Breathless
When We Believe
10 Years later
"Yuri-san! Ohhuka-chan!"
"Food is ready! Come on, eat before it gets cold!" a beautiful woman with jet-black long hair shouted out to a brunette man and a girl of about 5 years old.
The two people who were chatting in the garden behind the residence simultaneously turned their heads when they heard the name of the two called. A bright smile on the faces of the two, they shouted in unison saying the word 'yes' and then joined together towards the woman who giggled at the interaction of the two.
The three then walk hand in hand towards the dining room which is deliberately designed close to the flower garden which is treated painstakingly by the homeowner. The little girl sniffed enthusiastically as her nose began to be spoiled by the aroma of cooking that now filled the air throughout the dining room.
As soon as you look at the food menu presented, the round eyes sparkle with childish light. The roasted salmon quickly caught his attention.
"Mama, Haruka's hungry!" the little girl turned her head towards her mother while making a circular motion of her hand on her stomach indicating that she was indeed starving.
"Look Mam! Haruka-chan seems to have been impatient to devour all the available food due to hunger!" Hiiro teases the little girl while menoel the tip of Haruka's nose and laughs. Haruka puffed her cheeks, starting to sulk as the ridicule from the Genius Doctor made her even more adorable.
Emu laughed again and grabbed the little girl's body and carried her to her special dining chair which was higher than the other chairs. A chair that allows the little girl to sit comfortably and reach the dining table in balance.
Immediately afterwards Emu then took the food on his second plate. The girl's round, sparkling eyes turned into horror gazes when the mother spooned a large portion of broccoli onto her plate.
"Mama! No!" he shouted while hitting the table with his hand that was holding a fork.
"Broccoli is bad! Haruka doesn't like it!" he added again then let go of his fork— covered his mouth with both hands then put on an expression of disgust— dislike.
Hiiro and Emu who were looking at Haruka's expression couldn't help but laugh their amused laughter. Emu poked the cheek of the child's kingpin with the tip of his index—gemas.
"Haruka-chan!" rebuke Emu with a soft voice.
"Broccoli is good food and delicious loh" added Emu then took one piece of broccoli with his fork, he said, show Haruka and eat her in one mouthful while making the face enjoy the taste of the food she just ate. While Haruka scrunched her forehead while sticking out her tongue with an expression of disgust—imagine if how unpleasant broccoli that just entered into the mouth of his mother.
"Haruka-chan remember the cartoon that Mama watched yesterday?" he added that he wanted a gaze full of question marks from the little girl.
"Tweety?" haruka said as she tilted her head with an innocent face full of questions.
Tweety one of his favorite cartoon characters who always accompany every afternoon. The cartoon character in the form of a small yellow canary was successful in attracting the heart of the little princess to make her have a small bird doll with various sizes.
"Yes!" Emu paused a bit then aligned her face with the princess's and continued her sentence, "remember what Tweety said yesterday?"
"Tweety doesn't like it when kids don't want to eat vegetables. Tweety did not want to be friends with him. Haruka doesn't want to be hated by Tweety, does she?" emu's speech reminded one of the episodes watched by them followed by a serious gaze from Haruka who was also trying to remember every scene of conversation Tweety had when she watched it.
"If Haruka wants to eat vegetables, Haruka can be friends with Tweety, Ma?" haruka asked with round eyes but the clocked eyebrows formed a serious but very adorable face.
"Of course!" emu nodded her head with a big smile then gently nudged Hiiro who chuckled at Haruka's expression, "Yes right?"
"Mama said right Haruka-chan! Tweety wants to be friends with Haruka-chan!" said Hiiro helped convince the little girl who began to look thinking with a frowning face.
"After all, doesn't Haruka-chan want to be a doctor like Papa and Mama right?" added Hiiro again then stroked Haruka's head,
"If Haruka doesn't want to eat vegetables, Haruka won't be healthy enough to become a Doctor!" said Hiiro then put on a serious pretentious face to Haruka.
"really?" haruka asked with sparkling round eyes looking at Hiiro and Emu in turn. Hiiro and Emu looked at each other. A second later they both nodded steadily without hesitation in front of the little girl.
"OKay! Haruka wants to eat her broccoli!" he said steadily followed by happy cheers from Emu and Hiiro.
.
.
.
.
.
