This Side of Paradise - Tsukishima Kei x OC

Chapter 22: Lunch

Chapter 22:

4 months later

Mizuki and Hana were currently in the elevator of the Miyagi Research Institute of Geology, Archeology, and Paleontology (or MRI GAP, for short). This institute where Kei worked was a prestigious organization known worldwide for its intricate investigations and innovative analyses into human, animal, and earth life. Kei originally worked there as a research assistant when he was an undergraduate student, and after obtaining his Master's degree and Ph.D., he was offered a job as a paleontologist and analyst.

"Ready to see daddy?" Mizuki grinned as she adjusted the blanket in Hana's stroller.

Hana giggled softly, and Mizuki's heart swelled with warmth. Lately, it seemed like their daughter was growing up too fast. Hana's hair had been growing and it was blonde, just like Kei's. Additionally, she had learned how to roll over when she was two months old and now, she was trying to crawl. They also witnessed her laugh for the first time a few weeks ago, when she witnessed Kei trip on one of her toys which were sprawled across their living room floor. These milestones, however small they may be, they cherished wholeheartedly.

As soon as the elevator door opened on the 14th floor, Mizuki pushed the stroller towards the front desk area, where the secretary, Nagisa-san was.

"Tsukishima-san!" She greeted warmly, rushing over to them hastily, "Hana's here too!"

"Hi Nagisa-san," Mizuki smiled, "How have you been?"

"I'm doing well!" Nagisa beamed, peeking at Hana who was snug in the stroller, "How have you two been? It's been so long since I've seen you!"

"I'm doing well," She laughed lightly, "It's definitely been a hectic few months..."

"Welcome to parenthood!" Nagisa sighed tiredly, "I can relate to the exhaustion, trust me."

"You're like my knight in shining armor, Nagisa-san," Mizuki teased, "Your advice about sleeping when Hana's sleeping... I think you literally saved mine and Kei's life."

She laughed and patted Mizuki's back, "I'm glad!"

"Is Kei still in the lab?" Mizuki asked curiously.

"I think so," Nagisa nodded thoughtfully, "They recently received some fossils that were discovered in Malaysia, and now, all the scientists are nerding out."

"Including my husband." Mizuki added, causing the secretary to chuckle.

"Exactly. Let's have you wait and relax in his office, in the meantime!" Nagisa suggested, "I would love for you and Hana to stay here and chat with me but I'm swamped with work..."

"Oh, it's no problem..." Mizuki insisted, "We can wait here."

"Nonsense," She shook her head quickly, "You're Tsukishima-san's wife and my friend. I'm not having you wait here!"

"But-"

Nagisa gently began nudging Mizuki and Hana into the hallway where various offices of scientists, researchers, analysts, and businessmen were located. She had never been this far into the 14th floor, and it made her feel a bit apprehensive. Mizuki felt like she was breaking into private property. Nagisa escorted them to Kei's office and told them that if they needed anything, all they needed to do was just call the front desk.

She entered her husband's new and pristine office. After his promotion to a senior analyst a few months ago, he was moved to the 14th floor, where the most respected employees of MRI GAP were located. She recalled a salacious memory from about a year ago, when Kei had snuck her into his old office on the 11th floor and how they had gotten... intimate. His new office, however, had a large, wooden desk filled with papers, a laptop, books, and other stationery items required for his research. There was also a mini-refrigerator on the corner, various plants, and a seemingly comfortable sofa on the opposite side of the room. Mizuki shut the door behind her and picked up Hana from her stroller. She was unusually quiet as if she was intently observing her surroundings.