The hospital hall felt suffocating. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, and the low murmur of voices barely registered in my mind. My entire focus was locked onto the door in front of me.
Ai was inside, giving birth.
I sat on one of the plastic chairs, my leg bouncing uncontrollably. My hands were clasped so tightly that my knuckles turned white. Every scream that came from inside sent a sharp, twisting pain through my chest.
Ai's screams.
I had known childbirth would be painful. I had read about it, had braced myself for it. But knowing was different from hearing it—different from sitting here, completely powerless, while she suffered.
A hand landed on my shoulder, grounding me for a moment. "She's strong, Asahi," Shion said, his voice calm, steady. "Ai is going to be okay. Just hold on a little longer."
I swallowed, but my throat was dry. I wanted to respond, but no words came out. I could only nod.
