Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 87 - 82 – “A New Heartbeat”

Chapter 87: Chapter 82 – “A New Heartbeat”

The morning sun filtered softly through the gauzy white curtains, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor of their countryside home. A gentle breeze rustled the open window, carrying in the scent of fresh corn and wildflowers. The silence was warm, wrapped in the comfort of a love-filled morning.

Ren stirred awake first, his arm still draped around Aoi’s waist. Her soft breaths brushed against his neck, her body curled close to his under the blankets. Their leave from work had been nothing short of healing—quiet mornings, late-night cuddles, cooking together, laughing, and finally surrendering to their deepest affections.

Aoi murmured something in her sleep and nuzzled her head against Ren’s chest, eyes still closed.

He smiled, brushing her hair back gently. "Morning, my wife," he whispered, kissing her forehead.

Aoi blinked slowly, a dreamy look in her eyes before realization kicked in.

"Ren..." Her voice was gentle. "I feel... different."

Ren blinked. "Different?"

She sat up slowly, pulling the blanket with her. "I mean, it’s hard to explain. I’m a little dizzy, and my stomach feels... off. Not sick. Just... fluttery."

Ren sat up beside her. "Maybe you’re just tired again."

Aoi shook her head slowly, a soft hand resting over her belly. "No. It’s a different kind of feeling... Like something new started inside me."

Her words hit him like the first snow in spring—soft, beautiful, but with a weight of change.

"...You think?" he asked, not daring to breathe.

"I—I don’t know yet. But I have a feeling, Ren. A really strong one."

Ren stared at her, heart thudding with something he couldn’t name—was it awe? Fear? Overwhelming joy?

And then Aoi smiled, shy but glowing.

"Would it be okay if I was?" she asked.

Ren took her hands in his, gently pulling her close. He placed a kiss on her fingers, then one just above her navel. His voice trembled.

"It would be the most beautiful thing in the world."

They held each other in silence, lost in a quiet joy neither could put into words. The world outside didn’t matter. Not the companies, not the past threats, not the shadows lingering.

All that mattered now was the quiet beginning of a new life.

After the emotional exchange in bed, neither of them wanted to rush into anything. They just lay there, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the room filled with quiet heartbeats and subtle smiles. Ren’s hand stayed on Aoi’s stomach for a long while, as if trying to feel something through the stillness.

By late morning, the two of them were still in pajamas, standing barefoot in the kitchen. Ren moved between the stove and the counter with gentle energy, preparing breakfast while humming softly. Aoi sat at the table, chin resting on her hands, watching him with eyes filled with love.

"You’re really doing all the cooking again?" she teased, though her voice was soft with affection.

Ren glanced back with a grin. "Of course. You’re on queen-level rest until further notice."

"Hmm... sounds like husband instincts are kicking in," she said with a playful smile, nudging his side when he passed her a plate of tamagoyaki and grilled onigiri.

After breakfast, Aoi took a long bath while Ren swept through the house, cleaning every corner, fluffing pillows, and even reorganizing the pantry. The AI lab remained shut—Ren had powered it down for the entire week. Lucia, obedient and quiet, rested inside her charging pod.

They spent the afternoon under the sun on a picnic blanket in the backyard, the cornfields swaying gently around them. Aoi lay with her head on Ren’s lap, eyes half-closed, while he absentmindedly stroked her hair.

"Do you think it’s really happening?" she asked quietly.

Ren paused, looking up at the sky, then back at her. "I don’t know yet. But... if it is, I’m ready."

She sat up, turning to face him. "Ren, if I am... I want to do it here. Raise our baby in this peace. This quiet life we dreamed of."

He pulled her into a hug, his voice steady. "That’s exactly what I want too. Just you, me, and... a little miracle."

Later, as the sun dipped into the horizon, casting the house and garage in a golden-orange hue, Ren lit the fireplace and prepared hot cocoa. Aoi sat on the couch wearing one of his oversized hoodies, tucked under a thick blanket. They didn’t need anything else—no entertainment, no devices. Just silence, warmth, and love.

As night settled, Ren carried Aoi to bed, wrapping her in his arms. Before falling asleep, he whispered into her ear:

"I hope there’s a heartbeat... so I can fall in love with you all over again, Aoi."

She didn’t answer. Her quiet tears already said everything.