"...These are the pancreas scan results. The areas most likely to develop cancer are here, here, and here." Dr. Kanesi Tanaka pointed at the tablet screen, explaining each part while answering every question posed by the boy in front of him.
To be honest, this was a new kind of experience for Kyousuke.
Although the hospital always provided a thorough summary of health check results for patients, most people had little patience for these abstract images and complicated dical terms.
They rarely paid close attention.
So people even looked annoyed during his explanations, maybe because listening to things they didn't understand felt like being mocked?
But for Kyousuke this is different.
It was obvious he had done his howork, especially about pancreatic cancer.
Though still lacking in dical knowledge, his questions were sharp and focused, and he even followed up with further inquiries.
His thought process was exceptionally clear.
While Kyousuke was engrossed in conversation with the doctor, Sakura had been listening in too at first.
But as it dragged on, her head started to feel fuzzy and sleepy.
Eventually, she leaned back on the couch, deciding she'd just watch Kyousuke until it was over.
As she settled in, she noticed that both Naoka and Shouko, seated on either side of her, were also silently gazing at Kyousuke.
Feeling light-hearted now that she'd been told everything was fine with her health, Sakura suddenly had a mischievous thought.
She nudged Shouko with her shoulder, then Naoka, flashing a sly grin.
Shouko, caught in the act of staring, blushed imdiately and quickly looked down.
But after a mont, she peeked back up with her large, slightly teary eyes, gave Sakura an awkward smile, and then turned her gaze back to Kyousuke.
Naoka, on the other hand, looked flustered for just a second after being caught, but then shot Sakura a look as if to say, So what? and continued to watch Kyousuke openly.
Satisfied with her prank, Sakura leaned back with a smile and began ntally calculating her remaining lifespan and what she might buy during tonight's shopping trip.
"Thank you, Doctor. So, in summary, there are no signs of cancer at this point, right?" Kyousuke asked after staring at the scan for about thirty seconds.
"That's correct," Dr. Tanaka replied confidently.
He wasn't one to hedge his own words, his diagnosis was based strictly on the machine's data, so he wasn't worried about future complications.
"Great. I'm done with my questions." Kyousuke nodded, thanking him and returning to his seat.
"Next, should we look at Nishimiya-san results or Ueno-san?" the doctor asked kindly, still smiling despite having already been explaining things for nearly twenty minutes.
"Let's start with Shouko," Naoka said decisively.
She honestly didn't think there was anything wrong with her own health, but she did worry a little about Shouko.
"From your submitted forms, I see that you regularly undergo hearing checkups. I assu you're familiar with your condition."
"At the mont, there's no sign of further deterioration. However, we can't completely rule out—"
Shouko gently touched her pale pink hearing aid and gave a calm, serene smile, nodding slightly.
Among the four of them, she was the one who visited the hospital the most, always keeping a close eye on her hearing.
"Excuse , Dr. Tanaka—would you mind giving us a more detailed explanation?" Kyousuke interrupted a bit bluntly.
"In short, her current level of hearing remains stable," the doctor summarized without missing a beat.
"That's good to hear," Kyousuke said, relaxing into his seat.
He already knew Shouko got regular checkups, and with her mother working at the hospital, he wasn't too worried about her condition.
Hearing Kyousuke's words, Shouko, who had been blankly staring at her results, suddenly ducked her head and let out a soft giggle.
'He's not just kind to Sakura—he really cares about too...'
"However," the doctor added, pulling out another report, "there are signs of minor inflammation in Miss Nishimiya's throat. It's likely due to excessive talking. She should take care or it could develop into chronic pharyngitis."
"Excessive talking?" Kyousuke blinked in surprise.
Even Sakura turned to look at Shouko in disbelief.
Now the center of attention, Shouko's eyes went wide.
She glanced at Kyousuke, then at Sakura, and her face turned crimson as she bowed her head in embarrassnt.
"Shou-chan! Have you made other close friends behind my back?!" Sakura cried dramatically, hugging her like a betrayed cat owner discovering their pet didn't touch their favorite food because soone else had already fed them.
"No! It's not like that!" Shouko panicked, waving her arms. "I an, I have made so new friends at school, but Sakura, you'll always be my best friend!"
Then she noticed Naoka nearby and quickly added, "And of course Naoka too!"
The idea that Shouko could develop throat issues from talking too much stunned Kyousuke so much he nearly choked.
But he didn't voice his surprise this was a good thing.
Shouko had always been shy and withdrawn, even with close friends like himself and Sakura.
That she was speaking more ant she was growing.
