V5Ch5: Olympic Games Part 1

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Translator: Soafp

---

[Shiori PoV]

“Hey, there’s something I want to talk about. Do you have a moment?”

I chuckle to myself, even though I was rejected, here I am, lingering and reaching out again. But I really wanted to see Yuki. There was something I needed to confirm.

Yuki is busy. Incredibly busy. It’s like he enjoys being busy. I thought he might have plans, but unexpectedly, he agreed so easily.

“Sure, but I’m about to go see some animals. Do you want to come along, Shiori?”

“Animals!? Absolutely! Are we going to the zoo? I love the zoo!”

“The zoo? Well, you could call it a zoo, I suppose…”

“I’ll get ready right away, wait for me!”

I hung up and hurried to get dressed. I couldn’t waste any time. I felt grateful for this unexpected opportunity. I thought he might be with someone else, but it seemed he was alone. I could never imagine going to the zoo by myself. Yuki’s mental strength is truly something else.

A zoo date with Yuki. I couldn’t help but smile. It’s strange to go on a date after being rejected, but our relationship not becoming awkward is a testament to Yuki’s incredibly large heart.

Back in middle school, a girl accidentally farted, and Yuki consoled her by saying, “It smells nice, don’t worry about it.” His way of comforting was off, but it turned into a funny story and resolved peacefully.

“……This is fun.”

Just talking, just expecting what’s next is fun. That’s Yuki. The feelings inside me were starting to take shape. My ideals. The me I want to become. I want Yuki to hear about it first, before my parents or anyone else.

Not just chasing Yuki’s back. I want to walk beside him, aiming for my own path—

“It’s okay. Yuki would never deny me!”

That was my absolute trust. —An open future. There was no cloud in my eyes.

---

[Yukito PoV]

“Go, Number 4! Keep going! Don’t lose to Number 8! Damn it, why are you falling behind!”

“Yuki, you idioooooooooooooooooooot!”

Shiori’s shout was drowned out under the gloomy, overcast sky, lost in the fervor of the crowd.

“What’s with the reaction? You look like an old man who just missed out on a big win.”

“What part of this is a zoo!?”

“? You can see the horses. And the dramatic human emotions are just like a zoo!”

“This is a racetrack!”

We were at the racetrack, seated and watching the races.

“I said we were going to see animals.”

“This is not what I had expected!”

Shiori seemed inexplicably dissatisfied, causing me to sigh in exasperation.

“Besides, what’s with that outfit? Think about the dress code.”

“I didn’t know!”

“Listen up. At the racetrack, it’s proper to have a red pencil behind your ear and a racing form in hand.”

“No one around here is doing that!”

“I guess it’s a sign of the times. Sad, really…”

I took the red pencil from behind my ear.

“That aside, your outfit is cute and suits you.”

“What kind of mentality does it take to give a compliment at a time like this!?”

Shiori, expecting a zoo trip, was dressed casually and comfortably, suitable for interacting with animals or participating in events that might get her dirty. A sensible choice.

“Hey, Yuki. Is this okay? We’re minors.”

“Don’t worry. As long as we don’t buy any tickets, there’s no problem.”

The entrance fee was only 200 yen, quite affordable. It was my first time at a racetrack, but the energy and desires swirling around were a fresh experience. However, gambling will still be strictly off-limits in the future.

“Why did you decide to come to the racetrack?”

“I’m not a horse owner, but soon a horse named after me is scheduled to race. It’s a cute white horse named ‘Yukito Himiyama.’ It’s kind of like having naming rights.”

“There are too many things wrong with this!”

I explained the details to Shiori. While we couldn’t buy tickets, I was still curious about the fate of ‘Yukito Himiyama.’ We might see its name in the racing forms or broadcasts in the future. This was a learning experience, seeing what a racetrack is like firsthand.

“Next time, let’s ask Rishyu-san to take us to the owner’s box. It’s a VIP area with special treatment. They do have a formal dress code, though…”

Formal attire was recommended there, and I’d love to experience it at least once.

