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After making sure everything was clean, Osamu flickered off the lights in the store before trudging up the stairs with a yawn.
Now that the Olympics have started, more people have flocked into Onigiri Miya because of Atsumu being on Japan’s volleyball team. Not that it was a bad thing, since it acted as free advertisement for Osamu and business has been booming, but it does mean he has by the end of each day his stomach was rumbling and his steps were heavy.
The aroma of your cooking leads Osamu into the kitchen. Your back was to him, and you were stirring a pan with concentration. Cooking wasn’t your forte. Usually, Osamu was the one who cooked, but seeing how busy he was, getting up even earlier than normal to make onigiri and closing up so late, you offered to cook until his schedule returned to normal.
Seeing you standing there brought a smile onto Osamu’s face. He wrapped his arm around your waist and rested his chin on your shoulders. The feeling of your warmth eased all the tension in his body, and he felt the exhaustion that had accumulated throughout the day come crashing down on him.
“God, I’m so hungry.”
“Samu!” You looked up at him with a bright smile. “I’m making stew tonight. It’s nearly ready.”
“Can I have a taste?”
“Here,” you scooped a spoonful onto a small plate and held it out to him.
“How is it?” You watched him with a frown as he ate it in one gulp.
“It’s delicious.”
“Really?” You frowned at your husband. Last time you burnt the curry and he still said it tasted good.
“What, you don’t believe me?” Osamu grinned at you. Then before you could say anything, he leaned down, and his lips met yours.
“See? Tastes good, right?” Osamu licked his lips as he pulled back.
You rolled your eyes, trying to hide your blush. “It’s nearly ready, now go and wait in the dining room and stop bothering me. And will you go and check up on him? He has been really quiet.”
“Sure, but the pot is boiling over.” Osamu chuckled.
“Wha-?!” Turning around, you saw the pot had indeed boiled over and was spilling across the stove.
“Do ya need any help?”
“No, no, I’m fine,” the panic in your tone didn’t match your words, but you were determined not to let Osamu work anymore since he looked so tired.
You shooed Osamu out of the kitchen. “Just go and check up on him please!”
“Just don’t burn down the kitchen, I still need to use it tomorrow.” He left with a laugh.
Osamu walked into the dining room. It had been awfully quiet. Usually, your son would be the first one to come and greet his father, but today, he was nowhere to be found.
A small shuffling noise came from the dining table.
A single plate stood on the table, holding a few clumsily made onigiri. It was evident whoever made it did not press hard enough, and all the filling had spilled out. Small finger marks were etched on the surface of the onigiri.
A pair of innocent grey eyes peered up from the table edge. Grains of rice were stuck in his hair and around his mouth.
In an instant, all of Osamu’s fatigue melted away as he looked at his son. He could feel a warm smile spreading across his face. It was moments like these that Osamu knew he made the right choice in opening his own onigiri shop. To be able to see his beloved wife and son everyday, and make a living out of doing what he loves, it was truly a blessing.
*****
You looked at the dishes you had prepared. Tonight, you were actually quite proud of what you’ve accomplished. No dishes cracked. No burnt food, and it actually tasted quite decent.
You crossed the room until you came to the living room.
“Samu, dinner’s ready-“ you peered through the doorframe then paused.
Osamu was sprawled across the carpet, his arms were around his son who was lying across his chest, who rose and fell with each steady breath Osamu took. Both of them had grains of rice stuck on their cheeks.
Your eyes softened as you gazed at the two people who you loved more than they will ever know. You gathered a blanket and laid it softly across your husband and son. Quietly, you turned off the light.
You could let them rest longer.
After all, it was after hours at Onigiri Miya.