Once Tsubaki was done with her breakfast, Grandma urged her to drink a bowl of herbal soup said to help in the early stages of pregnancy. Although its taste was unpleasant she still forced herself to finish the soup. Grandma was elated once she saw the clean bowl.
"Have a candied plum, Tsubaki," Aunt Kasumi opened a glass bottle containing candied plums she bought from a famous shop in the city. "It could help to deal with the bitter aftertaste of the soup."
"Thank you, Aunt Kasumi," Tsubaki said gratefully. She took one of the candies and popped it into her mouth.
After the helpers cleaned the table, the atmosphere suddenly turned solemn. Tsubaki glanced at Grandma, Ren and Takuma. She understood there was something important that they wanted to discuss. A sudden realization dawned on her.
She forgot to ask her husband about his talk with Grandma last night!
"Ren, Takuma, Grandma wants to talk to you guys about your plan," Grandma's clear voice echoed in the spacious lounge. She put her teacup on the saucer before she placed her full attention to the two young men sitting opposite her. "About the plan Takuma taking over the family and the company."
Takuma let his playfulness on check as he became serious all of a sudden. Tsubaki took a peek at Aunt Kasumi's calm face. It seemed like she too had known about it. Maybe Grandma had already told her?
"Takuma has his credentials when he worked for the foreign company after his graduation," Ren peered at his cousin's face before he landed his gaze on Grandma's. "I don't see anyone else befitting the role as much as him. If the early stage of the collaboration with A-W Group is a success, it's not hard to place him as my proxy before the inauguration."
Grandma pondered for a while, taking everything into accounts.
As Ren had said, Takuma was the most suitable candidate. His experience and intelligence were on par with Ren. Grandma herself had been leading the company for more than two decades before she handed the position to Ren 5 years ago. She had experienced it herself the downfall of the corporation after the immature death of her son before she brought it back to rise.
"Ren, Takuma," Grandma took a careful look at each of their expressions. Both of them appeared so serious, especially Takuma whom she knew was not one to act prim and proper most of the time. "The other elders might object to your plan but you guys have my full support. Do whatever you need. If possible, Ren, let the upcoming anniversary of Fuse Corporation be the time you announce your decision to step down from the company."
Ren nodded. "The anniversary would take place in 4 months, approximately a month after my and Tsubaki's wedding. Within that time, I'll complete the process of handover to Takuma."
"Yes, Grandma," Takuma voiced out his agreement. "I'll use the time to show a good report regarding the collaboration as well as for them to see my competency. Since this is a really important matter, we'll quietly work on it."
"Great," Grandma smiled in satisfaction. "If possible, I'll ask all the elders to meet after the wedding. We don't need their fussing over this matter before you guys completed the process. Keep this under wrap first, even from your own family, Takuma."
"Alright, Grandma," Ren and Takuma said in unison.
Grandma urged Ren to take Tsubaki for a stroll in the garden. Takuma remained in the lounge with Grandma and Aunt Kasumi. Even though it was nearing noon but the shades provided by the trees made them comfortable. The summer breeze blew gently passed them, fluttering Tsubaki's long hair behind.
"Grandma has really agreed with you?" Tsubaki looked up to meet her husband's gaze. She felt a pang of guilt when she saw the faint dark circles under his eyes. She could only pray for her safety tonight if he decided to take revenge on her.
"Grandma has predicted this," Ren answered lazily. He still felt tired after a night without sleep. "She said she won't force me anymore. Even though I haven't told her my exact plan but she said not to worry. Thank God Takuma is reliable, if not I don't think Grandma would easily agree with me."
Tsubaki giggled happily, her face radiated under the warm sunlight. "Well, he seems competent enough when he doesn't open his mouth."
Ren stifled a laugh. It seemed like his wife had caught the essence of Takuma's character.
Once they walked near a bench, Ren swiftly pulled her to follow him. Both of them sat on the long bench before Ren raised his long legs and landed his head on Tsubaki's lap. His dark eyes peered at her innocent smile as if she didn't understand why did he do this.
"I'm sleepy. You need to be my pillow, alright?" With a demanding tone, Ren smiled crookedly at her.
"Alright~ alright~" Tsubaki answered nonchalantly. She ran her right hand over his head, playing with his dark locks. "My husband is so pitiable, he couldn't sleep last night."
"Whose fault you think it was?" Ren fired back. He was tempted to pinch her cheeks when he saw the teasing smile on her face. Her long hair fell below her waist, he caught a strand of them and twirled it using his finger.
"You're the one who started it first, darling~" Tsubaki wasn't one to back down. She swiftly countered his argument with her sweetest smile. "Do you want to sleep on the couch again tonight?"
Ren pursed his lips. He quickly closed his eyes, pretending he was already sleeping. Tsubaki laughed freely, her husband could be so childish!
