Chapter Ten

That complete bedrest for two weeks nearly put me on edge. Especially when Hanamiya was there to check me like every passing hour. I couldn't even pee without him following me. Well, it's not like I needed someone to hold me because I could already manage on my own, but he just had to make sure that his two babies would be alright---that's what he would always say.

And just like what he said, I dropped out of school. We planned to continue my studies after I give birth or so, my parents also agreed to that. After my two-week bedrest, I convinced Hanamiya to attend his classes since I was already fine anyway. He is a top student and he had to maintain his excellent grades. He refused at first, but he eventually gave in at the end.

My pregnancy was a secret, nobody except our friends and families knew about it----and it should stay that way until we get wed. Which would be happening in a year, when Hanamiya and I turn 18. We planned the wedding to be a simple closed family affair but when Hanamiya's sister heard about it, she promised us that she'd make the preparations grand. Both of us weren't able to say No since she sounded so awfully excited over the phone.

His parents heard about the news too, they were disappointed and upset about it as well. They talked to the both of us through video call since they were currently overseas. But unexpectedly, they were somehow impressed of how their son had taken care of the situation responsibly. They were also very eager to see their upcoming grandchild even though I was still two months pregnant and there's still another seven more months to go.

I've never been more happy all my life, everything was going well---except maybe for my condition where I had to deal with the difficulty of my first trimester.

Oh, the pain..

The absolute pain.

I could feel Hanamiya beside me, gently pushing all my blonde locks back and giving my back a gentle rub. My stomach calmed down almost immediately. It was still different when you had someone to comfort you during times like that. I was thankful Hanamiya was there to support me, I was not alone anymore.

I was almost gasping for air by the time I already puked all my contents out. He gave me a glass of water and I quickly gurgled my mouth with water for a few times.

"You're supposed to save half for drinking." He started softly, taking the empty glass from my hand then putting it back on the sink.

I turned to look at him. His face was different. More mature. More gentle. I smiled weakly before leaning my body against him. He responded by wrapping his arms around me, holding me close. I sighed, closing my eyes and feeling his warmth.

"Are you okay?" Hanamiya finally asked. He brought me back to the bed where I was laid down to rest. He was already prepared for school and was ready to go when he heard me vomiting in the bathroom. "Should I just stay with you today?"

I inhaled deeply, trying to regain back my usual pattern of breathing. "No, I'll be fine. Mom will stay with me so there's no need for you to skip school."

"I was thinking about getting our own house but Onii-san said we're free to stay at the mansion," he said, bringing the covers up to my chest then brushing aside the few strands of hair on my face.

"Eh? But I want to stay here, I want to stay here with Mom since she can help me with my pregnancy."

"Yes, I know that. That's why I changed my mind."

I narrowed my eyes then looked at him suspiciously. "And besides, do you even have money?"

He gave me a toothy grin, "Of course. I have millions in my bank account."

"Ha-ha-ha." I slapped him on his right cheek playfully. "How on earth did you get such big amount of money?"

"I help my brother with our business, so literally speaking, I'm already working. Don't underestimate me, babe." He flashed me a proud smile.

I huffed, "Don't babe me, you idiot."

He laughed, pressing a soft kiss on my lips. "Just trust me, Nadeshiko. I'll provide you and our child the best life."

I smiled and partly nodded my head, "I trust you, Makoto."

After about another few minutes, he finally decided to go to school. But of course, he left me dozens of reminders first. Don't do this, don't do that. Don't eat this, don't eat that. Watch out for this, watch out for that.

Jeez. Really..

Hanamiya Makoto would become an overprotective husband, and most probably, father to our child.

***

It was already dark when Hanamiya came home from school. I was reading my All-American Girl novel by Meg Cabot in the family room when he sat beside me carrying a large paper bag.

"How's my baby doing?" He said sweetly before kissing my lips briefly. He loosened up his tie then leaned closer to me, tucking a few strands of hair behind my ear.

I smiled then kissed his cheek, "I'm fine. And bored." I rolled my eyes after saying the last word. Which sucked.

