"Lunch is in the fridge!" Naoko called over her shoulder as she slipped her feet into her worn sneakers. "And don't forget to do that homework assignment sensei set you!"
"What?!" Oikawa's whinging voice came from their shared bedroom in their apartment. "How do you even know about that?!"
"Kuroo can be a surprising loudmouth when he wants to be."
Their was some grumbling and cursing on her partner's behalf before she heard the bed squeak, indicating that he was rolling out to take a shower. She paused at the doorway for a while longer, amused.
Eventually, Oikawa forgave her enough to sullenly mutter, "Love you, Mako-chan."
"Love you, too, Shittykawa." Naoko left the apartment, the door clicking shut behind her. Checking her watch, she headed to the elevator, where a middle-aged woman with a pram was waiting. Even though 'down' button was already glowing, Naoko pressed it again.
"Good morning," the lady with the pram greeted.
Naoko returned her greeting politely.
"I moved in here not long ago," said the woman. "I'm Himura Rio, and this is my son, Toshiji."
Naoko's lips quirked upward in a smile. "Oh, is that," she peeked underneath the hood of the pram, faltering, "so...?" There was no child in there, merely a swath of blankets.
"Isn't he cute?" Himura cooed, placing one hand on her cheek and beaming with all the love of a mother.
The lift doors opened then, and Naoko stepped inside, holding the door out for Himura.
"Oh, you go ahead," the kindly lady offered. "My little Toshiji is starting to kick up a fuss~"
"Oh, of course. Thank you, Himura-san."
When the doors closed, Naoko exhaled, pressing her back against the railing. That woman... did she lose her baby?