Our Golden Light

Shouting filled the void.

It wasn’t the kind of noise that reached the ears.
It was the kind that rattled the bones, an echo of panic that never stopped bouncing back.
Luca ran through the dark emptiness, chasing air that never came, chased in turn by a sound that had no shape.
The harder he ran, the louder it grew.

Then a voice, clear, gentle, real.

- Luca… hey, wake up. It’s me. Everything’s okay now.

His eyes flew open.

A ceiling, dim and familiar, replaced the darkness. Cold sweat glued his hair to his forehead. His chest heaved like a drowning man’s.
Rin’s face hovered over him, eyes worried but steady. Her hand pressed softly against his chest, the warmth from her palm guiding his breath.

- Breathe slowly, okay? Just like that. In… and out…

Her voice smoothed the tremor in his lungs. Each breath came easier until the pounding in his ears faded. Colour returned to his face.

He caught her hand and held it.
For a long while neither spoke. The ticking clock filled the quiet like a heartbeat shared between them.

- It’s hard getting them all out of my head like this, Rin.
- You think… I made a drastic decision?

She lay beside him, eyes tracing the ceiling’s faint cracks as though reading something only she could see.

- To be honest, I don’t know.
Part of me thinks you did. But maybe that’s just me being immature.
Another part of me is scared of what’s ahead.

Her fingers brushed her stomach where a faint curve had begun to rise.

- But even so, I’d make the same decision every time.

A smile tugged at his lips, quiet and tired and grateful. He squeezed her hand.
The room felt smaller, safer. They fell asleep holding each other’s warmth against the dark.

Morning sunlight slanted through thin curtains, painting soft lines across the desk at the foot of their bed.
A knock, then the door slid open.

Makoto stepped in with a mountain of folders, Miyabi trailing behind him.

- Here you go, bud! I talked to every teacher I could find. These are all the resource materials left for the year. With your skills, it shouldn’t be too tough to finish.

He dumped the stack onto the new desk, Luca’s designated workspace, freshly assembled, still smelling of varnish.

- Thanks, Makoto. Honestly, I wasn’t sure they’d allow it.

- Come on, man, they can’t tell you to forget your kid and just focus on credits. Professors have hearts buried deep, sure, but hearts. Still… finishing uni projects while working full time? You sure about that?

Luca laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

- It’ll be tough. But I chose this. Rin and the baby, they're my responsibility now. If I don’t give it my all, what kind of dad would I be?

Makoto clapped his back, maybe too hard; Luca winced.

- Just don’t carry it alone, yeah? I know you moved out of the old apartment to save money, but if you ever need help, call me.

- Thanks. I mean it.

At that moment Rin and Miyabi entered, balancing a tray of snacks and drinks.

- Looks like the boys are done talking. We brought refreshments!
- Please, help yourselves.

Luca rushed to assist.

- Here, let me

Rin raised one eyebrow, half amused.

- I get that I’m pregnant, my sweetie-poo, but I’m not made of glass, okay?

Her smile was bright but edged; Luca backed off instantly.

- Y-yes ma’am.

Makoto and Miyabi burst into laughter, the sound bubbling through the little room.
For a while, time loosened its grip just laughter, small talk, the soft clink of cups.
When Makoto finally left, Miyabi lingered to check on Rin.

- Well, you seem perfectly fine, my brutish friend.

Rin grabbed her by the head, mock-serious.

- Say that again, Miyabi.

- Haha! I’m kidding, I’m kidding. But really, both you and the baby look great. Text me if anything feels off. I’ll schedule your next check-up at the same time next month, okay?

Rin smiled and nodded. Luca’s phone buzzed, slicing through the calm.
His expression changed just a flicker, but Rin saw it.

- Them again?

He sighed, thumb hovering over the screen.

- Yeah. They keep calling… even after everything.

He silenced it and set the phone aside, though his fingers trembled slightly before he let go.
Rin reached out, covering his hand with hers.

- If you don’t want to talk to them, don’t. We’ll face whatever comes together. I’ve got you, Luca. Always.

Her certainty hit deeper than any reassurance could.
Miyabi smiled faintly, gathering her bag.

- You two will be fine.

When she left, the apartment fell quiet again.

That night, lying in the dark, Rin’s voice brushed the air.

- What’s on your mind, Luca?

He raised his hand toward the ceiling, fingers curling into a fist.

- I just… want to do my best. For you and for the baby. To see you smile forever. To protect you, love you, make you proud that you chose me.

Rin pressed her face against his chest, muffling her words.

- Sure. Fine. I’ll be watching you, giving you my top support.

A pause, then softer:

- Still… I’m already proud of you. More than you can imagine.

Outside, the city hummed under the moonlight. Their small apartment, worn and imperfect, felt alive.