"Here," he gently placed the paper bag above my lap. "These are books by your favorite author. I know you like them."

Happiness and excitement washed away my complaints as I examined the books he bought for me. I giggled and squeezed him in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Makoto."

He chuckled and pressed a soft kiss on my head. "How about we eat outside tonight? I'll take you out on a date since you've been inside the house for a while now. You need some fresh air."

I beamed and pulled away immediately, looking at him with sparkling eyes. "Really? Are you sure?"

And when he said Yes, I nearly jumped up and down out of happiness. I was really eager - very eager - to get out of our house. I mean, I could have gone out but I didn't. I wouldn't want to face Hanamiya's wrath. After all, he only wanted our baby and mine's safety since according to the doctor, my pregnancy was going to be quite risky.

I hurried upstairs and changed into a black mini skirt, a plain white cotton blouse, and a pink cardigan. Pregnant or not, I still would want to look pretty in front of my boyfriend. I wore no makeup though, just a light lipstick, and my hair was let loose. In all fairness, I really think my straight blonde hair was beautiful just like that.

I was already in the middle of slipping on my black ankle boots when Hanamiya came in. His gaze immediately darted to me and a frown immediately appeared on his forehead. He walked closer, heaving a deep sigh. "Wear a much thicker coat, Nadeshiko. It's already cold outside."

I puffed my cheeks then looked at him with a childish pout. He was ruining my get up. "But I'm okay."

He quirked an eyebrow then held both sides of my face. "You do know your condition, don't you? You need to be extra careful with your body." Then he laughed softly and pinched my nose, "You don't have to impress me anymore, Nadeshiko."

I crossed my arms on my chest and rolled my eyes. "I just want to look beautiful. Jeez."

"But you're always beautiful, even without trying."

With that said, I froze. A deep shade of red immediately tainted my cheeks and seeing that, Hanamiya grinned. I turned away in attempt to hide my flushed face but it was already too late, he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind my back, pulled me closer and kissed my cheek.

"I like you blushing like that, especially when I know it's because of me." He cooed into my ear, still grinning. "You're even more beautiful."

"You're just saying that because I'm your girlfriend."

He motioned his head farther, just enough to face me. "Everybody thinks the same. You just don't know how much I would try to hold back myself from stabbing every guy who stares at you, especially when you play volleyball wearing those provocative uniforms." Then he looked away and clicked his tongue. "Damn! Even that Kiyoshi fell for you," he grumbled, tightening his embrace.

I giggled, intertwining my hands with his and leaning my body against him. "But I love you, Makoto. You don't have to get jealous, okay?"

"I'm not jealous, I'm just protective of what's mine. You're a very beautiful girl, Nadeshiko. Any guy would fall for you." He nuzzled his face closer to my ear, breathing in my scent. "And I promise, from the very first day I saw you and until my last breath, my eyes are only for you. I will never look at anybody else." He unwrapped his arms around me then slowly spun me around to face him, "I'll never waste this second chance you have given me to be with you again. I'll treasure you for the rest of my life."

I was overwhelmed, I couldn't contain the feeling of love that he was giving me. I tiptoed then claimed his lips in a gentle kiss. He responded with equal gentleness though I could tell he was losing control. When I stopped and pulled away, he grunted. I chuckled, "Let's go, babe. I'm hungry."

He groaned then showed me an unsatisfied look, "I'm hungry too. I want you."

I gasped then slapped his arm, face heating up. "Stop that. Our baby can hear you loud and clear."

"Fine." He sighed then scooted lower, rubbing my stomach gently. "Sorry, baby. Your mother is just so irresistible."

"Hahaha. You idiot." I couldn't help but laugh at how childish yet somehow father-like he sounded. Wait! Does that even makes sense? Yeah, no. But he sounded like that to me. He was so adorable.

He grinned then winked at me first before stalking towards his closet, taking his jersey jacket out from there. "Here, wear this."

I backed away, "Eh? But that clashes my outfit."

