removing a space from a string by awk

Question

How can I remove a space located between name and lastname from a string by using awk? most of the examples are about redirecting data from command line to awk but I need to manipulate a string inside an awk script.

Convert this:

"steve john"

to:

"stevejohn"

I have a string variable which I asked user to input inside an awk script. I need to remove the spaces.