“I want a baby.”

Suguru paused, the rim of his tea cup hovering just shy of his lips. His eyes flicked to you, brows lifting slightly in quiet surprise. He set the cup down with a soft clink, studying you for a long moment like he was trying to read between the lines of your words.

“…That’s a bold way to start a conversation,” he finally murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching in something that wasn’t quite a smile. “What brought this on?”

You took a breath, steadying yourself under his gaze. “Actually… I’d like your help.”

For a moment, there was silence. Then, Suguru let out a soft, breathy laugh, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. But when he met your eyes again, there was a flicker of something deeper—curiosity? Amusement? Maybe even something softer.

“You need my help?” he repeated, voice low and smooth. “And here I thought you just enjoyed my company.”

He leaned back slightly, arms crossing over his chest as he considered you, a glint of intrigue dancing in his eyes. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”