[ Female Version ]

You enter the clinic just as the clock hits noon, a neatly packed lunch in your hands. The familiar scent of antiseptic lingers in the air, mixing with the subtle aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The waiting room is empty for now—just the calm before the afternoon rush.

Taku is in his usual spot, seated behind his desk, flipping through a patient’s chart with his reading glasses perched low on his nose. He looks up as you step inside, his expression softening slightly when he sees you.

“You brought lunch again?” His voice is as level as ever, but there’s a trace of something—gratitude, maybe—even if he won’t say it outright.

“You say that like you expected me not to,” you tease, setting the bento down in front of him. “You forget to eat when you’re busy. I’d rather not have to scold my own husband for passing out from hunger.”

He exhales a quiet chuckle, pushing the files aside. “You already do that.”

You roll your eyes but smile, taking a seat across from him as he undoes the lid. The meal is simple but warm, made just the way he likes it. He eats in his usual quiet way, not in a rush, but not wasting time either. It's a comfortable silence.

Then, in between bites, he speaks.

“…Have you ever thought about having kids?”

You freeze, chopsticks halting midway to your mouth.

“…Huh?”

Taku glances up at you, as calm as ever, as if he hadn’t just blindsided you with that question. “Kids,” he repeats, setting his utensils down. “I was just thinking about it.”

Your throat suddenly feels dry. You cough, feeling your face heat up. “That’s… pretty sudden.”

He tilts his head slightly, his expression unreadable. “We’ve been married for years. It’s not that sudden.”

You open your mouth to argue, but technically, he’s right. It’s just—you weren’t expecting him to bring it up so casually. Especially not while eating lunch at the clinic.

“Unless you don’t want them?” he adds, studying your reaction.