Jitsu -A different story-

A somewhat characteristic silence was what reigned in the place. The white walls with some light designs to not make it so monotonous was what anyone could see at that moment, as well as some signs that had to be taken into account for safety. That silence was sometimes interrupted by the passing of several people wearing some kind of uniform or gown, knowing that one could conclude that all of this described the interior of a hospital or similar.

Focusing on it, and going a little deeper, in one of the hallways inside said building there was a group of people taking a seat in front of one of the rooms. The same silence as before was what was present between them, but the sound produced by the passing of the hands of a clock nearby made that silence not entirely true, but that same sound produced a kind of impatience in one of those people.

"Don't worry, indeed several hours have already passed, but the doctor said that it is normal in this type of situation."

"I know, but…" A voice that really couldn't hide its worried tone was what had come out after those words, but equally, they couldn't be finished due to a small warmth that that person had just experienced.

Specifically, those who were sharing that small moment were precisely Shizune and Kurono. Trying to calm Shizune a little, Kurono had taken her hand with some force simply so that she would feel or understand that everything would be fine and that she was not the only one who was aware of what was happening, and this made Shizune put aside that feeling that had been in her head lately.

In short, it was already a new day, and as everyone thought, the day before Rena had been notified by the doctor about the fact that the small tests that had been done when she had first arrived were in order and that it could be scheduled the birth as planned without any problems. Everything had started relatively early and it had already been several hours since they had separated from Rena, hence Shizune's impatience and concern.

"It's like Kurono-san says, Nee-san. There is no point in worrying and you just have to keep in mind that everything will be fine, plus my brother is with Rena, we have to fully trust them." Akira's voice and his words accumulated to reassure Shizune even more. Akira felt something similar to Shizune, but as she had said, she deeply believed that everything would turn out well, so she would help Shizune a little to cope with everything.

Both Akira and Akio had returned earlier than they thought since Shizune had told them that the birth was already scheduled, and after talking a little among everyone, they decided that Akio would accompany Rena throughout the entire process, so now in the hallway, there were only Akira, Shizune and Kurono.

As mentioned, several hours had passed since it all started and it seemed like time was passing much slower for some reason. They didn't know what was going on inside or how Rena was doing, but what they were sure of was that everything was not over yet.

A little over five hours had already passed, something that Shizune had felt like an eternity, but thanks to the company of Kurono and Akira she was able to endure it properly. Also, Shizune had given herself enough time to call her parents and talk about the situation, making a little more time pass in that way while Kurono now took on the task of calling Kazumi and avoiding a new scolding from her.

It seemed that a moment of calm had arrived within all that accumulation of worry, everyone's attention moved between the door that led to where Rena was and the clock that indicated the time that had passed, but just when it seemed that that same situation would continue for an indefinite time, something happened that surprised everyone.

"Akio…!" Shizune couldn't help but get up from her seat after seeing how the door was opened and was crossed by the figure of Akio, who was dressed with proper protection.

It was not only Shizune who stood up, Kurono and Akira did the same and together they surrounded Akio. For his part, Akio was catching his breath a little before taking off the face mask he was wearing, and it was at that moment that everyone could notice the small traces that were surely caused by some tears that had come out of him.

It was a moment of complete confusion for everyone else, they wanted to ask what exactly had happened, but that question could not be uttered due to a slight fear that was present in everyone. Fortunately, before that continued to evolve, both Shizune, Akira, and Kurono were able to notice something that made a calm that was difficult to describe fill them completely, and that was precisely the sincere smile that adorned Akio's face.

"Everything is fine…" They were simple words, but when they heard them from Akio it was like the best medicine for those negative feelings that continued in everyone. It was at that moment that a lot of questions were going to be directed at Akio, but he was going to get ahead of all of that since he was specifically coming to something. "Mother, please come with me."

A small confusion that lasted less than a second was dispelled when Shizuen understood what that meant. Shizune's gaze turned to Kurono and Akira, but they also understood the reason for Akio's words. It hadn't taken long for both her and Akio to walk through the door and be greeted by a nurse, giving Shizune protections similar to the ones Akio brought with him.

After that, Shizune was guided by Akio and the nurse until a particular scene appeared in her vision... One that made her heart flutter in a way that she couldn't explain, but at the same time, it was undeniable to say that it provoked a warmth and affection in her like no other...