“But, ‘Yukito Himiyama’? Couldn’t you have named it better? If it were ‘Yukito,’ I’d wholeheartedly cheer for it. If only it were ‘Yukito Kamishiro.'”

“I’d rather change the ‘Yukito’ part…”

Why were they so insistent on keeping the ‘Yukito’? Neigh…

After watching the race, we got up. The venue had a variety of food stalls and shops selling cookies, T-shirts, plush toys, and more, much to my surprise.

“I thought there would be more men, but the atmosphere is different.”

“I expected a more rowdy place with old men shouting, but it’s surprisingly clean.”

I had imagined a chaotic environment with gambling addicts brawling after losing their life savings, but it was far from that. It felt more like the gift shop area of a zoo, full of excitement, and Shiori seemed to be enjoying herself. I decided to buy some souvenirs for my family.

As we were enjoying ourselves, I noticed a man being carried away, likely due to a health issue. Despite the cloudy weather, it was still humid. Sitting outside for one race is fine, but watching multiple races could take a toll on anyone.

“Are you alright? You sure you’re not getting heatstroke?”

“Yeah! I’m fine.”

She smiled brightly, but I wasn’t naive enough to trust just her smile.

“Just in case. Here, put this on.”

I took a cooling sheet from my bag and stuck it on Shiori’s forehead. I also put one on myself.

“Haha, that’s funny. But now we match!”

“Practicality over appearances.”

I didn’t want her doing anything reckless like wearing heels on a slippery, snowy day. Even if we didn’t have snow boots, we needed to manage risks at the very least. It’s too late once a major accident or injury happens. Better safe than sorry. Everyone, take care, okay?

“Yuki, you’re always so well-prepared.”

“My luck is notoriously bad. A first-aid kit is a must.”

Based on past experiences, I’ve learned to be prepared. Suddenly, a determined look appeared on Shiori’s face, as if she’d made up her mind about something.

“Hey, Yuki, there’s something I want to tell you!”

Shiori leaned forward, almost jumping into my arms. She was so close that her face filled my entire field of vision.

“Ah, ah, so close! Yuki’s face is right there! Um, um, c-c-c-can I kiss you!?”

“Calm down.”

Though Shiori was flustered, it was good that she asked. There are too many people in this world who aren’t so considerate. She stayed close, whispering while still holding onto me.

“—–Just a little more. I need some more courage.”

All I could do in response was nod.

---

“Sorry for keeping you out so late.”

“Where is this…?”

The sun had set, and night was beginning to fall. Shiori had told me she wanted to take me somewhere, and led me to the pedestrian bridge where I had once gotten injured protecting her.

I had walked this path many times since the accident, but never with Shiori. It wasn’t that I was avoiding it, it just happened that way.

Looking down at the road, I saw cars passing by. The constant sound of engines was oddly comforting, and I listened closely.

Watching the traffic flow below filled me with a strange feeling. These were people completely unrelated to me, yet each had their own lives, and our paths might cross someday. — Just as they might also part ways.

“Today was fun! Thank you for listening to my request even though I contacted you out of the blue.”

“Now that I think of it, you said there was something you wanted to talk about.”

“Yeah. More like… something I want you to hear.”

Shiori looked down as well, and I didn’t know what she was seeing in her mind’s eye. The city at night was bright and still buzzing with activity. Her expression, occasionally visible, reassured me.

Her ponytail was calm, and she didn’t seem anxious as she once did. A few months ago, she couldn’t have faced this place, the site of the accident, with such a serene expression.

“The breeze feels nice.”

“Can’t wait for autumn.”

I had enjoyed summer to the fullest. I went to the beach with classmates, traveled with my family, had an awkward summer adventure at the pool, went insect hunting in the mountains, played games during rainy days, made clothes, and even saw my SNS accounts flare up.

Saying I experienced all summer had to offer wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Even now, if I go home, Nee-san, who recently learned about nudist beaches overseas, would say, “It’s a nudist home,” and my mom would save on electricity by wearing swimsuits around the house. Their heads are stuck in summer mode.

