Chapter 39: Family

Horio Satoshi walks glumly on the stairs of their apartment. There were a lot of flights of stairs, but he was not bothered by that. No, usually he would be complaining in thin air about how tired he was already at work and that he had no energy to walk anymore. Today was different, though.

He received a call from his mother that an uncle had passed away. It was his uncle whom he was very close with, and he couldn't believe that he was gone forever.

Tomorrow, he is scheduled to take the earliest flight home, leaving Tomoka alone in their apartment. That was another reason why he was upset. How could he leave his pregnant fiancé? But then again, he couldn't let her come, she would be tired from the trip.

So, as a solution, Horio informed Sakuno and Ryoma, their closest friends literally, since after weeks of Sakuno's graduation, they moved back to Tokyo and decided to live there. After all, Sakuno's work is closer there. He let them know that he will be gone for about three days until the interment of his uncle. Of course, Sakuno was more than willing to help and check on Tomoka regularly.

"I'll be okay. We still have another month before I give birth, right?" She laid on their bed and was reading a book about parenting. By that time, Tomoka's stomach is like two watermelons. They have no idea why the baby was big like that, neither of them was even fat when they were young.

He sat on the edge of the bed and sighed.

"Sorry. I just have to say goodbye to him one last time. He's been like a father to me."

"It's fine, Horio. I got Sakuno, don't worry. I just feel bad I can't go with you," Tomoka sat up and gave Horio's back a soothing stroke. He was obviously distraught having to lose a loved one, and she can only comfort him through words.

"They understand. I'll be back in three days, I promise."

Horio turned around and wrapped his arms around Tomoka and her stomach. He was looking forward to seeing the whole family on his wedding day, it was one of his dreams. But now, he doesn't know how to feel better about losing a family member.

The next day, Horio left. Tomoka stayed in the house and only got up from her bed to receive the food she had delivered. Sakuno told her that she would drop by tonight to cook for her, so the pregnant woman had no choice but to order take out since she couldn't move much around the kitchen.

She opened the paper bag and saw the scrumptious looking Indian curry with a side of paratha. She has been craving this dish ever since she got hooked on watching Asian cuisines on TV, so without delay, she wolfed down the food as quickly as she could until the container was empty.

"Now that's lunch!" she sighed in satisfaction. Tomoka tossed her book away and tried to stand up and reach for the remote. She mustered up all the strength she had to move and when she finally got up, a sudden splash was heard.

She froze.

As she slowly looked down on her feet, Tomoka saw the puddle of water on the floor.

She wondered if she was even holding a glass of water when she got up. Well, no because she was staring back at the tall glass of cold water on her bedside table.

If this isn't her drinking water, then…

The sun was scorching hot, the once ice-cold water bottle on the bench was now sweating its coldness off until a puddle of warm water was all over the seat. The weather was too terrible to even get out of the house. Normally, people would go to beach trips or stay in a well air-conditioned house for summer.

However, one tennis crazy individual wouldn't let the sun ruin his training that day. He didn't care if his skin was tanned, and his hair was drenched in sweat. He really wanted to complete his five-hour tennis session in the tennis gardens of their city.

Ryoma ran from left to right to return the ball the machine was continuously spitting. Even though he has not been practicing every day, he was still skillful and would not miss a single ball to hit. He panted heavily, pulling the hem of his shirt to his forehead to wipe off the sweat.

One more round and I'll finish up.

Ryoma reached for his water by the bench and realized that it has been sitting under the sun for quite a while, so it probably isn't safe to drink it now. So, he fished some change from his pocket and walked towards the vending machine.

Before he could insert the money in, he heard his phone ring loudly from his bag. Usually, he would ignore it thinking that it's just Horio bothering him, but he remembered that Sakuno had the habit of calling him out of the blue, without schedules or patterns. So, he turned around and checked who it was.

Unfortunately, it's Horio, again.

Ryoma contemplated if he would answer or not. But then, he does favors for Sakuno all the time when he's abroad.

"Yeah?" He sat down on the bench but immediately regretted it when he felt the puddle of water drenched his black shorts.

Damn it!

"Echizen!"

The roaring voice of his friend almost deafened him. He instinctively removed his phone from his ear and waited for the voice to volume down. When Horio realized he was being a little too hysterical (but for the appropriate reason), he tried to calm down and tried to communicate with his best friend again.