After finishing eating his dinner, the three headed to the family room accompanying Haruka who was drawing while several times responding to the question or babble of the little girl.
Hiiro occasionally tries to tease the little girl when her face looks focused with the activities she does. Making the little girl upset and sulking— complained to the mother.
Main door creaking—Voice of galloping steps. The figure of a strapping man wearing a suit with a black briefcase appeared behind the door of the family room. They looked and smiled at the same time.
"I'm home!" said the man returned his third smile wide.
The little girl with the eyes sparkling childishly revealed a big smile. He got up from where he was sitting and ran towards the sturdy man who had stretched out his hands waiting to be greeted by the little girl.
"Father!!" haruka exclaimed and jumped into the father's embrace spoiledly.
The man chuckled then peeked at the cheek of the princess—gemas. Emu got up from her seat and approached the strapping man who had just arrived. Still carrying Haruka with his right hand, the man grabbed Emu's waist with his left hand and then kissed her forehead. Emu blushed in embarrassment and grabbed the bag that was held by the man.
"Welcome, baby!" emu smiled again.
Hiiro who looked at the little family could only smile meaningfully. A little awkward to have to look at their affection, but there was a sense of pleasure to see the interaction they showed.
They are a very warm and sweet little family.
A moment later, the man lowered the princess and approached Hiiro who sat watching the small family interaction while drinking tea served by Emu. Smiling—sang man then stuck out Hiiro's collar hand.
"Kagami Director"
"Date Director"
A moment later they shook hands with serious looks. But a second later they both laughed and started hugging while patting each other's shoulders —akrab. Emu shook his head in surprise then smiled watching the interaction of the two Surgeons who had now become Hospital Directors as well.
Both of them have now served as Directors at the Hospital they occupy. Hiiro becomes Director at Seito Hospital in place of his father who has now retired and is enjoying his old age. Date is Director of Hagino Hospital, one of the Private Hospitals in New York built by Takashi Hagino's father.
"Have you waited a long time, Hiiro?" tanya Date then sat down next to Hiiro and started their chat.
"Ah, not really! Besides waiting anyways I don't have a problem with it!" hiiro smiled again.
Date breathed a sigh of relief, there was an uneasy feeling of leaving a distant guest who came to visit him. The Hospital board's impromptu meeting forced him to leave on his off days and cancelled a sightseeing event that he and his family planned to welcome Hiiro's visit in New York.
New york's?
Yeah, after getting out of jail and then marrying Emu. The two agreed to settle in New York to open a new leaf. In addition they also aim to continue the therapy carried out by the Date personal Doctor. Initially Emu's decision was opposed by his friends. They are not willing to be far from Emu. 10,844 km is not a short distance for them to travel. Even Kyotaru Hinata also objected to the decision taken by Emu.
After a tough discussion. Forced— they finally accept Emu's decision. Emu's stubbornness keeps them from twitching. Resigning, they can only wish the best for Emu's next life.
"Papa~~"
A moment later Haruka whined asking to sit on his father's lap. Date raised his daughter's tiny body and held her. Then the three adults in the room started to listen to the babbling of the little girl. Laugh—they so enjoy the moment that occurs naturally at that time.
A moment later Emu persuaded the princess who looked sleepy to go to sleep immediately. But it seems that the princess inherited Emu's stubbornness, by puffing her cheeks and blabbing quickly the little girl did not comply with the mother's request. Still attached to the father, Haruka insisted on staying with the father and refused the mother's appeal to go to sleep even though her eyes had been smeared.
Cekikikan—Date and Hiiro chuckled to see Emu trying to persuade the little girl. Emu then stared intently at the two men who then gulped at Emu's annoyance. A moment later, Date helped seduce the princess to immediately obey the mother to immediately sleep with the lure of the doll she wanted. Haruka glanced at the father with her lips pursed, hearing the father's offer. He was interested but still not budging.
Date and Emu turned their heads towards Hiiro, gesturing to help them. Hiiro finally made an offer to the little girl. Hiiro promises he will buy another doll and of course a large portion of ice cream that Haruka can eat alone.
Smiling triumphantly, Haruka nodded quickly then extended her hands to the mother to have Emu grab her and carry her. Emu then takes Haruka from Date's lap and holds her. Gregetan—Emu began to gently pinch the princess' cheeks followed by giggles from the princess. Date and Hiiro throw one another a glance, they lighten a small smile. Like they have the same thoughts. The nature of Emu and Haruka when sulking makes almost no difference.
