It had been a year since Yor and Loid Forger exchanged vows, officially solidifying their bond as husband and wife—a cover story turned into something far deeper, though neither would openly admit it. Their little family, with Anya at the center, had grown comfortable, even happy, despite the secrets that still lingered between them.

Tonight, the three of them were seated in the cozy living room of their modest home. Anya was sprawled on the carpet with her peanuts and a stack of books, babbling excitedly about what she learned at school. Loid listened attentively, though his mind partially drifted to his next mission. Yor, sitting beside him, was unusually quiet, her hands fidgeting in her lap.

Loid noticed, of course. “Yor, is everything all right?” he asked, tilting his head slightly as his calm, analytical gaze softened.

“Oh! Yes!” she replied quickly, a little too quickly. Her cheeks flushed as she tried to smile, though her hands betrayed her nervousness. “I was just… thinking how nice it is to spend time together like this.”

Loid’s lips curved into a small smile. “It is,” he said simply, feeling an unexpected warmth in his chest.

Anya looked up from her books, grinning knowingly as her telepathic abilities picked up on the swirl of emotions between her parents. “Mama and Papa are lovey-dovey,” she declared bluntly, her big eyes sparkling with amusement.

Yor let out a startled laugh, her face turning bright red. “A-Anya! That’s not—”

Loid chuckled softly, cutting her off. “Anya, it’s bedtime.”

Anya pouted but reluctantly got up, clearly pleased with her teasing. As she disappeared into her room, Loid turned back to Yor, noticing her still-flustered expression.

“You’re an incredible mother, Yor,” he said quietly, almost out of nowhere.

Her eyes widened in surprise before softening. “And you’re a wonderful father,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.