Hurry up and get here, autumn!

These are memories best forgotten, but Shiori was part of them too. In my recollections, she was always there.

“I see, I see… You’ve finally overcome it.”

“Haha. — Yuki, you really are perceptive.”

She smiled wryly, which was the best proof of her progress. The Shiori who repeatedly apologized with tearful eyes when we reunited in high school was no longer there.

“I know it’s repetitive, but you don’t need to apologize.”

“…I won’t. Because you don’t want me to.”

No matter how many times I told her it didn’t bother me, she didn’t understand. She had regretted, lamented, and mourned deeply. I had no way of knowing how many tears she shed or how much she despaired.

But one thing I could say for sure was that I didn’t want her to. I had acted according to my judgment, and I took full responsibility for the consequences. It was my burden to bear.

“The girls’ basketball team is really fun. The seniors are kind, and every day is fulfilling.”

“It was worth selling you to the captain for a high price.”

“Was I trafficked?!”

Shiori looked shocked, but she was that much in demand. Many other sports clubs wanted her too. She was a popular catch.

Shiori twisted my arm backward, but it was I who had twisted her life. There was no need to say which was more sinful. Finally, Shiori seemed to have realized it.

— Shiori’s place isn’t by my side.

“Yuki, you’re too overprotective.”

Shiori turned to face me, searching for words, feeling her way through.

She gently stroked the wristwatch I had made for her.

“It’s probably inferiority complex. I’m just walking the path you paved for me. Even in the girls’ basketball team, you made sure I was accepted. I couldn’t have earned money without you. I’ve been relying on you, drowning in your kindness—and you ended up rejecting me.”

“That’s not true.”

It’s not about being overprotective. I was just trying to return what I had taken from Shiori. The wasted time, the fun youth she should have had. Shiori deserves a path to happiness—

“Don’t treat me like a child, Yuki.”

Shiori quickly moved behind me and rested her head on my back. A strong refusal. It was the first clear expression of rejection I felt from Shiori.

“…Your back is big. It’s cool, strong, and it protected me. I know because I’ve been chasing it for so long. I wanted to catch up, to stand beside you someday. But you keep moving forward. I can’t catch up.”

Shiori’s delicate fingers gripped my T-shirt tightly. Her voice was trembling. Even so, I knew without looking. Shiori wasn’t crying right now.

“But you know, that’s only natural. There was a good reason I couldn’t catch up. You’ve been teaching me that from the beginning, but I took a long detour. I’m such an idiot, aren’t I?”

“There’s no need to catch up. As I’ve said many times, you should sing your own life’s song.”

I’m not trying to engage in a debate now.

“Right, there was no need to catch up. From your perspective, I was just a child who couldn’t do anything, who couldn’t even decide things for herself. But you know, I’ve found it!”

Suddenly, Shiori pulled away. She took a few steps back and looked up with determination.

“You found it?”

I asked, not understanding. It was strange not to grasp what was going on with the normally straightforward Shiori.

Her large, tear-filled eyes were full of conviction, glowing with a strong light.

“What I want to do, what I should aim for. The path I should take—my path.”

Shiori was talking about her future—a future that didn’t involve me, a future independent of me.

“What I should have said wasn’t ‘I’m sorry.’ It was ‘Thank you.'”

Not an apology, but gratitude. This was undoubtedly Shiori’s growth. From a child to an adult.

In her small world, Shiori had been fixated on me. Now, she was spreading her wings, ready to fly.

Shiori reached for the moon. She couldn’t possibly reach it. What she was seeking was freedom.

This is our ‘farewell ritual.’

In this world, many people live their lives. There’s no need for her to be tied to me. Somewhere out there is someone who will cherish, love, and make Shiori happy.

It’s a role far too heavy for me right now. I don’t have the resolve for it. So—

“Listen, Yuki.”

She seemed like a different person. An adult-like Shiori Kamishiro I didn’t know.

Shiori had always been physically strong. Now, her mental strength was joining in.

