The next day, Yaeko Nishimiya met with Hisashi Nishimiya. They went together to the hospital, where tests confirmed what she already suspected—she was pregnant.
Hisashi, fearing potential complications and unwilling to raise another child, made his position clear. In the end, they reached an agreement: he would provide eighty thousand yen per month to cover all medical expenses and the child's needs until high school graduation.
Time passed. Seven months slipped by in the blink of an eye.
Two months ago, Yaeko quit her job to stay home and focus on her pregnancy.
A few days earlier, she had calculated the due date and was admitted to the hospital in advance, preparing for the birth.
Today, as she lay in her hospital bed chatting with Shizuka Miyamura, a sudden sharp pain shot through her abdomen. The jolt startled Shizuka, who was sitting beside her in a chair. She quickly called for a nurse.
The nurse rushed in and wheeled Yaeko into the delivery room. Hours later, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
They named her Yuzuru Nishimiya.
Back at home, Ito Nishimiya was looking after Shoko and Kazuya. When the phone rang, she rose from the tatami mat to answer it.
Upon hearing that Yaeko was in labor, she turned to Kazuya, only three years old, and asked him to stay home and watch over Shoko. Then she rushed to the hospital.
Kazuya sat on the tatami, watching Ito's hurried departure.
"I know you're in a rush," he muttered, "but maybe think twice before leaving a three-year-old in charge of a toddler."
"Ah... ah! Hug!" Shoko, who had been waiting for his attention, suddenly jumped onto him with outstretched arms.
Kazuya became her cushion.
He lay flat on the tatami, staring up at the green ceiling, resigned.
Shoko snuggled into him, beaming, clearly pleased that he didn't push her away.
———
Time passed again. Kazuya and Shoko were now four years old.
Today was the first day of kindergarten.
April 1st. Sunny.
Shizuka drove Yaeko and the two children to Futaba Kindergarten to meet the teachers and settle in. Daisuke was working, and Ito stayed behind to look after Yuzuru.
As soon as they arrived, they saw the kindergarten building nestled beside a tree-lined street. The outer walls were painted with cheerful cartoon characters.
Next to the gate, the name "Futaba Kindergarten" was clearly written.
The gate itself was shaped like a rainbow bridge, with two cartoon bear statues at either end.
Shizuka and Yaeko had chosen this school carefully. It had designated classrooms and teachers for hearing-impaired children.
"Good morning!"
A cheerful woman in a yellow T-shirt and blue jeans greeted them as they approached. She had her eyes on the two small children walking hand in hand in matching white outfits.
"Good morning, ma'am," Shizuka replied. "Could you direct us to the Sunflower Class and the Sakura Class?"
"I'm the Sunflower Class teacher. My name is Midori Yoshinaga. You can call me Mr. Yoshinaga," she said, smiling. Then she crouched down to Kazuya and Shoko.
"Which one of you cuties is in the Sunflower Class?" she asked, reaching out to gently pat their heads.
Kazuya, finding her friendly, answered politely, "Hello, teacher. I'm in the Sunflower Class."
Shoko didn't say a word. Her attention had gone straight to the hand touching Kazuya's head.
Shizuka and Yaeko stood aside, watching quietly, smiling.
Just then, a soft-spoken woman in a blue T-shirt and beige jeans walked up to Shizuka. She wore glasses and spoke gently.
"Good morning. I heard one of your children is joining the Sakura Class. I'd like to learn more about them. I'm Masumi Ageo."
"Hello, Mr. Ageo. Let's talk over here," Yaeko said, walking with her toward the gate.
Shizuka was left watching over the children.
After a few minutes, Yaeko and Ageo returned. Mr. Yoshinaga was praising Kazuya's intelligence and manners.
When he finally withdrew his hand, Shoko reached out and hugged Kazuya tightly, looking at Mr. Yoshinaga with suspicion.
Shizuka glanced at the time and gently reminded, "Mr. Yoshinaga, shall we go to the classrooms?"
"Of course," he nodded.
They entered the gates.
A spacious playground greeted them, with green grass underfoot. On one side was a slide, on the other a sandpit surrounded by toys.
