It must have been around midnight when you woke Sae up abruptly.

He had been particularly exhausted today. At 30, he was a bit more mellowed out and calmer than he used to he when he was in his 20’s. Of course, he had never been one to live fast, but he had had more vigor still, than he did now. He got tired more often these days, and it was a given that, after a full day of practice and coaching, he wanted nothing more than to hold you in his arms and sleep. You had both gone to bed early with Sae bracing himself for a day full of celebration, because the next day would be his birthday. And you always made him celebrate. He had been hoping to gather as much strength with a good night’s rest. Instead, he found himself being shaken awake. Words flew by his head— your voice carried an urgency that immediately had him sitting up, panic bubbling in his stomach even when he didn’t know what was wrong yet. Though he soon found out.

The sheets were wet, and you were holding your swollen belly. His heart stopped.

About an hour later, you were at the hospital, lying on your bed in the delivery room. Sae was by your side, fussing over you. He had no idea how this would go and he was beyond terrified, but he hid it well for your sake.

“How are you feeling?” He frowned, brushing away a strand of hair from your forehead. “How are the contractions?”

Of course you were giving birth on his birthday. Sae had told himself, from the moment he found out you were pregnant, that the baby would be all you. No matter, he would make sure the kid didn’t turn anything like him. His child would be happy, would do whatever they wanted and he would be there caring for both of you every step of the way.