A girl—no, a woman—with a different charm from the Shiori I knew, strong and resolute.

“I want to become a nurse in the future!”

“A nurse…?”

I frowned at the unexpected word.

“Shiori, that’s…”

“No! That’s not it! This is my dream. I don’t want you to misunderstand!”

Trying to dispel my doubts, Shiori hurriedly continued speaking.

“The other day, a Senpai got injured during practice. The first aid you taught me when I was the team manager came in handy. Senpai thanked me, and I was so happy that I could be of help to someone, even someone like me. When you got injured, I couldn’t do anything but panic.”

Her thoughts flowed smoothly, like a presentation. Had she practiced this many times, for this very moment?

“That’s when I realized. I want to become someone who can support others.”

Shiori’s expression was clear, like she had been liberated, and it disarmed me.

“This is a precious promise I found for myself. Of course, it’s not like you had no influence on me. But I’m not clinging to that! I want to be in a profession where I can support and encourage people who are in need, who are asking for help. I truly felt that from the bottom of my heart. This is a decision I made of my own will. It’s not for anyone else, but for myself!”

Placing her hand on her chest, she quietly spoke. Shiori’s unwavering resolve was there.

I was taken aback. When had I become so arrogant? There was never any room for me to interfere with Shiori’s decisions. At some point, I must have been looking down on her. Underestimating her. —Despite her being such a strong woman.

“If you become a nurse, the patients will be thrilled.”

“Really?”

She shyly smiled. The presence of the innocent and radiant Shiori would surely cheer up the patients. Just by being there, she could brighten someone’s day. She had that natural talent.

“Haa…”

I let out a small sigh. I was such an idiot. I didn’t understand anything about Shiori. Or about Mom, or Nee-san, or Hinagi. Maybe I didn’t truly understand anyone. I was just arrogant, thinking I knew everything.

I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. Perhaps I had been taking things too seriously until now. As Sekka-san said, in the end, I didn’t trust anyone.

I couldn’t even trust myself. But even if I didn’t do anything, people would move forward. They would walk strongly toward their future on their own two feet.

There was no need for me to intervene. Such arrogance would be nothing but a desecration of their dignity. Shiori’s decision was sacred and inviolable.

“I have to study hard!”

Shiori said with determination. Her enthusiasm was clear.

“You’ve found something you’re truly passionate about.”

“Yeah! It’s all thanks to you, Yuki!”

“That phrase will never catch on. Who’s spreading it anyway?”

Shiori was on her way to becoming someone. …Maybe she didn’t need me anymore.

Becoming a nurse is a specialized profession. To aim for that, she would need to go to a university, junior college, or vocational school with a nursing program. The path was clear. Once decided, there was no room for doubt.

It was dazzling. Shiori was looking far ahead, much further than I could see into the future.

I was reminded of Aesop’s fable, ‘The Tortoise and the Hare.’

Shiori said she couldn’t catch up to me. But that’s not true. Shiori has long since surpassed me and is moving forward.

The one who can’t catch up, the one who keeps staring at her back, is me.

I can only hope that happiness awaits Shiori on the other side of this path she’s chosen.

“I just got a great idea! Kukuku.”

“What’s up, Yuki? That laugh is kinda creepy…”

There’s only one thing left that I can do. I understand. She doesn’t need my help anymore.

This is my farewell gift. If Shiori wants to become a nurse, I can at least give her a push toward that ideal. This is the last bit of support I can offer Shiori.

“I’ll tell you when it’s official.”

“O-okay.”

She seems a bit anxious, but this will be an invaluable experience for Shiori. Hinagi is becoming a writer, and Shiori is aiming to be a nurse.

Now that I think about it, Mom is also preparing to start her own business. I don’t know about my sister, but with her beauty and talent, she can do anything. Beauty is power.

Everyone is seeking their own glory, moving forward on their own paths. I felt proud. And at the same time, envious. Because I have nothing.