"Echizen, Echizen! I need to tell you something," his voice is now more mellow than before. Ryoma took that as a sign to listen.

"What is it?"

"Please, go help Tomoka, she seems to be in labor! I can't get in touch with Sakuno, so I guess you're the next best thing!"

Ryoma frowned. One of the things he hates is being commanded by people. But well, they are his friends.

"Wait, what do you mean in labor?"

"She's about to give birth! I'm arranging a flight back home so please just be there for her until I get back!" He heard Horio loud and clear. Although he doesn't understand how urgent the situation is, Horio's voice was becoming more panicked than ever.

"O-Okay," He quickly shoved everything into his bag and ran out the courts to hail a cab. He wore his hoodie even though it was scorching hot, then he pulled down his cap to hide his identity. It was an emergency, and he had no time to deal with fans. His bodyguards were off duty since it's his training day, so he had no one to depend on except himself.

On the way to Tomoka's apartment, he wished that his parents had prepared him for something like this to happen. He just hoped that they would make it to the hospital or he's going to have to deliver a baby!

Imagine how catastrophic that will be.

Thanks to Ryoma's athletic legs, he was able to reach the fifth floor in no time. He finds their apartment number and he knocks. He bit his lip as he waited for the woman to answer, but he figured Tomoka would be in pain and that she wouldn't be able to move so Ryoma had no choice but to knock the door down.

Horio will be able to pay for the damages, after all.

Ryoma examined the door, looking for the weakest corner he could launch a kick to. He wouldn't want to knock it down using his shoulders as it may dislocate. So, a kick is the best way. Targeting the spot where the lock is mounted, he steps back to get ready.

Tomoka laid on her stomach, waiting for someone to rescue her from the agony. She could hear the doorknob being twisted but it was locked, and she couldn't stand up to open it, so she prayed that they would knock it down. Horio will be able to pay for the damages, after all.

Bam!

The door flew off of the hinges and it fell on the ground. Tomoka's heartbeat quickened, her blood pressure rises with nervousness mixed with anticipation. She eyes her baby bag by the window, ready to leave for the hospital.

Ryoma walked into the bedroom and saw a weak and sweaty Tomoka. He sighed in relief, thankful that she was still alive.

"Osakada. I'm here to take you to the hospital," He formally announced like a robot. The woman lifted an eyebrow. Just when it couldn't get any weirder. Suddenly, the famous tennis prince came to help her, something that her twelve-year-old self dreamed of. But now, it was weirding her out. Ryoma's appearance was disheveled and damp, contrary to his calm voice.

But then, she was relieved to see a familiar face in the midst of her pain that she began to cry, sobbing uncontrollably like a five-year-old. Ryoma was immediately panicking. Crying girls were never his forte.

"C-Calm down. Let's go," he tried to step forward to the woman's messy bedroom, but she looked up to him menacingly.

"Calm down? How can I calm down?! Do you have any idea how painful this is? How life threatening is this? How can you be stupid!" Tomoka lashed out on him, and he took it. Ryoma's ears were ringing, and his hands were shaking. He really doesn't have an idea how to help her now.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean it!" But she immediately took back what she said. Tomoka's emotions were just going up and down, and Ryoma was just as confused as she was.

"No worries," he replied.

"Okay, Ryoma-sama. Listen, take me to the bathroom and I'll put on some fresh clothes because my dress is wet and I just look… terrible," She reached for his hand and helped her sit up.

"You don't have to change clothes. I'm drenched, too," Ryoma said, remembering the puddle of water he sat on at the courts.

He watched Tomoka grow frustrated with him. Her eyes were filled with hot tears, and she clutched the hem of her skirt tightly. Realizing the distress she must be feeling, he walked over to her side and kneeled down.

"Come on. Let's go to the hospital together looking like wet chickens," he smirked. Tomoka sobbed, her hormones were just all over the place, and the prince being the receiver of her annoyance was even more frustrating. She never talked to him like that, the last thing she wanted to do was to disrespect him.

But he was trying his best to comfort her and help her get through it. Tomoka wiped her tears and smiled at him. She decided to depend on him and take careful steps.

