My Scientific Love (PUBLISHED BOOK UNDER HOWLING WOLF'S)

MSL #37

Cravings

"You're really weird." Janus handed me some ice cubes. I chewed them one by one, finding comfort in the cold crunch.

"I don't know why, but I love chewing ice. It makes me feel better."

"Hello there, beautiful weirdo," Caldrin greeted, entering the room. I figured he was probably here to check on my belly again.

"Do you have names for them?"

"I already have."

I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up, I suddenly had a strong craving.

"Janus..." I shook him awake. He greeted me with a smile.

"Janus, I want bitter melon."

"It's already 2 a.m. I don't think I can find bitter melon at this hour."

"W-Wait, there really isn't any? I'm really craving it. I'm so hungry." I didn't realize tears had started to roll down my cheeks.

"Wait! Don't cry, please! I'll go find some."

He hurried out of the room, leaving me alone. I decided to sit up, but my belly was too heavy and uncomfortable. As I glanced towards the door, I saw Tito Jupiter standing there.

"Why are you still awake at this hour?"

"I'm having cravings, Tito."

"What do you want?"

"Bitter melon, but Janus is already looking for it." He adjusted my messy hair and sat beside me.

"I heard you're carrying four blessings?" I smiled and caressed my belly.

"Simon's a sharp shooter. We just made love for two nights, and the result was multiplied by two."

"Well, what can you expect? Like father, like son." I smiled at the thought.

"With a Montrearde, you should expect sharp shooters." I shook my head, amused.

We continued talking until Janus returned with a bowl.

"Instant Pot Thai pork-filled bitter melon soup, here you go!"

Without hesitation, I devoured it, savoring the bitterness. Afterward, Janus handed me a glass of bitter melon juice, which I drank eagerly.

"I bet your babies are going to be bitter just like their mom," Janus joked. I rolled my eyes, laughing.

They turned on the television, and Jimmy Neutron was on. I laughed as I remembered how Simon was like Jimmy Neutron, and I was his Cindy Vortex.

"Simon was always into science from a young age. I can remember him reading my physics books instead of nursery books. I told him not to read them because he was too young, but he kept on. By the time he was done, all my science books were gone." I was amazed by how smart Simon was, having read all those books.

"Who's the top rank, by the way?" I suddenly felt my heart race.

"Me." I thought he might be upset, but he smiled.

"Who would have thought anyone could outdo Simon, Dad?" Janus commented. I didn't fully grasp their conversation.

"Good to know, I'm happy for both of you. Congratulations," Tito Jupiter said, kissing my forehead.

"Thank you for giving Simon the experience of being second. All his life, he was always first. Some schools even refused him because his learning was too advanced. He could be quite arrogant, always flaunting his medals."