Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 92 - 87 – “First Kick, Second Glance”

Chapter 92: Chapter 87 – “First Kick, Second Glance”

It was a quiet afternoon in the countryside.

A gentle breeze swept through the open window of their bedroom, ruffling the curtains. Aoi lay on the soft bed wrapped in a pale blue blanket, her long hair fanned across the pillow. Her hands rested on her belly—rounder now, alive with warmth, love, and expectation.

She gazed out at the open sky and whispered, "Our little girl... are you awake in there?"

The peaceful hum of garden tools came from outside—Ren was finishing up work on the porch, replacing the old lanterns with soft-glow lights for her evening walks. He had left his job two weeks ago, choosing instead to dedicate himself fully to her safety, the home, and the life they were creating together.

Then—

Tap.

Aoi froze.

She sat up slowly.

Tap... tap.

Her heart raced.

"...Ren!" she called, her voice cracking.

He rushed in instantly, slightly panicked. "What happened?! Are you okay?"

She took his hand with trembling fingers and placed it over her belly.

"She just kicked," she whispered. "She moved, Ren..."

His eyes widened, and he leaned closer. A few seconds passed.

Thump.

He felt it.

Not just the physical sensation—but a surge of emotion.

Their daughter.

She was real.

She was here.

"She kicked..." he repeated, voice shaky. He dropped to his knees beside the bed and pressed a kiss to her belly. "Our baby girl."

Aoi laughed through her tears, fingers weaving into his hair. "She’s saying hi to Daddy."

Later That Day – Tokyo

Ren had to briefly visit one of his older startup’s server outposts to sign off final transfers. It was supposed to be quick. Just routine.

He wore a soft black hoodie and jeans—nothing flashy. The city crowd moved past him, unaware. But as he stepped onto the crosswalk, he felt it—a chill.

He looked up.

Across the road.

Saki.

She stood beside a food stall, umbrella in hand. Her once-wild hair now trimmed, eyes sharp and deliberate.

She wasn’t hiding.

Just... watching.

Their eyes locked for a moment.

Then, she smiled.

A slow, knowing smile.

Ren didn’t flinch. He didn’t react. He just stared—cold, unmoved—before calmly walking inside the building.

Across the street, Saki murmured to herself.

"She kicked, didn’t she?""...Even so. She’ll never know you like I do."

She vanished into the crowd.

Back at the Countryside Home

Aoi had curled up on the couch, a soft pink blanket over her legs. She gently traced her belly with her palm, a sweet smile lingering on her lips.

Lucia floated into view, scanning her vitals.

Maternal status: Stable.Fetal activity: Confirmed.Emotion: Euphoric.

Lucia’s tone was soft: "Would you like to log this event, Lady Aoi?"

Aoi nodded. "Yes... title it—’Our Daughter’s First Hello.’"

"Memory saved."

And with that, Aoi leaned back and whispered to her belly, "Your Daddy’s already planning to build you the safest castle in the world... and I’ll fill it with love."