The morning sun streamed softly through the windows. In the kitchen, Leo moved with careful, almost shy steps, preparing breakfast. His mind couldn't stop replaying last night—every intimate moment, every closeness with Lily. He felt a blush creeping up his face, remembering what had happened.
Leo (thinking, embarrassed): "First time… with her… what if something happens… nah… I can handle it. I'll manage."
He placed the food on the table carefully and then slowly approached Lily, who was still lying on the bed. Gathering courage, he jumped lightly onto the edge, startling her a little.
Leo: "Breakfast… ready!"
Lily gave him a look that was part irritation, part playful blessing—her usual mixture that made him both nervous and happy.
They sat down to eat, chatting lightly about their plans.
Lily: "Did you book the tickets?" Leo: "Yes, all done. We leave for your country tonight—Japan."
They ate together, laughing, teasing, and talking about small things before heading out. After breakfast, they spent some time outside, enjoying a casual date. Their laughter mingled with the morning air, and the city around them seemed quiet and peaceful.
Later, they boarded their plane, both tired from the excitement and the previous night. Lily rested her head on Leo's shoulder, and he held her gently, feeling the warmth and softness against him. He glanced at her, thinking of last night, cheeks burning slightly.
As the plane soared through the clouds, a strange, dark corner appeared in their vision. Inside this shadowed void, there were no walls, no boundaries—just emptiness. And in the middle, a small round shape began forming, slowly taking the shape of a tiny life.
Upon landing in Japan, Lily's parents were waiting for them at the airport. The moment they saw Leo, their expressions were serious but slightly curious.
Lily's mother: "So… you two spent the night at the hotel, huh? I hope you behaved yourselves." Lily's father: "Yes, I expect you both to act responsibly. The wedding isn't that far off, after all."
Leo, slightly panicked, tried to explain, but Lily's mother waved him off, her tone firm yet calm.
Lily's father, however, let out a small, strange smile, a hint of amusement under the seriousness: "Well… the important thing is that you both are safe and together. Everything else will work out."
Leo and Lily exchanged glances, both slightly embarrassed, but also relieved. Leo made a funny, awkward face, trying to hide his mix of shock, joy, and nervousness.
In that fleeting moment, the tension melted into a strange, intense yet humorous relief. Leo could already imagine the day he would hold their child in his arms, play with them, and care for them.
And with that thought, the morning ended—Chapter 18 closed on a mix of laughter, blushes, and a bright, cha
otic anticipation for the future.