He wanted to encourage that.
"Dr. Tanaka, besides talking less, are there any other solutions?" Kyousuke asked seriously. This was the ti for the doctor to shine.
"Well..." Dr. Tanaka paused.
It's simple, really just like how tired eyes need rest, a strained throat needs silence.
According to her file, Nishimiya Shouko is just a regular middle school student.
It's not like she needs to talk for a living.
Still, rather than lecture them, he thought for a mont and then offered so constructive advice.
"I'm not too familiar with dication for throat protection, so you'll need to visit a specialist for that."
"But my suggestions are: before speaking for long periods, try warming up your vocal cords. I won't go into details—you can consult soone in vocal training for that."
"Also, consider practicing diaphragmatic breathing. It reduces strain on the throat compared to traditional breathing."
'Breathing can hurt your throat?' Kyousuke was baffled.
'So every breath is like self-harm? That's wild.'
"Doctor, what exactly do you an by traditional breathing damaging the throat?"
"It's... not quite as dramatic as you think..."
While Kyousuke and the doctor got into a discussion about breathing techniques, Sakura was on the other side, trying to get to the bottom of why exactly Shouko had been using her voice so much lately.
Naoka watched as Sakura relentlessly interrogated Shouko, and let out a helpless sigh.
Among them, only she knew the real reason behind Shouko's recent behavior.
It wasn't chatting with friends, nor was it reciting school lessons.
It was... "talking to herself."
Ever since she found out that Kyousuke's manga might be adapted into an ani, and was praised for perfectly mimicking the characters' lines, Shouko had been obsessed.
From that day on, whenever she had free ti at ho, she would start mimicking lines from One Punch Man.
Sure, Shouko had always liked imitating lines from TV shows, but ever since she asked Naoka to make her a Kyousuke plushie, this once-casual hobby had turned into a genuine aspiration.
She wanted to be a voice actress.
Just like Naoka dread of becoming a fashion designer, Shouko had found her own calling.
The only problem? She was a bit too motivated.
After school each day, once her club activities at the sign language society were done, she'd rush ho and skip her favorite morning dramas just to practice One Punch Man lines over and over again especially Saitama's.
"I'm just a hero for fun."
Naoka used to love that line at first.
But now?
Every night when she closed her eyes, she could still hear Shouko repeating it in every tone imaginable—complete with expressive facial cues.
Honestly, Naoka was sure not even Kyousuke knew Shouko had such a wide range of expressions.
They were cute, of course but hearing it dozens, even hundreds of tis a night? It was enough to drive anyone nuts.
Every ti Naoka tried to get Shouko to take a break, she'd just give her those big, sad puppy-dog eyes.
And Naoka would imdiately cave.
She finally understood why guys were weak to that look even she couldn't resist it!
With training that intense, Naoka had caught Shouko coughing more than once.
That's why she had only refused the health check for herself today.
She'd purposely kept quiet about Shouko's situation, hoping Kyousuke would notice during the checkup and maybe talk so sense into her.
But judging from what just happened... Kyousuke was still the sa Kyousuke.
Still doting on Shouko as always.
'Sigh.'
She'd have to talk to Shouko again later.
And if she still didn't slow down, then she'd tell Kyousuke everything.
Let him do the convincing.
At least, aside from her throat, Shouko was in perfect health.
Naoka too just like she'd said was a healthy and energetic girl.
After politely declining the nurse's invitation to dine at the hospital, Kyousuke and the girls boarded the subway headed to Ginza.
Their destination? Ran.
Sakura had whined about wanting a fancy al, but after a long and tiring day, nothing beats a big, hot, savory bowl of ran to soothe the soul.
Browsing ran reviews in Tokyo on his phone, the three girls debated between Chuka Ran and Ichinorou Ran.
Sakura leaned toward Chuka Ran, simply because she had one before.
Shouko, on the other hand, voted for Ichinorou Ran, she just liked that they used buckwheat flour from Hokkaido.
Naturally, Naoka backed Shouko.
Since Kyousuke abstained from voting, the majority ruled in favor of Ichinorou.
Still, Sakura made him promise they'd have so food after tomorrow's checkup.
Ichinorou Ran, located in Ginza, Chuo Ward, had never dropped out of the top 10 in Japan's Ran God Magazine.
Unlike other shops that specialize in one flavor, Ichinorou's claim to fa was that every kind of ran they made was top-tier.
Standing on the train, Kyousuke glanced at the ti.
It was already past 4 PM.
Rembering what he'd read online about long wait tis, he ssaged Kisaki Tetta.
