Aria woke up to the rumble of thunder. Rain tapped gently on the windows, and the familiar sound wrapped around her like a soft blanket. She had always loved rainy days—maybe because, as a child, her adoptive mother used to hold her close during storms. That warm, safe embrace had been the first real comfort she'd ever known in her eight years of life.
Rainy days still made her feel protected.
She got up, made some tea and breakfast—and for once, didn't burn anything. A small triumph. She was getting better at this… day by day. After finishing in the kitchen, Aria walked quietly—almost like a kitten—toward Ichiro's room.
Watching him sleep somehow made her day brighter.
How wonderful it would be, she thought, if the first thing I saw every morning was this face, right next to mine, no walls between us.
But she quickly pulled herself back. She couldn't get greedy. Things were already better than she'd ever imagined.
His messy hair still managed to look stylish, as if it had been deliberately tousled for a photoshoot. The urge to touch it overwhelmed her. Before she could think, her fingers were already brushing through his soft strands. She traced his thick, perfectly shaped eyebrows, his long lashes—lashes that any woman would envy—his nose… and finally, her fingertips touched his lips.
She couldn't stop herself.
Leaning in, she kissed him softly.
Thank goodness he's asleep, she thought in panic, he'd probably throw me out if he knew.
But the moment passed, and with it came a strange mix of wonder and sadness. She'd just kissed a man who felt like a distant star—so high, so bright, so unreachable. And she… she was just a blade of grass, rooted in the dirt of Earth.
Snapping herself back to reality, she whispered, "Dr. Ichiro, can you wake up? Breakfast is ready."
"Mmm… just a few more minutes…" he mumbled.
Aria smiled in surprise. Never had she imagined Ichiro would ever act like a sleepy child, refusing to get up. And here she was, witnessing it firsthand.
After his accident, Ichiro had struggled to sleep. Even with heavy sleeping pills, he would often wake up from the pain. But now… his sleep had improved, just like his health.
She was about to let him sleep a little longer—she'd promised herself she would—but Ichiro stirred, slowly opening his eyes. Sleepy, green, and beautiful. Even groggy, he looked like the kind of prince you'd only read about in webnovels.
She used to think those novels were full of exaggeration—until she found herself living one.
Rubbing his eyes, he asked, "It's raining today?"
"Yes. It's been raining since morning. Do you like rainy days, Dr. Ichiro?"
"No. They're a hassle."
His answer made Aria's heart ache just a little. She wished he could love the rain too.
After helping him wash up, she wheeled him to the dining table.
"Wow, your cooking looks great, Aria. You've improved."
"Well, thank you—husband," she replied sweetly.
Ichiro blinked, startled. "What did you just call me?"
"Husband. You can't tell me what I can or can't call you. It's my right," Aria said firmly, like a judge passing final verdict.
Ichiro knew better than to argue. He accepted defeat, though it took him a while to get used to her calling him that.
After breakfast, Aria massaged his hands and legs. Then, gently, she asked, "Would you like to try walking today?"
"Aria, my condition isn't good enough. I'll just fall."
"It's okay if you fall," she said softly. "I'll catch you. You can count on me, always. I'll catch my princess."
Ichiro blinked. Princess? Since when was he the princess?
What even went on in this girl's mind?
But he was too tired to argue.
"Alright," he replied dryly, "just make sure to catch me, Prince. Otherwise, the King won't let you marry me."
This time, Aria was left speechless.
He… responded? In her language?
Her cheeks warmed. "Don't worry, Princess. I'll make sure to win both you and the kingdom."
She helped Ichiro stand up, using every ounce of strength in her tiny frame. Thank God I learned karate, she thought. Finally, a real use for it.
They were close—closer than ever before. Her head barely reached his chest, but she held him firmly, almost hugging him as she supported his weight.
Ichiro was surprised. How could someone so small carry him like this?
With her help, he managed to take ten steps.
Ten real, wobbly, victorious steps.
After sitting down on the couch, Aria grinned. "See? Told you I wouldn't let my princess fall. Go tell the King to prepare the wedding!"
Ichiro laughed—really laughed.
And for the first time in a long, long time… it didn't feel forced.