"Thanks, Ryoma-sama," she said. Ryoma nodded. He scooped Tomoka into his arms and carried her bridal style.

"Wait, wait, Ryoma-sama! Can you get that bag, too?" She pointed at the baby bag by the window. Ryoma nods and quickly grabs it.

At the entrance of the apartment, countless taxis passed by, but no one paid heed to the man standing on the side of the street, his hand extended as he hailed a cab desperately. He fumbled on his phone to book a ride online, but strangely, his phone had no service.

"I'm hungry…" Tomoka groaned beside him. She grabbed onto Ryoma's shoulder for support.

"No time for food, Osakada. Help me get a ride," he handed his phone to her, and she immediately tapped on the screen. At that point, Tomoka's head was spinning, and she had no energy to even think straight. She was leaning onto him and was putting almost her entire weight on his shoulder.

"I can't…"

Ryoma ignored her and waved his hand to another vehicle coming towards them. But surprise, they still didn't stop.

These heartless people! How can they ignore someone who's obviously having a hard time? I'm tired and hungry– oh, and this woman is about to give birth.

He felt bad that Tomoka had to endure the heat and stand with him. He realized that any more delay will be bad for her and the baby. So, he dropped the baby bag and forced Tomoka to sit on it.

"Wait here," he told her, then he walked over on the highway, blocking the traffic. He was ready to get arrested if it meant helping his friend and godson. So, he raised his right hand and signaled for the next taxi to stop. His eyes widened as he saw the incoming vehicle towards him at full speed. Ryoma closed his eyes and prayed that he could at least survive a hit and they both be transported to the hospital as soon as possible.

Screeeeech!

His heart was beating fast, and he found it hard to breathe (from the nervousness and of course, his face was covered by his hoodie), and he slowly opened one eye. All he heard was the driver spitting profanities at him and Tomoka walking over to get in the cab.

"Let's go, Ryoma-sama!" she yelled. He finally caught his breath and immediately grabbed the abandoned baby bag on the side of the street.

Inside the taxi, the driver went full speed and even beat a lot of red lights, anything to get to the hospital on time. While he was doing his best for Tomoka, he was still mad at Ryoma.

"Geez, lady! Your husband is an idiot! I could have killed you, man!"

Ryoma and Tomoka were panting heavily, one was catching his breath because of nervousness, and the other one was concentrating on not giving birth in a taxi. Tomoka unconsciously gripped Ryoma's wrist as she breathed in and out.

"Floor it, mister!" She continued to breathe, ignoring Ryoma's attempts to snatch his arm back.

Horio stepped out of the airport, running towards the line of taxis on the side. He desperately pleaded the man before him to let him go first because his wife is about to give birth, and thankfully the man was kind enough to agree. It took him one nervous hour of travel when finally, he could see the hospital building in front of him.

He wasted no time and asked the nurse where to find Tomoka.

"She's in room 402, fourth floor," she said.

"Thanks!" He didn't bother to use the elevator and ran to the emergency stairs. Apart from how worried he is for Tomoka and the baby, he was wondering how Ryoma managed to help her and if he made any mistakes, and if he was alright, too.

And, of course, he was nervous of finally being a father.

When he opened the door, he saw the most beautiful view he had ever seen. Tomoka was currently awake, cradling their baby in her arms as she laid on the bed. He took careful steps toward them, dropping his bag on the floor. Tomoka looked exhausted, but she was still beautiful the first day Horio saw her. Then, his eyes lowered to the baby. He was the cutest little boy on Earth, and tears wouldn't stop falling from Horio's eyes.

It didn't matter to him that he wasn't there to witness the birth of their boy, the only thing that mattered was that they were both okay.

"You're finally here," Tomoka flashed a smile.

"I'm back," he choked on his words. Horio sat on the edge of the bed and embraced Tomoka, carefully wrapping his hands on their baby as well.

"He's beautiful," he whispered.

"Yes, he is," she replied.

"Thank you,"

Tomoka looked at him, observing his relieved expression. Horio looked tired, but Tomoka still saw the happiness in his face. It made her okay instantly.

Turning his head on the corner of the room, Horio saw a figure of a man lazily sitting on the couch. He was covered in a blanket, but Horio can always recognize his best friend.

"Is he okay?" Horio asked.

