Chapter 55: The White Gap

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Translator: Soafp

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The hospital corridor was quiet and white. The cold fluorescent lights cast a faint glow, illuminating the floor. Standing in front of the vending machine, Kyoko took a can of coffee with a soft sound, checking its coldness with her fingertips before quietly pulling the tab.

She took a sip, letting the bitter liquid slide down her throat. The faint sweetness of the low-sugar coffee seemed to slightly soothe her dry emotions.

At that moment, footsteps echoed from afar, a steady rhythm. The rustle of a white coat blended faintly into the silence.

When she looked up, a man walking toward her came into view. It was Amane Mizuki, the intern with a plate pinned to his chest.

—The man introduced by Miyabi.

Kyoko slowly turned her gaze toward him.

Mizuki, noticing her gaze, stopped a few steps before her. He squinted slightly and smiled.

“Hello, Mizuki-san… was it?”

Kyoko's voice was low, carrying a tone of inquiry.

“…You know about me…?”

Mizuki began, then seemed to notice something, relaxing his mouth into a smile.

“Ah, you're the one who sent Miyabi-chan home in a taxi, right?”

Mizuki said cheerfully. But Kyoko didn't miss the subtle sense of discomfort hidden behind his smile.

“I'm Hajime Aizawa’s sister, Kyoko. My brother is in your care.”

Kyoko bowed politely, but her gesture, though respectful, held a certain coldness.

“Oh, there’s no need to say that. I'm glad Hajime-kun is being discharged today.”

“Yes, thanks to you… But, about you, doctor…”

“Doctor? Oh no, I'm just an intern.”

Mizuki shrugged lightly. However, Kyoko's expression didn't change. Her gaze was sharp, holding a quiet pressure.

“Forgive me, but… didn't we meet somewhere before you came to Miyabi's house?”

At that question, Mizuki's brow twitched slightly. Just for a moment. But that brief reaction was more than enough for Kyoko to notice.

“Yes… I have met Hajime-kun a few times at Miyabi-chan's house. We only exchanged greetings occasionally though. Maybe we met when you were with Hajime-kun.”

Mizuki spoke casually, his demeanor natural, with no hint of trying to hide anything. But Kyoko's eyes remained fixed on him, unmoving.

“No… didn't you often wander around that area?”

She asked quietly, her voice colder, with suspicion seeping through.

For a brief moment, Mizuki's smile wavered.

“Well, I'm not sure… I don't visit Miyabi-chan's house that often, and I'm sorry, but maybe you're mistaking me for someone else?”

Mizuki responded, but his eyes still held a soft light.

Kyoko exhaled quietly and spoke again.

“I have a pretty good memory…”

An air of tension settled between them.

The white hospital corridor felt like a completely different space. The sounds seemed to fade, and time itself seemed to slow.

It was Mizuki who broke the balance.

“Oh, I'm sorry. I've been called by my supervisor. If I'm late, she'll be quite harsh with me.”

Saying that, he glanced at the clock with slight urgency.

“Excuse me, Hajime-kun's sister. We can talk another time, when you have more time. Goodbye for now.”

With his cheerful expression intact, Mizuki continued smiling as he gave Kyoko a brief glance before walking away with calm steps.

Kyoko watched his back closely.

Then, she crushed the coffee can in her hand and threw it into the trash bin.

The can made a soft sound as it sank into the bin.

Kyoko turned on her heel and muttered quietly.

“I've never gone to Miyabi's house with Hajime…”

But she immediately shook her head.

“…No, it couldn't be.”

Her words dissolved into the chilly air of the hospital.

With no proof, she tried to bury her doubts, and in silence, she walked toward Hajime's hospital room.