Not just that but it was also too big for me and the color, bruh. I never liked the mixture of dark green and black of our school's basketball team uniform.

"Tch," he gave me a glare before wrapping it around my body despite my protests and complaints. "Stop being so stubborn."

"Why this, Makoto? It's your uniform," I whined, tugging the hem of his jacket. "I'll just get my own coat."

"Why that?" He repeated in a husky tone before his lips twisted in a sexy, seductive smirk. "So that everybody will know you belong to me. To Kirisaki Dai Ichi's Hanamiya Makoto."

That left me speechless..

Damn! I thought my ovaries just exploded.

***

Right after eating dinner in a romantic restaurant, we went for a walk around town. We didn't use his car because I forced him to just let us both travel by foot. It's been a long time since I last had a walking exercise. And hey, a walk is not a walk if we go ride in a car.

Jeez. Baka Hanamiya!

We reached a quiet park and I immediately ran towards a vacant swing and sat on it. I looked at Hanamiya who was following me with a small smile, "Push me, please."

"Okay, but hold on tight." He positioned himself behind me and gently pushed my back. A few more times and I was there, closing my eyes as the cold wind brushed against my face and the feeling of being lifted up in the air then being swung back and forth gave me a mixed feeling of excitement and fear. Yeah, I didn't fear heights. It was always fear of falling.

I giggled then turned to Hanamiya, "S-Stop it. I had enough."

"Okay." He chuckled, as if he was having fun seeing the look in my face. He stopped the swing from moving by holding firmly both chains. After it stopped, he sat on the swing next to mine then reached out his hand for me.

I smiled at his sweetness, held his hand tightly, and together we rocked back and forth slowly. "Thank you, Makoto."

He furrowed his brows, "For what?"

"For this. For making me happy."

His grip on my hand tightened, "You're the one that's making me happy, Nadeshiko. With you, I feel so complete."

I couldn't help but blush at what he said, "I feel the same."

He brought my hand closer to his face, almost pulling my entire body and the swing with it, and kissed my knuckles. Then in a gentle voice he whispered, "I'm so lucky for having you."

We stayed like that for a moment, just talking and swinging slowly while holding hands. The stars shone brightly while the moon greeted us with a crescent smile. Clouds were banished from the sky and city lights flashed by. It was perfect. And I couldn't wish for more than to have him close to me, holding me, smiling at me, talking to me, and seeing him so happy.

It was a whole new Hanamiya Makoto..

Hara and the boys told me that they had started practicing normally. Hanamiya taught them some new skills and set new training menus that could improve their mental and physical abilities, and also stamina. Every night ever since he moved to our house, I would always see him in front of his desk loitered with papers planning some game strategies. He had really changed, and I've never been more happy.

Seeing the one you love change for the better if not for the best is really priceless. It's something you'll never exchange with anything in the world.

"I heard Seiren won the Winter Cup," I said when the matter suddenly just popped inside my head. I was thinking about basketball after all. "They're really amazing. Rakuzan is a very strong team and yet they beat them."

"Seiren improved drastically for the past months. Especially that first year duo, they became a tough opponent." He said, not even looking at me. For the first time, he wasn't angry with the mention of the team who beat them at the last Winter Cup Preliminaries.

"Hey. You're amazing too, Makoto. And so as the rest of your team. I'm so proud of you for making the decision to cast away your filthy basketball and change your way of playing." I gave him a gentle smile.

He turned to me, giving me a serious face. "It's because of you. I want you to be proud of me and I want my child to see me play an honest basketball someday. I want to show to everyone what I really can do, and the team." Then he looked away again and added in a quiet tone, "I realized I don't want my child to grow up just like me. I want to set a good example as a father."

I squeezed his hand lightly, "I am so proud of you, Makoto. And I'm sure our child will be too."

He smiled and opened his mouth to respond but was not able to speak because people's shadows loomed over us.

"Well. Well. Well. Look who's here."

