Nori woke up to the gentle sound of birds chirping outside the shoji screen windows. Sunlight filtered through the paper panels, casting a soft golden glow on the tatami floor. He stretched a little, placing his hand on his growing belly, and murmured, "Morning, little bean… big day today."
He sat up slowly, careful not to move too fast. His maternity robe slipped off his shoulder, and he adjusted it with a sigh. Today he was finally going to meet Ryusuke's mother—a moment everyone had been talking about for weeks.
The head maid entered quietly, bowing. "Good morning, Madame Nori. Your bath is ready, and your outfit has been laid out."
Nori blushed a little at the honorific. He still wasn't used to being called that.