The following weeks blurred into the rhythm of applications and rejections.
April turned to May.
Emails piled up each a polite, detached no.
Everyone chipped away at him.
But every night, Rin’s presence bare feet padding on wood, the scent of chamomile tea, the small bump under her shirt stitched his pieces back together.

When he finally decided to take a break, she suggested an aquarium date.

The day was bright; the sky washed clean after rain. They entered the cool blue interior hand in hand.
Light rippled across the walls like liquid glass.

- Rin! Look, look at this! It’s so freaking pretty!

He was already running toward the coral reef exhibit, eyes wide as a child’s.
Rin lifted her camera, catching the momenta burst of colour, Luca grinning at schools of fish swirling around coral towers.

Click.
He turned at the sound.

- Wait, did you just take a picture of me? Ugh, Rin, that’s embarrassing!

- It’s for the little one, silly. I’m making a photo diary, so they’ll know how wonderful the journey was.

He chuckled, still flustered.

- Then we’d better make more memories.
- Heck yeah!

They explored the glowing maze of glass tunnels. Jellyfish drifted like ghosts, stingrays glided overhead.
Everywhere they went, their laughter lingered, echoing softly against the tanks.
Rin posed flexing before a shark. Luca, trying to match her energy, ended up squealing when the shark swam too close.
The camera clicked again and again.

In the jellyfish room, Rin slowed to a stop.
Hundreds of translucent creatures pulsed through the darkness, lighting her face with waves of blue and violet.
Her eyes followed them quietly, lost somewhere deep.

Luca watched her. The light bent across her skin; her expression softened into wonder.
Without thinking, he raised her camera and pressed the shutter.

Click.

She turned, cheeks flushing.

- What… is something on my face?

The crowd, the sounds, everything faded until only her voice existed.

- You’re… incredibly beautiful, Rin.

The words fell out before he could stop them.
Her blush deepened; she looked away, mumbling.

- W-well, thank you, but you don’t have to look so serious when you say it.

He reached out, took her hand. His palm trembled, but he didn’t let go.

- You and the baby… please, let me keep loving you both with everything I’ve got.

She met his gaze then, lips twitching between a smile and a laugh.

- Obviously I’d let you, dummy.

And that was when they realised the crowd around them had stopped to watch.
A ripple of applause burst across the dark room, jellyfish glowing like confetti.
Both turned bright red.

- Rin, let’s… maybe go somewhere less public?

- Yes, please!

They hurried out, laughter chasing them down the corridor.

They finished the date sitting on a bench by the indoor fountain. The soft trickle of water mixed with the faint hum of visitors.
Rin noticed the faraway look that had crept back into Luca’s eyes.

- Say, Luca. Something’s been bugging you all day. What is it?

He took a sip of his drink; gaze lost somewhere above the rippling water.

- Nothing serious. It’s just… those information panels by each tank.

- The ones with all the text? What about them?

- They’re awful.

- Excuse me?

- Too much writing. Kids lose interest before they’re halfway through. Even adults tune out. They could use shorter lines, more visuals, better flow… just design them to invite curiosity, not bury it under paragraphs.

As he spoke, the rhythm of his voice changed calm giving way to passion.
His hands traced shapes in the air, sketching invisible layouts.
Rin watched, smiling quietly at the way his whole face lit up when he talked about design.
A nearby staff member, intrigued, called over the manager.

Luca froze mid-sentence when he realised they were listening.

- Ah, sorry. Got carried away again.

Rin shook her head, laughing softly.

- Don’t be. You’re amazing when you talk about things like this. Really.

- Ha… thanks. But I don’t even have a job yet, so

- If you’re interested in work, how about a contract with us?

The voice came from behind. A man in his fifties, wearing a visitor badge that said “Manager.”
He stepped forward, smiling.

- Your insight’s sharp. We could use that kind of perspective. Would you consider joining us on a design project?

Luca blinked, stunned. Rin nudged him gently.

- Go on.

- I, yes, of course, sir! I’d be honoured.

The man handed him a card.

- Send your details here. I’ll email you the contract. Looking forward to your ideas.

They shook hands. Rin’s eyes sparkled like the tank lights.

Their date ended under the artificial twilight of the aquarium dome.
As they walked out, Rin leaned her head against his shoulder.

- See? Told you the little one brings us luck.

- Heh. Guess I can’t argue with that.

The glass doors slid open, letting in the crisp scent of sea breeze.
For the first time in months, Luca’s laughter sounded effortless.

Summer arrived quietly.
The cicadas outside screamed their endless chorus, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the small apartment.
Luca sat by his desk, tablet in hand, sketching out layouts for the aquarium’s new panels.
The contract had come through smoothly, and for the first time in a long while, he felt steady. Purposeful.

