Chapter 43: I Want to Study Medicine, Fear, and a Girlfriend
Shoko poured out her concern.
Haruka didn't interrupt her; he just smiled and listened quietly.
After a while, Shoko suddenly snapped to her senses and hurriedly grabbed the bento box from the side.
He had been in a coma for a day.
How could he not be hungry?
And here she was, nagging him.
'Ugh, Shoko, what are you doing!' Shoko scolded herself internally.
Haruka took the bento box and discovered it contained his favorite Japanese dishes: crispy karaage, stir-fried mushrooms, and a piece of teriyaki chicken. In the bottom layer rested a small container of clear, fragrant chicken broth.
Karaage, mushrooms, teriyaki chicken—paired with warm chicken broth.
It completely matched Haruka's preferences.
Naturally, he dug in with gusto.
He didn't look like someone who had just woken up from a coma at all.
Shoko watched him eat with a face full of smiles. She had made all of this herself, having specifically learned how to cook recently. It went without saying who she did it for.
Seeing the fruits of her labor being enjoyed by the person she liked, her heart was naturally filled with joy.
As long as he liked it.
Burp.
Haruka finished eating quickly.
In fact, he really did like this meal, but...
"If only it was a little spicier. The flavor isn't strong enough," Haruka whispered.
Shoko, who was watching him constantly, noticed immediately.
Hearing this, she looked a bit troubled. She had actually done it on purpose because Haruka shouldn't eat overly flavorful or stimulating foods right now. In fact, it would have been best to avoid meat altogether.
But Shoko knew Haruka loved meat, so she chose this compromise and put all her effort into making it.
She thought for a moment.
Shoko still couldn't refuse Haruka. Even knowing it wasn't good, she just wanted to do something for him.
She signed: I'll go buy some food. Wait for me.
Haruka paused, then smiled helplessly.
He waved his hand.
"Alright, alright, Shoko, don't be so sensitive. I was just complaining a little; you don't need to go buy anything special. Besides, it was delicious. By the way, have you eaten?"
Shoko breathed a sigh of relief.
The two chatted and laughed.
Before long, the doctor came in.
"Kasugano-san, your brain consumed a massive amount of energy in a short period, leading to hypoglycemia, which caused your coma. You can be discharged after finishing this glucose drip. Remember to rest well and avoid mentally taxing activities."
"Mm, thank you, doctor," Haruka said with a smile.
After a while, Haruka persuaded Shoko to go home and asked her to inform their friends in the Service Club.
Subsequently, he called his parents to tell them he was safe.
Finally, he had a video call with Sora. Looking at Sora's red, swollen eyes on the screen, Haruka comforted her carefully.
In fact, Sora had already visited, but due to her own health issues, she had been forced to go home.
He hung up the phone.
After arranging everything, Haruka lay alone on the hospital bed.
Feeling the faint throbbing pain in his head, the smile Haruka had maintained finally faded.
His expression became indifferent, like a lifeless doll.
'My head... hurts so much...'
In the dark hospital room, Haruka pondered alone.
He thought about the information he had gained during his coma.
To save Shoko, besides giving her courage, he needed to ensure she had the ability to be independent, as well as enough friends—or rather, emotional bonds.
The courage part was already completed.
The friends part was still in progress.
The most important thing was independence; she couldn't be allowed to feel like a burden.
However, if those damn memories weren't lying to him, in the near future, Shoko's hearing would gradually deteriorate.
Losing her hearing and becoming completely disabled... even with emotional bonds, Shoko would likely feel she was dragging others down and choose suicide.
The deeper the feelings, the more she would worry about such things.
He couldn't blame her for being sensitive.
A child who grew up in inferiority would naturally become sensitive. Moreover, she just cared about him too much.
She believed her disappearance would be a good thing for him.
So she chose death.
This wasn't affectation.
It was just another form of more resolute love.
But, how could the hearing problem be solved?
Even maintaining the status quo would be good!
With modern medicine...
It was probably extremely difficult...
A dead end?
Haruka didn't believe it.
"I'm still young. I've decided—I'm going to study medicine!"
Haruka said firmly. He wanted to break this deadlock.
In his view, possessing various talents, he was undoubtedly a genius. This might be the cheat of his transmigration, although it came with many side effects.
But at the very least, if he studied medicine, was there a possibility of changing things?
So, he would try his best.
Having thought this through.
Haruka let out a breath.
Lying on the bed, feeling the throbbing pain in his head, a sudden wave of sorrow welled up in his heart inexplicably.
He thought of himself.
Shoko had him thinking for her, but what about him?
He was sick. Even if he wouldn't die physically.
But...
Right now, it was just symptoms similar to split personality disorder. The people in those memories were basically all him.
But what if?
What if one day the situation changed, and the subject in the memories became someone else?
Under the influence of those memories, would he gradually become another person?
What difference would that make from dying?
This kind of chronic death.
Becoming someone else without even realizing it...
Fear flashed in Haruka's eyes.
Death.
And such a miserable death at that.
He was just an ordinary person.
How could he not be afraid?
"I hope... my luck isn't that bad..."
Haruka buried his head in the blanket.
However, his body curled up unconsciously.
***
[Driven by various reasons, you decided on your future: Medicine.]
[Two days later, you were discharged.]
[Due to the Cultural Festival incident two days ago, your reputation in the entire school is known to everyone.]
[You returned to the Service Club.]
[You received a warm welcome from them.]
[Yukino's opinion of you changed, but she still thinks the current you is disgusting.]
[Inside the Service Club, in front of everyone, you confessed to Shoko for the second time.]
Sunlight.
Flowers.
A boy and a girl.
And... music.
Inside the Service Club.
Haruka reached out his hand toward Shoko. "Shoko, this is my first time being in love. I don't really know what to say right now."
"But, I just want to convey these feelings to you."
"What I said on stage that day was all from the bottom of my heart."
"I don't know how far I can accompany you in the future, but I will never let go until I die. I will do everything in my power to protect you. I will never let you be lonely and desperate like in the past. This is my promise as a man."
Shoko just smiled gently, then held Haruka's hand.
She took the initiative to hug Haruka.
Eyes closed tight, she leaned closely against Haruka's chest, listening to his heartbeat.
I believe in you.
I have always believed in you.
No matter when, no matter where, as long as I look at you, I have infinite courage.
Thank you, God, for letting me meet you.
Beside them. Fumino Furuhashi, Hitori, Yukino, and the others watched this romantic scene with smiles, some blushing slightly.
Kazusa Touma, who was usually cold, suddenly started playing the piano.
Concerto pour une Jeune Fille Nommée "Je t'aime".
Amidst the dancing sprites of music, the pure love of the boy and girl added a touch of golden warmth to this ordinary clubroom.
However, in this beautiful and romantic scene, no one heard the trace of sorrow in Haruka's words.
Except for one person…
Ryo Yamada, who had remained calm throughout, lowered her eyes.
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