The husband and wife spent their time under the tree. Tsubaki was scrolling her phone as she leaned comfortably against the backrest. Her other hand was still rubbing her husband's head. Ren had already fallen into a deep sleep. His faint snore accompanied the sound of leaves rustling above them.
Ding!
While Tsubaki was reading the news, she got a new message from Kanako. Her lips curled up as she was reminded of her friend.
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Where are you? I am so stressed and I want you to accompany me shopping! (￣ ￣|||)
Camellia of the Spring: Just ask your Mr. Bodyguard to accompany you~ Can't he? (✧ω✧)
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Don't talk about him! My parents forced me to go to a blind date and he didn't even bat an eyelid! Boohoo my romance is over! .゜゜(´Ｏ`) ゜゜.
Camellia of the Spring: There there *pat on your back* I'm still at the old house. How about tomorrow?
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Deal! I'll meet you at Spring City okay?
Camellia of the Spring: Alright. Text me the time later.
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Okay! Gotta go! (´♡‿♡`)
After she exited the messaging app, Tsubaki silently pondering over something. Her eyes were looking at the clear summer sky above her. The blue sky appeared calm with white clouds drifted over the vast sky.
It's time for her to take another step.
Click!
The shutter sound snapped Tsubaki out of her daze. She turned her head toward the sound. Her gaze landed on the smiling Takuma. He was holding his phone before his eyes. A mischievous smile spread on his handsome face as he took a step closer toward the bench.
"Grandma asked me to see what you guys are doing. I didn't expect to find my iceberg cousin sleeping on your lap," said Takuma casually as he bent down to look at Ren's sleeping face. He brought his camera closer and took a photo of Ren. "Well, it's rare to see him appear so relax even in front of us."
Tsubaki laughed softly, she just let Takuma took her husband's photos. She pinched one of his cheeks as she said, "He couldn't sleep last night, what to do? It's his fault for teasing me too much."
Takuma smirked. Somehow he felt happy for witnessing his cousin's misfortunes. He didn't let the opportunity go as he continued capturing photos of the husband and wife.
"It won't be easy for you guys to retreat from this life," Takuma tapped the keys on the screen before he placed the phone inside his trousers' pocket. "You guys would be at the center of attention first but don't worry, it would die down soon. I know Ren won't proceed with this unless he already has a concrete plan for you both."
Tsubaki curled up her lips, she felt proud just by listening to someone praising her husband. "I believe he does."
Takuma shrugged with a lazy smile on his face. He spun on his heels and began to walk toward the old house. He waved a hand at Tsubaki without looking back. "Alright. Grandma already knows what you guys are up to. Don't forget to come inside for lunch later."
Huh?
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Tsubaki was surprised by the incessant ringing coming from her phone. With a confused face, she opened the notifications. They were all from the family group chat Takuma had recently added hers and Ren's numbers in. Apparently that guy had been adding them into a family group chat he had just created. He had even taught Grandma how to use it.
There were not many people in the group. Takuma didn't even add his parents' and sister's numbers in it.
In Tsubaki's line of sight, a series of photos taken by Takuma earlier displayed on the screen.
The High and Mighty Yours Truly Takuma: Our infamous ice statue is sleeping soundly on his wife's lap! Take a look at them, dearest guests!
Under the message was one of a close-up of Ren's sleeping face. Takuma had added a filter with a cat's ears and whiskers on Ren's face.
Tsubaki quickly covered her mouth. She had almost wanted to squeal when she saw the cute photo!
Within a minute, the group chat was filled with new messages from Grandma and Aunt Kasumi.
Lovely Lady of the Ten Thousand Miles: Is that my grandson? He looked as cute as he was when he was a baby! I can't believe I could witness his cuteness again!
The Pure Blossom Bride: Well, considering his 24/7 dark mood I could say he looks kinda cute in these photos. Maybe we could update his albums, Aunt Mariko.
The High and Mighty Yours Truly Takuma: I still have a couple of them~ Please wait until I edit all of them alright? It'd be a waste to not have blackmail materials on him.
Lovely Lady of the Ten Thousand Miles: Grandma agreed! I could show them to my great-grandchild later!
The Pure Blossom Bride: Aunt, it's still a long time before you could show them to the little one. By the way, the drama is about to start. Come to the lounge.
Lovely Lady of the Ten Thousand Miles: Wait a minute! I just asked Old Yuuzo to bring the cakes in!
The High and Mighty Yours Truly Takuma: Count me in!
As fast as they entered the chat room, they left in a blink of an eye too.
Tsubaki averted her gaze from the screen to her husband's sleeping face. He looked so peaceful, like the air of spring. What would he do once he knew the chaos Takuma had made?
She couldn't help but shudder when she imagined the cold wind of winter would assault them once he knew.