Each project taught him something new: how to balance colours for clarity, how to make information breathe.
Rin often sat nearby, reading or humming as she gently rubbed her belly, the faintest glow of maternal warmth surrounding her.
Every so often, she’d look up from her book and say softly:

- Don’t forget to blink, you’ll dry your eyes out.

He’d chuckle, stretch, and promise to take a break soon.
Those moments, her teasing, his smile, the quiet they became their new normal.

But August changed everything.

Miyabi came over one sweltering afternoon, her face shining with sweat and worry.
Rin struggled to walk from the bedroom to the living room, her breath heavy and uneven.

- Rin, you okay?

Luca’s voice quivered slightly as he helped her sit down.

Miyabi examined her, then exhaled with a reassuring nod.

- Everything’s normal. The exhaustion, the shortness of breath it’s all part of pregnancy, Luca. No need to panic.

- But there has to be something I can do, right? Something to make it easier? Maybe vitamins, or rest adjustments, or how long will she be like this? Are you sure she’s okay?

His questions tumbled out too fast, his hands fidgeting at his sides.
Miyabi noticed. Rin did too.

Rin reached over and took his hand, her grip weak but steady.

- Relax, Luca. It’s all okay. Like Miyabi said, this is just part of the process.

- Yeah

Miyabi sighed, eyeing him.

- You’re the one I’m worried about, honestly. You’re wound tighter than a drum. Try to take it easy before you burn yourself out, alright?

He smiled faintly but said nothing.

And so the days passed.
His work improved. His sleep worsened.
The shadows under his eyes deepened while Rin’s belly grew rounder.
Every night he stayed up longer, sketching until dawn as though hard work could silence the fear building in his chest.

Then, the email came.

- Damn it!

The crash of his hand against the desk startled Rin awake. She rushed into his small home office, heart pounding.

- What’s wrong, are you okay?

Luca’s eyes were glued to the screen, the blue light casting his face in cold shades.

- It’s my boss. He rejected another proposal. Again. I don’t know what he wants anymore. None of this makes sense!

Rin moved closer, scanning the message on the monitor. Her brow furrowed.

- He’s saying… you’ve lost your flair?

- Exactly! He praised me like crazy at first, and now it’s like I’m some washed-up rookie. It’s like all that encouragement was just to mess with me!
He leaned back, fingers raking through his hair.

- And the worst part? I can’t quit. We need this job. You, the baby, everything depends on it.

Rin stood behind him, her voice calm but firm.

- Luca, maybe it’s not that he thinks you’re bad. Maybe your recent work just lacks something… something special. Sometimes, you need to step away to see clearly. What if we take a small break, go on a date? Just breathe for a bit.

He turned toward her, frustration flickering in his eyes.

- A date? Now? Rin, I don’t have time for that. This isn’t just about fun it’s about responsibility. I have to make this work so I can provide for you both. Please… just give me some space.

The silence that followed was sharp enough to cut the air.
Rin’s lips parted as if to reply but she didn’t. She simply nodded, placed a hand over her belly, and left the room quietly.

The door’s soft click echoed louder than any argument.

Days became brittle.
They ate in separate rhythms Luca at his desk, Rin by the window.
Even their laughter, once constant, had faded into silence.
The house felt heavier with every unsaid word.

One morning, Rin entered his office holding a plate.

- Good morning. I know you’re busy, but please eat something. You need the energy.

He looked up, exhaustion clouding his eyes.

- Didn’t I tell you not to push yourself? You shouldn’t be walking around like that. What if something happens to you?

- I’m fine, Luca. I just wanted to

- You never listen! I’m trying to keep you safe, but you keep ignoring me!

Rin froze. The plate trembled slightly in her hands.
Then, without hesitation, slap.

The sound cracked through the room.
Luca blinked, stunned. Rin’s eyes glistened with tears that refused to fall.

- What is this, Luca? What are you doing right now?

He lifted a trembling hand to his cheek, staring at her as though seeing her for the first time.
Papers scattered across the floor, his workspace a battlefield of burnout and fear.

He couldn’t speak. He just bowed his head.

- Don’t you dare look away from me. Look at me, Luca. Look at me!

He hesitated, then met her gaze.

- Oh, so you can’t even face me now?

- No… no, it’s not that, I just

Her voice broke.
- You just what? Is it work again? Is that what’s more important than your pregnant girlfriend?

- I’m ashamed!

his voice cracked, raw.

- Ashamed of what I’ve become. Ashamed of the man I am. I failed, Rin. As a boyfriend, as a father, as… as me.

Rin stepped forward, cupped his face with both hands.

- Okay, so you failed. Big deal. What now? You gonna sit there and drown in it? Too bad I’m not giving you that option.

Tears welled in his eyes.

- You and me, Luca, we're going to work through this together. Got it?

- Absolutely.

- No backing down, you hear me?

- Not now. Not ever. Rin… I’m sorry for being such a wreck.

