We Have Numbers Advantage

"Also, I am pregnant."

"You are what? Wow, how did this happen? Ha ha. That's amazing. We are going to become parents." I started hugging her, and she hugged me back. Tears were rolling down my cheeks. I didn't expect tears from Akari, but I could swear that she was close.

"Yes, we are going to be parents," said Akari while also hugging Toma, even though she didn't appreciate hugs as much.

"We will need to organize everything, Toma. Every minute of the day. And we need to get a bed and an extra room and move in together and move all our stuff and buy a children's bed and—"

"It's going to be okay. We don't need to do everything by ourselves. We are privileged enough to also have people to help us."

"That is true. We are going to be alright, but I want me and you to also be involved as much as possible."

"Of course, Akari, my love. I will be extremely involved, and I am so happy. Sorry for crying."

Akari and Toma were just standing there happily, enjoying each other and enjoying the easy mode in which both of them were dealing with everything.

Akari almost didn't feel any pressure about this. She could just rely that much on Toma. She realized now that Toma is the perfect man for her. But she was also a little bit afraid about her career.

I knew that Akari is the perfect woman for me. Even though I am young and inexperienced, I will make it. I will try to be a good father.

In the next few weeks, the happy couple announced the big news.

Some media received it happily and positively, while others were a little hesitant about it.

Tanaka was in one show debating another reporter, Mai.

While Mai was suggesting that Akari should not have kids and that she is maybe too old for it, and also on important functions in the state.

Tanaka surprisingly again defended Akari by saying that it is a wonderful thing and that he is sure that they will make it. Tanaka also looked more happy and refreshed. Whatever he was doing in his private life, it must be working because he was just glowing on TV.

As the media pressure increased on both, Toma and Akari didn't start to fight. But they would strategize together.

When criticism about Toma and how he will make it as an actor now came, Akari and Toma strategized together, and Toma would answer the best possible.

When criticism about Akari would come in on the news, social media, or public, both would strategize and find the best solution.

They realized that this is probably also what Sachiko and his wife do.

Akari was sipping water while I was drinking my fourth coffee. We were just talking about how everything is easier when you strategize together in a pragmatic way, and I was mentioning how Sachiko and his wife must be doing this for a long time now. "How can we beat them?"

Akari raised eyebrows. "Beat them? What are you talking about?"

Toma confidently said, "Well, you are going to be Prime Minister, aren't you? And for that, we need to beat them."

Akari smirked, and her face filled with childlike excitement. "I am pregnant. We can't be thinking about beating them right now."

"I know you want it. We will do it."

"Okay, I admit I want it, but I am not sure if it is possible. I always was optimistic about things that were in my mind possible. But how can we win when we have more important things to focus on now?"

I was on my fourth coffee, but it didn't affect my judgment or my level of energy. I was focused, in flow. I think it didn't affect me. "It is possible. I will help you, and you will make it. Sachiko did it, and I know he is not the worst dude ever, but if he did it, you will absolutely do it."

"Thank you, Toma, for always believing in me."

"Always will."

"I also believe in you, Toma. You know that, right?"

"Of course I know it. Also, I just remembered one more advantage that goes on our side. Now we have a new member to fight with us as well. New ally in war."

"What do you mean?"

"You are carrying a person in you. We have a numbers advantage. Ha ha."

"You are ridiculous."

"I know, I know, but I am so happy about the baby. My mother as well. She is a little bit hazy and stuff. I think she wanted me to do more stuff before getting married and having a baby, but hey, my life, my rules. I do whatever I want and love."

"My mother is so happy I can't even describe it to you. I think she likes you, Toma, more than me," Akari said in a dry fashion, trying to make a joke.

"Your jokes are almost German or Balkan-like. I can't put my finger on it, but you have that Balkan joke style."

Akari's eyebrows raised with a surprised look on her face. She asked me, "You don't even know where the Balkans are. Admit it."

"Nobody knows, but I was there once for shooting, and people were extremely nice, and they joke the same way you do. Ha ha."

"Thanks, I guess," Akari said and hugged Toma again.

Tokyo was a hard place to find a big apartment, and with Toma and Akari in need of such an apartment, they sent their assistants to check and explore.

Finally, they both liked the pictures of some apartments sent to them by their agents. They were looking the whole day. Akari was always working on the phone. I was also always on the phone, trying to make the moves and get the roles.

Even with us being on the phone, we would pay attention, and apartments were just bad. We couldn't find something that we liked, even though on the photos it looked kind of decent. In real life, it was hard to find something that looked good.

Finally, at the end of the day, we found one. It was good. It had a baby room. It had everything that we needed. Office spaces and bedroom and everything. Nice kitchen, nice bathroom.

"What is the reason for the sale?" we asked the agent.

The sales agent told us that the owner, Mr. Tanaka, is moving out to America to chase his dream.

Toma smiled big. "That is a great reason for sale. We will take it if my love also agrees."

Akari was shocked that Toma decided so quickly now, but she also liked the apartment. "Yeah, it is the best one we saw. Just take it."

"Great, all done. Pack it up and give our regards to Mr. Tanaka."

I was happy and at the same time remembered that it was probably too late for me to chase my dream of being a basketball player.

Akari was looking at Toma's face and asked him to go for the noodles in their favorite shop. The noodles there were so good that from the day they went there on their first date, it was a must-visit place at least once a month. Noodles in that shop can cure anything.

They arrived there, but media and news were following them and picturing them. It was so annoying. They barely escaped them and had to now walk and eat. Their clever disguise of putting a hat on didn't work as it usually works.

I said to Akari, "This always works in rom-coms. The hat is the best disguise."

"I was crazy for listening to you. Haha, we were recognized instantly. It would be better if we put a fake mustache and sunglasses." She laughed so hard.

I was just mesmerized and in love so much with her smile and with her being happy. I must be the luckiest guy in the world right now.

We were laughing, but the media and reporters were again catching up to us, so we needed to run to the car.

Some reporter pushed Akari, so I punched him straight in the stomach and pushed him away. I immediately was checking if Akari was okay.

We managed to get into the car, and everything was alright. Akari was okay.

Well, everything was alright except the fact that I just punched someone. Akari thanked me, but she was as worried as me about that punch.

We drove off, ready for new war.