?


    "Are you really ready to be a father at such a young age?"


    Rudy''s nod was confident, just like before. "Yes, I am. I know it''s a big responsibility, but I''ve always believed in facing challenges head-on. I want to be there for Maria and our child."


    Kaguya''s gaze softened as she nodded in understanding. "That''s good to hear, Rudy. I''m d you''re taking this seriously."


    However, her expression became more pensive as she continued. "You know, I''ve seen many cases of teenage pregnancies in my line of work. Girls who are still in high school, their lives getting turned upside down because of unexpected pregnancies. I''ve seen rtionships fall apart, dreams shattered, and futurespromised."


    She hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Sometimes, the boys leave when the girl gets pregnant, or the girl decides to have an abortion because they''re not ready to be parents. It''s a harsh reality, and it''s not my ce to judge or state opinions. I''m just a nurse, Rudy, and my job is to help my patients."


    Rudy''s jaw tightened slightly, showing that he understood the weight of those words. "I won''t push Maria to make any decisions she''s notfortable with. Whatever choice she makes, I''ll support her."


    Rudy listened carefully to Kaguya''s words, understanding the weight of her experience. He appreciated her honesty and her dedication to her work. "I understand, Kaguya. Thank you for sharing your perspective with me. We''re prepared for the challenges ahead, and I won''t let Maria face them alone."


    Kaguya gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I believe you, Rudy. And I hope everything goes well for you both. Just remember, I''m here if you ever need any support or advice."


    In a moment of privacy amidst the busy hospital floor, Kaguya turned to Rudy with a quizzical look. "So, what did you want to talk to me about on the 13th floor?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity.


    Rudy''s lips curled into a mischievous smile as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a sealed envelope. He handed it to Kaguya and leaned in closer to her, whispering something into her ear. His words were hushed and meant only for her ears.


    Kaguya''s eyebrows furrowed slightly as she looked at him. "Rudy, what are you up to? You''re not making me do something against the rules, are you?"


    Rudy chuckled softly and shook his head. "No, nothing like that. Just a little favor. I promise."


    Kaguya''s eyes widened slightly in surprise, and she looked at Rudy with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "You want me to do that now?"


    Rudy nodded with a yful glint in his eyes. "Yes, I figured it''s a good opportunity since we''re here. Besides, it won''t take long, and it''s something I can''t do myself."


    Kaguya arched an eyebrow, giving him a scrutinizing look. "Rudy, I''m not your personal nurse, you know. Just because we''ve be acquainted doesn''t mean you can make me do things for you."


    Rudy chuckled, his tone light. "I know, I know. But it''s just a small favor, Kaguya. I promise I''ll make it up to you."


    Kaguya crossed her arms, maintaining a mock stern expression. "And how exactly do you n on making it up to me?"


    Rudy grinned and gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder. "I''ll think of something, don''t worry. Maybe I''ll owe you a favor someday."


    Kaguya rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in her expression. "Fine, Rudy. I''ll do it this time. But don''t think you can get away with making me do your bidding all the time."


    Rudy gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Kaguya. I appreciate it."


    As they shared this lighthearted exchange, Rudy''s attention was briefly pulled away by a notification on his phone. He nced at the message and then turned his gaze back to Kaguya. "Looks like Maria''s check up is done. Let''s head back to the examination room."


    Rudy and Maria found themselves in a quiet resting area of the hospital, away from the hustle and bustle of the hallways. They settled onto afortable couch, and Rudy let out a contented sigh as he leaned back.


    Maria nced at him, a warm smile gracing her lips. "You seem rxed," she remarked.


    Rudy grinned in response. "Yeah, it''s nice to take a breather every now and then. Plus, it gives us a chance to have a little chat."


    She nodded, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Alright then, let''s chat. I''ve been wanting to ask you something."


    Maria turned to Rudy, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and anticipation. "Rudy, what are your thoughts on... this whole situation?" She gestured towards her abdomen, her expression a mix of emotions.


    Rudy''s expression turned thoughtful as he considered her question. He met her gaze with a reassuring smile. "Maria, whether the test resultse back positive or negative, it really wouldn''t change a thing for me."


    She raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Really? Why''s that?"


    He shrugged slightly. "Well, think about it. Our lives have been filled with ups and downs, unexpected twists and turns. We''ve faced challenges together, and we''ve supported each other through it all. If there''s anything I''ve learned, it''s that we can handle anything thates our way."


    Maria''s lips curled into a soft smile. "You''re right. We have faced some crazy situations together."


    Rudy chuckled. "Crazy situations is putting it mildly."


    Maria leaned in and rested her head against his shoulder. "I''m d you''re by my side, Rudy."


    Rudy wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. "Always, Maria. No matter what."


    As they continued chatting, Kaguya returned, holding two reports in her hands. She walked over to where Rudy and Maria were seated and handed them one report. "Here you go, Rudy. The test results are ready."


    Rudy took the reports and nodded his thanks to Kaguya. He looked at the reports for a moment before ncing at Maria. "Are you ready to find out?"


    Maria took a deep breath and nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. Rudy carefully opened the reports and his eyes scanned the contents. A warm smile spread across his face as he read the results.


    Maria couldn''t stand the suspense any longer. "Well, what does it say?"


    Rudy''s smile grew even wider as he looked up at her. "It''s positive, Maria. You''re pregnant."