Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 100 - 95: “Our Little Miracle”

Chapter 100: Chapter 95: “Our Little Miracle”

The wind outside rustled the golden cornfields as dawn broke across the countryside, bathing the sky in hues of pink and orange. But inside the house, everything was still—until a sharp cry echoed through the hallway.

"Agh—Ren!" Aoi screamed, gripping the edge of the doorway.

Ren dropped the tool he was holding in the garage and rushed inside in a blur.

"Aoi?!"

She stood hunched, one hand clutching her swollen belly, the other digging into the wall for support.

"My water just broke... It’s happening..."

Ren blinked, the world slowing for a split second. Then his instincts snapped into gear. He helped her into the car, Lucia guiding them through the safest and fastest route.

"Monitoring vitals. All stable. Re-routing through the emergency corridor to avoid traffic."

Aoi winced, breathing hard, her voice trembling. "Ren... I’m scared."

He held her hand tighter. "You’re not alone. We’re doing this together."

—

Several Hours Later – Private Countryside Hospital

The delivery was intense. Aoi cried out, sweat pouring down her face, her voice breaking. Ren was beside her the entire time, holding her hand, whispering every bit of strength he had into her ears.

"You’ve got this, Aoi. Just a little more."

Then—

A high-pitched, beautiful cry filled the room.

Aoi’s breath hitched as the nurse gently lifted the tiny baby girl and placed her in Aoi’s arms. The world faded. Time stopped. All she could see was her daughter’s little face, eyes shut, skin soft and pink, wrapped in a white blanket.

Tears spilled down Aoi’s cheeks as she laughed and cried all at once.

"She’s... ours. Ren, she’s real."

Ren leaned over, his throat tight, heart racing. His hand brushed over the tiny infant’s head. "She’s perfect..."

"She looks like you," Aoi whispered.

"Then she’s already in trouble," Ren chuckled softly, kissing Aoi’s forehead, then gently brushing his fingers over their daughter’s cheeks. "But I hope she gets your fire."

Lucia’s voice spoke from Ren’s smartwatch.

"Vital signs stable. Congratulations, sir and madam. Target: healthy baby girl, 3.1 kilograms. Mission: life — successful."

—

That Night – Back at Home

The family of three sat together on the wide bed under a warm blanket. Aoi cradled their daughter as she dozed quietly in her arms.

Ren watched them, heart full.

"What should we name her?" Aoi asked.

Ren paused. Then he said softly, "How about... Hikari?"

Aoi looked down at the baby. "Light... I like that."

"Because even after everything, she’s our light," Ren said. "Our new beginning."

Aoi kissed Hikari’s forehead. "Welcome home, baby girl."

—