Chapter 53: 8 MONTHS IN THEIR NEW HOME
Eight months had passed since Levi and Sana got married and moved into their cozy new home. It was a space they had lovingly built together—warm, inviting, and reflective of their combined personalities. Sana's love for greenery had transformed the balcony into a small garden oasis, filled with vibrant flowers, succulents, and hanging plants that added life to the space. Levi, ever the clean freak, ensured that the house was immaculate, with every corner scrubbed and organized to perfection.
Their days were filled with simple joys. Morning tea on the balcony had become a cherished ritual, where they'd sit side by side, enjoying the soft sunlight and the chirping of birds. They often cooked together, with Sana enthusiastically experimenting with recipes and Levi quietly ensuring nothing burned. Occasionally, his subtle smirk would give away his amusement at her overly ambitious culinary attempts.
The summer sun now hung high in the sky, marking the end of the first half of the year. The long, golden days gave their home a dreamy glow. The scent of freshly bloomed jasmine wafted through the windows, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea that Levi had just prepared. Sana had taken to rearranging their little library, sorting through books they had collected over the months, while Levi polished his blades—a habit he hadn't entirely let go of despite their peaceful life.
Evenings were their favorite. The two often went on leisurely strolls, hand in hand, as the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. Despite their busy days, they always made time for one another, cherishing the bond they shared. Their love had only grown stronger with time. Every glance, every touch carried a quiet intensity, a promise of unwavering support and affection.
That morning, Sana was working on a project while Layina played nearby. As she reached for her tea, she suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. Steadying herself, she glanced at Alisa.
"Alisa, would you take Layina to Farlan? I'm going to see the doctor," Sana said with a weak smile.
"Doctor? Sana-san, are you alright?" Alisa asked, her tone laced with concern.
"Yes, just a little dizzy. I better get checked before Levi finds a way to scold me for not taking care of myself," she said with a small laugh.
Alisa nodded, though her worry was evident. She took Layina to Farlan, leaving Sana to head to the doctor's office.
***
By the time Levi and the others returned home later that day, the house was unusually quiet. The front door wasn't locked, but Sana wasn't in the common area. Levi's heart quickened as a sense of unease settled over him. Without a word to the others, he went straight to their room.
Pushing the door open, he found Sana sitting on the edge of the bed, her shoulders slumped and her gaze distant. She looked... sad. Alarm shot through him, and he crossed the room in an instant.
"Oye, Sana, what happened? Why are you sitting like this? Are you alright? Wh…" The words tumbled out of him, his voice cracking slightly. He crouched in front of her, trying to catch her eye.
"Oye, say something," he urged again, his tone softer this time.
A single tear rolled down her cheek.
"Sana?" he whispered, his worry mounting.
"I'm sorry, Levi," she said, her voice breaking.
His breath hitched. "Hey, now you're really scaring me. I won't be mad—just tell me. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out."
She stood slowly, taking his hands in hers. "Levi, I know you said it wasn't the right time, but I don't know how… because of my carelessness, it happened." Her voice trembled, and fresh tears welled in her eyes.
His brows furrowed. "What happened, Sana?"
She squeezed his hands tightly, as though drawing strength from him. "I'm pregnant," she said, her words barely a whisper.
For a moment, Levi froze. The words hung in the air between them, heavy and life-changing. Then, in one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, holding her as though she might disappear. He buried his face in her shoulder, and to her surprise, she felt his body shake.
"Levi?" she murmured, alarmed.
He pulled back just enough to look at her, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Idiot," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You made me so worried. And it's not your fault. It's nobody's fault." He kissed her forehead, his touch tender.
Sana let out a shaky laugh, relief washing over her. "I thought… I thought you might be upset. That you wouldn't want this right now because of everything happening."
"Upset?" he repeated, his eyes widening. "Sana, I don't think I've ever been this happy. You... you've given me something I never thought I'd have. A family. How could I ever be upset about that?"
Her tears returned, but this time they were tears of joy. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly. "I'm happy too, Levi. I was just scared."
"You don't have to be scared. Not with me," he said softly, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and determination. "I... I didn't know it was possible to feel this much at once. I'm terrified, and happy, and overwhelmed... but mostly, Sana, I'm grateful. Grateful for you, for us, and for what's coming." He took a shaky breath and cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing away her tears. "We'll figure everything out together. I promise."
***
Later that night, they gathered with Farlan and Isabel to share the news. Layina had already been tucked into bed, and the small group sat around the dining table, the warm glow of the room adding to the intimacy of the moment.
"So, what's this big announcement?" Farlan asked, raising an eyebrow.
Levi glanced at Sana, who gave him a nod. Taking her hand, he turned to their friends. "Sana… we… we're going to have a baby."
For a moment, there was silence. Then Isabel let out a squeal, throwing her arms around Sana. Farlan grinned, clapping Levi on the back. "Congratulations, you two. That's incredible news."
They celebrated quietly but joyfully, the moment filled with laughter and heartfelt words. As the night wore on, Levi carefully escorted Sana back to their room, his hand never leaving hers.
Before they went to bed, Levi paused, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Thank you, Sana," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
She smiled, her heart full. "For what?"
"For everything. For being here. For being mine."
And as they lay together that night, a new chapter of their lives beginning, they felt more connected than ever before—their love now woven with the promise of the life they had created together.