Rain was falling when Tsubaki and Ren departed to Kouichi"s home. It was 9 AM in the morning. Since the temperature dropped due to the rain, Tsubaki dressed in a thicker clothes; a one piece long sleeved dress paired with a wool cardigan. Ren was in his usual dark casual outfit."The traffic is a bit packed," said Tsubaki softly as she watched the slow movement of the vehicles on the road.
"Nothing we can do," replied Ren, sneaking a glance at his wife. "I thought the rain would stop last night. It seems today"s going to be rainy too."
"I love the rain," Tsubaki smiled while staring at the rain falling softly on the ground.
Ren smiled fondly. He knew she loved watching the rain. Besides, the rain wasn"t as heavy as last night"s. It was more like a drizzle.
Since they brought many things with them, they couldn"t use the subway like the last time. All of the presents were wrapped carefully and placed in paper bags. Tsubaki was antic.i.p.ating the moment when Kouichi would open them all.
But, a nagging thought suddenly came into her mind. It was what she felt during their shopping trip.
"Ren..."
"Yes, sweetheart?" Ren"s eyes was focused on the road ahead of them. The cars in front of them were still moving in a slow speed.
"I think we bought too much," said Tsubaki in a dejected tone. She lowered her head, staring at the white sneakers on her feet. "They"d feel trouble, don"t they?"
Ren stretched one of his hand, holding Tsubaki"s small hands in his. He gently squeezed them, giving a silent rea.s.surance. After a few moments, he spoke.
"If they felt troubled, it"s our job to comfort them. Giving them money would insult them, so buying them presents are more acceptable. Don"t worry, they"d understand your sincerity."
Her husband"s gentle voice slightly lifted her mood. Tsubaki nodded, squeezing his hand in return.
After almost one hour in the expressway, they finally arrived at the residential area where Kouchi and his grandmother lived. Rain had stopped falling, allowing them to move freely without the need to use any umbrella.
Tsubaki gently closed the car"s door. Her eyes landed on the small apartment. She remembered the first time she came here. It was because of Kouichi"s mother who resembled her greatly.
"Sweetheart, I think we should leave the bigger things behind. Let"s bring the smaller items first?" Ren said from behind the car. He was taking some of the paper bags in his hands.
"Okay. Here, let me help you."
Tsubaki and Ren brought the paper bags and started to walk upstairs. The tiny hallway was desolate. There was not even a single person could be found walking along the hallway.
Once they reached the unit, Ren politely knocked on the door. They waited for a few minutes. Sounds of footsteps approaching the door could be heard. Especially the sound of a young boy laughing in glee.
Once the door was opened, Kouichi"s adorable smiling face greeted them. His eyes brightened when he saw them.
"See, Grandma! It"s really Pretty Sister and Handsome Uncle!" Kouchi yelled in excitement behind her. He jumped towards Tsubaki.
Tsubaki laughed as she caught his small body. He tightly wrapped his tiny arms around her waist. She crouched down and looked at his chubby face after placing the paper bags on the floor.
"How have you been, Kou-chan?" asked Tsubaki with a smile on her face. She gently patted his head.
"I"m good! And I miss you!"
Once again Kouichi threw himself towards Tsubaki. Tsubaki laughed heartily, pleased to see such a reaction from the little boy.
"Young man, don"t forget that you"re hugging my wife right now," said Ren from the side. A faint trace of jealousy lingered in his voice.
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"You"re stingy, Handsome Uncle," replied Kouichi cheekily. "Pretty Sister likes me. If not she won"t come here to see me."
Ren could only smile helplessly.
"It"s you, Tsubaki and Ren?" Aunt Ume"s voice sounded from the door.
"Yes, Aunt Ume," replied Tsubaki as she lifted Kouichi up with one easy movement. The little bun was clinging tightly to her. "We"ve come for a visit. We"re sorry we didn"t call you beforehand."
"It"s okay, there"s nothing to be sorry about," the old woman was sharing the same sentiment with Kouichi. She too was happy to see the couple again. "Come in!"
Since Tsubaki was carrying Kouichi, Ren took all the paper bags and followed his wife from behind. Aunt Ume swiftly cleaned up the place. She was startled when she saw the paper bags in Ren"s hands.
"These are..."
"Present for Kou-chan and you," answered Ren. He put down all the paper bags on the floor.
"Really?" Kouichi asked animatedly. "Those are mine?"
Tsubaki laughed when Kouichi wiggled free from her embrace, so eager to see all the presents. His little feet stopped in front of the paper bags. One could clearly see the joy in his eyes.
"Do you want to open this first?" Ren showed him a box of a robot from the nearest paper bag.
"Yes! Yes!" Kouichi nodded immediately. His eyes sparkling with stars.
Seeing him like this, Tsubaki was glad she followed Ren"s suggestion to buy Kouichi presents.
Ren helped Kouichi unwrapping all the presents while Tsubaki went to the kitchen to help Aunt Ume. She cut the cake into slices and put the cookies on a plate.
"You don"t need to buy him any present," said Aunt Ume from her side. She was making barley tea for her guests.
"I know you"d feel bad, Aunt Ume. But please accept them," said Tsubaki softly. "Seeing Kouichi reminds me of my childhood days with my brother. If possible I want his childhood to be the same as most children."
Aunt Ume smiled bitterly, she understood the meaning behind Tsubaki"s words. This young lady had a difficult childhood where she lived in a financial constraint. That was why Tsubaki wanted to at least let Kouichi had a happy childhood where he had freedom in playing and studying.
"Tsubaki, I don"t know whether I should tell you or not but..." Aunt Ume hesitated, something was burdening her mind. She looked straight at Tsubaki. "Seeing you coming today change my mind."
"En?" Tsubaki paused from arranging the cookies on the plate. She focused entirely on Aunt Ume. "Does it... relate to Miss Hinata?"
Aunt Ume lowered her head, unwilling to face Tsubaki. Slowly, she nodded.