Ren woke up earlier than Tsubaki. It was close to 5 AM. The sun had started showing itself, splashing an outburst of yellow and orange colors over the horizon. Their flight won't take off until 8 so he didn't wake her up.
Toshiro's advice came to his mind. When Tsubaki fainted a few weeks ago, Toshiro had emphasized that it was crucial to take care of her health, especially regarding her mental state. Even though many days had passed but Ren didn't dare to let his guard down. Especially when his wife was in a fragile situation like this.
Before he got off the bed, he didn't forget to planted a light kiss on her forehead. Tsubaki was sleeping peacefully, much to his relief. He was afraid if her sleep would be disturbed by the fact she would return to the hometown that held dark history for her but it didn't seem that way.
Ren went to his study. He sat there and worked on the latest e-mails that needed his attention. He had already reminded Matsuzaki and Hibiki that no disturbance should come to him when he was away with Tsubaki. Unless it was extremely important, they could be directed to his VPs and directors.
After almost half an hour facing the laptop, Ren finally stood up from the chair. He did a couple of stretching to avoid his body feeling numb.
Ding!
Ren had just rolled his neck once when a new notification chimed from the Inbox. His brows knitted together because it came from his personal e-mail whom only a selected few knew of. He leaned down a bit to take a look at the screen. A flicker of recognition flashed in his eyes once he saw the sender's e-mail address. A chat was opened on the screen.
It was Takuma.
takutakumaaa@jmail.com> You're there? What are you doing at this hour not sleeping by your wife's side?
takutakumaaa@jmail.com> Or are you kicked out of the bed?
Ren sighed inwardly. He rubbed his temple as he sat back on the chair. His slender fingers began typing on the keyboard.
seulenhiver@jmail.com> It's already morning here. Do you have something important to tell me?
takutakumaaa@jmail.com> Gah! It's already summer in Japan but you're still cold! It's nothing serious. I just want to say yours truly would be coming home for good sooner than you expected!
seulenhiver@jmail.com> Your boss didn't regret letting you go?
takutakumaaa@jmail.com> He persuaded me to stay but after I said I would if he gives me his position, he stopped bothering me.
seulenhiver@jmail.com> Good.
takutakumaaa@jmail.com> Good? That's it? You don't want to praise me for being efficient?
seulenhiver@jmail.com> Tell me when you'd come back. I already have a project for you. Do expect its difficulty.
takutakumaaa@jmail.com> You're really serious you wanna throw the work on me as soon as I come home???
seulenhiver@jmail.com> Yes, Mr. Future President.
takutakumaaa@jmail.com> ....
Ren logged out before Takuma could reply. He knew the man was currently cursing him under his breath thousands miles away from him. Ren closed his laptop, he wanted to prepare breakfast before Tsubaki woke up. Before he went downstairs, his feet brought him back to the bedroom.
Tsubaki was rolling on his side, one of her hands rubbing her sleepy eyes. Ren chuckled seeing her, he immediately went to her side.
"It's not 6 yet, why don't you sleep longer?" Ren leaned sideways against the headboard as he got on the bed. He reached out a hand to rubbed her head. "I'd wake you up once breakfast is ready."
Tsubaki sleepily shook her head. Even though she wanted to wake up but the sleepiness was still there. She moved closer to her husband, her hands encircling his waist as she rubbed her head on his chest.
Ren stifled a laugh. He properly laid beside her. Tsubaki smiled while her eyes remained close. Seeing her like this, Ren couldn't help but having the urge to kiss her senseless.
"It's rare for you to be so sleepy like this," Ren said in a low voice. He placed the back of his hand on her forehead, feeling her temperature. There was nothing abnormal. "Are you feeling okay, sweetheart?"
"Uhuh..." Tsubaki answered quietly. She nuzzled her face on the crook of his neck. She wanted to open her eyes yet it was so difficult to do so. "I don't know... I'm so sleepy these days..."
Ren nodded in agreement. He realized Tsubaki appeared more tired than usual. But, Toshiro said it was inevitable when she was under a lot of stress. His wife just needed proper care and rest in the meantime.
After 10 minutes passed, Ren propped up his body to sit up. Tsubaki was still burying her face on the soft pillow. Ren smiled helplessly. He leaned down, trying to get her to wake up.
