Chapter 23: Delusion

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

---

[I went to the hospital.] (Natsu’s father)

(The message from my father was shocking.)

Right.

“Is something wrong?” (Natsu)

[It's not me, but Akiho…] (Natsu’s father)

“I see.” (Natsu)

[We really wanted to take her with us, but she refused. So, your mother and I went for a consultation on our own.] (Natsu’s father)

“Eh? So, she's not physically ill?” (Natsu)

[Her body is fine. The problem is with her mind.] (Natsu’s father)

“Her mind?” (Natsu)

---

[Akiho Side]

“Welcome. May I have your name for the reservation?” (Akiho)

“Katsuki.” (Customer)

“Yes, Katsuki-sama. What can we do for you today?” (Akiho)

“A cut and color, please.” (Customer)

“Understood. Please have a seat here while you wait.” (Akiho)

Having refused to go to Nagoya, Akiho had started working at a local hair salon. She was never great at academics, but her skilled hands and attractive appearance made her a valuable asset to the shop.

“Boss, the Katsuki customer who just arrived is here for a cut and color.” (Akiho)

“Got it. Oh, Akiho-chan, you can take your lunch break now.” (Boss)

“Okay, I'll go ahead.” (Akiho)

As she adjusted to her new job and the changes in her life, Akiho lost sight of the situation she was in. But one thing had become crystal clear:

She felt nothing but dark emotions toward Toma.

He had betrayed her.

He forced himself on her, blackmailed her, and broke up with her.

She had nearly forgotten her feelings.

“Ah, I can't wait to see him again.” (Akiho)

A familiar smile lit up her phone screen—a photo of them in their school uniforms, gazing at each other.

“I'm sorry for making you feel lonely. I'll come to see you as soon as things calm down at work.” (Akiho)

---

“Akiho, are you getting used to the job?” (???)

“Hm? I guess so. I'm getting used to the atmosphere. There's still so much to learn since I'm mostly doing chores, but I'm getting there.” (Akiho)

“The manager is young, right? How are you getting along with your coworkers?” (???)

“Well, it's just a work relationship. No issues there. I think the owner likes me. I just want to be allowed to start using scissors as soon as possible.” (Akiho)

“How long will that take?” (???)

“About three years, I think. The first year is focused on customer service, shampooing, treatments, and so on.” (Akiho)

“I see. Keep at it.” (???)

“I'm fine. I have a goal, so I'm motivated.” (Akiho)

---

“Remember, don't apply too much pressure. Pay attention to how the customer is feeling and make sure to talk to them.” (Tohru)

“Yes, Tohru-san.” (Akiho)

Akiho was the only new employee at the salon, so after hours, everyone took turns teaching her practical skills.

“As you know, Akiho-chan, we're a small, privately-owned business, so I need you to become independent as quickly as possible. Use this situation to your advantage.” (Tohru)

“Thank you, Boss. I also want to become proficient as soon as I can, so I'll work hard.” (Akiho)

It had been three months since Akiho started working, and tomorrow would be her first time shampooing a customer. Although it was just practice on one of the owner's high school friends and not a paying customer, it was still a growth opportunity for Akiho. She was eager to succeed for the sake of her goals, which fueled her determination in practice.

“You're a hard worker, Akiho-chan. I can feel how much you want to master these skills.” (Tohru)

“Yes! I have a goal.” (Akiho)

“Oh, I see. Is it to start your own business one day?” (Tohru)

“That's one of my goals, but there's something more important.” (Akiho)

“Hmm, I can't guess. If it were a guy, I'd think of something like ‘I want to propose to my girlfriend once I'm established.'” (Tohru)

“Ehehe~, it's something like that. I have a boyfriend who's waiting for me, so I want to become independent quickly so I can go to him.” (Akiho)

Akiho's sole source of strength was exactly that—going to meet her boyfriend. This goal was what motivated her to keep pushing forward.

“Oh, so you do have a boyfriend. Yesterday, one of our customers asked me if that cute new girl has a boyfriend, and I told them I couldn’t share private details. But really, with someone as cute as you, no guy would leave you alone, right?” (Tohru)

“Ah? Are you subtly hitting on me? Sorry, but I’m all about my boyfriend.” (Akiho)

“Hahahaha, caught me there. I guess I’ve been rejected. So, what's your boyfriend like?” (Tohru)

“Well… should I tell you? Do you really want to know that badly?” (Akiho)

“Come on, Akiho-chan. You're itching to talk about him, aren't you?” (Tohru)

“You’re right! I'm really proud of him. He's my childhood friend who used to live next door. He moved out for college, so I'm planning to go see him.” (Akiho)

---

“What do you mean by ‘her mind'?” (Natsu)

[Lately, she's been saying strange things.] (Natsu’s father)

“Strange things?” (Natsu)

[‘Haruto-kun is waiting for me.'] (Natsu’s father)

“Ha?” (Natsu)

[It seems she's understood that Toma abandoned her. She had been acting out because of it, but then, all of a sudden, she just stopped. That's when she started mentioning Haruto's name.] (Natsu’s father)

“That's crazy! Akiho shouldn't have any connection to Haru-kun. And waiting for her? There's no way that's true!” (Natsu)

(Yes, that can’t be)

You're right.

[We know that. We've tried to explain it to her over and over. Haruto-kun isn't waiting for her, and she has no right to see him.] (Natsu’s father)

“That's right! What is she talking about now? I don't even want her to apologize!” (Natsu)

[Yeah. We have no intention of letting her go. But when we deny it, she starts acting out violently, saying Haruto-kun is waiting and that they made a promise. It's strange because at other times, she seems like her usual self. We tried taking her to the hospital, but she was just like normal Akiho.] (Natsu’s father)

“What do you mean?” (Natsu)

[Basically, Akiho is her usual self in every other aspect, but when it comes to Haruto-kun, she starts spouting things that don't match reality.] (Natsu’s father)

“She can't just twist things to suit herself like that!” (Natsu)

[That's why we went to consult the hospital. The doctor diagnosed her with ‘Delusional Disorder.’] (Natsu’s father)