Double Mother: The Miracle Woven by Haruka and Mana's Love - Chapter 11

On the morning commuter train, Haruka gently held Mana’s hand. Today was the day they would both announce their pregnancies at work. Though their still-small bellies were hidden beneath their uniforms, they felt it necessary to share the news early, thinking ahead to their bodies changing.

“Are you nervous?”

At Mana’s gentle voice, Haruka gave a small nod.

“Yeah! But I’ll be okay since you’re with me.”

Mana gently squeezed Haruka’s hand in return. That warmth gradually eased Haruka’s anxiety.

They first made the announcement at Haruka’s workplace. Standing before her supervisor’s desk in the publishing company’s editorial department, she could feel her own heart pounding loudly.

“Um, department head. Do you have a moment?”

“Ah, Haruka-kun. What is it?”

The department head looked at Haruka with kind eyes. He had always been an understanding supervisor, but how would he take this news? Haruka took a deep breath and began speaking slowly.

“Actually, I’m pregnant.”

“Congratulations! That’s wonderful.”

The department head’s words trailed off. He must have sensed from Haruka’s expression that there was something more she wanted to say.

“And, one more thing… my, um, partner Mana is also pregnant at the same time.”

A moment of silence passed. Seeing the subtle change in the department head’s expression, Haruka unconsciously clenched her hands tightly.

“Both of you…?”

“Yes! We’re both pregnant.”

Haruka’s voice trembled slightly, but she continued with determined words. The department head showed a thoughtful expression for a moment, then eventually smiled gently.

“It might be tough, but we’ll provide whatever support the company can. Please prioritize your health management.”

At these words, tears welled in Haruka’s eyes.

Meanwhile, Mana’s workplace had a slightly different reaction. At the advertising agency where she worked, there were initially some voices of confusion.

“Eh? At the same time? How would that even…”

Blushing slightly at a colleague’s murmured words, Mana answered firmly.

“Yes. We consulted properly with doctors and planned this carefully.”

“But maternity leave, childcare leave… the company has no precedent for this situation.”

Hearing the surrounding voices, Mana felt somewhat anxious. But then her supervisor stepped forward and faced everyone.

“If there’s no precedent, we’ll create one. This is also part of diversity. As a company, we’ll properly support Mana-san and her partner’s choice.”

At these words, Mana bowed deeply.

That evening, the two met on a bench at a nearby park. When Mana spotted Haruka, she immediately ran over and hugged her.

“How did it go?”

“Yeah, surprisingly they understood.”

Haruka showed a happy smile. Her face, illuminated by the evening sun, looked utterly adorable.

“That’s good! I managed too.”

Mana also showed a relieved expression. Haruka touched Mana’s cheek, smiling as she felt its softness.

“Hey, we’re moving forward step by step, aren’t we?”

“Yeah. There might still be tough times ahead.”

“But we’ll be okay as long as we’re together.”

Haruka rested her head on Mana’s shoulder. In the twilight park, the two quietly savored the moment. Expectations and anxieties about their new life beginning gently enveloped them.

“Mana-chan, when we get home, let’s make something special to celebrate today.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea. Today is a special day after all.”

Holding hands, they slowly began their journey home. The road ahead might not be entirely smooth. But they felt certain they could overcome each challenge together, supporting one another. It had been that kind of special day.