Kazuto returned home late the following night, quietly making his way into the dimly lit kitchen and over to the fridge. He found a note addressed to him on the door. He sighed heavily, pulling it into his hands.

-Dinner's in the red bowl on the bottom shelf if you're hungry.

Love

Mom

Kazuto smiled faintly at the note, opening the door and removing the bowl and a bottle of his favorite drink. He made his way over to the table, too tired to worry about heating the food. He stifled a yawn before taking his first bite. He crossed another possible job opportunity off his list.
He was glad there was no school the following day, allowing him to sleep in.

"So, you finally made it home. I was starting to worry."The voice startled Kazuto, who turned his attention to the doorway. Midori walked over to the table. She pulled out the chair across from her son and sat down.

"Yeah, just a couple minutes ago. I didn't mean to worry you, I'm fine. The bus was running late tonight." The dark-haired woman nodded.

"Kazuto, I think it's time that you and I talked about all this. I'm worried about you, between your school, your first job, and looking for another one. Honey, you're going to hurt yourself. You are too young to burn yourself out like this. I think it's time for you to give up on this second job idea, at least until you're out of school and-"

"I can't." Kazuto interrupted, earning an exasperated sigh from Midori.

"What's so important to you that you're pushing yourself so hard? Is it worth risking your health? "Kazuto met her gaze.

"Yeah," He replied. "I can't really get into details right now, but I will tell you that the reason I'm doing all of this..it's worth more to me than my own life. It's that important. You'll have to trust me on this."

"Kazuto, you're not-"

"Everything's fine. It's just something I have to do." Midori knew she wasn't going to get any further in the conversation. She stood, walking around the table to place a hand on Kazuto's shoulder.

"Whatever it is, you can come to us, Kazuto. You know your dad and I will help in any way we can. We love you."

"Love you too, Mom, and thanks." Though he knew she meant it, he still couldn't bring himself to tell her. He also knew how disappointed his family would be when the secret came out. Midori brushed back a strand of hair from his face.

"You look so exhausted." She commented, shaking her head. "I want you to know that we don't say these things to be discouraging. We just- those two years we lost with you, all that time wondering if you were going to come back to us...I don't want to see you in a hospital like that again. There is such a thing as working yourself to death, Kazuto. I don't want that happening to you." She kissed his head lovingly. The teen opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by his cellphone. He glanced down at the display, and upon seeing the name, he quickly pressed the green button, holding the device to his ear.

"Asuna-"He paused as he listened to the shuddered breaths and sobs coming from the girl. He could hear a woman shouting loudly in the background but could only make out a few words.

"Kazuto, sh-she went through m-my purse. She found the pictures."Alarmed, Kazuto rose to his feet.

"Are you okay? She didn't do anything to-"

"I'm fine." Asuna sobbed. "I need to get out of here. I didn't know who else to call and-"

"I'm glad you called me. Do you want me to come get you?"

"I-I don't even know where we'd go, or-"

"Listen to me, it's going to be okay. "Kazuto soothed, hurrying past his mother without a word, leaving the woman confused as she followed him to the door.

"Kazuto, where are you going?" She called after him but received no reply. He paused only a moment to collect his jacket, pulling it on as he closed the door behind him and began his journey through the dark, nearly abandoned streets.

"I'm on my way over, just take some deep breaths."The boy soothed.

"I can't stay here. She wants me to-but I can't do something like that to our baby." She continued to sob.

"I know. just hang in there. We'll figure it out." After what seemed to both teens to be an eternity, Kazuto arrived, surprised to find Asuna rushing out the door toward him. He quickened his pace, embracing her tightly.

"It's okay. I've got you." He said rubbing her back. "Hey, look at me." Asuna raised her head, meeting his gaze. Kazuto raised his hand, gently caressing her tear-stained cheek. He rested his forehead against her's.

"Are you okay?" he asked, Asuna nodded.

"Yeah. I think so." She sniffled.

"Asuna, you get back in this house!" Her mother shrieked from the door, only to be ignored. "If you leave this property, you're done. You can forget about coming home!"

"Kazuto, can we just go, right now. Just get as far away as we can be?"

"Yeah."He replied kissing her lovingly. "anywhere you wanna go."When the two parted, Kazuto reached out, offering his girlfriend his hand, which she accepted without hesitation. He led her away from the house and into the street. Neither one knew where they would end up, but at the moment, Asuna was Kazuto's priority. So much uncertainty filled their minds as they made their way through town. The only thing they knew for sure, was that they were together, and as long as they had each other, they would find a way to make it work. Kazuto had to, not only for his future wife but for the child that was already counting on him to make things right.

A/N Shorter chapter, sorry. But it came to me and I felt that I had to write it. I hope you enjoyed it.