Sunlight In Our Hearts

The next morning, Aiko and Akihiko walk together into the palace gardens, bathed in gentle light. The wind lightly sways the flowers, and everything around them is calm, as if Akarihoshi itself were listening to this special moment.

Aiko slowly sits on a stone bench and gently places her hand on her belly. She looks at Akihiko and softly says,
“You know… I still can’t quite grasp that our child is growing here. It’s so strange… and yet so beautiful.”

Akihiko kneels before her, places his hand over hers, and looks at her with those deep blue eyes.
“Princess… from the moment my mother hinted at it, I’ve been waiting to hear those words from you. We are no longer alone. Everything we do now will also be for him.”

Aiko lets out a small laugh through her tears:
“Even though… I already feel like he’s taking all my energy. But my heart is full. It’s like… having a part of you inside me, growing.”

Akihiko kisses her forehead, then gently places his ear on her belly, as if he wants to catch the barely noticeable heartbeat.
“Our son… is already the strongest connection I’ve ever felt. I promise, Princess… I will protect both of you with everything I am.”

Aiko grasps his face with a trembling voice:
“I’m not afraid anymore, Akihiko. Not as long as we’re together.”

And among the blooming gardens, a peace surrounds them—one they haven’t felt in a long time—a peace brought by a new future.

Aiko and Akihiko walk among the flowers. Suddenly, Aiko stops and places her hand on her belly.

Aiko (surprised):
“Akihiko… wait…”

Akihiko immediately turns, concerned.
“What’s wrong, Aiko?”

Aiko lifts her gaze, her eyes shining with both tears and a smile.
“He moved… I felt him for the first time.”

Akihiko comes closer, placing his hand over hers, and… feels. His eyes widen, then close, as if wanting to capture every moment of this miracle.

Akihiko (softly, almost reverently):
“This is him. The one who already saved us once. Our son… is already with us, Aiko.”

Aiko leans against him, tears sparkling in her eyes.
“I felt it back then… that he was something special.”

Akihiko embraces her, holding her close, and at that moment, they both see again in their minds the image of the blue-eyed boy who smiled at them before disappearing into the light.

Akihiko and Aiko sit on the bench in the palace garden, after Aiko felt the first movement in her belly. Both are silent, as if listening to something not heard with ears but with the heart.

Aiko (softly, thoughtfully):
“You know, I’ve been thinking… how should we name him? When he was here… he was already so alive, so real… and yet he didn’t tell us his name.”

Akihiko (slightly smiling, warmly):
“Yes… I remember. He said we should choose it ourselves.”

Aiko laughs, even with teary eyes.
“Naoru called him… Akihiko Junior.”

Akihiko rolls his eyes and gently tickles her hand.
“If it’s up to Naoru, he’ll call him that his whole life.”

Aiko (laughing):
“But admit it, it suits him a little.”

Akihiko (seriously, but gently):
“A name must mean something. Something he will carry with him… just like you carry your fire and I carry my light. His name will be his first shield.”

Aiko looks at him and leans on him, hand again on her belly.
“Then we’ll choose it together.”

Dining Hall

Leftovers of lunch remain on the table, conversation flows casually. Naoru lounges in his chair, hands behind his head, wearing that mischievous smile as he looks at Aiko and Akihiko.

Naoru (playfully):
“So… I really want to know. Since we all know little Akihiko Junior will be here any moment… when will you give him a proper name? Or will he really stick with my suggestion?”

Mika almost chokes with laughter and lightly hits his shoulder.
“Naoru! Leave them alone, this isn’t a joke.”

Naoru (laughing harder):
“But admit it, Mika… it has its charm! Just imagine—a little prince of Akarihoshi, officially crowned as Akihiko Junior. The kingdom would remember me forever!”

Aiko blushes but can’t help laughing.
“Naoru… it’s not a game. A name must mean something.”

Naoru raises his hands defensively.
“Of course, of course… but admit it, I can already hear him running through the halls and everyone shouting, ‘Junior! Where did you run off to again?!’”

Akihiko rolls his eyes and gives him a cold but slightly playful warning:
“If that name sticks, Naoru, you’ll be the one chasing him down the halls. I’ll watch over Aiko.”

Mika laughs out loud now.
“Naoru, admit it, you’ve already adopted him before he was even born.”