He dropped to his knees, pressing a trembling kiss to her belly.

- I’m sorry to you, too.

A silence full of forgiveness filled the room.
Rin bent down and touched his hair softly, tears finally spilling down her cheeks.

- Welcome back, you idiot.

Then, from the doorway

- It’s nice to see you back, my idiot little brother.

Luca looked up.
- Big sis? Elena?! When did you get here?

She walked over, flicked his forehead lightly.

- I was summoned to knock some sense into you. Looks like she beat me to it.

They laughed softly at first, then louder, until the tension melted away like fog in sunlight.

That night, after cleaning his workspace and sending his boss a short email requesting leave to “reorganize himself creatively,” the three of them sat together in the living room.
The lights were warm, the air calm.

- Rin, Elena

Luca started, voice quiet

- I’m going to contact our parents. I owe them an apology. I was wrong to cut them out and try to handle everything alone. I was scared, and… stupid. Rin, I’m sorry for dragging you into it.

Rin took his hand and thumped his forehead gently with her other.

- You’re not doing this alone again, got it? We made these choices together. We fix them together too.

- Got it.

- I’ll stay with you both for a while

Elena said, stretching her arms

- someone’s gotta make sure you two don’t explode again.

They laughed. Then, with a steady breath, Luca took out his phone.
Rin nodded encouragingly.
He called.

September brought the scent of early rain and the trembling kind of nervousness that comes with family meetings.
Luca’s parents sat on the couch opposite him and Rin, the room weighed down by unspoken words.
Elena retreated to the kitchen, leaving tea and space behind.

Then, all at once

- I’m sorry!

Luca blurted, bowing deeply.
- I’m sorry too!

his father said at the exact same time.

They froze mid-motion.
- Huh? Wait, what?

Luca blinked. His mother burst out laughing.

- You two are impossible.

And just like that, the tension dissolved.
Laughter spilled into the air, awkward but genuine.

When the moment quieted, Luca spoke again.

- Mom, Dad, I’m really sorry for being stupid. I shouldn’t have lashed out or kept you away from us or from your grandchild. Please, forgive us.

Rin bowed beside him.

- I’m sorry too, sir, ma’am. I lost my composure before. Please forgive me as well.

His parents waved it off, smiling through their own tears.

- We should be the ones apologizing, - his father said. - We were harsh, and we forgot what truly mattered.

- We’ve thought a lot since then, - his mother added softly. - And we realized how much we wanted to be part of your lives again.

She took both their hands, pressing them together, her touch warm and trembling.
- Luca, Rin… congratulations. And we pray for a safe birth for your baby.

Tears flowed freely now Rin’s, Luca’s, theirs.
- Please,

Luca whispered, voice breaking

- stay in our child’s life. Always.

- Of course we will, always.

The house filled with laughter again. Elena peeked in from the kitchen, pretending not to cry.

The weeks that followed were the happiest yet.
Luca’s parents visited often, bringing food and stories.
Grandpa Aoki dropped by too, his old laughter echoing down the hall.
Makoto helped Luca refine his design portfolio, while Miyabi guided Rin through her final weeks with gentle care.
Even Luca’s online friends video-called regularly, their faces glowing from screens as they cheered them on.

Then the day arrived.

Rain pattered softly against the hospital window, a steady rhythm that matched Luca’s heartbeat.
Outside, his family waited in the corridor, Elena pacing, Grandpa Aoki humming quietly, his parents clutching each other’s hands.

Inside the delivery room, Luca held Rin’s hand tightly, whispering encouragement between gasps of her breath.

- You’re doing amazing, Rin. Just a little more, okay? I’m right here. I’m not leaving you.

Her grip tightened painfully.
- You’d better not, or I’ll kill you after this.

Even in pain, her voice had fire. It made him smile, tears blurring his vision.

Minutes or hours passed. Time lost meaning.
Then, suddenly… silence.
The rain outside eased to a drizzle.
And then

A cry.
Small, fragile, perfect.

The sound shattered the world and remade it anew.

Rin’s body trembled with relief. The nurse smiled, then gently placed the tiny bundle in her arms.
Luca leaned close. The baby’s fingers, impossibly small, reached out and grabbed his nose.
His breath caught. Rin laughed through her tears.

- Hey there, little one… welcome to the world.

Family flooded in, faces glowing with joy.
Elena cried openly. Grandpa Aoki clapped Luca’s shoulder, voice thick with pride.
Makoto, Miyabi and the others joined through a video call, grinning like proud uncles.

The nurse asked for the name.
Luca looked at Rin. She looked back.
Their voices joined softly, as one.

- Hikari.
- Our golden light.

The name hung in the air, pure and bright, as if the world itself whispered it back.

And just like that, the rain stopped.

Outside, sunlight broke through the clouds, spilling into the room where three hearts beat together for the very first time.