Soft light penetrated from the small gap of the curtains, creating a faint glow in the dim bedroom. Tsubaki fluttered her eyelashes before she could open her eyes properly. Her mind was still in a daze when she tried to focus on the white ceiling above her. She turned her head to his side, it was empty.
Tsubaki groaned in pain as she propped her elbows to sit up. It looked like her husband had carried her to their bedroom after she fell asleep on the couch. His side of the bed was cold, indicating that he had woke up for long. Tsubaki looked down and saw that he had changed her clothes to a new nightgown. She also noticed the lingering scent of her favorite shower cream on her body.
"Sweetheart?"
Tsubaki shifted her gaze toward the sound of her favorite voice. Ren pushed open the door and came inside with a tray of breakfast. A pair of long black chino trousers clad onto his slender legs. He wore a black linen shirt, the top two buttons were undone. Ren placed the tray on a rotating overbed table. He sat on the edge of the bed, facing his wife.
"You're not going to the office yet?" Tsubaki glanced at the clock standing on the bedside table. It was already 8:45 AM. He should be in his office at 8.
"I'm waiting for you to wake up," replied Ren as he stirred the porridge inside the bowl. The smell of it was divine, made Tsubaki eager to taste it. "Eat your breakfast first. I'm going to the office after you're done."
Tsubaki nodded. She excused herself to the washroom since she hadn't brushed her teeth. Ren helped her since she staggered when she walked.
"Do you still want to go to the bakery?" Ren asked as he gently wiped her face with a clean towel.
Tsubaki looked up to see his face, her eyes were gleaming with hope as she asked in a tiny voice, "Could I... follow you to your office?"
Ren smiled and nodded slightly. He planted a kiss on her forehead. "Of course you could. But, you need to finish your breakfast first, okay? You just ate pancakes last night."
Tsubaki returned her smile. Her eyes radiated glow as she obediently followed him outside the washroom. His palm on her hand was so warm.
Both of them ate in silence. Her husband's first attempt in making a porridge was successful, she was so proud of him. If this went on, she could eat his cooking for almost every meal.
After Tsubaki changed into a white chiffon dress printed with small red camellia flowers, Ren helped her tying her long hair into a high ponytail. Since it was summer, the heat would be unbearable if she let her hair loose as usual.
"Done," said Ren softly. He finished his touch with a white scarf around her ponytail. He pressed a kiss on the nape of her slender neck. "Let's go. I'll drive."
Tsubaki nodded. She slipped her feet into a pair of white kitten heels. Ren folded his jacket and draped it on his arm. Since it was summer, he didn't bother to dress properly in his usual three-piece suit unless he had an important meeting.
The main roads weren't as busy as during the early morning. Most people would already be at their respective workplaces. The journey was smooth and it didn't take long to reach Fuse Corporation.
Ren directly went to the basement where his exclusive parking lot had been assigned. Two bodyguards greeted them once they entered through the doors. Ren held Tsubaki's hand as they walked into the lobby. They stopped in front of Ren's private elevator. As usual, the appearance of the couple gathered the attention of the employees.
Their Boss' smiling face was still a rare sight to see! He looked so soft when talking to his wife.
"I'm not supposed to have anything important today besides the monthly meeting for the departments at 11," Ren lowered his gaze to meet her eyes. A smile softened his sharp features as he added, "Do you have anything specific you want to do today?"
Tsubaki didn't immediately answer him. She took a moment to think when suddenly a random idea came to her.
"How about..." Tsubaki raised her chin, meeting his smiling face. "We visit Kouichi? I haven't seen him properly after I was hospitalized the last time."
Ren nodded, agreeing with her suggestion.
"That's good. Let's stop somewhere to get something for him, is that alright?"
Tsubaki smiled happily. "En!"
The employees at Ren's floor were working diligently when they noticed the arrival of the husband and wife. Tsubaki greeted them with a smile that was returned with a respectful bow. Matsuzaki came to Ren with a stack of files in his hands.
"President, the directors have gathered inside the meeting room," Matsuzaki flipped open a file placed on the top and showed the front page to Ren. "We still need your signature for this authorization. It's the changes in the contract between us and A-W Group. I've checked the contents."
Ren nodded slightly as he took the file from Matsuzaki. He scanned the paragraphs briefly before he closed the file. "Tell them that I'd join the meeting in 10 minutes."
"Understood, Master."
Ren pulled Tsubaki toward his office. He closed the door behind him.
"Do you need anything, love?" Ren asked as he gestured for her to take a seat on the couch. He walked over to his working table to get a fountain pen. He returned to her side. "Anything?"
Tsubaki shook her head. Looking embarrassed, she said, "I'm still sleepy, to be honest. I'd just take a nap here."
Ren let out a soft chuckle. He played with the end of her ponytails, bringing some strands to his lips. "You could sleep on the bed inside the lounge. Toshiro did say you need a lot of rest so just take your time. I'd revise this document a bit before joining the meeting."
Tsubaki smiled. She didn't immediately stand up to get into the lounge. She just quietly sat beside him while he began reading the file in his hands. A gentle smile bloomed on her face. The fear that clung tightly on her heart had already dissipated.
What she was feeling right now was pure happiness.
She wondered if she didn't open up to him last night would she be this happy today?
"Sweetheart," Ren muttered her name, his eyes were still on the foreign alphabets in front of him.
"Yes?" Tsubaki was startled when he suddenly broke the silence.
"If you keep looking at me like that, I don't mind accompanying you to sleep." His deep voice sounded so alluring, Tsubaki's cheeks blushed red. "Maybe you're not tired enough actually."
Tsubaki's eyes widened.
Danger alert!
"No! No! I'm going to sleep now!"
Afraid he would hold her back, Tsubaki stood up and ran to the lounge, seeking shelter from the wolf that was ready to bare its fangs. She shut the door and jumped onto the bed. Her hands flailed to get the blanket to cover her into a ball.
Please don't come now! She was tired! So tired!
When she thought of the moment she took the initiative last night, Tsubaki couldn't help but wanted to find a hole to bury herself. But, she was not the one to blame, okay? If he didn't comfort her when she was crying last night, she wouldn't dare to do so.
His hugs and kisses were so... tempting...
Argh!!!
Tsubaki pressed her face on the pillow. She slammed her palms on the soft mattress repeatedly as she was trying to chase away the memory.
Ren watched his wife's funny antics from the small gap of the door. His wife didn't close the door properly so he had the chance to watch her bundle herself into a fluffy ball of a blanket. He laughed heartily when he thought back of her reaction a moment ago. Her blushing face was so endearing.
This was nice. At least, her mind was no longer filled with dark thoughts.
But, he was really tempted to continue teasing her.
In the end, with a heavy heart, he left the office. It's okay. He would have the opportunity soon.