The hospital room hummed with machines. Ayame sat beside Eiji’s bed, arms crossed, her expression softer than usual.

“You’re getting restless, huh?” she teased. “You keep twitching like you’re about to jump outta bed and spar the nurses.”

Eiji smirked. “You’d be impressed if I did.”

“I’d be impressed if you didn’t pass out after two steps.” She grinned.

The door opened and a nurse entered with a clipboard. She smiled at Ayame. “Oh, there you are again. Your daughter is very kind, visiting you every day.”

Ayame blinked. “W-Wait, I’m not—”

Before she could explain, Eiji’s calm voice interrupted. “Yeah… she is.”

Ayame stopped, flustered. Eiji gave her a small, knowing smile. She didn’t argue. Instead, she pressed her lips together, feeling an unexpected warmth in her chest.

Later, the sun hit Eiji’s face as he stepped outside, breathing in fresh air. There, leaning against her black motorbike, Ayame flashed him a grin.

“Figured you might wanna ditch the hospital taxi.”

Eiji chuckled, limping slightly. “What, and miss a ride with you?”

Ayame handed him a helmet and tossed him a pair of goggles. “Hold on tight, old man. I’m not responsible for heart attacks.”

For the first time in weeks, Eiji laughed freely.

At home, his wife greeted him with a warm embrace. After dinner, Eiji took Ayame outside.

“I’ve been thinking about something,” he said, voice serious.

She raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”

“I want to adopt you.”

Ayame froze, eyes wide. “Why would you… want to?”

Eiji smiled warmly. “Because you’re already family. You just haven’t accepted it yet.”

Ayame’s chest tightened. She turned away, shoulders trembling. Tears slipped down her face.

“…I-I’m fine… just… shut up…”

Eiji placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, grounding her.