This Side of Paradise - Tsukishima Kei x OC

Chapter 28: Happy Anniversary

Chapter 28:

March 28th

Kei got called into work early in the morning due to some artifacts that had gone missing the night before. He woke up at 5 in the morning and made sure to cook breakfast for his wife and his daughter before he left. After showering and putting on his clothes, he strolled over to Mizuki who was sound asleep. She had stayed up late taking care of Hana the night before and he was grateful for it. She never complained or made him feel bad about being away at work which only fueled his guilt even more.

Kei leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead, causing her to stir awake.

"I got called into work early, princess... I'll see you tonight, okay?" He murmured affectionately.

"Huh...?" She mumbled drowsily, "Okay..."

Mizuki was way too exhausted to say anything else at that moment. Kei shut the door as quietly as he could and quickly checked on Hana in her room. She was asleep and he breathed a sigh of relief. He hoped that his daughter would stay asleep for at least a little longer just so his wife can rest a bit more. He, then, made his way to work without another word.

Meanwhile, a few hours after Kei had left for work, Mizuki jolted awake. She looked up at the clock frantically, realizing that she had slept in more than she intended to. It was almost noon! Her gaze trailed off to the empty space beside her, where Kei usually was and sighed. She remembered him saying that he was going to work early but she still missed him. Waking up to her husband who she loved very much was the best part of her day.

Mizuki stood up sluggishly and stretched her body. She made her way to her daughter and to her surprise, Hana was still sound asleep. Mizuki debated whether or not to wake her up but decided not to just so she could get some chores done at home.

Today was a very important day for her and Kei.

It was their 4-year wedding anniversary!

Mizuki was ecstatic - the fact that she married her childhood best friend, first love, and soulmate seemed too good to be true. After eating brunch (pancakes cooked by her wonderful husband), she picked up Hana's toys which were scattered all over the living room. She swept up the wooden floor, washed the dishes, and fluffed the pillows on the couch before she heard Hana crying from her room.

Mizuki jogged up the stairs and opened the door to her daughter. Hana was holding onto the crib from the inside and it seemed like she was trying to stand up. Her cheeks were red and puffy due to her wails.

"Hi, my baby..." Mizuki spoke in a gentle, soothing voice, "Did you sleep well?"

She picked up and cradled her daughter in an attempt to calm her.

"Did you know, Hana?" She smiled tenderly, " It's me and your dad's anniversary today..."

After she fed and bathed her daughter, she called her mother to ask if she could look after Hana later that night. Her mom agreed, further fueling Mizuki's excitement to celebrate her and Kei's anniversary. Since their return to Tokyo, they haven't had a chance to spend some alone time together. They had responsibilities and work, which Mizuki understood completely, but she couldn't help but miss her husband nonetheless.

After an eventful day of cleaning the entire house, playing at the park with Hana and some of her friends, and picking up groceries, Mizuki dropped her daughter off at her mom's house. She had an hour or so until Kei was off work and she wanted some time to get ready and dress up for herself and for him.

"Bye, my moonflower..." Mizuki kissed Hana's cheek gently, "We'll come to get you in a few hours, okay?"

"Am I going to have another grandchild so soon?" Mizuki's mother teased, causing her to blush in embarrassment.