I frowned when I heard that unfamiliar male voice, Hanamiya and I turned to the men towering in front of us. There were five of them and they were looking at us with sharp, dangerous eyes.

"Senshinkan," I heard Hanamiya mumbled in an alarming tone.

Wait! Wasn't Senshinkan a team they played against at the Winter Cup Preliminaries?

"Taito, he's the one that injured your leg last time, isn't he?" A semi-bald guy asked the other one with shaggy brown hair.

"Yeah. The Bad boy, Hanamiya Makoto. His team also injured Kenma's leg, he can't play for another month because of the damage." The said Taito answered while glowering at Hanamiya.

"M-Makoto," I whispered nervously as he let go of my hand and stood up, facing the five men. I was damn scared that the situation would turn out into a fight.

"I'm sorry for what happened last time," Hanamiya started in a sincere tone, transferring himself in front of me as if shielding me or something. "If you're here to get me back, leave her out of it. She's got nothing to do with what I did."

But my eyes widened when the said Taito grabbed him by the collar then punched him on the face. He fell onto the ground with a loud thud.

"Makoto!" I stood up and attempted to ran to him but one of them grabbed my arm, stopping me from moving. "Let me go! Let me go!"

"DON'T HURT HER!" Hanamiya yelled as he stood up from the ground and wiped the blood on the side of his mouth using his forearm. "Please not her. You can do whatever you want to do to me, just don't hurt her! Don't touch even the tips of her fingers!"

"You're not in the position to demand or tell us what to do. Bastard." His two friends held Hanamiya down as he continued hitting my boyfriend on the face, on the stomach---everywhere.

My eyes were moist with tears as my heart began to hammer it's way out of my chest. Hanamiya was hurting so bad, he was like a lifeless dummy with bruises all over, and yet the man didn't stop hurting him.

"N-No! STOP! Can't you see? He's had enough! Please stop!" I cried, trying to break free from their grasp. "Makoto! Makoto!" I called out worriedly.

His grunts, whimpers, and yelps were reverberating through my eardrums. I couldn't stand watching the scene right before my eyes. I couldn't bear seeing Hanamiya get hurt and beaten up so heavily.

Help! Please help!

"Say, you've got a beautiful girlfriend, Hanamiya Makoto-kun." The Taito guy stopped when it seemed like he's had enough hitting my poor boyfriend then walked closer to me, eyeing me from head to foot. He caressed my cheek, much to my disgust. "How about we borrow her for a bit?"

"NO! YOU BASTARD! DON'T TOUCH HER!"

"S-Stay away from me," I gritted my teeth and hissed in pure anger and disgust. "Stay away from me, you ugly pervert!"

His eyes narrowed into a glare, "You bitch!"

A strong slap landed on my cheek, which burned through my skin. It was painful, but it was nothing compared to the pain that was starting to build up in my stomach.

"YOU FUCKING SCUMBAG!" Hanamiya roared before thrashing around and eventually breaking free of the two other guys' hold. He quickly charged towards the Taito guy in front of me, spun him around then gave him a heavy blow on the jaw. The latter dropped into the ground, groaning in pain. "I TOLD YOU TO NEVER HURT HER, YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!"

Fuelled by rage, he began charging at them even though he was totally outnumbered, not to mention his injuries. He was able to evade their attacks then deliver heavy punches and kicks. It's like he just let them beat him up earlier to ensure my safety, but then seeing them hurt me despite everything snapped him out of his control. His violent self reawakened and he looked like he could kill them in a heartbeat.

I gasped when I saw the other guy grabbed a fallen log under the tree nearby. "Makoto!" My warning came out too late because the guy already hit him on the back of his head. The log broke into two because of the impact and Hanamiya fell once again to the ground with a bleeding head. The other four guys started kicking him everywhere despite seeing his present condition. "Please, stop! Makoto! No!"

If this goes on, they'll get him killed.. No!

"N-Nadeshiko! Run!" He managed to say between grunts and pained cries.

