Double Mother: The Miracle Woven by Haruka and Mana's Love - Chapter 5

On Monday night, the two of them headed to their usual neighborhood sento bathhouse. They had decided to visit this bathhouse at least twice a week without fail.

Lately, their bellies had begun to show slightly, making them more conscious of people’s gazes. But perhaps because they were known as regulars here, the surrounding glances remained gentle.

“Huh? Haruka-chan, is your back getting a little rounder?”

While washing Haruka’s back, Mana noticed the change. Each time her fingertips touched, Haruka’s soft skin trembled slightly.

“Eh? Really? But Mana-chan, it’s not just around your belly—your waistline is changing too, isn’t it?”

Haruka turned to look back, staring intently at Mana’s body. Just as they’d been told at the obstetrician’s office, both of them were gradually experiencing changes in their figures. While they felt some confusion about these changes, there was also a sense of endearment.

“Mms…”

When Haruka gently washed Mana’s back, Mana let out a small sound.

“Ticklish?”

“No, it feels nice… Haruka-chan’s hands are always so gentle.”

Mana’s pale skin had turned slightly pink from the steam. Haruka unconsciously leaned her face against Mana’s shoulder.

“Hey, Haruka-chan! There are other people here too, you know?”

“But Mana-chan is just so cute.”

They shared a quiet laugh. Soaking in the bath, Haruka gazed at Mana’s profile. Her long eyelashes were damp with steam, making her look even more beautiful than usual.

Eventually, the regular customers began to notice them.

Their bellies, which had grown noticeably larger recently, were clearly visible to those around them.

“My, are both of you pregnant?”

A middle-aged woman they often saw at the front desk spoke to them kindly.

“Yes…”

When Mana answered somewhat shyly, voices rose from around them one after another.

“Congratulations! How far along are you?”

“Wow, your bellies are already so big…”

“You’re both at the same stage? How wonderful.”

In the warm steam, words of blessing echoed gently. Haruka softly grasped Mana’s hand, finding comfort in its warmth.

Soon, an elderly woman slowly entered from the changing room. Known in the neighborhood as “Grandma Michi,” she was beloved by everyone.

“Oh, Haruka-chan, Mana-chan…”

When Grandma Michi spotted them, a gentle smile appeared on her face. Her deeply wrinkled expression radiated profound affection.

“Good evening, Grandma Michi.”

When Mana greeted her, Grandma Michi slowly approached while entering the bath.

“Both of you are going to be mothers, aren’t you?”

At those quiet words, Haruka and Mana found their eyes unexpectedly moistening. Grandma Michi had always watched over them warmly.

“Grandma, we…”

“I know. I know your loving feelings, and the joy of nurturing new life.”

As she spoke, Grandma Michi gently placed her hands on their bellies. Though her hands were small and covered with wrinkles, they conveyed a definite warmth.

“These children will surely grow up in a wonderful environment. After all, they have two such loving mothers.”

At those words, Haruka couldn’t help but shed tears. Mana’s eyes also grew moist as she placed her own hand over Grandma Michi’s.

“Grandma, thank you.”

“This is my congratulations to you. Consider it a prayer for safe delivery.”

Grandma Michi continued to gently stroke their bellies. Her gestures seemed filled with the love and wisdom cultivated through many years of life.

“This bath has been known since long ago as the waters for safe childbirth. I, my daughter, and my granddaughter—we all purified our bodies here and had safe deliveries.”

At her words, the other women around them nodded quietly. Ancient traditions and the prayers of women across generations filled the space.

“Both of you will have difficult times ahead until delivery, but we’re here for you.”

Following Grandma Michi’s words, the other regular customers joined in.

“That’s right, if anything comes up, just let us know.”

“If there’s anything we can help with, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Through the steam, they could see many kind smiles. Haruka and Mana squeezed each other’s hands tightly, engraving this warm moment of blessing in their hearts.

◆

When they returned to the changing room after bathing, they were met with the issue of clothing sizes.

“Huh…?”

Haruka made a slightly confused sound as she tried to fasten the buttons on her blouse.

“What’s wrong?”

“Somehow, this part feels tighter.”

The buttons around her chest were clearly tighter than usual. Mana watched Haruka’s situation while getting dressed herself.

“Lately, the waist of my uniform skirt has been getting tight too… We might need to start thinking about maternity clothes soon.”

When Mana said this, Haruka’s expression turned somewhat sad.

“We won’t be able to wear the clothes we’ve been wearing until now for a while.”

At those words, Mana immediately moved closer to Haruka’s side.

“But isn’t there some excitement in choosing new clothes too? Let’s go look for some together?”

At Mana’s cheerful voice, Haruka’s expression gradually softened.

“Yeah, you’re right. If I’m with Mana-chan, it might be fun.”

On their way home, they walked holding hands. The night breeze felt pleasant against their cheeks.

“Hey, Mana-chan.”

“What?”

“Our bodies are going to keep changing even more from now on, aren’t they?”

A hint of anxiety mixed into Haruka’s voice. Mana squeezed her hand tightly.

“Yeah, but that’s proof our babies are growing. And…”

Mana continued somewhat shyly.

“I think Haruka-chan will be cute no matter what shape your body takes.”

“Oh! Mana-chan, you…”

Blushing, Haruka clung to Mana’s arm. The streetlights gently illuminated their happy expressions.

When they returned home, they stood side by side in front of the mirror. They carefully examined each other’s bodily changes once more.

“We’re gradually becoming mothers, aren’t we?”

At Mana’s words, Haruka nodded quietly. There was definitely some confusion about their changing bodies. But the fact that these changes were nurturing new life warmly filled both their hearts.

That night, they fell asleep nestled close together. Starting tomorrow, new changes might begin again. But they could walk through them together. It was a night when they could be certain of that.