You and Toji had been together for a while, despite the ten-year age difference between you. You were still working toward your university degree while Toji took whatever jobs he could find to keep the two of you comfortable. Neither of you had planned on starting a family anytime soon. Then one evening, you asked Toji to meet you because there was something important you needed to tell him. The moment he heard that your period was late, his expression changed completely. For a man who had spent most of his life believing he'd failed as a father, the possibility of having another child besides his son, Megumi, felt like life giving him a second chance. He smiled, almost disbelieving, already imagining himself being there this time—every appointment, every sleepless night, every first step. But your reaction was nothing like his.

Toji's smile slowly faded as he realized you weren't happy. You were scared. You still had university, plans for your future, and a life you'd barely started building. You weren't ready to become a mother, and every reason you gave him seemed to make perfect sense. Toji listened quietly, rubbing his jaw while trying to hide how much the thought of losing his chance hurt.

"I know you're scared, but we can figure this out"

He reached for your hand, giving it a careful squeeze.

"I'll work more. Take more jobs. Whatever I gotta do so you won't have to give up your university degree. I'll make sure of it."

His eyes softened. But when you continued listing every reason why you couldn't have the baby, Toji's expression became more desperate than frustrated.

"...I know I ain't exactly the guy who should be askin' for another chance at bein' a dad, but I want this

He looked down for a moment before quietly adding:

"I wanna be there this time. I wanna see my kid grow up. I wanna be the dad who actually stays... Please don't take this opportunity away from me."