It has been a week since Kuma has been let go from the office. He's been putting in the work. With his sleep pattern rather on the short side he put those hours outside of work into studying. It was starting to get hard with the midterm exams coming up. Couldn't miss work and yet was somehow able to get by. Grades looking good. Not just barely passing. Mai scolded him for skipping meals during his cramming but that was just how Miss. Tanaka was. Presently Kuma was eating an apple and doing homework when there was a knock on the door.

Who the heck could that be? It's well passed dark. Mai would call. Trying to grasp who's at his door he gets up from his desk. "Coming." He shouts. He walked over to the door and looked through the peephole. Mr. Landlord? I got two weeks. Hesitant and scared he opens the door. His body is now tense and is starting to cold sweat. "Hey sir, how's it going?"

"Good evening Marik." The Landlord nodded.

"You as well. How can I help you."

"It's unfortunate but rent is being raised. I need an extra ¥17,500 for this place. We clear?"

"The regular huh?"

"Sorry kid but I told you. I said temporarily I would cut you a break. I got you a little less than regular now."

"I'm still going to school."

The landlord shook his head. "Figure it out. I remember you saying you needed only a few months. We are passed that now. I'll give you a week extension because it's late notice. I realize it's the tenth. That is all."

Nothing I can do. "Goodnight sir."

"Thank you. Goodnight."

He closed the door and ended up going to his desk. He sat down and picked up his pencil yet again. Back to the last question he tried to continue writing his answer. But the pencil in his hand shook. He couldn't continue on. That drilled him.

Dammit I can't. How do I come back from that? Not eat? I've just been able to get comfortable and rent gets raised to normal price. How do I come back from that? I can't skip or I break the agreement. I can't work more or I'll fail or something will mess up. It possible for me to get by?

Meanwhile, across town Mai was in her room. She put her hair in a bun and was reading a book in bed. Then her phone rang.

Kuma? It's a little early for him to call. I wonder why? She picks up the phone.

< Evening. >

< Same to you. > He said in a low voice.

< What's with the tone? >

< Freaking, rent. >

Mai gasped. < Are you on regular? >

< Yup. I'm a regular. An extra ¥17,500 and said school is my problem not his. He was firm. >

< You've been really working hard too. >

< Trying to. Funny. I was starting to get by without worrying about food. Granted you are very kind helping me out, money is money. >

< Money you don't have baby. Let's be honest. What's your course of action? Working weekends again? >

< Still cutting it close. Soup kitchens and such. I gotta see tomorrow. I'm going to finish this and shower. See if I can sleep. >

< How often do you say that? I debate if sleep is in your category. >

< Well... >

< See you in the morning Marik. >

< Can't wait. Sweet dreams Mai. >

< You as well. > Click.

Mai put her phone on the nightstand, and she put her book down. This was getting too much. She starred at the ceiling trying to get a hold of herself.

No parents. A verbal agreement in the school office. Two jobs and one of them heavy labor. Eats cheap because he can't afford much else. And now everything working hard for might just shatter. I know he's in trouble. Heck. What did I get myself into? What made me barge into this? Haru loves him and would help him the same way I do. Just more soft spoken. Heck. I've been more pleasant to be around lately. With Aiko her mom would just let him move in. She liked him the first moment he stepped in. Wait that's it. Hmmm, Father may not like this. But it's for a cause.

~~~~~

The next morning came as the sun just wasn't all the way up. Kuma couldn't find himself to move. Not at all. He was a morning person but working so much and mentally losing it just tired him. After not one but two missed phone calls from Mai she used her key Kuma gave her and entered.

No lights? He wouldn't take off. She examined around the room. His shoes were still there. He asleep? Clearly, he's here. She walks into the bedroom with the door wide open. To see him in a slumber. "Hey Marik?" She shook him by his shoulder.

"Mmm..." He groaned. Then turned to his side. He saw the time on the alarm clock. "Shit!" He turned and by accident bumped into Mai's forehead with his own. "Ouch! God! Ohhh, I am so sorry." He got up and flinched.

Mai was steaming. Pain and with rage. "Marik? Why in the hell are you in bed and missing my calls?" She demanded an answer.

"I'm sorry. Mai." He pleaded.

"Miss. Tanaka to you! Shut up and get dressed. Damn that hurts."

"Yes Miss Tanaka!" He booked it to the bathroom.

Mai released her hand comforting her forehead. She could only be concerned about the clatter in the bathroom her boyfriend was making. What is with you today. It's a day away from Friday and you're freaking out. This better not be what I think it is. Her mind went back to last night.

Mr. Tanaka was reading his newspaper next to his wife when Mai rushed in. He put it down because he knew something was important.

"Father?"

"Well now missy what would it be? Clearly you have news."

"Marik is getting kicked out."

"What?" Mr. Tanaka was confused. "I gave him a raise. He's working a good amount. School going well. What did he do?"

"The landlord raised his rent by ¥17,500."

Mr. Tanaka put his hand under his chin. Time to think. "Hmmm. He can barely do it if he didn't eat. Damn good assistant too."

"Father what do I do?"

"Honey?" He turned to his wife.

"Dear I don't mind as long as he knows your rules and sticks to them."

Mr. Tanaka chuckled. "I'll talk to him at work. Don't give it away Mai. I'll have to tell him my terms. Deal?"

"Father you..., you..., you're having him live here?" She fumbled her words.

"Under contract, yes. Which will actually make this interesting. I could have him play ball and make him a man under my wing. Oh, the decisions." He smirked.

Present time Kuma had got dressed and had a glass of milk with a fresh bagel Mai had for him. He was groggy and kind of a mess.

"Thanks Miss. Tanaka." He nodded walking in the cold weather.

"I'm not angry at the moment. You can drop that."

"Thank you Master."

"What's next? Pooba?"

"Doubt it." He sighed.

Mai was getting fiery. "You know I was about to share you good news. Like really great news but I think I'll have you wait."

"C'mon. Don't you think it's been a rough morning?" He whined.

"If I tell you this, I hope you're happy. But at the same time, not changing in any way. I still want you to work your ass off."

"You know I will. Why do you think I'm here? Because I want it."

"Well Marik, my... well..." She hugged him. "Father wants to take you in."

"Say what now?" He was in shock. Almost teary eyed.

"You have a contract but wants to move you into our house."

"Mai... I live for you. Thank you so much."

"Ah but don't thank me yet. You have to get through to the man permanently known as your boss."

"Got it." Hopefully I won't mess this one up. It's only time before it gets there. Either way I need this. A place. He wants me to clean toilets I'll do it. Shine the shoes done? Time for me to make myself who I am. Almost perfect.