Naoru winks.
“What can I say… I loved the boy at first sight. But seriously, do you have any ideas? Or will it be a surprise?”

Aiko looks at Akihiko thoughtfully.
“I don’t want him to be called Junior… although I admit, Naoru has too much imagination.”

Mika leans closer, her voice warm:
“What about Hikaru? Light. Simple, yet strong.”

Aiko (nodding thoughtfully):
“That’s nice… but something is missing. Too much from your side, Akihiko.”

Akihiko (smiling at Aiko):
“And you would add fire. How about Kaien? It means flame.”

Naoru bursts out laughing.
“Flame? Please, that sounds like a name for a dragon, not a prince!”

Aiko can barely hold back laughter, glancing at Akihiko.
“Well, Prince, you don’t want people thinking we gave birth to a dragon, do you?”

Akihiko (playfully, but lovingly):
“If it’s up to you, he’ll have enough fire to be a little dragon already.”

They all laugh, then Aiko grows quiet, slightly thoughtful. She takes his hand, eyes shining.

Aiko (softly, from the heart):
“What about Haruto? Sunlight that lifts everything around it. Warmth and peace, fire and light together.”

A moment of silence follows. Mika smiles faintly, Ren nods.

Akihiko (gently):
“Haruto, a name that will carry both our essences—your fire and my light.”

Ren excitedly speaks up:
“Haruto? That sounds… strong! So… when exactly will I be an uncle?”

Mika laughs and nudges his shoulder.
“Ren, be patient, when the time comes.”

Naoru theatrically places his hand on his chest.
“Haruto Miyahara… a noble name. But you know, I’ve already called him Akihiko Junior. So the little boy will have to bear two titles.”

Akihiko rolls his eyes, then coldly, but with a hint of a smile, looks at Naoru.
“If it’s Haruto by me, he’ll be able to fend off your nonsense by the age of three.”

Mika can’t contain her laughter, and Aiko gently kicks him under the table.
“He’s not even born yet, and you’re already dragging him into your quarrels.”

Naoru and Mika exchange glances, Mika almost whispers:
“Beautiful… Haruto.”

Aiko sits by Akihiko, hand gently on her belly. Naoru, Mika, and Ren are still at the table, all aware of what’s happening, the tension full of curiosity.

Naoru, of course, can’t stay quiet:
“Alright, officially Haruto. But for me, he’ll still be Junior. Uncles have privileges.”

Aiko (laughing, slightly tired but happy):
“Just make sure you don’t ruin him with your nicknames, Uncle Naoru.”

The king and queen exchange a glance—they’re clearly happy the family feels lighthearted again.

Queen (softly, but firmly):
“Haruto will have a strong family. That is the most important thing.”

Castle Gardens, Evening

The skies above Akarihoshi are painted in the soft colors of sunset. Aiko and Akihiko walk through the garden, hand in hand. The air is peaceful, only a gentle breeze stirs the flowers.

Aiko stops by a small fountain and leans against its edge. She looks at her hand, then reaches to her belly, smiling faintly.

Aiko (softly, dreamily):
“Haruto… already feels so close, even though I haven’t met him yet.”

Akihiko stands behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and placing his hands on her belly. His voice is quiet, almost a whisper.
“Haruto Miyahara… our son, our prince. When I say his name, I can already see those blue eyes… so much yours, and yet mine.”

Aiko lets out a soft laugh, then looks over his shoulder.
“Do you think he’ll have your stubbornness?”

Akihiko (playfully):
“If it’s from you, he’ll have a fiery will no one can stop. And if from me… hm… then he’ll know how to fight to the end.”

Aiko kisses his cheek, then leans on his shoulder.
“Haruto… will have everything. Our strength, our hearts. But above all—love.”

Akihiko holds her tighter, his eyes glowing in a bluish aura.
“I promise you, Princess… I will teach him everything I know. How to wield a sword, how to protect the kingdom. But I will also teach him what you taught me—that true strength is not in weapons, but in the heart.”

Aiko sheds a tear at his words, smiling.
“And I will teach him to dream. To see the beauty of the world, even in darkness. Together… we will give him everything.”

For a moment, they remain in silence, their hands on her belly speaking for them—they are no longer alone. They are already three.