One day, everyone will leave my side, where I’ve been stuck in the same place forever. I don’t feel sad about that. Rather, it’s what I hope for. The happiness they seek lies ahead of them.

I stopped reaching out a long time ago, so I can’t grasp it.

“Shiori.”

The moon peeks through the clouds. But Shiori sees a bright future ahead of her.

We will never intersect; we are opposites.

“Congratulations.”

“Yeah!”

Shiori beams with a radiant smile.

I just wished to cheer her on, if nothing else.

---

[Shiori PoV]

“…Is this okay, Yuki?”

I don't expect an answer. But I feel like I'm being pushed forward.

“I wonder if I was really smiling…”

After taking a bath, I mutter while looking at myself in the mirror. This is the most nervous moment of my life. I've revealed my “promise” for the future for the first time. I declared that I want to become a nurse.

Saying it out loud, I realize again the weight of the responsibility that my words carry. It's hard to believe how challenging it is to achieve something.

When Yuki said he would help someone, was he always battling such pressure? When it's about yourself, you can handle it somehow. But when it involves others, the responsibility is beyond comparison. Expectations and disappointments become so huge that they're almost unbearable.

I can't even imagine how much resolve it takes to make such a “promise.”

The wristwatch Yuki gave me, the perfume Yuki gave me, and many other things I received from him.

Looking back, my world is overflowing with things given by Yuki. Both objects and feelings.

I've received so much happiness. I've been so pampered.

Thinking about it, I've been chasing after Yuki's back since then. Even choosing my high school was influenced by him. I've been dependent on Yuki, regretting the past and wanting to atone for my mistakes.

Being rejected, I finally feel I can see things objectively.

In romance manga and novels, co-dependent relationships might be trendy.

But Yuki would never want that. He has always acted to make those close to him happy, so he would never make such a choice. I'm certain of it.

My confession that I couldn't be happy wouldn't reach Yuki.

Now it's my turn to return happiness to Yuki. So I can't rely on him anymore.

I need to walk my own path, pursue my own happiness, and become independent so that Yuki can be at ease.

If I remain weak and dependent on Yuki, I can't make him happy.

“I will become stronger!”

I take a deep breath and gather my determination.

This is the “ceremony of beginning.”

To build an equal relationship. I want to become a wonderful adult and come to meet him.

I was rejected because I was dependent on Yuki. It ended because Yuki made it end. And that's fine.

If not, I wouldn't get what I desire. It's laughable to think that what's under the lighthouse is dark.

That's exactly right. I couldn't see anything. Even though my life was overflowing with happiness.

I tie my hair into a ponytail with the dryer. The mirror reflects the usual me.

But it's different.

“Nice to meet you, new me.”

I snap my cheeks and make a smile.

It's a smile of mine that I've never seen before.

---

“…Do you mistake the hospital for a friend's house?”

“Oh, Dr. Reizei! Long time no see!”

“How inappropriate of a greeting in this setting…”

Dr. Nadeshiko Reizei, with her slender legs crossed and a sigh escaping as she presses her forehead, is the epitome of elegance.

She's been my attending doctor since childhood, always taking care of me whenever I ended up in the hospital due to some misadventure.

Since my third hospitalization, she has scolded me every time we met, but her appearance has remained unchanged. If anything, her beauty has only been refined further.

“Is this perhaps a beauty clinic?”

“Do you really want to add wrinkles to my skin? Rejoicing in meeting me in the hospital, I am not a rich man's concubine. Are you one of those old folks who come to hospitals just to chat?”

“I'm only sixteen.”

“Is this a way of bragging about your youth to me? Do you want to contribute to blood donation?”

“If my blood is transfused, the recipient's luck will drop to the lowest possible level. Hahaha.”

“That unparalleled sense of humor is not inherited, so please let it end with your generation.”

Dr. Reizei is always so intelligent and amusing. She truly is an admirable adult.

By the way, Kurogane-san works as a nurse at this hospital. Our relationship is long-standing too. When I was first hospitalized, she was still a rookie nurse.

