The Yakuza's flower

Stubborn

Hanayamas pov

Ume had been getting bigger by the day.

The doctor said it was normal—especially since she was carrying twins.

Still, I didn't like the way she struggled to get up from the couch... or from any seat, for that matter.

One morning I heard loud noises coming from the kitchen, so I went to check what was going on.

Ume was rearranging things.

I watched her reach for a box on the kitchen counter.

Before she could lift it, my hand was already there.

She frowned at me.

"I can do it myself."

"I know," I said.

I moved it anyway.

When I turned around again, I saw her standing on an unsteady kitchen chair.

Before she could say anything, I picked her up and set her back on the floor.

"H-Hey!" she protested.

She crossed her arms.

"I'm pregnant, not helpless," she said, a slight edge in her voice.

"You're being reckless," I said.

"And you're hovering again," she replied.

For a moment we just looked at each other.

Then I stepped forward.

Before she could react, I lifted her into my arms.

"H-Hey!" she protested.

I carried her out of the kitchen and set her down on the couch.

"You can sit," I said.

She stared up at me, clearly annoyed.

"I was in the middle of something."

"The maids will handle it," I said.

"Hanayama Kaoru—" Ume started, but she was interrupted.

"Boss."

Kizaki stood in the doorway.

We both looked over at him.

"The meeting," he reminded me.

"Yes!" Ume said quickly. "Oh my god, please take him."

She started struggling to get up from the couch.

He shook his head.

"This one's important," he replied. "It won't take long."

"You heard him," Ume said, "Bye. Have a good day."

She finally managed to get up from the couch and started making her way back toward the kitchen.

Before she could take more than a few steps, I picked her up again and set her back down on the couch.

"Hanayama!" she yelled.

"Stay out of the kitchen," I said before walking away to get ready.

Once I was ready, Ume met me in the hallway and gave me a kiss goodbye like she always did.

"Bye. And please be safe," she said softly.

I nodded.

But before I left, I picked her up again and carried her back to the couch.

"Ugh! Jerk!" she yelled as I walked out.

—

"Hanayama... why would you do that to her?" Kizaki asked.