This Side of Paradise - Tsukishima Kei x OC

Chapter 24: Surprise

Chapter 24:

Mizuki cradled her daughter in her arms as Hana wailed, seemingly shaking their whole house from her deafening cries. She was "teething", meaning that her teeth had been growing slowly but gradually. According to the doctor, it was sometimes uncomfortable for infants so they may become restless and irritated (which typically make the parents restless and irritated).

"It's okay, Hana..." Mizuki soothed her daughter by swaying her gently, "Shh..."

Mizuki was exhausted - at the moment, she was considered a stay-at-home mom so most times (since the birth of their baby), she waited for Kei to get home just so she could have a little time to herself. She really took for granted the ability to take a peaceful shower without being interrupted. At the same time, Mizuki didn't want to put too much stress on her husband because she knew that he must be tired from his work too. She learned early on that a lot of sacrifices and patience were required to be a caring and supportive parent.

Her phone rang suddenly, startling her. The second she read that it was Kei, she sighed with relief. She answered the phone by putting it on speaker.

"Hey, baby..." Mizuki greeted sleepily.

"Hey," Kei stated, "How are you, princess?"

"Tired..." She admitted bashfully, "I'm okay though... Are you on your way home?"

"Yes," He chuckled, "I have something planned for us today."

"You, me, and Hana?" She smiled slightly, feeling her heart flutter with anticipation.

"Yeah..." Kei murmured, "I'll be there in 15 minutes, okay?"

"Alright," Mizuki beamed, "Love you."

"Love you too."

After she hung up the call, Mizuki took Hana upstairs to change her clothes. Her daughter had calmed down a little so she took this opportunity to get her dressed. Mizuki loved surprises and the fact that Kei planned these events for her and their daughter warmed her heart. Even though he was busy, he always made time for them.

Mizuki dressed Hana in a violet, long-sleeved shirt, and white leggings. She gently tied her daughter's blonde hair up in pigtails, causing her heart to twinge from her cuteness. Mizuki quickly grabbed a pacifier for Hana to keep her content as she placed her back in her crib.

"Mommy will be right back!" Mizuki exclaimed, hastily sprinting to her and Kei's room to change into some clean, presentable clothes. She was ashamed to admit that she wore an old shirt and sweatpants all day.

Mizuki returned to Hana and after placing some necessities into her bag (like milk bottles, milk formula, and an extra set of clothes), she sauntered down the stairs with her daughter. After a few minutes, she heard Kei pull up by the driveway. Her body shivered with excitement as she watched him open the front door.

Kei entered their house and met her enthusiastic gaze, causing his heart to throb with adoration.

"Hey," He smiled softly, his gaze trailing off to Hana, "How are my girls?"

Mizuki strolled towards her husband and quickly kissed his cheek, "I wish I was exaggerating but we've been crying all day."

"Even you?" He asked in wonder.

"Only on the inside." She joked.

"Oh..." Kei grimaced, embracing both Mizuki and Hana, "I'm sorry, princess."

"What for?"

"Not being here to help you..." He sighed, "I've been so busy-"

"Don't be sorry, okay?" She interrupted him, "You're an amazing husband and we're both trying our best. That's what matters."