Honestly, this was Kyousuke's first ti ever visiting Ginza, even after living in Tokyo for a while.
Why? Because he used to be dirt poor.
Just hearing the na "Ginza" scread expensive, and he'd always steered clear.
But now? Things had changed.
He was a millionaire.
Well, in yen—but still.
He could finally afford to explore Ginza properly, and if Sakura or the girls spotted clothes they liked, he wouldn't have to just smile awkwardly and walk away.
Even on the subway ride to Ginza, the atmosphere was different.
People in Japan rarely spoke on the train, and even tourists adapted to this quiet custom.
But here, it was obvious that everyone in the car was buzzing with excitent over the upcoming stop.
Even two Japanese won obviously locals, as their teeth gave them away were whispering about a clothing store that was having a discount today.
Nearby, a pair of Western tourists were discussing the best bars and clubs.
Not that Kyousuke was eavesdropping.
No, his sense has improve but several tis.
While not quite superhuman, he could still pick up tons of tiny details in this cramped subway car.
Thankfully, if he focused on his sense of sll, he could shut out the noise.
Not the sll of perfu or body wash but sothing far more distinct, sothing unique to each person.
A "scent" like their essence.
Sakura still slled like fresh morning dew.
But lately, he noticed that scent had beco fuller, like her life force had grown stronger.
Shouko carried the soft, sweet aroma of tachibana blossoms not chrysanthemums, not gardenias, but the white flowers of the tachibana orange tree.
The petals were lotus-like in shape, and their fragrance was rich, a perfect blend of sweet and sour.
Naoka's scent was unmistakably grape.
Kyousuke didn't know if it had sothing to do with her striking eyes that sparkled even in the subway's dim light—but he could distinctly sense that fruity, tangy note.
The four of them stood in the back-left corner of the train.
Kyousuke positioned himself between them and the crowd, shielding the girls from the jostling passengers.
Naoka still held the paper bag full of manga, while the others peacefully scrolled through their phones, browsing shop recomndations in Ginza.
Kyousuke caught glimpses of their LINE ssages as they chatted excitedly.
When the train finally arrived at Ginza Station, a solid 90% of the passengers disembarked at once.
Just stepping out into the underground shopping arcade, the group could already feel the vibrant energy of Ginza.
Tempted as they were to start shopping right away, the girls knew what ca first: food.
Without hesitation, they made their way up the escalator, leaving the station in search of ran.
Mount Fuji symbolizes Japan's nature, Kyoto represents its history, and Ginza in Tokyo stands as a symbol of modern Japan.
That's why people often call it the heart of Tokyo.
And just like how the heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body, Ginza is also one of the most expensive and important areas in Tokyo.
This was the scene that greeted Kyousuke as he stepped out of the station.
To the right, he could imdiately see Ginza's new landmark—the Kabukiza Theatre.
Even the bus stop nearby was adorned with posters for the theater, featuring actors with completely white-painted faces and traditional topknots, dressed in classic kabuki attire.
Since it wasn't evening yet, Ginza hadn't reached its full bustling glory, but the main excitent stretched from blocks 1 to 8.
Their destination, Ichinorou Ran, was located in block 2.
When they arrived, just as expected, a long line had already ford outside.
"Kyousuke, I'm gonna starve to death before I even get a whiff of that ran," Sakura groaned the mont she saw the queue.
"Haha, don't worry. I had a friend co early and save us a spot. Co on," Kyousuke said, leading them halfway up the line where soone was already waiting with a resigned expression.
"Seriously, why did it have to be ?" Kisaki complained as he tossed over Kyousuke's motorcycle key.
"You could've asked literally anyone. Do you have any idea how expensive cram school is?"
"Haha, my bad. But I can't trust this task to just anyone," Kyousuke said, catching the key and introducing Kisaki to the girls.
"Oh! I rember now. You're the 'strategist,' right?" Sakura said brightly. "I'm Yamauchi Sakura, Kyousuke's childhood friend."
"Nice to et you. I'm Kisaki Tetta, Hojou's friend," he replied, suddenly becoming stiff and nervous now that he was face-to-face with what could only be described as the most dazzling trio on the street.
These were all girls who might one day beco his sisters-in-law, he had to make a good impression!
Even though his heart still secretly belonged to Tachibana Hinata, Kisaki couldn't help but feel a little envious after spending every day surrounded by two idiot friends.
Maybe it was ti to ditch the single life?
Who says a man can only fall for one girl?
Even his perfect boss Kyousuke was neck-deep in the honey trap!
