Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 85 - 80 — “Whispers Beneath the Sheets”

Chapter 85: Chapter 80 — “Whispers Beneath the Sheets”

The morning sun crept in through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the wooden floor. The countryside was quiet, distant birdsong drifting in the breeze. Inside the home they’d built together, silence held like a warm embrace.

Aoi stirred beneath the sheets, the scent of fresh linen and Ren still clinging to her skin. Her eyelashes fluttered, and her gaze fell upon the peaceful figure beside her. Ren was still asleep, his chest rising slowly, one arm protectively wrapped around her bare waist.

She reached out and gently brushed her fingers through his hair, her lips curling into a soft, wistful smile.

He stirred slightly, then opened his eyes, his voice husky. "You’re staring."

"I always do," she whispered. "You look calmer when you sleep."

Ren blinked slowly, then leaned in, pressing his lips against her forehead. "I am calmer... when I’m with you."

They stayed there for a while, nestled under the covers. Aoi didn’t rush to get up, and neither did Ren. There was no need to. The lab was shut down. The AI development was on hold. And the world could wait.

They made love again that morning—not rushed, not fiery with desperation, but slow, intimate, and wordless. Aoi clung to him as though trying to memorize his warmth, while Ren held her like she was something sacred.

Afterward, they stayed curled together in the tangled sheets, hearts thudding in a quiet rhythm.

Later in the kitchen, Ren wore a simple t-shirt and apron, flipping pancakes while humming softly. Aoi watched him from the dining table, chin resting on her hand, eyes gleaming with emotion. "You’re getting really good at this domestic husband thing."

Ren chuckled. "I’m just repaying all the meals you cooked for me back in college."

She rose from her seat and hugged him from behind, her cheek pressed to his back. "I want more mornings like this..."

"You’ll have them," he replied, turning to kiss her. "All of them."

As the day passed, Ren continued to do most of the housework—laundry, small repairs, cleaning out the garage—insisting Aoi should rest and take it easy. She did, reluctantly at first, until she realized how healing it felt to let go. To breathe.

That evening, as they lay together on the couch watching the quiet countryside through the wide windows, Aoi broke the silence.

"Ren..."

"Hmm?"

"I’ve been thinking..." She turned to face him, her voice just above a whisper. "I think... I want a baby."

Ren’s eyes widened slightly, not in shock, but in quiet awe. He cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb against her skin.

"Are you sure?" he asked softly.

She nodded, her eyes shimmering. "I want to build something beautiful with you. Not just this home. A family."

Ren leaned in and kissed her—gentle, deep, and full of emotion. "Then we’ll do it together. When you’re ready."

Aoi smiled and buried her face in his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It felt like the future was slowly taking shape—something warmer, deeper, and stronger than either of them had imagined.

And for now, the world could wait.