I clenched my fists, trying to hide the pain, as I listened to the conversation in the literature club. MC had just joined recently, and I was starting to feel a bit more comfortable around everyone. But there was one thing I couldn't let anyone know, not even MC. I pressed my hand against my swollen belly, feeling a mix of fear and excitement. The club meeting began to wind down, and as everyone packed up their things, I slowly made my way towards the door. My heart started to race, knowing that I was running out of time. I needed to leave before it was too late. But just as I was about to slip away, Sayori turned towards me, a concerned look on her face. "Natsuki, are you okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. I grimaced, my body starting to convulse with the waves of pain. "Yeah, I'm fine," I mumbled, trying to sound casual. But I knew I couldn't hide it for much longer. Yuri, noticing my discomfort, stepped closer, concern etched on her delicate features. "Natsuki, you don't look well. Are you sure you're okay?" I bit my lip, trying to prevent myself from screaming out in pain. "I-I'm just tired," I stammered, my voice strained. "I... I'm going to head home. I'll see you all tomorrow." Before they could protest, I turned and rushed out the door. Pain shot through me with each step, but I pushed myself forward, determined to keep my secret safe. The fear of my father finding out added an extra layer of urgency to my steps. As I made my way home, my water broke, causing me to stagger. The pain intensified, reminding me that time was against me. I knew I couldn't make it back home. My feet automatically carried me towards the nearest hospital, my mind racing with panic and uncertainty. Once I arrived at the hospital, I was quickly taken to a room. The nurses and doctors rushed around me, preparing for the unexpected birth. The pain was unbearable, but in the back of my mind, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy at the thought of finally meeting my daughter. As the hours dragged on, the contractions became stronger, and the pain seemed never-ending. I gripped the sides of the hospital bed, my knuckles turning white, as the nurses encouraged me to keep pushing. And then, finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard the doctor's voice. "One more push, Natsuki!" Summoning every last ounce of strength, I pushed with all my might. And at that moment, everything seemed to blur as I heard the cries of a newborn baby. Tears streamed down my face as the nurses placed my daughter on my chest, her tiny form warm and fragile. I looked down at her, a mixture of love and fear consuming my heart. "You did it, Natsuki," the doctor said with a smile. "Congratulations." A sense of relief washed over me as I held my daughter close, realizing that the secret I had carried for so long was finally out in the open. I knew I couldn't keep her hidden any longer, not from my friends or my abusive father. I wiped away my tears and took a deep breath, knowing that my life had changed forever. A new journey awaited me, and as scared as I was, I was determined to protect my little girl with everything I had. No matter what challenges lied ahead, I would do whatever it took to give her the love and care she deserved.