After getting a good-night kiss from Date and Hiiro, Harukapun is taken by Emu to his room. The two men then noticed Emu who walked out of the room until she disappeared from their sight, leaving the two alone.
"Enjoy New York, Hiiro?" Date opened the conversation while sipping the tea Emu had provided for him.
"Ah, I'm sorry I made a schedule that's too busy for you!" Date put his hands together and made a gesture of apology with a gloating face.
"No need to bother, I agree too, right? So don't think about it!" refute Hiiro then made a gesture with his hand movements as well.
Hiiro comes to New York basically not just to visit Emu and Date. This is a request from Date personally and professionally as a Director at the Hospital he leads. Date asked Hiiro to be the speaker at the Doctors of Surgery conference that Date held and Hiiro quickly agreed.
"After all, this is my chance to meet you as well and of course Haruka-chan!" he grinned towards Date.
Hiiro also looks enthusiastic to meet Haruka. Moreover, the last time he met the little girl when Haruka was 1 year old. His busyness and considerable distance made him unable to visit the small family often. I don't know why Hiiro is already in love with the daughter of Emu and Date.
After that Hiiro started asking about the circumstances and news from Date's parents. Reiko and Takashi certainly never absent visiting the three. Especially since the presence of Haruka who turned Takashi into a more gentle figure.
Reiko and Takashi remain settled in Japan and take care of their business empire that Date is reluctant to manage. Their son chooses to remain the Doctor that made Takashi finally build the Hospital for Date. They themselves visit Date and his little family every month end and even every weekend because they always miss babbling from their little grandchildren.
Date also recounted that it was not only their parents who frequented them. Kyutaro Hinata, who has now retired from his post as Minister of Health, also visits them frequently. Kyotaru is undeniably one of the figures they have considered part of their family. Not just because Kyotaru and Emu are so close. But Kyotaru is also the father-in-law to Emu. Moreover, when Emu was married, it was Kyotar who accompanied Emu to the altar of marriage.
"Then have other friends visited you? I'm guessing it's Nico who visits you the most!" guess Hiiro immediately remembered that Nico had now also settled in America.
"Oh, of course! Nico-chan always comes almost every weekend to play with Haruka-chan!"
Date later recounted that Nico, who now lives in Connecticut, always came to bring a lot of toys for Haruka. The distance between New York and Connecticut which is only 1 hour further makes Nico never tired of visiting them. Sometimes Nico also comes with Taiga if the Radiologist visits him. Both will usually ask for permission from Date and Emu to take Haruka for a walk in the playground or the nearest game center.
Kuroto and Pallad had also visited them, but not often. Their busy lives often hamper their plans to visit Emu, Date and Haruka. They visit the three if by chance they hold an event in New York. Kiriya and Poppy visit them every Christmas and New Year holidays.
"What about you Hiiro?"
"Me?" Hiiro chuckled as Date began to move on to a more personal question, "nothing has changed! Only age is increasing."
"really?" Date was seen looking at Hiiro, Hiiro smiled wryly as he realized the direction of their conversation.
"I'm sorry Date, honestly I still can't—" Hiiro let out a heavy sigh, her eyebrows clashing at Date cautiously, "hm, you know what I mean right?!"
"I know!" reply Date then patted Hiiro's shoulder a few times.
Time continued to roll quickly, Hiiro still himself had not found the right heart patch. Hiiro has been immersed in his busy life to forget, if he has not given himself the opportunity to open his heart to others.
"I'm sure one day you'll find the right woman for you, Hiiro!" say Date with a serious expression—optimis.
"Well, I hope so too!" Hiiro chimed in expectantly as well.
He believes everyone was created to have a partner to navigate life in this world. Just waiting for time to find him.
"You're really lucky Date!" hiiro said later, "Emu is a very great woman!"
Date sighed in his smile, his hand scratching his temple a few times. The shadow when Emu tenaciously visited her almost every day in detention and showed that she was willing to accompany Date to be free to make the man's heart melt. At first Date wanted Emu to forget her, so that she could achieve her happiness with others. Especially after the tragedy, Date felt he did not deserve to accompany Emu. But every look at the faith shown by Emu and the love that can still not be removed just makes the man finally can not ignore Emu re-enter his life.