Instead of listening to him, I ran closer and tried to stop them from hurting him even more with all my might, but it was no use. They only pushed me away, I dropped to the ground, butt first. I almost wailed in pain. I couldn't stand up because of the pain so I screamed and screamed for help, hoping that somebody could hear me. "HELP! HELP!"

Somebody help! Please!

"Oi! What are you doing there??"

I immediately snapped my head towards the group of people who came running to us. Relief washed over my entire being.

Seiren!

They helped us and pulled the fucking scumbags away from Hanamiya. They somehow managed to beat them up until the shits went scrambling away. Then there was silence after that action-packed moment.

"I didn't know punching bad people would hurt this badly." A ravenette complained though he sounded like making a pun.

"It's not the time for that, Izuki." A guy with cat-like face retorted.

Then a raven haired guy silently nodded, while the other guy with shorter hair only sweatdropped.

"I didn't even get the chance to hit someone because they already ran away before I could come closer." The one with red hair and split eyebrows chirped.

"D'aho! Your build is already scary enough." Hyuga said before turning to me. "Are you-- Wait, I know you." Then his eyes immediately darted to Hanamiya. His bespectacled eyes widened, "H-Hanamiya Makoto!"

The whole team was surprised---no, shocked to see the Hanamiya Makoto groaning there several steps away from them, looking so helpless and beaten up.

"Are you okay?" I almost jumped in surprise upon hearing that faint voice behind me. I turned around and looked up, it was the Kuroko Tetsuya of the famous group Generation of Miracles. "Here," he helped me up and dusted my dirty clothes.

I thanked him and rushed to Hanamiya who was trying to pull himself up. "Makoto! Oh God!" His head was bleeding and bruises were all over his body---especially on his face. I helped him sat up.

He held the side of my face with his trembling hand. "A-Are you okay?" He asked worriedly, but then winced in pain afterwards. He cupped his bleeding head and groaned several times.

"Come on! Let's get you to the hospital!" Hyuga finally said after being able to snap out of his daze. He walked closer together with his other friends, they held his arms and pulled him up, supporting him so that he wouldn't fall.

"Are you okay, Nadeshiko-chan?" It was Kiyoshi, he looked like he was still in a state of shock to see us there in such a condition.

I nodded my head, "Yeah. I-I'm okay."

But honestly, I wasn't sure. Because the familiar pain was there again--in my stomach. It was so very painful and I was just enduring it.

A girl with short brown hair came to me with a worried frown. It was their coach. "You're not okay. You're bleeding."

I sucked into my breath then looked down to my legs. And she was right, I was bleeding. Seeing the red liquid flowing down through my legs sent me into hysterics.

My baby!

"Are you pregnant?" She asked worriedly, somehow unsure.

I couldn't answer, all my senses were beginning to shut down as fear was trying to eat me all up. The doctor said my pregnancy was risky. No stress or any tiring activities, any wrong move would cost me my baby's life.

"Our baby, Nadeshiko!" Hanamiya panicked upon seeing the trail of blood on my legs but was not able to move because of Hyuga and the others' hold. He turned to Kiyoshi beside me who was stiff as a rock, "She's pregnant! Please help her, Kiyoshi!"

And upon hearing that, the entire team looked like they had just lost their souls as they stared at him--fully shocked. "WHHATTTT??"

"..the fuck." The tall one with split eyebrows continued.

Kiyoshi nodded knowingly at Hanamiya as if they were friends since over the last century. He immediately swept me off my feet and carried me on his arms. "Let's take them to the hospital, quick."

"Okay, let's go."

"Mitobe and I will get a taxi. Let's go, Mito---"

"You don't have to, Koganei-senpai. I already called one. It's already across the street."

"Woah! You scared me, Kuroko! But good work."

As Kiyoshi sprinted towards the waiting taxi parked across the street, I glanced at Hanamiya who was being supported by Hyuga and the team's point guard.

"Everything will be alright, Nadeshiko-chan." Kiyoshi cooed.

I nodded my head and closed my eyes, placing a hand on my stomach then prayed.

Please, baby. Hang in there! Fight with me.