"I'm going home first."
Tsubaki carefully inspected her belongings inside her tote bag before leaving Satsuki's room. She was always being cautious over her items. It was a habit of hers to always check whether she had her purse, phone and keys with her or not before she moved to another location.
"Have fun riding home with Mr. Fuse," teased Satsuki.
"Go to sleep." Tsubaki flicked her index finger on Satsuki's forehead. He grimaced in pain. "Good night!"
"Be careful!" Satsuki shouted while rubbing his forehead.
Tsubaki connected her right thumb and index finger into a circle, signifying 'okay'. Satsuki could only helplessly stare at the back of his sister.
While walking into an elevator, Tsubaki looked at the piece of paper Ren had given her earlier. She was contemplating over calling the man or not. She was a bit bashful even though he was the one who had insisted on taking her home. They had just met a few days ago yet now he was offering her a ride home.
I'd just look for him in the lobby first.
Tsubaki stepped out from the elevator, heading to the lobby. Visiting hour had ended for the day. Only a few people wandered around in the lobby. Her eyes lingered around but she couldn't find a man in a dark grey suit.
Where is he?
When Tsubaki just thought to look for him at the entrance, she felt something soft was grabbing her right leg. She instinctively looked down and saw a tiny face was peering at her with two large eyes.
"What's wrong? Are you lost?" She gently asked the boy.
Tsubaki crouched down to be at his eye level. She didn't urge him to answer her questions. He looked at her timidly. His chubby cheeks reddened. After a while, he opened his mouth.
"You look like my mom."
Tsubaki was quite stunned with the remark but she quickly recomposed herself. Seeing the little guy wearing a hospital issued pajamas, he looked no more than four to five years old. She held his tiny hands and once again questioned him in a gentle tone as not to startle him.
"Where is your mom?"
The boy's little head turned towards the floor-to-ceiling windows beside them. He looked up at the night sky before staring at her face.
"Grandma said mom went to the sky."
Tsubaki's smile faltered for a bit. She had thought of the possibility when she saw the longing and sadness in the child's eyes. She raised her right hand, brushing his bangs aside.
"Do you think your mom send me to you?"
The boy shrugged. "I know it's just a coincidence. But, I'm so happy to meet you."
He spoke like he wasn't a little child. Tsubaki was amazed. She grinned before patting the little guy's head.
"Just treat it as a happy coincidence, okay?" After he nodded, she continued asking. "What's your name?"
"Kouichi. Nagao Kouichi. You can call me Kou." The boy didn't hesitate to share his real name, even giving her his nickname.
Tsubaki smiled helplessly at the boy. "You can't just casually give out your name to a person you've just met. What if I'm a bad person?"
"No, you don't." Kouichi said with a serious look on his face. "May I know your name?"
"Tsubaki. Hanada Tsubaki."
"May I call you Sister Tsubaki?" Kouichi smiled sheepishly, as if he was afraid she would reject him.
"Yes, you can. But..." Tsubaki looked at her wristwatch. "You should be in bed already. Want me to take you back to your room?"
Before Kouichi could answer, a deep voice interrupted him.
"Did you wait long?"
Tsubaki was startled by the appearance of the man behind her. She looked up and saw Ren raised his eyebrows, questioning her about the little boy. She stood up and turned her body to face him.
"I didn't wait long. And I just met this boy."
Kouichi squinted his eyes, staring at the man in front of Tsubaki. He was curious with the way his eyes brightened when he saw Sister Tsubaki's face. Ren noticed the little guy's gaze. He joined the staring contest. Kouichi was the one who broke the silence.
"Uncle, are you this pretty sister's husband?"
Both Tsubaki and Ren were caught off guard with Kouichi's question. Tsubaki was the one who reacted first, her cheeks blushing.
"No! He's my... acquaintance..." She didn't know which word would properly address their relationship. Finally, she settled with acquaintance.
While the lady beside him was blushing, Ren couldn't control his joy. A smile spread on his face, making him looked so delighted. He didn't even care to be upset when the little boy called him 'uncle'. Tsubaki who avoided his eyes didn't see his smile. Ren didn't say anything, he just winked to Kouichi.
Kouichi nodded in understanding,
This uncle would be Sister Tsubaki's husband in the future! He was sure of it!