"Oh, he's tired. Ryoma-sama never left my side, I don't think he even got the chance to eat," Tomoka frowned.

Horio got up and walked towards the sleeping prince. He lifted the blanket from his face and saw that he was in a deep sleep. His hoodie was thick, and it almost covered his entire face. Horio immediately thought that Ryoma disguised himself today, afraid that fangirls would delay everything. He truly felt grateful for the prince's kindness even though he rarely displays it.

"Thanks, buddy," he covered his face with the blanket.

"I'll buy some food for us. You'll be okay?" he said.

"Yeah. Thanks," she smiled as Horio stepped out of the room. Looking at the small and chubby baby in her arms, Tomoka suddenly wondered why she was scared at the beginning when she found out she was pregnant. Her pregnancy journey was not easy, there were a lot of sleepless nights, throwing up, and a lot of fights with Horio. But the moment she laid eyes on their baby, suddenly, she was healed. Everything was fine.

She knows that it's not going to be easy raising and taking care of a baby, but she will savor every step, every day that she could spend with them. Because being a mother completed her.

"I love you, Haru."

"Tomo-chan!" the door flew open. Sakuno panted heavily, it seemed like she had just ran from her workplace to the hospital. Since she was busy that day, she couldn't read the messages they left for her. There was one from Horio saying that Tomoka's water broke, then a message from Tomoka saying that she needs help, then the last couple of messages were from Ryoma asking what to do with Tomoka and all kinds of questions. She felt bad not being able to help them, but she was glad that Tomoka and the baby were okay.

She walked over to them and saw how Haru looked just like his mother. Sakuno felt tears of joy fall from her eyes as she kissed Tomoka on the forehead.

"I'm so proud of you, Tomo-chan,"

"Thank you, Sakuno. Meet Haru, your godson," she handed the baby to Sakuno, who carefully cradled him in her arms. She chuckled at how heavy Haru was and it's only been a few hours since he came out.

"He's so charming…" she whispered. The baby was sleeping comfortably in her arms as she slowly swayed around the room. Horio came into the room carrying three bags of takeout food.

"Ryuzaki, you came!" he smiled.

"Of course. I want to see my cute godson!" she made cute noises to Haru, who only continued to sleep peacefully.

"Ah, Sakuno, Sakuno. You better take Ryoma-sama home. He's dead tired today,"

"Oh my God, I forgot about him. Where is he?" She handed Haru back to Tomoka and looked around the room.

"He's over there," Horio pointed to the couch. Sakuno sighed as she removed the blanket from him.

"Ryoma-kun. Let's go home," she nudged his body to wake him up, and when he fluttered his eyes open, Sakuno smiled warmly at him.

"Thank you for helping Tomo-chan and your godson today," she kissed him on the cheek, and he blushed. He suddenly remembered what happened earlier. It was a nightmare for him, and it didn't help that the baby was crying loudly all afternoon.

"Echizen! Thanks for today. I'll treat you to a meal when everything's settled here," Horio grinned at him, watching him stretch his arms. That Tomoka sure was heavy.

"Ryoma-sama, thanks so much!"

"Hn," he simply replied. He tugged on Sakuno's sleeve and gestured that he wanted to go.

"Say goodbye to Haru-chan then we'll go,"

Ryoma stared at the baby. Sure, he's cute, chubby, big eyes and button nose. Okay, maybe he can at least pat him on the head. He walked over to them, and his hand wandered on Haru's soft cheeks, his finger poking it, then his hair that was a bit brown, he ran his fingers on it. Ryoma's eyes widened when he felt how soft he was. He couldn't believe that there's another one that was as cute and soft as Karupin.

"He's… mochi," he commented. Tomoka, Horio, and Sakuno laughed. They were surprised at his sudden comment and calling Haru a mochi was so cute that they decided that will be his nickname from now on.

As the new parents fuss over their newborn, Sakuno slid her hands on Ryoma's own, her other hand gripping his arm. She rested her head on his shoulder as they both admired the new family. She wondered when the time would come that she'd get to experience that kind of life.

Ryoma looked down, and she raised her head to face him. He leaned in and kissed her.

"I love you," he whispered.

To be continued.

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(I love writing about Ryoma and Tomoka's friendship :)