I remember how she tried hard to fulfill her duties, despite giving me all sorts of instructions. Now, Kurogane-san seems to have successfully advanced in her career. It's quite moving to witness her growth.

Speaking of blood donation, I remember that vampires supposedly maintain their youth by drinking blood.

“Is it possible that Dr. Reizei's perpetual beauty is…”

Dr. Reizei's darkness runs deep.

“Seriously, thinking that you can flatter a woman casually and be forgiven is a bad habit of yours.”

“So, should I compliment you more carefully?”

“Yes, precisely. Then, please try to compliment me in detail about what is beautiful about me.”

I scrutinize Dr. Reizei intently. Since I was criticized for being too casual, I focus all my nerves on praising her as if doing a CT scan to see through her inner beauty.

Dr. Reizei is a stunning beauty. As her name suggests, she embodies the essence of a traditional Japanese lady. Conversely, she must be used to receiving praise for her obvious attributes.

In other words, what I need to deliver is rare praise. Rare compliments!

“Your flawless, pearl-like knees shine in pure white, reminiscent of the highest-grade snow-white pearls. The allure is so enchanting and demonic that it makes me want to drool and nuzzle them—”

“That's kind of creepy.”

“What should I do then?”

Dr. Reizei looks thoroughly repulsed. My novel praise attempt has failed.

She covers her knees with her hands and says, “I'll go put on stockings,” as if protesting.

It's tough when neither casual nor detailed praise seems to work.

By the way, speaking of items to praise, I noticed that Dr. Reizei isn't wearing that accessory. It's an item that's quite stylish.

“What happened to that gold accessory?”

“Oh, the gold stethoscope? I got caught up in its novelty and bought it impulsively, but it's in poor taste. It's been quite some time, so it stays at home now.”

I vividly remember how it glittered around her neck during our first meeting.

“You still have it! Apparently, the price of gold has doubled over the past ten years.”

Gold prices continue to rise yearly. While they've doubled in ten years, compared to twenty years ago, it's a sevenfold increase. Depending on the condition, selling a gold necklace bought long ago might actually bring in a higher price due to inflation.

“Do you think it can be sold? It's covered in my earwax.”

“That adds an exceptional value, doesn't it?”

“That's still pretty creepy.”

Dr. Reizei starts cleaning her ears. She even cleaned mine. Thank you.

“By the way, you're not here due to an injury today, right?”

“I was planning to break a bone, but recently my luck has improved, so I was spared.”

When I was shoved by Tsubaki-san, I honestly thought, “Here we go again.”

“Do you feel the need to break bones regularly?”

“It's a subscription service.”

“Please stop using bones as payment.”

Bone pay. It feels like my whole body might end up with complex fractures.

Dr. Reizei crosses her legs and takes a sip of coffee. How nice…

“So, you came here for a health checkup? High school students usually have health exams at school, but if you want a more detailed examination, that's fine too. After all, you're known for your major injuries. It wouldn't be surprising if you had a reputation for illness as well. Ah, the coffee is delicious.”

“How could you have such a luxurious drink in front of me, who's only had water since morning…”

“I'm also going to eat some manju.”

“You cruel beauty!”

This is the height of cruelty.

“It's my pleasure.”

I clench my fists in frustration. I'm so hungry… I want to eat something sweet…

Actually, the old man is also going to get a medical checkup.

Apparently his liver has been complaining of problems for a while, but the stressful situation meant he couldn’t think about it. We decided to take this opportunity to get our bodies checked out. I’m going for a two-day, one-night course to match the old man.

There are other reasons, but that's beside the point. Unlike me, who is young and healthy, the old man seems to be in quite a bad shape.

His complexion is always poor. Even if symptoms aren't apparent, it wouldn't be surprising if there are other problematic areas.

Finally, he has resolved his issues with Tsubaki-san and Kikyo-chan and has reconnected with his estranged parents. If anything happens, the family will be heartbroken.

“Perhaps this will be our last meeting at this hospital.” (Dr. Reizei)

Dr. Reizei suddenly says a farewell greeting with a wistful expression. Eh, why!?

