Double Mother: The Miracle Woven by Haruka and Mana's Love - Chapter 18

On a midsummer afternoon with sunlight streaming into the room, Haruka sat wearily on the sofa. Her enlarged belly made even moving a struggle. Just then, the sound of Mana returning from shopping came from the entrance.

“I’m home! Haruka-chan, are you still sleeping there?”

Mana’s voice carried a hint of irritation. Haruka had been noticing the change in Mana’s tone lately, and she felt an urge to push back.

“But my belly is heavy. Besides, Mana-chan rests on the sofa sometimes too.”

“I only do it when necessary. Lately, Haruka-chan uses ‘my belly is heavy’ as an excuse for everything.”

Tears welled in Haruka’s eyes at Mana’s words.

“It’s not an excuse! I’m really struggling! Mana-chan, you’ve been so cold lately!”

“I’m struggling too! But someone has to stay strong.”

Mana’s voice trembled. Both of them were driven by intense emotions they’d never experienced before.

“Stay strong! Are you saying I’m not doing anything right? Is Mana-chan perfect?”

“Of course, I’m not perfect! I’m incredibly anxious too! But…”

Just as Mana’s words broke off, they both felt strong movements in their bellies simultaneously. The unexpected event made them gasp.

“Ah…”

When Haruka let out a small sound, Mana instinctively placed her hand on her belly too. Feeling almost as if they were being scolded by their children, they looked at each other.

“The twins scolded us, didn’t they?”

At Haruka’s words, Mana’s expression softened.

“You’re right. We’re the ones who need to be strong, but these kids are already more responsible than us.”

Saying this, Mana sat down beside Haruka. The tension that had been flowing between them gradually melted away.

“I’m sorry, Haruka-chan. I’ve been really on edge lately.”

“I’m sorry too. I’ve been relying on you too much.”

Haruka leaned her head against Mana’s shoulder. The soft scent of Mana’s hair calmed her heart.

“But I’m anxious about what’s going to happen from now on.”

At Haruka’s honest feelings, Mana nodded slightly.

“I’m anxious too. But if we’re together, we’ll be fine.”

Mana gently stroked Haruka’s cheek. Haruka closed her eyes at the warmth of her fingertips.

“Mana-chan, you really are kind. It’s hard to believe you had that scary face earlier.”

“Stop it! I don’t want to make that face either…”

They shared a small laugh. Mana gently stroked Haruka’s large belly, and Haruka reached out to touch Mana’s belly too.

“Hey, do you think these kids were worried about our fight?”

“They must have been. All four of them are already watching over us.”

Haruka felt warm at Mana’s words. When she looked at Mana’s profile, her long eyelashes swayed gently. Mana’s very existence was a source of comfort for Haruka.

“We might still fight from time to time.”

“Then we’ll just have to let the children scold us again.”

They stacked their hands together, feeling the heartbeat of the lives within their bellies as they shared a quiet moment. The evening light streaming through the window gently enveloped the two who had made up.