Gentle Forest

Chapter 80

If his eyeballs hadn't burned vividly, my train of thought would have halted there for quite a while.

"What's the matter?"

Now, with the sun tilting, barely half its rays reached through the window. Oxygen levels were stable, so there was no need to worry. Despite feeling a bit weary, I could endure. However, Aiden remained standing there, unfazed.

I realized late that something was strange.

Inhaling through my oxygen respirator, I quietly waited, refraining from disturbing Aiden in his contemplation.

Leaning against the wall, Aiden stared at me as if admiring. Despite my fidgeting with the blanket, adjusting it over my belly, letting it slip, tousling and smoothing my hair, or even shaking off some fatigue, he didn't reveal any signs of annoyance or weariness.

If Aiden had seemed even slightly surprised or saddened due to my concerns, he would have undoubtedly voiced his discomfort. Yet, he appeared at ease, and the more I observed, the more convinced I became that he wasn't angry.

His pupils moved slowly, exploring every corner of my body, as if delving into memories of the past. Even though I couldn't recall the memories after hearing them, I could read from his gaze that he was recollecting moments from when I was ten years old.

In his eyes, I still found traces of the ongoing affection.

"Aiden."

Feeling uneasy about the silence, I reached out my hand first. Aiden promptly walked over, and without a word, he kissed my forehead lightly before settling behind me, supporting my back and gently wrapping his hand around my stomach, creating a warm sensation.

Leaning in as if to comfort me, he rested his cheek against mine, seemingly expressing

"I hope you'll get better like this."

Aiden muttered in a low voice. It was clear that he was trying to act calm. While he was not easily surprised by sarcasm, now, knowing that we had briefly reached a precarious situation, he wasn't entirely at ease.

"I'm going to be okay."

I reassured. Until the time mentioned by the doctor, I genuinely wasn't worried. Past experiences of improvement through oxygen therapy served as evidence. Perhaps unable to completely suppress his concern, Aiden adjusted his posture, gently smoothing my stomach to make me more comfortable.

Disliking the somber atmosphere, I quickly changed the subject to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Just now, why did you look at me like that?"

Aiden cleared his throat shyly, but didn't bother to lie.

"I remembered when I first saw you. Your face is the same, but your body has grown. Still cute like back then... and now we even have our little one. Is this reality?"

Aiden buried his nose in my neck. I could clearly feel the feel of his moist, plump lips and his warm body temperature. Twisting in response to the ticklish sensation, I soon lost my strength, letting my body sprawl.

"You're still quite fragile, just like back then. It worries me."

In the midst of his revealed thoughts, a pang hit one side of my chest. Yet, I refused to show any sign of pain. Though not oblivious to the underlying concern, I knew that frequent occurrences could lead to moments where even a second without oxygen would be unbearable. In that crucial moment, the urge to escape reality overwhelmed me.

Despite sinking into a melancholic mood, I didn't want to succumb to unnecessary fear. Gently caressing his legs, spread open as if enclosing my body, I sensed that it was the opportune time to resume the conversation I had left unfinished.