“But you're my primary care physician.”

“Eh, I'd actually prefer not to continue.”

Dr. Reizei blinks in surprise.

“How cruel.”

“Do you know, normal people don't come to the hospital three times a year with major injuries?”

“That's my record. V★” [TL: V = V-sign you do with your fingers]

A long time ago, I was severely scolded by various nurses.

“Please, do your best not to update that record.”

It was a mistake of youth. Now, I should be able to handle things a bit better.

“But why? Are you thinking of changing jobs?”

There shouldn't be a particular need for that, but Dr. Reizei lowers her voice and shares her plans.

“Actually, I'm considering opening my own practice soon. It might be a few years away, but heeheehee, then I'll be a clinic director. I'll have power and be able to act all high and mighty with my subordinates.”

Dr. Reizei leans back with a smug expression. Quite impressive…

“Opening your own practice?”

I'm surprised by this unexpected answer. Everyone around me seems to be experiencing a wave of independence.

“The tricky part is finding a location. In a sense, success is determined by the location.”

Wait? The pieces are rapidly falling into place. Just think about it.

What if the first floor of an apartment building were a clinic?

That would provide an immense sense of security. Unlike convenience stores, which might have noisy activity late at night, a clinic would have no such concerns.

Of course, given that it’s the Heroine's Mansion, Dr. Reizei would get a heroine discount.

If my mom's office is on the second floor, and the clinic is on the first floor, I need to consult with Rishyu-san immediately.

“…Maybe I could help you find a location.”

“You're a landowner? Let's get married right away.”

“It’s not like that.”

“Then it's divorce.”

“It's so absurd that it's actually refreshing!”

Without finalizing the details, it's just a pie in the sky. It's not good to raise false hopes, but I can't just let the conversation progress on its own. Dr. Reizei must have her own hopes and plans. I decide to explain my plan to her.

“Yukito-kun, I'm giving you these stockings.”

I receive a pair of freshly taken-off stockings. Hmm, Dr. Reizei?

“Is it that you like my earwax?”

“What's with this sudden change, Dr. Reizei!?”

Dr. Reizei, usually calm and composed, is saying something outrageous.

“Don’t be shy. These are your favorite kneecaps. Feel free to touch them.”

As I'm bewildered by this sudden outburst, I notice that her eyes have turned into dollar signs.

“Are you blinded by money!?”

Was that not just a manga-like expression!? I never thought I'd actually see someone's eyes turn into dollar signs.

“I'll still need to discuss this with you.”

“I'll take care of you from now on.”

Not good, I'm losing focus. The sudden clarity of future goals seems to be unsettling even Dr. Reizei.

But, Dr. Reizeihas truly taken care of me since I was young. Along with Kurogane-san, my respect for medical professionals is immense. I've always wanted to show my gratitude someday.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's up to me to seize it.

I have been saved by them countless times. Every time I got injured, they continued to provide the best possible treatment.

Not only did they treat my injuries, but they also repeatedly told me to take better care of myself, facing me seriously every time. I was scolded and reprimanded. Yet, it was warm and caring.

That's why I want to respect the path Shiori has chosen and lend my support.

“Well, Kurogane will no doubt take good care of things again, but for now, I'm relieved that everything seems to be okay. — Yukito-kun, you've grown up.”

Dr. Reizei gently pats my head, just as she did when I was small, to reassure me.

During my hospital stays, I never felt lonely. There was always someone there. Someone supporting me.

As they say, “No news is good news,” not coming to the hospital is a sign of good health.

But it is because there is kindness here, and a place where one can be saved, that people can live with peace of mind. “Medicine is an act of compassion,” as they say.

Naturally, I bow my head in gratitude for the abundant love and care I have received. With deep appreciation.

“Thank you for everything, Dr. Reizei.”

“Yes.”

---

“…Yukito, I've caused you a lot of trouble. With my parents, my wife, and my daughter.”

“That's a complete cop-out.”

