cemetery. As they strolled through the sandy path, the wind blew lightly against them as the red and brown leaves swirled, signaling the beginning of autumn. This season represented a time for transformations in both Kei and Mizuki's lives. Autumn was the perfect time to reflect and embrace change, especially now that they have a daughter.

When they reached her father's gravestone, Jun leaned down and placed several candles in front of them.

"Hey, dad..." She murmured gently, "There's someone I'd like you to meet..."

Mizuki faced Hana, who was comfortably resting in Kei's arms, and smiled, "This is Hana, my daughter... Your granddaughter..."

"Hey dad, you're a grandpa now." Jun teased, causing all of them to laugh softly.

"We're considered elderly now, aren't we?" Mizuki's mother chuckled.

There was a melancholic atmosphere surrounding them - even though they brought Hana to meet him, the very reality that he would never get to hold her physically or have a conversation with her lingered at the back of everyone's mind. Kei couldn't even imagine what his wife was going through. All he knew was that he had to be there for his wife.

"Hey." Kei nudged her gently, causing her to gaze up at him.

"Yes?"

"Hana's smiling." He pointed out.

Mizuki's eyes glimmered with excitement and tip-toed up to look at her daughter. Hana's tiny, subtle smile was enough for Mizuki to feel instantly better. When their daughter was older, she would definitely tell her stories about her father as a person and as a volleyball player.

"Do you have the lighter for the candles, Jun?" Mizuki's mother asked.

"Yes!"

Jun lit the candles as everyone watched him intently. Mizuki's family stayed for about an hour just to tell her father about anything and everything. It provided them some comfort, and sometimes, that was enough.