Knowing Kisaki was a rare male friend of Kyousuke's, both Shouko and Naoka greeted him with warm smiles.
"Well then, I'll leave you guys here to hold our place. Kisaki and I need to take care of sothing real quick."
"I'll take the bag for now just order whatever ran you think I'd like. I'll definitely be back before it's ready."
Kyousuke took the bag of manga from Naoka, grabbed Kisaki (who still looked like he wanted to protest), and headed across the street.
"Ugh, I was hoping to rope Kyousuke into standing in line so the three of us could go shopping," Sakura sighed dramatically, then turned to Shouko with a playful grin.
"Hehe," Shouko chuckled softly, clearly amused.
After glancing at the still-long line, she spoke up, "I can stay and wait. You and Naoka should go shop without . I don't have anything I want to buy anyway."
"No way am I letting you wait alone, Shou-chan! And who said you're not buying anything? I've already planned out a whole outfit haul for you!" Sakura declared, rejecting the idea imdiately.
With soone as adorable as Shouko around, how could she not want to see her try on every cute outfit imaginable?
"She's right. You should really add more to your wardrobe," Naoka said, raising an eyebrow at Sakura. "Every ti, I practically have to drag you into buying anything."
"That's it, I'm going all out with your outfit today!" Sakura declared, striking a mock-jealous pose in sync with Naoka's tease.
While the three girls chatted happily in line, Kyousuke and Kisaki walked to the nearby motorcycle parking lot.
"So, where are we headed?" Kisaki asked, looking skeptical. Was his big bro seriously ditching three beautiful girls and a bowl of ran to go for a joyride?
"I need to head back to Suimon City real quick. Thanks again for bringing the bike, Kisaki," Kyousuke said as he hopped on and adjusted his helt.
"I don't really mind... but could you please stop hiding your apartnt key on top of the doorfra like an ani character? It's so unsafe," Kisaki said with a sigh.
"Then where's the key now?"
"...Still on the doorfra," Kisaki replied, a bit sheepishly. "But hey, I put it back where I found it, so it's fine, right?"
"Keep your voice down! You want the whole parking lot to know where I hide my key?!" Kyousuke whispered fiercely, flipping open the visor with a horrified look.
Kisaki stared at him, deadpan. They were literally the only two people in the parking lot.
"Haha, relax! If only ani characters do that, then nobody else would even think of it, right? See you next week!"
With that, Kyousuke shut the visor, revved the engine, and sped off toward Suimon City.
It was just over 20 kiloters from Tokyo barely a 20-minute train ride.
On his bike, it'd be even faster.
He could make the round trip in under 30 minutes, easy.
He'd be back before the girls even got their ran.
———————————————————————
And just like he planned, when Kyousuke returned, parked his bike, and found the girls again, only 30 minutes had passed.
"Kyousuke! Finally! We're almost up!" Sakura waved excitedly from a distance, just like she had that morning at the dical center.
Kyousuke wasn't shy in public, but he didn't exactly enjoy shouting across a crowd either.
Instead of responding, he simply pulled a paper bag from his coat and waved it in the air.
"Wait... is that...?" Sakura's brown eyes lit up, slowly filling with delight and maybe even a touch of tears.
"Yusuke's Dorayaki!" Shouko called out the na for her, instantly recognizing the treat.
It was from the shop she visited every week—no way she'd mistake it.
Kyousuke had rembered what Sakura said.
That had to an... he'd gone to her house, right?
Yuzuru was going to love the manga he brought.
Watching Sakura's emotional reaction, Shouko smiled with genuine happiness.
That was just like Kyousuke—always rembering the little things that mattered to them.
Just like how he rembered her ntioning Naoka had three younger brothers, even though she'd only said it once in passing.
Shouko was sure that after he took her ho tonight, he'd help her practice proper abdominal breathing and remind her to take care of her voice.
Naoka, on the other hand, noticed what was in Kyousuke's other hand—a thermos.
And not just any thermos... the only one from her house.
So that ans... Kyousuke really did go all the way to Suimon City just now?
"Here—sothing to celebrate your clean bill of health. I made sure it stayed warm the whole way,"
Kyousuke said as he walked up and handed over the bag full of dorayaki to his childhood friend.
"Kyousuke!" Sakura's voice trembled with joy, barely holding back tears.
The emotions she'd been bottling up all day finally overflowed.
She threw herself into Kyousuke's arms, hugging him tightly.
Kyousuke rested his chin gently on top of her head and gave her a tender shake, like he was reassuring her.
"Sakura, always stay happy, okay?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)