Daiki already waiting outside the room as Hiroki comes out. He can just enter without waiting, but thinking that it's best to wait.

“Oh--Welcome home, Dad.” Hiroki greets him. Daiki nods and glance at the empty tray Hiroki is holding.
“I’m back. How's your mother?”
“Better, i think. She ate more and she isn't complaining about her headache anymore. Her hand still seems numb, though.”
“I see. Has Mibuchi contact you?”
“Yes, and he said it's not a problem. She needs more rest.”
“I see.”

Hiroki staring at him. His dad must be tired coming back and forth in between his break, refusing to stay at his office. Of course, Hiroki understood. His mother had to be in bed rest for a month, and she had been high from drugs after her surgery. All she ever mention is Daiki.

“Is she asleep?”
Hiroki blinks, snapping back from his thought.
“I don't know, maybe? You better see her yourself, since you're here.”
“.....Where are your siblings?”
“Miyuki is with Uncle Shiro, Naoki is playing with the neighbours at the park, and Tsuyuki hasn't home from her dancing class. I’m about to pick her up.”
“I see. Take care on the way.”
“Sure.”

Hiroki left. He stared at Hiroki’s back until it disappeared into the corner before grabbing the doorknob, thinking how strong his oldest son is to just do whatever he needs to do without asking, taking care of his little brother and sisters when he or Hitaki has to back down from their duty. He doesn't even waver when he sees his parents in bad situations.

Daiki enters the bedroom, comes close to the bed as quietly as possible and sat on the edge. Hitaki opens her eyes from the small movement, glance at him and smiles weakly.

“Welcome back…”
“Mm.” He kissed her forehead and caresses her hair. Seems the drugs she had to consume has totally wore off.
“You're on your break again?”
“No, i'm done for today.”
“I see…”

She closes her eyes back, leaning towards his hand more. He just smile and cups her face, thumbing softly while rubbing her pale cheek.

“How do you feel now?”
“Better… I don't feel any headache today..”
“I see. That's good to hear.”
“That's why, you don't have to force yourself coming home between your break.”
“......”
“I won't leave the bed. I can't. Pretty sure you knew that.”
“.....Mm.”

She turned her head to the window. Snow is falling as it's already December, and the room heater barely warming her numb shoulder. It stings, but she has no intention of complaining.

“You sure you okay?”
“I am. Why?”
“Your face says otherwise.”
Hitaki says nothing in return, and he doesn't push further. Of course she's still feeling hurt, no need to say it out loud.
Even so…

“Taki, if you're hurt, say it.”
“.....We haven't left for a trip in a while.”
“Huh?”
“Trip.”
“.....What trip?”
“Well, simply a trip. I want to go somewhere. Skiing, or just visiting some onsens will do too.”
“.....”
“Not now, obviously. Reo-nee will strap me to the bed if i left.”
“Yeah.”
“There won't be any blizzard, it seems.”
“....Mm.”
“Well, i have to wait until next year, then.”
“....No need to.”
“Huh? Why?”
“We’ll go. Onsen, or ski resort, or wherever you want.”
“Daiki…”
“We’ll go. So please, do everything you need, everything, to get healed.”
“......Okay. I promise.”
“Good.”

He took her hand and kiss her palm as his eyes locked with hers. Her features started to regain its light, thanks to the promised trip. In all honesty, it's almost impossible to leave work around this time of the year, but he doesn't care. If he has to quit in return of her well-being, then he will take the risk without second thought.

“Thank you, Daiki.”

He smiles a little and leans down, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss.

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