𝙏𝙊𝙐𝘾𝙃𝙀𝙎 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀𝙎 (𝙄𝙒𝘼𝙄𝙕𝙐𝙈𝙄 𝙓 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍) 18+

Chapter 34

"It's negative," you say softly, your voice barely rising above a whisper.

King, standing beside you, glances at the test and then back at you. Her expression shifts quickly, a half-smile flickering on her face as she tries to lift the mood.

"Oh, okay. I mean, that's good, right? That's kind of what you were hoping for... anyway?" Her voice trails off as she watches you, her brows knitting together in concern. You can tell she's unsure of what to say, gauging your reaction as you stare at the test, feeling... what? Disappointed? Relieved? You're not even sure yourself.

"Yeah, I guess so," you murmur, feeling oddly disconnected. There's an emptiness settling in your chest that you couldn't explain. The relief you thought you'd feel isn't there. Instead, there's this dull sense of... loss? You hadn't even realized you'd prepared yourself to see a positive result. The idea of being pregnant had crossed your mind for only a moment, but it had taken root, filling your head with images of a life that suddenly seems very far away.

Your rational mind kicks in, scolding you for thinking like this. You accepted the idea of being pregnant this quickly? It's crazy when you think about it. You're definitely not ready for that kind of responsibility. Not with someone you're not even married to, let alone dating. And the logistics—having to move back to Canada, potentially raising a child alone. That kind of commitment just doesn't fit into your life right now.

Your career, your life—none of it can accommodate a child right now. And yet...

Your heart feels heavy. The thought of that tiny "what if" is lingering. Maybe it was the mental images you'd rendered while holding the test. You had already pictured yourself and Iwaizumi playing with a child, giving it a name, thinking about preschools. The entire thought had built itself up so quickly in your head, and now it's hard to believe the reality.

"Hey," King's voice cuts through your thoughts, bringing you back. She reaches out, her hand gently resting on your arm. "Do you want to... toss it? You know, get rid of it?"

You blink, realizing she's talking about the test. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just... throw it away." You move quickly, tossing the test into the bin with a little too much force. It's almost like you're trying to throw away the confusing feelings with it. You give King a tight smile, though your mind is still elsewhere.

King gives you a reassuring pat on the back. "Come on, let's head back. Shiloh's probably already got the next set of wedding plans waiting for you."

The two of you walk back out to the park, trying to slip back into the lively atmosphere. It isn't hard—like King said, Shiloh immediately sweeps you away with questions about wedding venues, decorations, and guest lists. You let yourself get carried away in the conversation, the drinks that follow helping to blur out the lingering confusion.

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Later that night, you find yourself sitting at the bar counter with Iwaizumi, the noise of the gathering humming around you. The conversation flows easily as you both relax, surrounded by the familiar warmth of friends. He's sitting close, just as comfortable as always.

"You still thinking about that crab?" you tease, nudging him lightly as you take a sip of your drink.

Iwaizumi grins, shaking his head. "I worked hard on that crab—and that egg and bird by the way. Definitely better than the fish."

You laugh, remembering the ridiculousness of his painting. "Right, right. Leonardo da Vinci over here, painting circles for eggs like a pro."

He chuckles, and for a moment, the two of you fall into a comfortable silence. Then, before you even realize what you're saying, the words slip out.