"Sweetheart, we have a flight to catch. Let's get ready, okay?" Ren lifted the blanket covering her body. Tsubaki curled up like a baby.
"En... 5 more minutes?" She tried to negotiate in her sleepiness.
Ren laughed softly. He bent down and kissed her nose. "What do you want to eat? I'll prepare our breakfast first."
"En..." Tsubaki opened one of her eyes. Her husband was patiently waiting for her to reply. Her voice was a bit hoarse as she parted her lips, "Your strawberry pancakes?"
"Again?" Ren smiled in amusement. "You really want me to make the strawberry pancakes for you?"
"Uhuh." Tsubaki nodded. "Can I?"
"Of course you could have them," Ren brushed his lips on hers. "I'll wake you up once I'm done. Okay?"
"Thank you, darling."
Ren patted her head before he went downstairs. Luckily, there was still a box of fresh strawberries in the fridge. Ren quickly began his work. In just a moment, the sound of the batter sizzled on the pan resounded in the kitchen. He flipped the pancakes a few times before transferring them to two plates.
While he was brewing some of Tsubaki's favorite tea leaves, he heard the sound of light footsteps coming from behind. Ren turned around. Tsubaki was walking toward him, she was still wearing her nightgown from last night.
"Come," Ren smiled as he waved her to come closer.
Tsubaki obediently followed his words. A smile brightenend her face when she saw the fluffy pancakes on the plates. Both of them sat at the kitchen island and began to eat.
After they finished breakfast, Ren and Tsubaki started preparing for their trip. Their luggage had been placed inside the car by Hibiki. Tsubaki neatened her ponytail before she stepped out from the wardobe.
"Are you ready?" Ren smiled seeing her in a butterfly sleeved white dress. He handed Tsubaki her beige cross-body beg.
"Yes..."
Tsubaki nodded. She bit her lower lip, feeling a bit nervous. Ren fixed her bangs before he leaned down to gently kissed her lips.
"I'm here. So, don't be afraid."
"En."
Their journey to the airport was smooth. After the check-in, Ren and Tsubaki entered the VIP lounge inside the departure hall. Both of them sat at a small round table near the glass wall overlooking the rest of the hall.
Ren sneaked a glance at Tsubaki who was sitting quietly opposite him. Her hands were placed on her tummy. Ren put his phone down on the table. He gestured for a helper inside the lounge to come over.
"Yes, sir. What can I help you?" The helper asked in a polite voice.
"Please bring a pot of chamomile tea here," Ren gave his order. "And a selection of biscuits."
"Right away, sir." The helper immediately left to the bar.
Ren's words caught Tsubaki's attention. She raised her head, locking eyes with him. "Are you hungry?"
Ren shook his head. "It's not me who's hungry. It's you."
Tsubaki smiled sheepishly. "You could tell?"
"En." Ren returned her smile. "It seems like my pancakes weren't enough. Do you want anything else besides biscuits, sweetheart?"
"Uhuh. No." Tsubaki quickly shook her head. "I'm not really hungry. I just feel like want to snack on something."
The helper arrived right when Tsubaki finished her words. He carefully placed the pot of tea on the table, following by a tray of biscuits. Three different type of biscuits were placed in white porcelain bowls.
Tsubaki muttered her thanks to the helper, earning a grateful smile from him. Ren opened the lids of the containers. He took a sea salt chocolate chip biscuit and handed it to Tsubaki. She swiftly took a bite of it. Her eyes widened as the taste spread inside her mouth.
"Do you like it?" Ren held the handle of the ceramic pot, pouring the tea into a cup. Hot stream rose to the air alongside its fragrance.
"En!"
Tsubaki reached out for another biscuit. As she was enjoying her snacks, she sighed inwardly. It didn't escape her notice that she would always feel tired and hungry as of late.
Was it because of her stress or the summer heat?
But, she indeed would feel more tired than usual once summer arrived except this year was much worse than the past summers. Considering what happened to her these days, it wasn't odd if her energy drained until she felt completely exhausted.
In the end, Tsubaki decided to not think further of the matter. Instead, she focused on the delicious biscuits in front of her.
She also tried not to think of what she would find once she returned to her family home.