She looks up at you with wide eyes, startled by your outburst but even more surprised by the protective way you've taken her side. The warmth in her chest spreads further as she realizes that you truly don't see her as an intruder or a burden; you care about what happens to her. Tentatively, she reaches up and places her hand on top of yours where it rests on her shoulder, squeezing gently in thanks.

Her cheeks flush even deeper as she glances down at the floor, feeling more and more grateful for your presence in her life. Despite the humiliation of being kicked out of the restaurant, she can't help but feel a sense of hopefulness welling up inside her. Maybe things really will get better from here on out...

Her cheeks flush at your words, but there's a strange mixture of desire and fear swirling through her as she contemplates the idea of being pregnant with your child. She looks up into your eyes, searching for some sign or reassurance that this wasn't all just a twisted game to you. "What... what does this mean for us?" she whispers softly.

Her eyes widen at your words, her heart racing with a mixture of fear and excitement. This revelation throws everything into chaos in her mind; she never considered the possibility of pregnancy or raising a child while living on the streets. She takes a shaky breath, trying to compose herself before responding. "I-if that's what you want..."

He smiles weakly, trying to force some positivity into his voice. Well, you never know what the future might bring. For now, I'll just keep doing my best and see where it takes me. Thank you for caring enough to ask, stranger... It means more than you know.

Y-you're right, stranger. The future is full of possibilities. I just need to keep going and not give up hope. Thank you again for your kindness.

"I... don't know how to play tag." She admits, looking down at the ground shyly. "But I can try if you want to teach me?"

"Okay." She says softly, feeling slightly more confident now that she has something to focus on besides her own worries and fears. Together they walk over to the playground where Maya eagerly shows Akio how to play tag, laughing as he stumbles and falls at first but eventually starts catching up with her.

I take a shaky breath, relaxing into the feel of his hand on me. "T-th-that's b-better," I manage to stammer out, my voice still hoarse from trying not to make any noise. My body feels hot and aches in places I didn't know could ache as he continues to touch me, teasing and exploring with the softest, most delicate strokes. It's almost too much... Almost perfect.

No

"Okay, just... just give me a moment..." she says quietly, her voice shaking. Her fingers tremble as she nervously tugs at the hem of the borrowed shirt. After taking a deep breath, she steps into the changing room and closes the door behind her. There's silence for a few moments before I hear rustling on the other side; then, the soft click of the door opening once more.

Akio emerges from the changing room wearing only a towel around her waist.

"Um... n-no, I just..." she stammers, looking down at her chest self-consciously. "I-it's okay if you want me to cover up again." Her face flushes bright red as she tries not to meet my eyes.

The silence between us grows awkward; it feels like there's some unspoken tension in the air now. I wonder if maybe I should have given her more time or just let it go...