The two teachers walked ahead, introducing the grounds. Shizuka and Yaeko, having seen it during their earlier visit, felt no surprise. Kazuya remained calm. Shoko looked around, curious.
They passed by four classrooms and a three-story building. The classrooms were designed in a European style—white marble accents, stained glass windows.
Silver plaques hung above the doors:
Sunflower (Small), Lily (Middle), Rose (Large), and Sakura (Small, Middle, Large).
The Sakura Class was for hearing-impaired children, with a curriculum centered on sign language and communication skills.
"Alright!" Mr. Yoshinaga said brightly. "Time to separate."
Everyone turned. Shoko was still glancing around.
The two teachers stood by the classroom doors.
Shizuka reached for Kazuya's hand to guide him toward the Sunflower Class. Yaeko reached for Shoko, only to see her clinging tightly to Kazuya and following him instead.
"Shoko, our class is this way," Yaeko said, gently taking her other hand.
"See you later, Shoko," Kazuya leaned toward her ear and spoke slowly.
Shoko looked confused. Kazuya repeated himself more carefully.
She finally understood and let go of his hand, but then quickly wrapped her arms around him and refused to separate.
The teachers watched, amused.
Shizuka offered them a polite smile and joined the effort to persuade her.
But nothing worked.
Kazuya sighed and turned to the adults. "Aunt Yaeko, why don't Shoko and I go sit in the Sakura Class first? Mom, you can sign me in at the Sunflower Class."
Shizuka chuckled. "Yaeko, make sure to record it for me." Then she walked off to speak with Mr. Yoshinaga.
Yaeko had no choice. She took Kazuya's hand and entered the Sakura Class.
Inside, the classroom was simple but bright. There were a dozen small tables and chairs, most of them already occupied.
Parents and children looked up as the door opened.
A small boy entangled with a small girl entered, followed by their parents.
The teacher, Mr. Kamio, clapped his hands.
"Let's welcome our new student, Shoko Nishimiya. Please give her a warm welcome."
Applause filled the room. But Shoko didn't react. She clung to Kazuya.
Kazuya looked around at the faces before him. Some curious, some indifferent.
Then, in a slow and careful voice, he said, "Hello, everyone… The girl with me is named Shoko Nishimiya. Please take care of her."
Yaeko stood at the door, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh as she filmed the moment with her phone.
The other parents and even Mr. Ageo were surprised by Kazuya's poise. Most children their age were too shy to even introduce themselves.
Later, when Shoko still wouldn't let go, Yaeko walked up and led them to a seat in the back.
Shoko sat in Kazuya's lap. Yaeko sat beside them, chatting with nearby parents.
Kazuya glanced around. The desk was small and square, with storage space beneath it. The chairs were simple wooden ones.
The walls and floor were tiled white. A large clock hung behind the podium.
Soon, another child and parent entered.
The teacher followed the same process: introduction, applause.
Kazuya whispered to Shoko, "Shoko, can you let go now? I'll buy you snacks after school."
She shook her head.
He leaned in again. "Anything you want. And no speech practice tonight, I promise."
"Hmm… hmm!" she nodded and finally released him.
Kazuya patted her head, then turned to Yaeko. "Aunt Yaeko, I'll head to the Sunflower Class now."
She turned, surprised. "You got her to let go?"
"Don't worry, I can see the classroom from outside," he said.
He smiled, gave Shoko's head one last pat, and left.
Shoko watched him go, then leaned into her mother's side.
———
Kazuya arrived at the Sunflower Class, took a deep breath, and opened the door.
Mr. Yoshinaga was introducing students. The class turned toward the door.
"Ah, kazuya. Come up and introduce yourself," the teacher called.
The child next to him scurried away, afraid he'd be called next.
Kazuya stepped forward, scanned the room, and spotted his mother filming again.
He cleared his throat.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Kazuya Miyamura. You can call me Kazuya. That's it."
The class applauded. Shizuka smiled, but didn't clap.
She wrapped her arms around him when he returned.
The room had turned to watch them.
Shizuka laughed nervously. "Sorry, please continue."
The teacher resumed speaking, explaining the school schedule. Parents would need to prepare lunch at home, and children would nap at school.
After confirming everything, the parents were dismissed for the day.