a happy life kiyotaka x arusi

Part 2

Chapter Two: A New Beginning

The days passed in a tranquil rhythm after Kiyotaka and Arisu's visit to Professor Ayanokoji. Their lives had settled into a comfortable routine, one that was both familiar and full of quiet contentment. Kiyotaka continued to sharpen his mind through various activities—whether it was reading, playing chess with Arisu, or engaging in philosophical discussions with old acquaintances. Arisu, on the other hand, split her time between managing her family's business affairs and indulging in her passion for the arts.

Despite the peace that had settled over them, there was an undercurrent of anticipation—an unspoken acknowledgment of the decision they had made together. It lingered in their conversations, in the way Arisu's hand would occasionally rest on her abdomen as if imagining what was to come, and in the thoughtful looks Kiyotaka gave her when he thought she wasn't paying attention.

But life, as it often does, had a way of surprising even the most prepared minds.

It was a cool autumn morning when the first signs began to appear. Arisu woke up earlier than usual, feeling unusually tired and slightly nauseous. She had brushed it off as exhaustion from her recent work—there had been a string of meetings and negotiations that had demanded her full attention. Kiyotaka, as perceptive as ever, had noticed her weariness and had insisted she take the day off.

"Why don't you rest today?" Kiyotaka suggested as they sat at the breakfast table, the morning light streaming through the windows. His golden eyes, always so sharp, softened as he looked at her. "You've been working hard lately."

Arisu smiled at him, appreciating his concern. "I might do that," she admitted, taking a sip of her tea. But even the mild flavor of the tea seemed to turn her stomach, and she discreetly set the cup down, her appetite suddenly gone.

Kiyotaka noticed the subtle movement but didn't comment on it. Instead, he reached out and took her hand, his touch gentle and reassuring. "If you're not feeling well, there's no harm in taking a day to yourself. Everything else can wait."

She nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Maybe I will. Just one day."

Kiyotaka squeezed her hand, and they finished breakfast in comfortable silence. Afterward, Arisu retreated to their bedroom, lying down with the intention of resting. But her mind was restless, and sleep eluded her. Instead, she found herself thinking about the future—about the possibility that had been growing more and more real with each passing day.

Could it be? She had been so focused on her work, on their life together, that she hadn't considered it in detail. But now, as she lay there, the signs seemed to align—her fatigue, the nausea, the changes in her body that she had brushed off as stress. A sudden flutter of nervous excitement stirred in her chest, but she kept her emotions in check. There was no point in jumping to conclusions just yet.

By the time Kiyotaka came to check on her a few hours later, she had made up her mind. She needed to know for sure. When he entered the room, she sat up, meeting his gaze with a calm but determined expression.

"Kiyotaka," she began, "I think... I might be pregnant."

For a moment, the room was completely still. Kiyotaka's expression didn't change, but she could see the gears turning in his mind, processing her words, analyzing the situation. He was always so composed, so controlled, but in his eyes, she saw a flicker of something—hope, maybe, or perhaps something deeper.

"You're not certain?" he asked, his voice as steady as ever.

She shook her head. "No, but the signs are there. I've been feeling... different, lately. I think it's possible."