Akane's small family home was filled with the aroma of dinner, despite the meager ingredients she had to work with. She hummed to herself as she chopped vegetables and stirred the pot, lost in thought. Suddenly, the front door slammed open and her mother stumbled in, her boyfriend hot on her heels.
"Hey there, kiddo," her mother slurred, a grin plastered on her face. "We have some news for you."
Akane's heart sank as she turned to face them. She knew that look in her mother's eyes - it meant trouble.
"We found out about the baby," her mother's boyfriend announced, leering at Akane. "Who's the lucky guy?"
Akane's cheeks burned as she avoided his gaze. "It's Nekomaru," she said softly.
Her mother's boyfriend let out a low whistle. "The ultimate coach, huh? Nice."
Akane's mother threw a bottle at him, but he caught it easily. "Shut up, you idiot. This is serious."
"We've made a decision," her mother said, turning to Akane. "You have to marry Nekomaru and move out."
Akane's eyes widened in shock. "What? I can't do that."
Her mother's face twisted in anger. "You don't have a choice. You're pregnant, and you need a husband to take care of you."
Akane's heart raced as she stood up to her mother. "I can take care of myself. I always have."
Her mother threw the bottle at her, but Akane dodged it easily. "You ungrateful brat. I've done everything for you."
Akane's mother's boyfriend tried to grab her, but she spun out of his reach, using her gymnastics skills to escape. She grabbed her bag and stormed out of the house, determined to take control of her own life.
She headed to Nekomaru's apartment, her heart pounding in her chest. She found him working out, his muscles glistening with sweat.
"Nekomaru," she said, trying to catch her breath. "We need to talk."
Nekomaru looked up, surprised. "Akane? What's wrong?"
Akane took a deep breath. "I'm pregnant. And it's yours."
Nekomaru's eyes widened in shock. "What? How?"
Akane rolled her eyes. "You're a guy, Nekomaru. I think you know how."
Nekomaru ran a hand through his hair. "I had no idea. I would never have let this happen if I had known."
Akane's heart ached. "I know. But it did. And now I need to know your true feelings."
Nekomaru looked at her, his eyes filled with concern. "I care about you, Akane. And I want to support you. But I understand if you don't want to be with me."
Akane's heart fluttered. "I'm willing to give you a chance. But I need to make one thing clear - I'm in control of my own destiny. I won't be forced into anything I don't want."
Nekomaru nodded, a smile on his face. "I understand. And I respect you for that."
Akane smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was taking control of her own life, and she wasn't going to let anyone stand in her way.
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