Now he is very grateful for the presence of Emu who has completed his life.
Their nightly chat just rolls around next. There was laughter between the two. An atmosphere full of familiarity like an old friend who is giving up longing after a long time does not meet thick felt. Until the clang of the clock in the middle of the night sounds resuscitate both of them if the night is getting late.
"It seems to be too late!" hiiro then checks his watch, "i seem to have to go back to the hotel!"
"You better stay here, Hiiro! We still have extra rooms for guests!" Date offers Hiiro to stay at his house, "after all, it's late at night and you must be tired too!"
"Ah, thanks for the offer, Date!" Hiiro shook his head rejecting Date's offer, "i've been too much trouble for you guys with visiting here all day!"
"No need to worry Hiiro, our house is always open for you! Have we not become a family?" date's words made Hiiro's heart even warmer.
Ah family! A very precious family!
Hiiro then rose from his seat followed by Date. Hiiro took his coat and walked with Date towards the exit. As soon as they passed the stairs leading to the second floor, they saw Emu coming down after she finished putting her little princess to sleep.
"Eh, Hiiro-san is coming back?" asked Emu with a wrinkled face as she walked closer to Date and Hiiro, "don't stay here?"
"Thank you, Emu! Maybe next time I'll stay over if I have more free time!" hiiro made a promise to Emu.
"Alright then, Hiiro-san!" Emu nodded slowly.
"Please be good! Don't forget to wear your coat properly, the New York air these days is very cold at night! Also don't forget to wear your scarf and gloves to keep warm!" Emu then began to talk quickly with a face full of worry inviting long sighs from Hiiro and Date.
Emu with her worry mode always makes them amazed to the hustle. Emu will look like fussy mothers who cannot be denied and treat them as if they were not adults.
"Yes, yes, chatty! Hiiro would understand!" exclamation Date while menoel Emu nose.
Emu pursed her lips— pouted, "who are you calling chatty?"
Hiiro and Date chuckled at Emu's still unchanged behavior. Date then stroked the mane of the wife while seducing her so as not to sulk angrily. Hiiro smiled as he looked at the sweet scene before him.
They are both a sweet couple.
Hiiro looked at the little family with a gentle look full of happiness. There is no regret ambushing his heart because it allows the most beloved wine he achieved happiness even though it was not with him. The genius doctor who is famous for his selfishness has now stripped him of his arrogant nature and grown into a warmer, wiser and mature man.
So did Date, as he stared at the precious treasure he had now. He promised himself to be a more responsible man, mature and of course always cool-minded. Keep thinking logically and calmly until the emotions and demons that once ruled him can be suppressed and not come back to hurt the person he loves. For him now, protecting their smiles was a priority that he could not simply ignore. Because Emu and Haruka have changed a lot of the dark lives he has.
Emu herself never stopped being grateful for everything that had happened to her now. So much learning he picked up from past events he had experienced. He does not regret the decision he has made. According to him, the life he went through is now more than perfect and can not be replaced with anything in the world. Now he has more reason to survive, no matter how hard the trials come to greet him. He has a whole family that has always been there for him.
The three are now looking at each other. Perhaps they are trying to read each other's expressions and what feelings each is feeling. But one thing they are thinking about now is. They are grateful that God brought them together, even though it was started by a tragedy that almost ended the life they had.
Young, selfish and inexperienced in dealing with life's problems are problems they all faced. But now they realize, it is a process of natural selection to turn them into a better person than before. Makes them appreciate every ticking second in the clock of life.
Smiles spread on their faces. Hiiro said goodbye when the taxi he booked had arrived. Date and Emu take the Genius Doctor to the taxi he will ride. Hugged each other—they then thanked each other. Hiiro entered the taxi and then waved to the couple. Taxi drove—Date and Emu then noticed the vehicle slowly disappearing from their sight
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift from God that means so much. For this reason, past events they make learning to achieve a better future. To live every day God gives with all his heart, that is a choice to go through. When humans can live all of those things well, they are sure if not dreams and hopes in this world are impossible.
Like their hope to become a better human being later on. No matter what your past is, the opportunity to improve yourself is always there if you will.
THE END
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
I still believe, I still believe,
A love so strong will carry on
You know there's so much to be seen
It's not the end let's start again
I still believe
A1 - I Still Believe
**BREATHLESS
DPRAKASTI © 2019-2020
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