The voice coming from the other side of the curtain had a hint of refreshing clarity mixed in it. In a two-person hospital room, during the one-night, two-day stay for a health check-up, I responded with an exasperated tone to the old man who had broken the silence.

“But there's one thing I don't understand. Was it about personal compensation? It sounds like a bad joke, but why did you go to such trouble? Is there a reason behind it?”

I thought it was important to keep my little sister away from Tsubaki-san, but that wasn't the only reason.

Unsure of how to explain, and since there was no need to hide it, I answered honestly.

“I've heard that children grow up watching their parents' backs.”

“Well, that's… true. It's a widely accepted notion.”

The old man's voice lowers with suspicion.

“I grew up watching my mother's back. Always just watching her back. I never saw my father's back, so I wanted to understand what a father is like.”

I don't know my father. That's why I wanted to live with him, even if just for a few days. I went through unnecessary trouble just to fulfill that selfish desire.

“…I'm sorry.”

The old man was crying. His voice trembled as he spoke the apology. It might include apologies for both past and current issues. But there are still lingering feelings of dissatisfaction.

“I heard that fathers are good at playing catch, and I'm disappointed.”

“There's no way you can catch a fastball like that. And stop with the curveballs. Is this harassment or something?”

“Seriously, you're such a scumbag, old man.”

“You definitely inherited Ouka bloodline.”

“I'm glad I'm not the old man.”

“So this is what a son's rebellion looks like…”

While we were having this trivial argument, the door opened, and Kurogane-san and Shiori appeared.

“Yuki, are you well?”

“I'm not in the hospital for some injury.”

“Ahaha, yeah, right.”

“Yukito-kun, why haven't you been coming to the hospital lately? Did you get bored of me or something?”

“This isn't a themed café.”

As soon as we met, Kurogane-san hugged me, as if she thought I was still in elementary school. When we first met, she was a rookie, but now she exudes the aura of a seasoned professional.

“There are too many monster patients; without your comfort, I might just wither away.”

Kurogane-san, who always accompanied me during my rehabilitation when I had major injuries, has grown so much.

I've seen her growth up close. In the past, she's had to deal with former patients who turned into stalkers, and nursing is truly a challenging profession. I have deep respect for her.

“I'll make sure to take good care of Kamishiro-san, so don't worry ♪”

“With Kurogane-san, I feel at ease. — And Shiori, that outfit really suits you.”

Shiori is in her nurse uniform. There was a recruitment drive for occupational experience, so I asked, and it was easily approved. Supporting Shiori in pursuing her dream should be allowed.

“Do you think so? Isn't it just a case of ‘dressing up'?”

“Not at all. The nurses who show up at my house are usually ridiculously sexy fakes.”

Frequent excessive caregiving battles break out.

“Eh, Yuri-san is wearing something like that!?”

“No, it's Mom.”

“What is Ouka doing!?”

The old man is slumped over his bed.

“Leave it to me to help Yuki!”

With a smile like a sunbeam that cheers people up, I thought this might be Shiori's true calling.

“There's another patient here, though…”

The old man sulks. He is a defeated man.

As I teased him, the door opened again. It was Tsubaki-san and Kikyo-chan.

“Ha! How's it, Yukito? I have a beloved wife and daughter, a family. Are you envious? Huh?”

The old man, despite his age, was getting all worked up.

“Yukito-kun, if you need anything, just let me know, okay?”

“I thought my brother-in-law might be free, so I came with Mother.”

“What's with that outfit!? Shiori's out! This is the fake one!”

Tsubaki-san and Kikyō-chan, both in extremely sexy nurse outfits. With scrubs becoming mainstream, it's clear these are fakes.

“I've lost…”

The old man was thoroughly deflated.

While being attentively cared for by Shiori, I played in the hospital room with Tsubaki-san and Kikyo-chan.

As a result, I had no problems, but the old man's liver enzyme levels were detected to be abnormal at an early stage.

It was a close call, but we caught it before it became too late. This experience reinforced the importance of regular health check-ups.